One of the most important hair straightening tips includes this one that applies to all hair types is that one should not use anything before straightening. Except for a heat protectant, stay away from oil or any other hair product.
Getting your hair wet is the first step to straightening it, so start by washing and conditioning your hair. To improve hair moisture and prevent frizzing, use a deep conditioner, or leave your regular conditioner in your hair for an extra two or three minutes. Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair.
You must apply a heat-protectant product before you straighten your hair. Choose a heat protectant spray or serum that is specifically designed for heat-styling tools. Heat protectant act as a barrier between the hair and the heat prevents the burning of hair. It reduces the amount of damage the heat can do.
After straightening your hair, it's generally recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying any oils or heavy products. This waiting period allows the hair cuticles to close properly and helps to set the straightened style.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is another nourishing oil with a high smoke point that can be used as a natural heat protectant for hair before straightening or curling. Almond oil has a smoke point of 430 degrees, and it absorbs quickly without weighing the hair down.
Before you get to work straightening your curls, you will need to thoroughly wash your hair to remove any products or buildup.
Almond oil is another nourishing oil with a high smoke point that can be used as a natural heat protectant for hair before straightening or curling. Almond oil has a smoke point of 430 degrees, and it absorbs quickly without weighing the hair down.
If your chosen hair oil doesn't have true thermal protection qualities, then apply it after a heat protector like Kérastase Thermique but before heat styling. As a post-styling finisher, hair oils can tame unwanted frizz caused by heat styling, define hair shape, and leave hair with more shine and subtle fragrance.
Using a normal flat iron to straighten wet hair should be avoided at all costs. Even if your hair is just slightly damp, your strands are still at risk for intense damage. Ultimately, the only time you should be picking up a flat iron to style your hair is when it's 100 percent dry.
In answer to your question, “Can I straighten my hair with a leave-in conditioner?” the answer is: technically, no. But, if your hair runs dry, it can be extremely helpful to use a leave-in conditioner after you wash and before you flat iron. It will help keep your ends from getting that dry, burnt, straw-like look.
The primary reasons why your hair won't stay straight after you straighten it are (1) your flat iron wasn't hot enough, (2) you overloaded your hair with product, (3) you need a trim, and (4) your hair wasn't dry.
For those with fine, normal, moderately coarse, or color-treated hair, Rehkopf says ceramic is the healthiest option. "Ceramic is smooth and glides through hair without snagging, reducing breakage and damage," she says. "It emits negative ions, reducing frizz, enhancing shine, and creating smoother styles."
A few things can cause frizz after straightening hair, including not using a heat protectant, using too much heat, or not properly sealing the hair. A heat protectant is essential to help keep the hair from damage by the straightener's heat. Applying too much heat can also cause frizz.
DO Use on dry hair before curling or straightening. Even if you're working with dry hair, you should always protect your strands from the heat of your styling tools. Prepping your hair for curling or straightening with a hair oil or elixir will prevent damage and make styling even easier.
Too much conditioner will eventually coat your hair in heavy build-up, leaving you with a lifeless, unmanageable mane. If you don't use enough conditioner, your hair will be hard to comb out and look dry. Be sure to match your application of conditioner to your hair length and type.
So, if you are wondering exactly what to apply before ironing hair, these are the 4 must-use products: a hair primer, a thermal heat protectant, a hair serum, and a split end sealer. Taking these steps after thoroughly washing and conditioning your hair is essential before you begin your heat styling routine.
Yes, you need protection every single time you use heat on your hair. Each styling session exposes your strands to damaging temperatures, and yesterday's protectant won't help today's styling. Think of it like sunscreen—you wouldn't skip it just because you used it yesterday.
“If you see steam or you hear a sizzle, stop and evaluate the situation,” “Hair should be bone dry when you straighten.” If you're certain that the hair is dry, it could be that product build-up is the culprit. “You need to be selective about what products you use before you flatiron,” insists Guy.
If you're curling your hair or straightening, spray each section before applying the hot styling tool. This ensures the section gets a full dose of heat protection. After you spray your hair or section with heat protectant, LET IT DRY BEFORE APPLYING HEAT.
“A keratin treatment is considered to be the safest way to permanently straighten hair because it does not rely on harsh chemicals as relaxers and permanent waves do.” How Does It Work? A stylist applies a keratin-based product that includes a formaldehyde derivative to your washed hair.