Alternatively, use a boar bristle brush or any other soft bristle brush—for this part of the process, it’s best to be very gentle with your hair. [2] X Expert Source Shun PittmanMaster Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
If your hair texture is on the straighter or finer side, you may be able to use cool air to straighten your hair. This takes a little longer than blow drying with heat, but it prevents potential damage to hair that occurs with the application of heat. [5] X Expert Source Shun PittmanMaster Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
For maximum straightening results, a Denman brush is the best choice—it will give you a sleek finish from root to tip. [7] X Expert Source Shun PittmanMaster Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
When the last section of hair is wrapped, your hair should look like a flat beehive. Use neck strips to keep the hair in place, then sit under a hooded dryer anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on how thick and long your hair is.
Test the heat by clamping your flat iron onto a piece of white paper. If it scorches the paper, it’s too hot for your hair. [11] X Expert Source Shun PittmanMaster Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
You’ll do this the same way you did when you were blow drying the sections of hair, except as you straighten you’ll work with smaller subsections. [15] X Expert Source Shun PittmanMaster Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
If you’re blow drying and flat ironing, you may need to reapply your protectant before you begin ironing. Curly hair typically responds best to a cream-based or moisturizing heat protectant. If your hair is frizzy, look for heat protectants that add weight to hair and avoid volumizing products. [19] X Research source You can even make your own protectant spray at home to ensure the product is 100% natural.
It’s best to find two shampoos and conditioners that provide the result you’re looking for. Overtime, hair chemistry changes. When you notice your hair no longer feels better after cleaning, switch shampoos to reset your hair’s balance. [23] X Research source If your hair is very damaged, consider adding a deep conditioner to your hair care routine once a week or every other week. [24] X Research source
Before you buy, make sure the keratin treatment does not use formaldehyde, ammonia, peroxide, or thioglycolate. Many keratin products contain amino acids that are also great for hair. These are natural and preferable to chemical solutions as they improve your hair’s health while making curls more manageable. [25] X Research source
