How to Straighten Your Hair Without Heat

Many people want straight, glossy hair but don’t want to deal with the heat damage that comes with most methods of straightening. [1] Luckily, there are several ways of straightening your hair that aren’t damaging and can even make your hair stronger. Start by changing the type of shampoo and hair products you use to those formulated to straighten hair. Once or twice a week, use a straightening mask on your hair to moisturize and weigh down your curls. If you have long hair, you can get straight hair overnight by putting your hair in jumbo curlers, which encourage your hair to follow a different hair pattern and get straighter.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Changing Your Hair Care Routine

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  1. You should begin the process of getting straight hair by reassessing the products that you use on a regular basis. If you don’t already, use a shampoo and conditioner that are meant to straighten and smooth hair. These products are formulated to heavily moisturize and weigh down curls for straighter locks. [2] Try to avoid shampoo that contains harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens, as they can damage your hair. [3]
  2. Since you want to avoid using heat on your hair, it’s important to get the most out of towel drying. Instead of using any old towel, invest in an extra absorbent towel such as a microfiber towel. These towels are designed to absorb moisture and without causing frizz. [4]
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  3. It’s important to be gentle when towel drying your hair, as rubbing your hair together too roughly can cause frizziness. Hold the extra absorbent towel around the tips of your hair to absorb moisture and slowly work your way up your hair, absorbing as you go. Then gently tousle your hair with the towel, making sure not to rub the ends of your hair together if you have long hair.
  4. Blow drying your hair with hot air is not only damaging to your hair, it also creates frizz and encourages curls. [6] Instead of blow drying with hot air, towel dry and then blow dry with cold air going section by section while brushing with a flat paddle brush. [7]
    • Blow drying with cold air will take longer than drying with hot air, so be aware of that if you are in a hurry or are timing your morning.
  5. If you don’t want to use a blowdryer, gently towel dry your hair and continue to brush it until it’s dry if you can. Brushing helps to separate your hair and remove moisture. Brushing also encourages straightening because it slightly pulls on your hair and helps it not curl up as it usually does. [8]
    • If you don’t want to continually brush, you can brush your hair in spurts, with 5-minute breaks between each spurt to let it air dry.
  6. Once your hair is almost dry, use a smoothing hair cream or mousse to discourage frizz and waves in your hair. Try to find a product that contains a natural smoothing agent like coconut oil or jojoba oil to relax your hair. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Straightening Hair Masks

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  1. Create a milk and honey mask by mixing 1 cup (236.58 ml) of whole milk or coconut milk with 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) of honey. Apply the mask by using your hands to scoop up the mask and work it through the strands of your hair. Let it soak into your hair for 1 hour while you wear a plastic shower cap, then wash it out of your hair with water. [10]
    • Hair masks work best if you use them once or twice a week.
    • This mask may be drippy, so it’s a good idea to apply it over the sink.
    Find the perfect method for your hair type. "With my naturally curly hair, I worried heat styling would cause damage. Trying overnight rollers, as suggested, was a game-changer! Finally, I have a way to get sleek, frizz-free hair that works with my curls. This article helped me discover the best no-heat method for my hair type." - Lora N.
    Protect hair health while achieving your desired look. "I love straight, smooth hair but was wary of using hot tools daily. This guide gave me so many heat-free ideas to get the look I want without compromising my hair's health. It's reassuring to know I can protect my strands while still styling them how I like." - Lauyanne K.
    Turn hair care struggles into success. "As a teen still learning to style my thick, wavy hair, I often felt lost. This article was like a lightbulb! It taught me simple tricks, from brushing techniques to masks, that tame my tresses. Now I have the know-how to get smooth, straight hair without damage." - Jenny K.
    Arm yourself with essential hair skills. "With minimal hair knowledge, I really struggled with styling. This guide was just what I needed to learn techniques to care for my hair properly. It walked me through everything from products to towels to overnight tricks. I finally have essential hair skills!" - Marta T.
    We want to hear from you! Advice from our readers makes our articles better. If you have a story you’d like to share, tell us here .
  2. Another variation on a milk mask is a milk and egg mask. Mix 2 cups (480 ml) of whole or coconut milk along with 1 egg in a large bowl, whisking to completely break up the yolk. Place the bowl in the sink or on a table and sit directly in front of it, then lean back and soak your hair in the bowl for 10 minutes. After ten minutes, take your hair out of the bowl without squeezing out the excess moisture from the mask and put your hair up in a bun if you have long hair. Wrap plastic wrap around your head and let the mask soak in for another 30 minutes, then unwrap and wash out the mask with cool water so the egg doesn’t cook. [11]
    • Wrapping your head with plastic wrap retains the moisture of the mask and the warmth encourages the mask to soak in.
  3. To create a smoothing coconut milk and lemon juice mask, combine 1 cup (236.58 ml) coconut milk, 6 tablespoons (88.72 ml) of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) of olive oil and 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) of cornstarch in a microwaveable bowl and mix. Microwave the mixture for about 20 seconds and stir. Repeat until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Let the mask cool, then use your fingers to apply it evenly throughout your hair. Let the mask sit for an hour, then wash it out with water. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Straightening Long Hair Overnight

