How To Straighten Curly Hair: 6 Step Routine 

Do you know why curly hair is the best? Because it’s so versatile! One day we can be curly and another we can surprise everyone with our straight hair. Even though flat iron is not the best friend of our curls, life is too short to stop yourself from straightening your hair if you want to. 

It’s important to prevent our locks from any heat damage. Good news? It’s totally doable!

How to straighten curly hair without burning your precious curls?

How to make curly hair straight?

Well, you need a flat iron or a blowdryer and a round brush. Without one of these appliances, it’s (almost) impossible to have perfectly straight hair.

#1 Wash your hair as usual

Use a shampoo and conditioner as usual. You can deep condition your hair before to ensure that your hair is properly moisturized. Don’t know what is deep conditioning? Read here!

Moisturized hair = healthy & healthy-looking hair. It’s important because heat dries out our curls so show your locks some extra love before straightening.

#2 Prep your hair

You will need a leave-in to strengthen and add some extra moisture to your locks. Then, the most important part: when your hair is still wet, spritz a heat protectant thoroughly. Please please please, don’t miss this step if you want your curls to be vivid and shiny. 

By the way, I have the best heat protectant guide! They all are curly girl method (CGM) approved.

#3 Detangle your hair with a comb

Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your wet hair. Start with the ends and then go up to the roots.

#4 Air-dry your hair for a while

After excessing extra water with a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt from your hair, let them air-dry for a while. It shortens the blow-drying time = your hair is exposed to less heat = healthier hair.

If you are in a rush, that’s fine! Heat protectant is there for you so use a medium heat setting.

#5 Work in sections

Start from the bottom hair as it’s the easiest to begin with. Use a blow dryer with a flat attachment as it helps to prevent frizz and is gentler to your hair. 

Always use a low heat setting if possible.

Start with the first section. Round brush has to be under the bottom whilst the blow dryer is on the top. Begin from the roots: start rolling the round brush through your hair to the ends. Repeat it a few times until the section is dry.

If you don’t have a round brush, do the same with the brush that you have. Just keep in mind that you will have to spend more time with the straightener.

It’s possible that you don’t have a blow dryer too. What to do then? Well, let your hair air-dry, and then start with step 6!

#6 Start flat ironing your hair

After drying your hair, plug your flat iron and set the temperature at 350 °F (or even less if that’s working for you). Work in sections again. Start from the bottom hair layer. Straighten your hair from roots to ends.

 Repeat the same with the other sections. 

End this process with the hair serum for that awesome shine. 

FAQs

How to straighten your curly hair?

You can straighten your curls in a few different ways: with a blow-dryer and a round brush; with plastic rollers; with a flat iron: *your option here*.

However, these methods are not permanent.

How to get straight hair?

If you were born curly, there is no way to get a ruler-straight hair for life. You can try various treatments or just straighten your hair at home.

How to flat iron hair?

Always use a heat protectant – it will help you to avoid heat damage. If you want sleek hair start flat ironing when the hair is completely dry. Work in sections and don’t forget to use hair oil or serum after straightening your curls.

How To Straighten Curly Hair: The bottom line

How to straighten your curly hair with minimal damage? Although it is not possible to completely avoid any heat-caused damage, you can minimize it by using a heat protectant and using flat iron only when the hair is dry.

As I mentioned before, life is too short and if you want to straighten your hair – don’t hesitate!

Get the hair you deserve!

P.S. Manes by Mell is my curly hair sensei. Check her video about hair straightening!