Brush your hair before jumping in the shower to lessen the amount of tangles you’ll have after the wash. Use a detangling or leave-in conditioner spray before you comb wet hair to help knots smooth away.
Letting your hair go too long without a trim can cause the ends to naturally curl, drawing away from a smooth, sleek look.
Avoid hair brushes with nylon or plastic bristles for general hair brushing. These tend to cause breakage and hair damage.
Avoid using round metal brushes when drying your hair to prevent breakage and damage.
Opt for an ionic dryer that comes with a nozzle attachment. This will help you direct and focus the hot air. Look for a dryer that’s at least 1500 watts. [5] X Research source
Ceramic flat irons are the best choice for those who have fine to normal hair. If you have thick, curly hair, opt for a gold or titanium-plated flat iron. If you have coarse hair, try a ceramic and titanium-plated flat iron.
Avoid clarifying shampoos and conditioners, as these strip your hair of moisture and result in limp, dull hair. If you dye your hair, choose a straightening shampoo that includes sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate ingredients. These will help preserve the color. [7] X Research source
Look for serums with Argan or Moroccan oil and avoid those with a high percentage of alcohol. Alcohol can be very drying. Consider your hair type before using. If you have thin hair, you’ll need to use less product. If you have thick hair, you may need to use more. [10] X Research source
Heat protectants can be used on wet hair, so make sure to spray some on your hair before blow drying. Look for heat protectants that also protect against humidity to tame frizzy strands.
Many of the “shine” finishing sprays on the market contain silicone, which is harmful, so look for versions that are silicon-free. [14] X Expert Source Danielle ChizProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 3 August 2021. If you can’t find a silicon-free finishing product, a light hold hairspray can do the trick, just minus the extra shine.
If you have long hair and want to avoid washing your hair daily, use dry shampoo in between washings to keep your locks fresh.
The friction that builds when rubbing hair with cotton or terrycloth towels can damage your locks and cause them to fluff up. Microfiber towels, on the other hand, prevent damage and control frizz because of their ultra-absorbent material. [15] X Research source Blow drying very wet hair is extremely damaging, and it can also cause your hair to become frizzy. [16] X Research source
Make sure to use the nozzle attachment on the hairdryer and your paddle brush with a mix of nylon and boar hair bristles when blow drying. [19] X Expert Source Danielle ChizProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 3 August 2021. Once your hair is dry, try blasting it with cool air using the blow dryer’s cool setting for about 60 seconds for additional shine. [20] X Research source
If you have thick or long hair, it may be easier to tie up each section and bring one down at a time. Make sure your hair is completely dry before straightening. If you hear a sizzle, stop and blow dry for a few more minutes before continuing. Adjust the heat setting on your flat iron to suit your hair type. If you have fine or damaged hair, set the temperature at 300- to 350-degrees. If you have coarse hair, use the 400-degree setting.
Want to avoid a cloud of spray? Spray your brush with the finishing spray and gently run it through your hair. You can also run a smoothing serum through your hair again after straightening, but avoid using too much as this can make your hair look greasy.
You can speed up the drying process by using the cold setting on you hairdryer. Wrap a silk scarf around your head to keep the hair and pins from shifting while you sleep.
