Q&A for How to Make Your Hair Straighter Without a Straightener

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  • Question
    What is the best temperature to flat iron natural hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You want to use the lowest temperature that you can. If you have fine or damaged hair, set the temperature to 300 degrees F or less. If you have thick, coarse hair, you may raise the temp up to 400 degrees F. Be aware that at 450 degrees F, hair starts to melt.
  • Question
    What will happen if you straighten your hair when it's wet?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can damage your hair severely if you are using a straightening iron on it when it's wet. You may even cause breakage. This is also an electrocution hazard.
  • Question
    What strengthens hair follicles?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can't change the shape of your hair follicles. The follicle is the indentation in the scalp that your hair grows out of; its shape is genetic.
  • Question
    How do you straighten your hair with a straightener?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Start with clean, dry hair. Mist it all over with a thermal protector. Working in 1/2" thick sections, comb through to remove any tangles, then follow with a straightener, starting about 1/2" from the scalp and pressing in a smooth fluid motion from roots to ends.
  • Question
    How can I make my curly hair straight forever?
    Noël Reid-Killings
    Celebrity Hair Stylist
    Noël Reid-Killings is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Noël New York Salon & Boutique. With over a decade of experience, Noël specializes in curating and customizing hair solutions for all hair types and textures. She has worked with countless A-list celebrities including Alicia Keys, Ciara, Yara Shahidi, and Simone Missick. Her work has been featured on makeover shows and in magazines including Essence, Sophisticates Black Hair, Teen Vogue, Elle, 21Ninety, WWD, POPSUGAR, Allure, The Cut, The Huffington Post, and Swaay.
    Celebrity Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, you probably can't make your hair straight forever. However, you can get a Keratin complex treatment at the salon, which will keep your hair straight for 3-5 months.
  • Question
    I have a side shaved pixie cut, and my bangs are bouncy but not super curly. How can I get them to be straight?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Blow dry them straight, using a comb. Start at the roots and work your way through to the ends, smoothing the hair down with a comb as you dry them. This will smooth them down and reduce the volume.
  • Question
    Does the rubber band method damage your hair?
    Community Answer
    No, it doesn't. It is a very good alternative to straightening hair and works better when your hair is damp.
  • Question
    My hair is short and gets curly after I take a shower; how do I straighten it?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you comb your hair with a comb or brush, then you can try to blow dry it to keep it from curling during the air drying process. After that, you can straighten it using any of these methods or a hair straightener.
  • Question
    How can I make this process faster?
    Community Answer
    Gather your comb and everything before the morning, then when you wake up, instead of taking a full-blown shower, just rinse your hair under the sink, spray the frizz serum, and blow dry.
  • Question
    Can I get some hair straightening tips for guys with shorter hair?
    Community Answer
    Wet your hair, or wash and condition it. Dry it a little with a towel. Put in either some hair lotion or anything you put in your hair - just not stiff gel. Comb it straight back. Put a hat on for a minimum of three hours. Or you could just use a straightener on any part of your hair that is long enough.
  • Question
    I tried some of these methods and now my hair is damaged, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Use anything that moistens your hair, like egg or milk and water in equal amounts. You can use fullers earth (multani mitti) with egg and rice flour to make your hair straight naturally as well.
  • Question
    How can you dry your hair without a hair dryer?
    Community Answer
    Just let it dry by itself. If you're referring to the blow-drying method here, you can't do that without a hair dryer.
  • Question
    How do I straighten my hair with coconut oil?
    Community Answer
    Apply coconut oil to your hair after a shower. Your hair needs to be damp. Brush it constantly until dry.
  • Question
    What can I do if I want to do method #4, but I have no anti-frizz spray?
    Community Answer
    You can use any type of hair oils or creams, you can also use a very small amount of hair wax. This will be better than anti-frizz sprays (it will last way longer).
  • Question
    My hair is clean and I don't need to wash it, so how do I straighten my hair?
    Community Answer
    Just spray some water on your hair until it's damp (perhaps try using a misting spray bottle), then try any of the methods above.
  • Question
    How do I straighten my hair without it turning it curly again after a shower?
    Sierra Sherwin
    Community Answer
    If you wish the take a shower without getting your hair wet you can always wear a shower cap to prevent your hair from getting wet. But if you wish to get your hair wet and wash it then it will curl no matter what, it's just your natural hair. You could also use dry shampoo if your hair starts to get smelly or oily.
  • Question
    When I take a bath my hair starts to become wavy after drying. How can I prevent this?
    Community Answer
    Use a product formulated to straighten hair. Apply it when your hair is wet, then blow dry it using a round brush. Alternate the direction you are brushing when drying to make your hair straight, then apply a light layer of hair spray to stop it from waving.
  • Question
    What is the best method for thick, poofy hair?
    Sierra Sherwin
    Community Answer
    I would use the first method. It works very well. If your hair is poofy, you may want to consider straightening it after the method. It may end up a bit frizzy or curly. You could also use a straightening serum to calm your hair down to make it easier.
  • Question
    Every time I wash or dampen my hair and blow dry it, it stays straight for a while but doesn't last. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Use product formulated to straighten hair, or just use a hair straightener.
  • Question
    How long will my hair stay straight with the blow dryer method?
    Community Answer
    Until your hair gets wet; if it's raining or you live somewhere humid, this will cause it to frizz.
  • Question
    My hair used to be naturally straight, but now it's not. Any tips on how to get that natural straightened hair back?
    Community Answer
    Hormones, stress and aging are seen as the common causes for changes to your hair texture and quality.
  • Question
    Will my hair be damaged with the rubber band method if it is short?
    Community Answer
    Not really, unless you pull on the rubber band really hard. Make sure you take your time and take them out slowly.
  • Question
    How can I straighten my hair without getting it wet?
    Community Answer
    You could wear a shower cap in the shower to prevent your hair from getting wet in the first place, or you could use a hairdryer to dry your hair prior to straightening it (if it's already wet).
  • Question
    My front hairs are too small and thin and they curl after combing. How do I straighten them?
    Sierra Sherwin
    Community Answer
    You can use a straightener to get them the way you want but if they are thin and small you might want to take caution. You could also take straightening serum -- that may help.
  • Question
    Would the ponytail method work if I leave it in all day?
    Community Answer
    It would, but the part of hair below the hair tie would be your natural hair texture. Also, it doesn't always work because your hair, even after hours of it being in a ponytail, would be damp, and that can cause your hair to smell bad and get oily. Best method is to use a straightener, or just blow dry, or keep combing your hair the whole day when it's wet.
  • Question
    I tried the blow-drying method, but my hair is still wavy. What can I do to straighten it?
    Community Answer
    Try using some straightening cream to aid in the process.
  • Question
    What should I do if my hair curls as it dries?
    Community Answer
    In order to keep your hair from curling up while drying, use a product to straighten hair. After washing your hair, blow dry it to prevent it from curling. Afterwards, you can use the combing method to straighten out some more.
  • Question
    How do I straighten my ends without a blow dryer?
    Community Answer
    You can use a straightening iron.
  • Question
    If I try any of these methods with wet hair, will it damage my hair?
    Community Answer
    No, it shouldn't, because there are no chemicals involved. Just try not to do it too much.
  • Question
    Is there a faster way t straighten my hair?
    Community Answer
    No.
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