How To Flat Iron Your Hair
"Start out with well conditioned hair when using heat. Deep condition once a week, and always use a thermal protector before flat ironing or blow drying."
- Johnny Wright, Artistic Style Director for SoftSheen-Carson
& Hair Stylist to First Lady Michelle Obama
Tips for Smooth Straightening
Flat ironing gives you the option to wear your hair straight without making a long-term commitment. If you chemically straighten or relax your hair, a flat iron is a great way to maintain the straightness, boost shine, smooth flyaways and add dimension. Read on for all you need to know about how to flat iron your hair like a pro.
- Make sure hair is thoroughly nourished. The better hydrated your hair is, the smoother and softer it'll be after you flat iron. We suggest using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep hair moisturized.
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Defend your hair! When styling with a flat iron (or any heat, really), always use a heat protectant! We recommend the Sedu Anti-Frizz Polishing Treatment, which includes Argan oil to reduce frizz while it protects your hair from heat.
Recommended Products
Oscar Blandi Heat Protectant Spray » Keratin Complex Thermo Shine »
Learn More: Use Heat Protectants! - In addition to heat protection, a straightening balm will help calm your hair texture while creating a soft, glossy texture.
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Choose your tool: Use a high quality ceramic flat iron and for added shine and smoothness, pick a flat iron that also contains titanium or tourmaline.
Recommended Flat Irons
Sedu Revolution Tourmaline Ionic Styling Iron 1 » HAI Convertable Ceramic Flat Iron » Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron (1-1/4") » BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium 1 1/4" Straightening Iron » Hai Titanium Convertible Flat Iron 1 1/4" »
Styling Tip: Flat irons with adjustable temperature let you select the right heat for your hair type and style. This is very important! It's also important to use different temperatures on different parts of your hair: cooler near your face where hair is fine and hotter wherever your hair is thickest and strongest.
| QUICK TEMPERATURE GUIDE | |
|---|---|
| coarse or thick hair | 380°F and above |
| wavy or curly hair | 350°F - 370°F |
| medium thickness or straight-ish hair | 330°F - 350°F |
| thin hair | 300°F - 330°F |
| fragile or fine hair | 240°F - 300°F |
| synthetic hair | Lowest available setting |
How To 'Do
Straight HairFollow along for a smooth straight style that you can then wear simple and sleek, piecey and edgy-or however else you please.
Step 1: Turn on your flat iron and set it to the right temperature for your hair (guide above). Some of our favorite irons with adjustable temperature are the Sedu, Amika and Croc.
Step 2: Apply heat protectant throughout your hair. This step is essential! Heat protectant guards your hair against damage and makes your straightening smoother, shinier and longer lasting. (More info about heat protectants above.)
- Step 3: Pin up the top half (or so) of your hair and start with the lowest layers; separate into one inch sections and start ironing.
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Step 4: Remember, movement is essential. Use even, fluid strokes along each section. Not holding heat in one place will prevent damage and deliver even results.
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Step 5: If you have pesky hair close to the scalp or at the nape of the neck that's too short for your flat iron, try a mini flat iron. Minis are great for bangs and touchups, too!
- Step 6: For finish, add a touch of shine spray or serum to polish off your look.
For more flat iron styling tips, check out Get Curly with Your Flat Iron and Get Gorgeous Waves.
