by Cristina Wheeler

Created on: February 01, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

Tips for Straightening Curly Hair

1. Shampoo vs. just conditioning
a. In my experience, "dirty" hair is much easier to work with, especially when straightening curly hair. Curly hair has a tendency to be very dry so any extra oils will work to your advantage. On the day you want to straighten your hair I suggest using a light conditioner only. While in the shower make sure you comb through and rinse completely!

2. Crucial steps after the shower
a. Towel dry first. Do not "rub" your hair in the towel. This alone will create more frizz than normal. Leave your hair in the towel for 10 minutes soaking up the excess moisture.
b. I suggest using a serum in your hair first, (Redken "Glass" is great). Use just the size of a quarter, (you don't want to look greasy!). Remember, a little product goes a LONG waydon't over-do-it!
c. Blow dry using just your fingers to get most of the moisture out of your hair. Your hair may be starting to frizz a bit but don't fret, that will be taken care of.

3. Most Important part of straightening!
a. Blow dry in sections. Grab a section of hair about a couple inches in size and pin up the rest.
b. Using a round wooden brush, pull the hair from the root and blow dry up and down the hair shaft until COMPLETELY dry. If you leave some moisture in your hair it will be frizzy, remember that!
c. You need to "stretch" your hair when drying. This will make your blow dry last up to 3 or more days. What I mean by "stretch" is to pull your hair from the roots as you dry, (as mentioned above). Stretching will give you body, shine, and volume! Stretch your hair girls!
d. As far as using a flat iron, that is up to you. Personally, I try avoiding these because they damage the hair and take away volume and body. The natural shine and "bounce" is also eliminated when using a flat iron. Some like the "flat, stick straight" look, but I don't. It all comes down to personal preference!
e. After hair is completely dry, use a very small amount of hairspray, spraying from about a foot away. (You don't want sticky straight hair, yuck!)
f. Use a shine spray for added sheen. Any will do. (Remember, don't over- do-it!) Shine spray will go a long way as well.
g. After all of that hard work one last step is important: You now have a new sleek look. GO OUT AND ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL, SILKY, AND MOST IMPORTANTY STRAIGHT HAIR!

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