How to Straighten Men's Hair

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If you’re a guy and want to straighten your curly or wavy hair, there are a couple of methods you can use. You can straighten your hair temporarily with a blow dryer and comb or you can use a flat iron in order to achieve straight strands. If you want a semi-permanent method, you can use a relaxer to chemically straighten it. Consider what kind of styling equipment and products you have and choose the method that works best for you.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Doing a Blowout

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  1. Wash and condition your hair. [1] Your hair should be clean and conditioned before starting the blowout. The conditioner may also help soften your hair, which will make it easier to comb if you have very curly hair. Once you’re done washing your hair, pat it dry with a towel. [2]
    • Smoothing conditioners may make it easier to comb your hair straight. [3]
    • If you have curly or tangled hair, leave in your conditioner and detangle your hair with your fingers.
  2. Apply a coin-sized amount of the oil into the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Then, run the oil through your hair from root to tip. [4]
    • Argan and coconut oil will also protect your hair from heat damage.
    • Moisturize the hair that you plan on straightening.
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  3. Run a comb from the ends of your hair down to the roots to prevent breakage. [5] Work your way in sections as you comb all of the tangles and knots out of your hair. If you have slightly wavy hair, this process alone may straighten it. [6]
    • Those with very curly hair will have to add heat from a blow dryer in order to get it completely straight.
    • If you have tight curls, use a wide-toothed comb. If you have thinner hair, use a fine-toothed comb.
  4. [7] Put the blow dryer on the medium heat setting and move it over your hair as you comb it. Use a nozzle attachment to help control the airflow. Comb down from the roots to the tips. As the hair dries, it should be straighter than it normally is. [8]
    • The blow dryer should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from your hair as you blow dry it.
  5. Don’t leave the blow dryer over one section of hair for too long or it could cause heat damage. Once the hair is straight in one section, move to a different part of your hair. Continue doing this until all of your hair is straight. [9]
  6. Smoothing serum will reduce frizz and increase shine. Put a small amount into the palm of your hands and work the serum from your ends to your roots. [10]
    • Popular smoothing creams include Alterna Haircare Caviar CC Cream, Smooth ‘N Shine Hair Polisher, and Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Flat Ironing Your Hair

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  1. Your hair should be clean before you flat iron it. Use a detangling shampoo and smoothing conditioner to aid in the straightening process.
  2. Unlike other straightening methods, your hair needs to be completely dry before you straight iron it or you could cause heat damage. Let your hair air dry or dry it with a blow dryer before you use the flat iron. [11]
  3. Work the serum into your strands, from the roots to tips. Heat protection serum will protect your hair from any heat damage that may occur when your flat iron it. [12]
    • The serum should be applied to all of your hair.
  4. Turn the flat iron on to the lowest setting. Gather a 1 inch (2.5 cm) section of your hair with a comb and close the plates of the flat iron around the roots of the section you gathered. Then, move the flat iron over the section to straighten it. [13]
    • The flat iron should be kept at 120 °C (248 °F) so as not to damage it as you iron it.
    • Use light tension when using the flat iron so that you don’t pull your hair out.
  5. Continue ironing different sections of hair until it’s completely straight. If done properly, your hair should be straight without any waves or curls. [14]
    • Do not leave the flat iron on a section of hair for more than 1-2 seconds or you will burn it.
  6. Comb your hair to style it. You can also add a styling gel if you want your hair to lay a certain way. Comb your strands back to have a slicked back look, or you can part your hair to one side. Experiment with different straight hairstyles and choose the one you like best. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Chemical Treatments

