by Stephanie Heckman

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

There are three easy ways to straighten hair: relaxing it, blow-drying, or flat ironing. Not sure which one to use? If you straighten you hair on a daily basis, I would recommend getting it relaxed. Those who want a quick fix without much damage or only straighten occasionally should learn how to get it straight with a blow dryer. Flat ironing should be saved for special occasions, dates, parties, touch ups or for a minute after blow-drying it straight to get it smoother and shinier. Avoid the flat iron if you have dry, damaged, or heavily processed hair. If you decide to relax your hair you will have to wash it much less. Blow dried or flat ironed hair should only be washed every two or three days although you can condition and rinse it. You will also need a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you hair is extra dry, deep condition once a week or two and/or try a hot oil treatment every month.

Relaxing hair involves going to a salon or buying a home kit although I would recommend the salon. Your hair will be straightened until your roots grow out in a few months. This method is similar to permanent hair coloring. If you have very thick, curly hair it will take a strong relaxer to get it straight. Wavy hair should be straighted with the lightest relaxer available. A light relaxer will give curly hair looser curls or waves. Relaxing is drying but less drying then using a flat iron daily when done properly. There is also a Japanese straightening technique that involves using chemicals and then flat ironing. This will get your hair super straight and silky but should only be used on strong, healthy hair.

Blow drying hair straight is simple and the least damaging. The first step is to buy these four products: a good new blow dyer (it doesn't need to expensive but make sure it comes with multiple heat settings and a diffuser), a round natural bristle brush, a straightening balm, and a shine serum for thick hair or a shine spray for thin hair. Rub in some straightening balm to your wet, towel dried hair. The next step is two divide your hair into four section, two on the top and two on the bottom with clips. Un-clip on section at a time. Run the brush from the top of the hair to the bottom and when you reach the ends of your hair, roll your hair up to the roots. Hold for five seconds and then unwind the brush. Continue this until your hair is dry. It will take ten to twenty minutes depending on the length, thickness, and curliness of your hair. Finish with the shine serum or shine spray for gloss.

Flat ironing is quick and simple but drying. It will get your hair very straight and glossy but if you do it regularly, your hair will grow dry and you will get split ends. Instead, do it occasionally. If you blow dry your hair first, it will be straighter and you will damage it least. Make sure your hair is already dry. Spray your hair with a protective spray like a spray in conditioner or straightener. Then use the flat iron in small sections of your hair. It usually take a couple times to get it straight. Flat ironing takes a few times to get experienced. The first couple times might be difficult getting used to. When you are finished (it takes me around ten or fifteen minutes) coat your hair with a shine spray for thinner hair or a shine serum for thick hair. If the shine spray doesn't work well enough, try the serum and if the serum is too heavy try the spray.

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