Sometimes, you want what you don't have. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, perhaps more than once you have wanted to have it straight, even if just for a day. Do you want to know how to smooth them? Here are some good tips - and mistakes to avoid - that would be best to keep in mind. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: At Home
Step 1. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and apply a nourishing or straightening conditioner
Straightening your hair - especially naturally curly or frizzy hair - is difficult, so you need to prep it with a mild shampoo and a nourishing, detangling conditioner.
- Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of natural oil. The keg needs it to protect itself against the heat-based treatments you are about to do.
- Use a rich, moisturizing conditioner, and then, to further protect them, apply a leave-in conditioner.
Step 2. Dry your hair
If possible, avoid doing it with a hairdryer, in order to minimize the damage; if you really have to, turn it on when they are just wet or almost dry.
Pat your hair dry using a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. Make a motion that squeezes them and dabs them gently; do not rub them, because this causes them to break
Step 3. Apply a small amount of smoothing product
You need a dose equal to the size of a coin, no more, otherwise your hair will get heavy and poorly defined.
Look for products that protect and moisturize your hair, such as heat protectors, sprays to control frizz, and straightening conditioners
Step 4. Dry your hair with the hairdryer
Use a round brush to smooth your hair as you blow dry.
- Point the nozzle down as you dry them to prevent them from wrinkling.
- Dry your hair completely before turning on the straightener.
- Be patient. This step may take some time, especially if you have very curly hair.
- If your hair is too curly to go smoothly with the classic blow dryer and brush method, you can try putting on some large curlers and sitting under a hairdressing helmet (if you have one). Alternatively, adjust your curlers before going to bed and straighten your hair in the morning.
Step 5. Straighten your hair with the straightener
Once it is completely dry, temporarily pull the top layer of hair into a ponytail or bun, then start straightening it by taking care of a 3-5cm section at a time.
- If you have the ability to set the temperature on the straightener, based on the following guide: for fine or damaged hair, 100-150 ° C; for medium or normal hair, 150-180 ° C; for thick or thick hair, 180-200 ° C.
- Use a comb to untangle the section you are going to work on and pull it away from your head with one hand. With the other, smooth it out in a smooth motion from root to tip.
- If necessary, repeat until the section is smooth.
- After smoothing the bottom layer of hair, loosen the bun or ponytail by holding the top layer in place with one hand. Secure it with pliers. Then, start smoothing it gradually, taking 3-5cm strands at a time.
- Don't use the straightener on wet or damp hair - it can literally break it.
Step 6. Apply a serum or spray to finish
This product allows you to further smooth your hair and add shine.
Serums are generally preferred for thicker, double hair, while sprays are ideal for fine or normal hair
Method 2 of 2: At the hairdresser
Step 1. Try Brazilian ironing
Brazilian straightening, also called "thermal straightening" or "keratin straightening", is a professional chemical treatment that smoothes the hair. The general process to achieve this takes an average of 90 minutes and is more or less the same in all salons. Usually, it is done like this:
- The hairdresser washes and dries the hair by dabbing it with a towel.
- Next, divide them into strands and start applying the straightening product.
- Afterward, blow dry your hair, trying to make it as smooth as possible.
- Then, pass the straightener over your hair to set the straightening product.
- To continue, rinse the solution from your hair and apply a moisturizing mask.
- Finally, rinse your hair again and apply a smoothing serum and / or conditioner before drying it again with the hairdryer.
Step 2. Make an appointment at a salon that offers this treatment
If you are not sure you want to do this, start by requesting information from a hairdresser who can carry out the procedure: they will answer all your questions.
- Remember that undergoing a professional straightening treatment is expensive (you can spend between 150 and 350 euros, this depends on the length and texture of the hair), and takes some time, around 90-180 minutes.
- Also note that if you have very curly hair, this treatment will smooth your hair, but you won't get a "spaghetti effect", there will still be waves.
- Despite some claims to the contrary, these treatments damage the hair.
Step 3. Get the right hair care products
After the treatment, the stem will need care. However, don't feel pressured to buy expensive professional products - supermarket brands can do just as well.
- Look for products that are gentle on the hair and have an anti-frizz action.
- Do not use products containing sulphates.
Step 4. Maintain the results obtained thanks to the treatment
After Brazilian straightening, you should follow some general steps to maintain the effect (although your hairdresser may give you different instructions).
- Do not pick up your hair or use bobby pins within 72 hours of straightening, and don't tuck your hair behind your ears.
- Do not get your hair wet during the 72 hours following the treatment. If this happens, dry them immediately with a hairdryer and smooth them out.
- Straighten your hair at home according to your needs. The hair will grow, and will then return to being curly; you will have to straighten these locks yourself.
