How to Straighten Hair Quickly

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Straightening your hair can be time-consuming, especially if your hair is curly, long, or thick. To make the process go faster, brush your hair thoroughly after it's been washed and dried. Separate your hair into sections to avoid grabbing random strands of hair that have already been straightened, and use tools such as a chase comb to make the process even easier.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Using a Flat Iron

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    To ensure you straighten your entire head of hair evenly and quickly, separate your hair into at least 2 sections. You can either split your hair down the middle, or you can tie up the top layer using a hair clip or tie. [1]
    • If you have super thick hair, consider separating your hair into 4 sections. Tie up the top layer of your hair into 2 buns on top of your head, and then separate the bottom layer into 2 sections as well.
    • If you split your hair down the middle, you can simply pull each side in front of each shoulder to keep it in place for longer hair. If you have short hair that doesn’t reach your shoulders, use a hair tie or hair clip to keep your hair in sections.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    Save time and skip the process of separating your hair into sections if you have thinner hair. After you've pulled your hair into a low ponytail, just clamp down on the top of the ponytail and straighten the length of it.
    • Once the ponytail is straight, undo it and straighten the top of your hair and any other bumps.
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  3. Instead of cranking the heat up as high as it will go, take your hair texture into consideration when heating up your flat iron. [2]
    • If your hair is thin or fine, the temperature should be below 360 °F (182 °C).
    • If you have normal to medium hair, set the temperature between 360 to 390 °F (182 to 199 °C).
    • For thick hair, use a temperature of 390 to 410 °F (199 to 210 °C).
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    By choosing a 1 inch (2.5 cm) section of hair, you'll be able to straighten your hair much faster and more efficiently. Clamp down on the strands of hair at the top of your head, about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from your roots. [3]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    Once you've clamped down, pull the flat iron down the section of hair. Hold your hair taut so that your hair straightens faster. [4]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    Finish straightening an entire section of hair before moving on to the next one to save time. This will keep you from accidentally straightening the same pieces of hair multiple times. [5]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    Once the unclipped section of hair is straight, move it behind your shoulders. Unclip the next section and pull that section in front of your shoulders. Repeat the process of straightening 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections of hair. [6]
    • Putting already-straightened sections of hair behind your shoulder will keep this section of hair from getting mixed in with the section that hasn't been straightened yet, saving you time.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    To make sure your hair stays straight throughout the day, consider applying a hairspray or anti-frizz product. Apply the product or hairspray by quickly spraying a brush, and then brush through your hair evenly for thorough application. [7]
    • Make sure your hair has completely cooled down before applying a product.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Speeding up the Process

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  1. Clean hair is easier and faster to straighten. Using a conditioner along with your shampoo will make your hair softer and smoother, making the straightening process much quicker. [8]
    • Use a straightening shampoo and conditioner to help smooth out your hair and make the flat ironing process even easier.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    If your hair is damp at all while you're using a flat iron, not only will it damage your hair, but it will also take you much longer to get it straight. To dry your hair quickly, use a blow dryer with the nozzle aimed downwards. [9]
    • Hair dryers can be damaging on your hair — always move the nozzle back and forth when drying your hair, never aiming it directly at a strand.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    If your hair isn't brushed beforehand, you'll end up with bumps or jagged angles where the flat iron went over hair that's going in different directions, slowing down your straightening process. Take the time to brush or comb through your hair to remove any knots or tangles before straightening it for the best results.
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Practice proper hair maintenance. "Brushing hair is the easiest way to keep hair healthy. Knots or tangles in the hair often cause breakage, so brushing hair on a consistent basis can help to prevent knots and detangle. Last but not least, brushing can help to smooth out any frizz and flyaways."

  4. Watermark wikiHow to Straighten Hair Quickly
    Chase combs (also sometimes called straightening combs) comb your hair and separate it evenly for you as you're straightening your hair. [10] If you have medium or coarse hair, a chase comb is an ideal tool for straightening your hair.
    • Use 1 hand to insert a strand of hair into the chase comb and clamp the comb closed starting at the top of the strand.
    • With your other hand, you'll begin straightening the strand, pulling both the chase comb and straightener down the section of hair.
  5. There are several hair tools on the market that are designed to dry your hair and straighten it at the same time. Go online to see if any of these tools are right for you.
    • These tools include a hairbrush that also acts as a ceramic dryer and hair dryers that have negative ion technology.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    My hair is really short, will that make it harder to straighten?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Just because your hair is short does not mean that it will be challenging to straighten it. However, you may not be able to move as quickly, otherwise you'll risk burning yourself.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10
  • Question
    What do I use if I want to make my hair look better when I still have wavy hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If your hair is still wavy after using the flat iron, your sections of hair may be too thick, and the temperature of the iron may be too low. Try separating your hair into 1/2 inch sections.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
  • Question
    What if I have fluffy hair?
    Community Answer
    You can set the flat iron temperature higher, and go over your hair slowly, two or three times if needed. Parting your hair into smaller sections can be helpful.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Always apply a heat protectant to your hair before straightening it.
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      • Choose a ceramic flat iron over a metallic one—it'll cause less damage to your hair.
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      • When you get to the ends of your hair, flip the flat iron in, making your hair look smooth and eliminating the appearance of split ends.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Straightener
      • Heat protectant
      • Hairbrush
      • Hair clips
      • Hair dryer (optional)
      • Comb (optional)
      • Hairspray or anti-frizz product (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/top-ten-flat-iron-mistakes
      2. ↑ http://thirstyroots.com/safe-temperature-to-flat-iron-hair.html
      3. ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/flat-iron-tips/p72672/page10
      4. ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/flat-iron-tips/p72672/page10
      5. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/top-ten-flat-iron-mistakes
      6. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/top-ten-flat-iron-mistakes
      7. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/top-ten-flat-iron-mistakes
      8. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/top-ten-flat-iron-mistakes
      9. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/top-ten-flat-iron-mistakes
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po7NN8KzWjs

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to straighten your hair quickly, there are a few tricks you can use to speed up the process. Before you straighten your hair, shampoo and condition it in the shower. Clean hair is actually easier to straighten. Once your hair is dry, brush through it so it doesn't get knotted and become hard to work with. When you're ready to straighten your hair, work with 1-inch sections at a time so you don't miss any spots. Apply a little anti-frizz product or hairspray to your hair when you’re done to help your hair stay straight throughout the day. To learn how to use a combination flat iron and blow-dryer, read on!

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