How to Flat-iron Your Hair

Things You Need:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Heat-protection spray
• Anti-frizz serum

• Hair clips
• Blow dryer
• Flat iron
• Wax or pomade

Many men and women consider the invention of the flat iron to be a revolution in hair care. Flat-ironing is a fairly simple way to get a sleek hairstyle and mold your tresses into the exact style that you want. Individuals with naturally curly hair can use hair straighteners to give them straight locks now and then or every day, while men and women with straight hair can use a flat iron to reduce frizz and create more extreme styles. Use these tips to get a great, sleek hairstyle with a flat iron and the right hair products.

Using a Flat Iron:

1. Use the right shampoo and conditioner. Before flat-ironing your hair, it is best to wash it with the appropriate shampoo and conditioner. Many varieties of shampoo and conditioner are made specifically for individuals who use hair straighteners. They can help keep frizz at bay and seal the hair cuticle for added shine while protecting the hair against the extreme heat of the iron. If your hair becomes oily easily, consider using a leave-in conditioner instead of an in-shower variety and apply sparingly.

2. Choose quality products. Heat-protection spray is recommended for anyone who uses heat on their hair, as blow-drying and straightening can cause damage over time. An anti-frizz serum is great for keeping straight hair sleek. Both heat-protection spray and anti-frizz serum can be applied after you get out of the shower and before you begin styling.

3. Blow-dry your hair. While some individuals prefer to allow their hair to air-dry before using a flat iron, blow-drying is very helpful for creating a sleek look and reducing the chance for kinks and curls. If you have long hair or thick tresses, you might find it helpful to pin your hair into sections using hair clips and then blow-drying the sections one at a time. During the blow-drying process, you can use a round brush to flip your hair under or over, which will help set this style and make flat ironing easier. For an extra-straight style, use a paddle brush to straighten your hair while blow-drying.

4. Flat-iron your hair. Once your hair is dry, you are ready to use your flat iron. Some flat irons have several choices in heat settings. If you have fine hair, use a lower heat setting. For coarse hair, use the high heat setting. Divide your hair into sections and work on one section at a time. Most people like to flatten the hair from the bottom, pinning the top layer up and pulling down sections as needed. Start with a small section of hair. Comb the hair. Then carefully close the flat iron on the hair and move it downward in one motion. Stopping mid-strand with the flat iron can cause damage and kinks. Be careful not to get the flat iron too close to the scalp, as even the lower heat settings can burn you quite quickly.

5. Shape your style. You can create several different styles with your flat iron while you are straightening your hair. If you want straight locks, move the flat iron in a downward motion. If you want your hairstyle to flip under or out, make these motions with the flat iron to set the style. For spiky hair, pull the flat iron straight up. Get creative with your flat iron and create your own signature style!

Hair Care Tips:

1. If your hair is frizzy after flat-ironing, smooth it out with a little hair wax or pomade. These products can also help create dimension and texture in your hairstyle.

2. Flat irons heat up to extremely high temperatures, even on their lowest settings. Take care not to touch any skin with your flat iron.