Dry the roots of your hair with the hairdryer first, then work through the lengths of your hair. Turn your head upside down while drying your hair to add more volume. [2] X Expert Source Christine GeorgeMaster Hair Stylist & Colorist Expert Interview. 10 January 2020. Use a paddle brush to work through tangles and hold hair taut as you dry.
Don’t apply the heat protection spray to your roots, as this can cause them to look greasy. Heat protection sprays can be found at most drug stores and hair salons. It may be worth investing in a brand name product which will do a better job of protecting your hair. Try asking your hair stylist for recommendations.
Create the first layer by taking the front sections of your hair and scooping them back with your thumbs to grab all of the hair on the crown of your head. Separate this layer by twisting it and securing it with a hair tie or butterfly clip. [4] X Research source Create the second layer by scooping up the hair that remains above your ears and securing with a hair tie or clip. The third layer consists of any hair which remains unclipped, which should be the hair at the back of your head, growing around the nape of your neck. If you have very thick hair, you can divide your hair into extra layers. If you have very thin or fine hair, you may not need to divide hair at all, or you can just split it into two sections.
Fine or damaged hair should use a temperature of between 200 and 300 °F (93-149 °C). Hair of average thickness which is in pretty good condition should use a temperature of between 300 and 350 °F (149-177 °C). Very thick or coarse, frizzy hair should use a temperature of 350 to 400 °F (177-205°C).
Use the right size strands. For best results, straighten your hair in strands that are 1 to 2 inches (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm) wide and no more than half an inch thick. If you use sections that are much bigger, your hair won’t straighten properly, but if you use smaller sections, it will take too long. Hold the hair taut. Use one hand to hold the section of hair taut as you clamp the straightening iron around it and smooth it through the hair. If it’s not completely straight the first time, don’t worry, just pull the straightener through again, but don’t do it more than 3 times on the same section. Begin straightening about an inch away from the roots. This will leave a little volume in your hair and make sure it doesn’t look too flat. Use smooth rather than jerky movements. Try to run the straightening iron over the hair in one smooth, fluid movement. If you move it jerkily, you will end up with horizontal lines across your hair.
You can check the back of your hair by standing with your back to a mirror while you hold a second mirror in your hands. You should be able to see the reflection of the back of your head in the hand-held mirror.
Only apply conditioner to the ends and mid-lengths of your hair. If you apply it to the roots, your hair will look flat and greasy. Use a wide-toothed comb to work out any tangles while the conditioner is in your hair. The conditioner will make it much easier and will minimize hair breakage. [6] X Expert Source Christine GeorgeMaster Hair Stylist & Colorist Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
Don’t rub your hair with the towel, as this will cause your hair to break. Remember that you are not trying to dry your hair with the towel, it should still be pretty damp when you’re finished towel drying.
Defining your part while your hair is still wet will help it stay more naturally after it’s been dried and straightened. If your hair is very knotted, try spraying it with a detangling mist or a leave-in conditioner.
If you can find a straightening product which contains a heat protection element, all the better. Again, avoid applying these products to the roots, as they will weigh hair down.
Wattage. The wattage of a hairdryer is an indication of how powerful an air flow it has. The higher the wattage you can get, the better. Most salon hairdryers have a wattage of around 1800, though a wattage of 2000 may be necessary for very thick or curly hair. Speed and Temperature Controls. Having a hairdryer with adjustable speeds and temperatures is a major bonus, as you will use different settings to achieve different styles. For example, a cool setting can be used to finish your hair with a blast of cold air, which helps to set the style while adding shine. Weight. The last thing you want is a heavy hairdryer which is going to tire out your arm when you’re just halfway through a blow dry. Look for a hairdryer which weighs less than two pounds. The weight should be indicated on the box. Attachments. If you are using a hairdryer to blow dry your hair straight, you will definitely need a nozzle attachment which concentrates the airflow and prevents hair from frizzing. Check to see if a nozzle attachment is included with your hairdryer or if it needs to be purchased separately.
Make sure that the hairdryer is pointing downwards to help keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. It should be blowing hair down from the crown of your head, rather than upwards. You should continue rough drying your hair until it is about 60% to 80% dry, but no more.
If you have bangs, leave them down and dry them first before you dry the bottom layer. This is because bangs will dry quickly and they will be harder to straighten once dry.
You also need to make sure that you are directing the air flow downwards - the nozzle of the hairdryer should be pointing towards the ends of the hair as you dry. This keeps the hair cuticle down, giving you a smoother, sleeker result. Once you have completely dried each section of hair, finish it off with a blast of cool air to help set the style and add shine.
Once your hair is completely dry, it should look straight and sleek. If it’s still a little wavy, you may need to dry it further, really using the brush to pull the hair straight. And if all else fails, use a straightening iron to go over any particularly stubborn bits.
