Flat ironing natural curly hair can transform your look, giving you sleek and straight locks. However, it’s important to approach this process with care to avoid damage to your hair. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to successfully flat iron your natural curly hair.
Tools You’ll Need
Quality Flat Iron:
Look for a flat iron with adjustable heat settings. Ceramic or tourmaline flat irons are great options as they distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots that can damage your hair. A flat iron with a width of 1 – 2 inches usually works well for most hair lengths.
Heat Protectant Spray:
This is essential. It forms a protective barrier on your hair, minimizing heat damage. Spray it evenly on your dry hair before you start flat ironing.
Comb:
A wide – toothed comb is ideal for detangling your curly hair gently without causing breakage. You can also use a fine – toothed comb for more precise sectioning.
Hair Clips:
These are used to separate your hair into sections, making the flat ironing process more manageable.
Preparing Your Hair
Wash and Condition:
Start with clean hair. Use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type. If your hair is dry or damaged, choose products that are moisturizing. Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all product residue.
Dry Your Hair:
You can either let your hair air – dry or use a blow – dryer. If using a blow – dryer, set it to a low – medium heat setting and use a diffuser attachment if possible. This helps to maintain the hair’s moisture and reduces frizz.
Detangle Your Hair:
Use the wide – toothed comb to gently detangle your hair from the ends to the roots. Start at the bottom of a section of hair and work your way up. This prevents pulling and breaking of the hair.
Apply Heat Protectant:
Spray the heat protectant evenly over your entire head of hair. Make sure to cover every strand from the roots to the tips.
This step is crucial as it protects your hair from the high heat of the flat iron.
Sectioning Your Hair
Top Section:
Use hair clips to separate the top layer of your hair. This usually starts from the crown of your head. This section will be flat ironed last as it will lie on top of the rest of the hair, creating a smooth finish.
Middle Sections:
Divide the hair below the top section into two or more middle sections, depending on the thickness of your hair. Clip these sections separately.
Bottom Section:
The bottom layer of your hair is the first to be flat ironed. This forms the base of the straightened hair.
Flat Ironing Technique
Bottom Section
Take a Small Section: Start by taking a small section of hair from the bottom section. The width of the section should be no wider than the width of the flat iron plates. This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed and that the hair is straightened properly.
Comb the Section: Use the fine – toothed comb to comb the section of hair straight. This helps to remove any tangles and prepares the hair for flat ironing.
Position the Flat Iron: Place the flat iron close to the roots of the section of hair. Make sure the plates are parallel to the hair shaft. Do not clamp the hair too tightly as this can cause creases.
Move the Flat Iron Down: Slowly glide the flat iron down the length of the hair section. Move the flat iron in a smooth, continuous motion. Do not stop or hold the flat iron in one place for too long as this can cause heat damage. For very curly hair, you may need to repeat this process once or twice on the same section.
Check for Straightness: After passing the flat iron through the section, check if the hair is completely straight. If there are still some curls or waves, repeat the process.
Middle Sections
Repeat the Process: Follow the same steps as for the bottom section. As you move up to the middle sections, you may need to adjust the heat setting slightly if your hair is thicker. Make sure to comb each section thoroughly before flat ironing.
Blend the Layers: Pay attention to how the straightened middle sections blend with the already straightened bottom section. Smooth out any bumps or uneven areas.
Top Section
Looser Grip: When flat ironing the top section, use a slightly looser grip on the flat iron. This helps to create a more natural – looking, smooth finish. The top layer should look seamless with the rest of the straightened hair.
Frame Your Face: When straightening the hair near your face, be careful to make it look flattering. You can slightly curve the flat iron at the ends to create a more elegant look.
Finishing Touches
Smooth with a Comb: Once you have flat ironed all the sections, use a fine – toothed comb to gently smooth the entire head of hair. This helps to blend the layers and gives a more polished look.
Apply a Serum: Apply a small amount of hair serum to your palms and then run your hands over your hair. This adds shine and helps to control any flyaways.
Check for Frizz: Look for any areas of frizz and use a small amount of anti – frizz product if needed. Gently smooth these areas with your hands.
Tips for Maintaining Straightened Hair
Avoid Humidity:
Humidity can cause your straightened hair to revert back to its curly state. If you know you’ll be in a humid environment, use an anti – humidity hairspray before going out.
Sleeping Habits:
Tie your hair up loosely with a silk or satin scrunchie or use a silk pillowcase. This helps to prevent friction and keeps your hair straight overnight.
Touch – Ups:
If you notice your hair starting to curl or lose its straightness, you can use a small, travel – sized flat iron for quick touch – ups.
Conclusion
By following these steps and tips, you can successfully flat iron your natural curly hair and achieve a sleek, straight look that lasts. Remember to always prioritize the health of your hair during the process.