By PAGE Editor

Are you after that ultra-sleek style that looks perfectly straight? Of course, you could just straighten your hair, but then there’s always the risk of frizz, or it just isn’t as straight as you want it to be. Well, we’re not gatekeeping because when you follow these few tips, you can get gorgeously straight hair that will have you looking like you just got out of the salon. 

Focus on your hair's health

The first step to getting super straight hair is to focus on your hair’s health. Every time your hair is exposed to heat, it risks getting damaged, so to keep your locks looking and feeling good when straightened, keep them in their prime. This means using deep conditioning treatments, a good conditioner, taking collagen and omega supplements, and sleeping in protective hairstyles. 

Healthy hair holds up against heat better, which in turn will give you a beautiful and longer-lasting blowout. Longer-lasting styles mean less styling is needed, and less damage occurs. 

Use the best straightener (for your hair)

There is a seemingly endless supply of great straighteners on the market, but just because one works well for your best friend does not mean it’s going to suit your hair. To get perfectly straightened hair, you need to be using a straightener that is designed for your hair type. Everything from the size and material of the plate is going to affect your hair differently. 

Here are some of the best options for the different hair types: 

• Fine hair or colour-treated hair - opt for a hair straightener with either low or adjustable heat settings, as this will help you control the heat and prevent overexposure. Hair straighteners with either ceramic or tourmaline plates are ideal for finer hair

• Thick, curly or coarse hair - these hair types require more heat to smooth out the curls and texture. Buying a straightener with a wider plate made from tourmaline or titanium and adjustable temperature is the most ideal. 

Style with completely dry hair

The prime enemy of straight hairstyles is moisture, so one rule to live by when straightening your hair is to always work with completely dry hair. Not only will styling wet hair risk frizziness, but it’s a surefire way to cause heat damage. There are so many horror stories where locks of hair have been singed off because they try to straighten their hair before it’s dry. 

For those wondering what makes straightening wet hair so horrible, here are a few facts to think about. When healthy hair is wet, it’s able to absorb up to 30% of its weight in water into the cortex – more if the hair is damaged. Now, apply heat of up to 185 - 230°C to your hair, and the water molecules change to gas and expand rapidly. Since this reaction occurs inside the cortex of your hair, the result is somewhat explosive – hence that fizzling sound. 

While heat damage does occur in dry hair, too, when using a straightener, it’s much worse with wet hair. This type of damage goes on to give you dull, brassy-coloured, and brittle hair. 

Here are some tips to get your hair dry before styling: 

• Curly hair - blow drying isn’t always necessary, but for those with extremely tight curls or coarse hair, using a hair dryer can take out the major kinks and get your hair dry and ready for the straightener. This step may seem to take more time, but really, it helps minimise the number of times you’ll need to use the flat iron on the different sections of hair. Never underestimate the power of the combination of a hair dryer with a concentrator attachment and a round or paddle brush for curly hair

• Straight or wavy hair - air-drying is the better option for people with straight to slightly wavy hair because there’s really no need to add any extra heat to the equation when it’s unnecessary

Avoid oil-based thermal protector

When straightening is a part of your daily routine, it’s best to avoid using oil-based heat protection as long-term use of oils when straightening hair may cause more damage. This being said, it is vital to always use a heat-protectant product before styling. 

Use hairspray before straightening 

When you think of using hairspray, you’d generally apply it after you’ve styled your hair, but spritzing on a light layer of hair spray prior to straightening can help keep it straighter for longer and keep frizz away. However, use a light-hold spray when adding this step to your routine because using a heavy spray might weigh your hair down and give it that awful crispy feel. 

Using hairspray before straightening your hair helps your hair stay perfectly straight, even in more humid conditions, and prevents those little wispy bits from sticking up all over your head. 

A fine-tooth comb is your best friend

For that ultra-sleek effect when straightening your hair, you’ve got to use a fine-tooth comb. Once you’ve managed to get all those kinks out with your hair dryer, take your comb to a section of hair and follow along with the straightener. 

Be consistent

The perfect straight hairstyle requires precision and a consistent technique. Start from the roots and use the same motion in order to get the smoothest look. Starting from the mid-shaft results in hair with various textures. 

Final Thoughts

Achieving that sleek and straight hair is easy when you follow a perfected routine. It always starts with looking after your locks and keeping your hair healthy, then the rest of the steps are relatively easy to do. 

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