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  1. Any irritation of your scalp will burn when the relaxer is applied and shampooing your hair could leave tiny micro-abrasions on your scalp. [16]
    • You can still comb your hair, just make sure not to comb too close to your scalp.
  2. Relaxer is a powerful chemical that can cause damage to your hair if you don’t use it right. The instructions will have specific application methods and treatment times so that you don’t damage your hair. [17]
    • Consider going to a professional instead of doing it yourself.
  3. Wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from the caustic relaxer chemicals. Pour the chemicals together in the cup that’s provided until it’s well mixed and turns into a white paste. [18]
  4. Section off hair in the back of your head wide-toothed comb. Start at the ends of your hair and move your way to your roots and edges. Once you have full coverage over that section of hair, take another section and repeat the process until you've applied the relaxer to all of your hair. [19]
    • You may want to have someone help apply the relaxer to your hair.
    • Your body heat near your edges will make the relaxer work quicker, so don’t apply the relaxer to your roots or edges first or your hair will get overly relaxed or damaged.
  5. The instructions should tell you the exact time you should leave the relaxer in your hair. If you notice any extreme burning or irritation, wash the relaxer out of your hair with clarifying shampoo. [20]
  6. If your relaxer came with shampoo, use the one that came in the package. If not, then you need to use a neutralizing shampoo because it’s the only kind that will fully wash the relaxer out. Once you get out of the shower, comb your hair and it should be straight! [21]
    • The relaxer should not stay in your hair for more than 10-15 minutes.
    • On average, relaxer will keep your hair straight for 6-8 weeks.
    • Follow up with conditioner and rinse it out with cold water.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I naturally straighten my hair?
    Michael Van den Abbeel
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon.
    Michael Van den Abbeel
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    After shampooing and conditioning, use a blow dryer with a directional nozzle. Work with small sections of hair so they lay flat and straight.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 18
  • Question
    How much is a keratin hair treatment?
    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.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Like other chemical services, this will depend on the length of your hair and the experience of your stylist. Usually, Keratin treatments cost between $200 and $450.
    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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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 13
  • Question
    How much does it cost to get your hair straightened?
    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.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Professional straightening prices depend on both the stylist and the length of your hair. Usually, the service runs between $80 and $200. You will get the most accurate answer by booking a consultation.
    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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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 12
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      Tips

      • Wash and dry your hair most of the way, then comb it back. Put on a tight beanie or cap. After 15 to 30 minutes, take off the beanie and comb your hair until it's completely dried.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0


      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If your hair is naturally curly and you straighten it, try not to get it wet or expose it to humidity. The second your hair gets wet or damp, it'll curl again. There are anti-humidity products that help combat frizz, but they won't keep your curls from coming back.
      • Flat ironing your hair definitely makes your hair straight, but it'll also lay very flat and limp. If you want more volume after straightening, spray a little bit of dry shampoo at your roots and then fluff it up with your fingers.
      • Always use a heat protectant spray or cream before straightening with a flat iron or blow dryer. These products not only protect your hair from damage, but also reduce the time it takes to dry.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Doing a Blowout

      • Shampoo and conditioner
      • Argan or coconut oil
      • Comb
      • Blow dryer with a nozzle attachment
      • Smoothing serum (optional)

      Flat Ironing Your Hair

      • Shampoo and conditioner
      • Heat protection serum
      • Flat iron
      • Blow dryer (optional)

      Using Chemical Treatments

      • Relaxer chemical
      • Application brush
      • Petroleum jelly
      • Rubber gloves
      • Neutralizing shampoo
      • Smock (optional)


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      References

      1. ↑ Michael Van den Abbeel. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/how-to-do-a-natural-hair-blowout
      3. ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/18/how-does-hair-conditioner-work/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lnL9uX-5G8
      5. ↑ Michael Van den Abbeel. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lnL9uX-5G8
      7. ↑ Michael Van den Abbeel. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lnL9uX-5G8
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lnL9uX-5G8
      1. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/flat-iron-success-tips-for-black-hair-400456
      2. ↑ https://stylecaster.com/beauty/mistakes-flat-iron-hair/
      3. ↑ https://stylecaster.com/beauty/mistakes-flat-iron-hair/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ae7WbmnYyNU?t=30s
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ae7WbmnYyNU?t=40s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/ixWiaiQzqHo
      7. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/598061-hair-relaxers/
      8. ↑ https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/hair-relaxers-the-facts
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/8j-C_G761e0?t=3s
      10. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/598061-hair-relaxers/
      11. ↑ http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/598061-hair-relaxers/
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/8j-C_G761e0?t=1m37s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To straighten men’s hair, first rub argan or coconut oil from the roots to the tips of your damp hair. Then, comb through one section of your hair at a time as you use a blow dryer to dry and straighten that section. Finally, put a little smoothing serum on your hair to control frizz and make it shinier. Alternatively, if you want to flat iron your hair, apply a heat protection serum to your dry hair before you comb and flat iron it one section at a time. When you finish, comb your hair into the style you want and use some gel to lock in your look. To learn from our Licensed Cosmetologist reviewer how to use chemical relaxers to straighten your hair, read on!

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      • Jenner Zalakovi

        Aug 6, 2018

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