Straight hair is something that a lot of women want to achieve, but few are ready to brave the flat irons that are required to achieve the effect. Whether you’re worried about scarring yourself or damaging your hair, there are many ways to brave them and get over your worries.
Buy the Right Flat Iron
The first thing to consider is what flat iron to buy. Smaller flat irons are better for when you have less hair, and larger flat irons are suitable for thicker, coarser or curlier hair. The general is that the shorter your hair, the thinner the iron and vice versa. Next, make sure you understand what type of flat iron you should use. There are ceramic, titanium and tourmaline ones. Take a look at Hair Straightener Studio for some fantastic reviews on all types of flat irons. There are plenty of tips, advice, and tidbits of information that you can follow in order to get the best flat iron for your money. Just remember to invest in one that suits your needs and budget.
Always Prepare Your Hair
To avoid damaging your hair, make sure you apply some kind of heat protecting cream, spray or serum over the area before you style it. This will prevent the heat from damaging your hair and causing it to break or split under the pressure. You can also use smoothing styling creams to ensure that you get straight strands of hair after using the flat iron.
Watch the Temperature
A general rule of thumb is to never go above 365°F. Hair tends to burn when you raise it to over 450°F. Depending on the flat iron that you purchase, the maximum temperature will probably go fairly high. Just remember to keep it between 300°F and 325°F to ensure a minimal chance of damaging your hair, and raise it no higher than 365°F to ensure better straightening.
Section Your Hair
Make sure you get some clips and section your hair before you straighten it. It will help you keep track of the entire styling process and guarantees you won’t miss any spots. This will also allow you to start straightening at the root of the hair instead of starting mid-way or at the ends. This will help you achieve that flawless straight-haired look that you want. Be careful not to put the flat iron too close to your scalp or else you will burn yourself, especially if you’re new to straightening.
Work Slowly, but Not Too Slowly
One of the most important things to remember is the speed at which you pull the flat iron. If you go too slowly then you’re going to form ridges in your hair and it could cause damage. If you go too fast while being too firm with your grip then you might pull hairs out. Go steady and use fluid motions to straighten your hair. This will take a bit of practice, so keep at it and develop your own technique.
