Do you want straight hair without having to pay a lot to get it? If you have curly hair or just want a straightening, then doing it yourself at home is an affordable alternative to going to the salon. To get a professional look at home however, it is necessary to understand what products and tools you need to use to give you that salon look. In this article we outline what is required.
To get the straight hair look at home, you’ll need a flat iron. There are different types of flat irons for various types of hair. Generally the thickness and length of your hair will determine what type of iron is right for you. For those of you with short, thick or fine hair we recommend using narrow plates that are 1/2 to 1 inch wide. For long, thick or fine hair use wider plates that are 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches.
The heat setting you use is important. Although you might get great results when the iron is at a high heat, that’s not necessarily the one to use, we recommend the following:
- If your hair is fine or damaged, use a lower setting ranging from 120 to 150 degrees celsius.
- For medium or average hair, try 150 to 180 degrees celsius.
- Those with thick or coarse hair require 180to 200 degrees celsius.
It’s important to get the right flat iron type for you as there is a variety available on the market. It‘s best to avoid flat irons that have Teflon coatings and instead opt for ones that are made from ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium. These are gentler on your hair and will reduce frizz and damage. These types of irons should leave your hair looking shiny and silky.
Getting your hair prepared is an important part of the straightening process once you have found the right flat iron. Shampoo and condition your hair as normal but keep it wet, and then apply a styling product that has thermal protection in it. After this step blow dry your hair and when it is dry, straighten it. Using your irons, straighten hair in small sections a half inch from the scalp. Following these steps will give you voluminous, smooth sleek hair without causing damage.
