SELFCARE

How To Straighten Hair Without Damage

There are days when achieving smooth, sleek, and shiny hair is a top priority, and one of the quickest methods to attain this look is by straightening the hair.

However, using a flat iron or other heated tools can potentially cause damage, especially if they are used incorrectly or excessively. Moreover, the process of safely straightening the hair can be somewhat intricate, involving the application of heat protectants, gentle handling in areas prone to breakage, and selecting the appropriate temperature for the hair type.

Therefore, it’s reasonable to feel overwhelmed and potentially skip some steps.
So, how frequently can hair be straightened without causing damage, and what are the proper techniques for heat styling hair to prevent breakage? We’ve consulted with hairstylists to provide you with valuable insights into the art of hair straightening without causing harm. Here, we’ll share expert advice and tips.

Brushing

This is the simplest method to straighten natural hair, but it does require that you have the time to wait for your hair to fully dry. Find your part with a comb or your fingers, and use your hands to brush your damp hair down and pull it tightly. Keep doing this every few minutes until your hair is completely dry, adding more leave-in conditioner if necessary. Though you may not end up with much lift at the root, you will get a nice, natural hair texture that doesn’t look too done. If you need to tame any strays, stick to an oil-based product to smooth hair out.

Wrapping

While your hair is wet, comb and divide it down the middle. Comb the left section all the way over to the right (yes, it’s a kind of combover) and wrap it around the back of your head. Use large bobby pins to secure it. Guide the right portion over the left side of your head, and wrap and pin it as well. Let your hair air dry completely, which could take time. To sleep on it overnight, wrap it all up in a silk scarf.

You can also blow dry it all with cool air until nearly before you wrap. To prevent the bobby pins from leaving dents, sandwich a sliver of cardboard or tissue between pins and hair.

Rolling

It may seem old-fashioned, but this technique is not only tried and true, it’s the best choice for straightening coarser, curlier textures. Use about six jumbo rollers – plastic rollers yield a smoother effect than those made of Velcro or foam.

Straight Hair

When dealing with already straight hair, you don’t need to do much to achieve a sleek look. Nevertheless, you should minimize styling time to avoid heat damage and take certain steps to preserve the health of the hair.

The ideal temperature for straight, finer strands is lower, so select the lowest setting possible for the straight hair.

Layer stylers with heat protection as you progress from wet hair to hair preparation and styling.

Straight hair typically requires a quick and straightforward process. Once the hair is dry, use a flat iron to smooth it out. Given that hair is already naturally straight, it shouldn’t take more than five minutes to achieve an ultra-sleek result.

Due to the finer strands of straight hair, it’s best to use hot tools sparingly to prevent damage. It’s safer to keep the temperature lower, ideally between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit, for fine, thin hair types.

Appropriate temperature settings are key, you can straighten the hair effectively and minimize the risk of damage. Remember that, regardless of the hair type, it’s essential to use heat protectants and prioritize the health and hydration of hair