If you only have access to a curling iron with a smaller barrel, . 75 to 1 inch in diameter, you can still use it to straighten your hair. But it may take more time due to the smaller barrel size.
Many professional grade curling irons are made with ceramic or tourmaline. You may be able to get a more affordable curling iron that is only partly ceramic or tourmaline if you are on a budget.
If you have fine hair or hair that is color treated, you should use a low heat setting of below 200 degrees. If you have curly, thick hair, you can use a higher heat setting of 200-300 degrees. Never go above 400 degrees as this can damage your hair, no matter what hair type you have. Make sure you pay attention to how your hair responds to the heat of the curling iron. If you notice a burning smell coming from your hair, the temperature may be too high. However, a burning smell can also indicate that your hair is dirty, wet, or even has too much product on it.
You should also use a small amount of conditioner on the ends of your hair so you do not put too much conditioner in your hair. Too much conditioner can make it more difficult for your hair to stay straight or hold any styles.
You may also want to apply a hair mousse to your wet hair, especially if your hair is lacking in volume and body. Run the mousse from the roots to the ends.
You should blow dry your hair by flipping your hair over and running the blow dryer down to the ends of your hair. Move the blow dryer around your hair, dispersing the heat throughout, until your hair is completely dry. [10] X Research source If you have especially thick hair, you may need to part your hair into a few different sections and dry each section one at a time.
You should also position yourself in front of a mirror so you can see what your hands are doing and how your hair looks as you straighten it. You may also place a hair clip on a table in front of you so it is easy to access.
Even if you have short hair, you should still clip back the top layers so you can access the bottom layers. This will allow you access each layer of your hair more easily.
Pull the curling iron all the way to the ends of your hair. Then, release the clamp. You should have a straightened section of hair. Repeat these steps for the bottom layer of your hair. Make sure you keep a firm grip on the clamp as you run the curling iron down to the ends of your hair.
You may need to straighten the shorter hairs around your face in smaller sections to ensure you catch all of the shorter hairs. Use the curling iron to straighten out the sections around your face for a full straight look. Try to avoid going over the same section of hair multiple times, as this can damage your hair. Pull the curling iron through and down your hair slowly and firmly to ensure you straighten the hair the first time through. Also, place a comb beneath the curling iron as you straighten the hair.
You may also run your hands through your hair lightly to give your hair volume and body. However, try not to touch your hair too often once you have straightened it, as this can make it appear messy and undo your perfect straight hair look.
