Master flat ironing for sleek, silky hair with our expert tips. Learn how to prep, protect, and finish your style for a radiant look.
Flat ironing is a process that utilizes heat to straighten the hair, and it delivers a sleek, modern look that never goes out of style. Straightening your hair is an easy way to upgrade your look and keep your tresses healthy and radiant. It’s important to properly prep and finish using the right products and tools to give you the desired glow-up. Read on to learn how to master flat iron straightening in the safest and least damaging way.
One of the top benefits of rocking straightened hair is the instant transformation. Flat ironing is an extremely versatile style that smooths, tames frizz, controls flyaways, and delivers a shiny glass-like finish that oozes sophistication. No matter your hair type or texture, you can create sleek ponytails, glamorous buns, and other polished styles.
Before you begin; however, there are some critical steps you should take to achieve the best outcome. First, cleanse and nourish your tresses with hydrating essentials. Herbal Essences, Smooth Rose Hips Hair Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner Dual Pack works beautifully to nourish and smooth in preparation for a silky, shiny press.
Flat ironing dirty hair isn’t a good idea and can cause unnecessary damage. Doing so essentially bakes in dirt, buildup, and debris, making your hair dull and more prone to damage. It also prevents optimal product performance, which helps to give your hair that classic, glossy look you’re after. Make shampooing your hair a priority if you want a beautiful flat ironed style. Next, apply Aussie, Total Miracle Detangling Spray to soften hair and remove knots and tangles. Detangling reduces the risk of mechanical breakage that can lead to frizz and flyaways. It also enhances manageability and adds moisture and shine. The healthier your hair is the better your straightened styles will look and feel.
After your hair is tangle-free and hydrated, apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from thermal damage. It locks in moisture, reduces breakage, and keeps your strands smooth, healthy, and shiny. Try Pantene, Pro-V Hair Heat Protectant Spray to guard your locks from harm. Dry your hair with a blow dryer or sit under a hood dryer until your hair is bone dry. Brush it and get ready to straighten.
Before flat ironing, prepare by sectioning your hair for easy access and control. Divide your hair into three to four sections and secure each with clips. Set your flat iron to the appropriate temperature for your hair type. Go low heat for fine or damaged strands, and higher for thicker, coarser hair.
Take a small section of hair and run the flat iron across a thin section from root to tip in one smooth motion. Thin sections ensure that you take fewer passes. Keep the iron moving to prevent heat damage. To add volume at the roots, angle the iron upward to create a bend as you straighten.
After successfully flat ironing your hair, make it last and keep it glossy, smooth, and fresh with finishing products that boost shine and protect your hair from humidity. Try Mielle, Avocado & Tamanu Anti-Frizz Stay Straight Serum and Pantene, Pro-V Weightless Shine Mist to fight frizz, nourish, and add glossy radiance.
Another essential element of achieving sleek, flowing straight hair is selecting a high-quality flat iron that suits your hair type and styling needs. Choosing the right tool depends on many factors, and it can have a major impact on your final result.
All flat irons aren’t created equal so do your research to pick the right one. Flat irons with ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline plates are often recommended because of their impressive ability to distribute heat evenly for less hair damage. Use flat irons with adjustable heat settings for the best experience.
Every step matters to keep your hair healthy and stunning when flat ironing. Enjoy sleek, straight styles that turn heads when you follow this routine.
When you unlock your hair’s secrets, you unlock its full potential. Take the HairCode quiz to learn more about 1b hair, and all hair types.