Flat irons are very versatile styling tools. They are capable of straightening, waving, flipping and even curling hair as long as you know how to properly use it.

Prepare Your Hair:

1. Shampoo & Condition: Dirt, oil and product residue must be thoroughly cleansed away before the use of a flat iron. For best results, use a high quality, hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
2. Towel dry your hair and detangle using a wide tooth comb or pik, combing from the ends to the roots.
3. Apply a heat protectant spray, serum or cream: This step helps to reduce the chance of causing damage, which leads to breakage. These products form a protective barrier, locking in essential moisture and extends the life of your style. Think about it, you would never would grab a hot pan out of the oven without an oven mitt…your hair is no different.
4. Blow Dry Your Hair Completely: I recommend this step, even if you are using a wet-to-dry flat iron, because straightening dry hair produces the best results.

 

Select the Right Flat Iron for Your Hair Type:

• Please refer to our buying guide…How To Choose a Flat Iron.

 

Determine the Proper Heat Setting:

Use to guide below to select a heat setting for your hair type and texture.

• Fine, Damaged, or Chemically Treated Hair : 280 F – 300 F.
• Normal or Straight Hair : 300 F – 380 F.
• Curly, or Coarse Hair : 350 F – 450 F

 

Note: It is safer to start at lower temperature and bump up the heat if you’re not getting enough straightening results…be careful.

 

Begin Straightening Your Hair:

• You will need: Hair clips and a wide tooth comb.
• Make sure, again, your hair is tangle free.
• Clip all of your hair up, except a small section, no wider than the plate of your iron. Don’t try to iron too much hair at once. This is a common mistake, that will result in uneven heating which leads to uneven styling.
• Pinch the section of hair close to the scalp, with the flat irons plates. Apply, gentle, consistent pressure, and glide the flat iron down the hair, in one smooth motion. Make sure not to allow the iron to sit in one spot for more than a moment.
• Repeat this process, to all remaining sections, until finished.

 

Other Styling Techniques:

Learn how to Curl with a Flat Iron

 

Hair irons have come a long way, but if used improperly can cause severe damage to the hair. So make sure to use the correct products and temperature setting for your hair type and texture.

How to Use a Flat Iron