by Victoria O'Sullivan

Created on: May 10, 2009

"The grass is always greener on the other side" is a saying that applies to just about everything. Why would curly hair be any different? While I'm sure I'll covet thick, curly hair when I get older, right now I would gladly trade in my kinky troll doll hair for a smooth coif. Throughout the years of struggling with my arch nemesis, the bad hair day, I have amassed an arsenal of products and tips that will make your hair silky, smooth and, above all, straight.

First, you have to improve your hair's overall quality through regular trimming and deep conditioning. Mashed avocado is great for this purpose. A homemade treatment, containing one avocado, one egg yolk and one tablespoon of olive oil, will keep your hair in tip top shape. For even distribution, section hair applying first to the scalp then smoothing down the shaft to the ends. Another practice that is helpful in maintaining your hair's moisture level is washing your hair with conditioner rather than shampoo.

While in the shower, you should comb through your hair, distributing the conditioner while simultaneously getting the kinks out. Once you've rinsed and towel blotted, you'll be ready to section and dry. Add serum for heat protection and smoothing. I recommend Glass 01 Smoothing Serum by Redken; just a few drops are all you need; lightweight and oil free, it smoothes your hair without leaving it feeling greasy or weighed down. Brocato Cloud 9 Blowout Miracle Repair Blow Dry Serum is also very effective.

Do an initial drying session under a bonnet or with a handheld. You can even air dry if you choose, so long as you braid it into at least one. That way you cut down on volume and, consequently, the time it will take you to straighten your hair. Having it braided during the drying process will also keep your hair relatively straight. Once your hair is semi-dry, if you've air dried or used a bonnet, now would be the time to breakout your handheld and a barrel brush. Continue drying in sections, making sure to pull the hair taut as you go.

Some may stop here, having achieved their desired result, but if your curl pattern is especially tight then you may need to go a step farther, flat ironing. As before, with blow drying, you're going to want to flat iron in small sections, applying heat protective styling aids (Apex pressing oil, Palmers pressing oil, SoftSheen Carson straightening cream, to name a few) as needed. Be sure to have clips on hand to separate your hair during this process. Finish with a soft sheen and/or light holding spray.

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