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  1. Wet your hair, either from showering or from rinsing your hair briefly in the sink. Section your hair into 2 low ponytails and secure each ponytail with a hair tie near the base of your neck. Use another pair of hair ties to loosely tie the ponytails 2 inches (5 cm) below where the first ponytail ties are. Keep applying hair ties every few inches until you reach the end of your hair. In the morning, take out the hair ties to reveal your straightened hair. [13]
    • Try to tie the hair ties loosely, as tying them tightly may leave dent marks or crimps in your hair.
    • If you have curly hair, this will help loosen your curls but won’t make your hair completely straight.
  2. Divide your hair into about 6 sections and wrap each section around a jumbo roller, rolling the sections up until you reach the roots. Secure the rollers against your head using large clips. The next morning, take the rollers out of your hair and comb. You should see that your hair is visibly straighter. [14]
    • Try to use plastic rollers as opposed to Velcro or foam.
  3. If you have hair that is nearly straight or only has slight waves, you can simply place your damp hair into a bun and let it dry. Towel dry hair, then create a ponytail. Loop the ponytail around the hair tie in a ballerina bun, secure it with a hair tie, and wait for the hair to dry. When your hair is dry, take your hair down and give it a quick brush. [15]
  4. Another way of encouraging straightness is to wrap wet hair around your head and secure it with bobby pins. Brush or comb your hair, then divide it along the central part into 2 sections. Take the left section and comb it over the top of your head toward the right section. Wind it around your head until you reach the end of your hair, then pin the section in place at the back of your head with bobby pins. Do the same on the right side, flipping the hair over to the left side and pinning it in place. [16]
    • After pinning your hair, place a silk scarf around your head to reduce frizz while you sleep and take down your hair in the morning.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I make my straightened hair last for a few days?
    Christine George
    Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
    Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.
    Christine George
    Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
    Expert Answer
    Try sleeping with a satin pillow if you want to maintain your hairstyle for a couple of days and not have it go frizzy. Then the next morning when you take a shower, try not to use too much hot water so you don't frizz out your hair and dry it up.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 20
  • Question
    I do P. E every day, walk home and, have school for 8 hours. Will these methods work for that long?
    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
    The humidity from walking home and sweating from P.E. will determine how long your straightened hair will last. If your hair is wavy or tightly curled, the humidity will definitely affect it and cause your curls to revert.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    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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    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 82
  • Question
    So my hair is super curly and frizzy and I want it straight heatlessly. What should I do?
    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
    Shampoo and condition your hair with products meant for smoothing and straightening hair. You should use hair ties to encourage straightening. It will help stretch out your curls. From there, use jumbo rollers, let your hair dry, take the rollers out, comb your hair, and it should be visibly straighter.
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    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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    Not Helpful 35 Helpful 50
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      • Straightening hair masks don’t just straighten your hair; they also enrich your hair and provide moisture.
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      • For a quick fix, dampen your hair slightly, brush it, and apply anti-frizz cream or mousse to smooth it out.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Straightening shampoo and conditioner
      • Extra-absorbent towel
      • Blow dryer
      • Paddle brush
      • Comb
      • Smoothing mousse or cream
      • Jumbo rollers
      • Bobby pins or hair clips
      • Hairband
      • Silk scarf

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      References

      1. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      2. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/how-to/a39788/how-to-straighten-hair-without-heat/
      3. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      4. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/how-to/a39788/how-to-straighten-hair-without-heat/
      5. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      6. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      7. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/how-to/a39788/how-to-straighten-hair-without-heat/
      8. ↑ https://thelifesquare.com/how-to-straighten-your-hair-8572226/
      9. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/how-to/a39788/how-to-straighten-hair-without-heat/
      1. ↑ http://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/6-ways-straighten-your-hair-naturally.html
      2. ↑ http://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/6-ways-straighten-your-hair-naturally.html
      3. ↑ https://thelifesquare.com/how-to-straighten-your-hair-8572226/
      4. ↑ https://thelifesquare.com/how-to-straighten-your-hair-8572226/
      5. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/how-to/a39788/how-to-straighten-hair-without-heat/
      6. ↑ http://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/6-ways-straighten-your-hair-naturally.html
      7. ↑ http://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/6-ways-straighten-your-hair-naturally.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To straighten your hair without heat, wash your hair with a straightening shampoo and conditioner, then wrap it in an extra-absorbent microfiber towel until it’s mostly dry. Finish drying your hair by blow drying it on the coldest setting, and use a flat paddle brush to keep your hair straight. If you don’t want to use your hair dryer at all, gently and continuously brush your hair until it is dry. To learn how a milk and honey mask can help make your hair straighter, keep reading!

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        Jul 13, 2016

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