How To Keep Your Hair Straightened - WikiHow Life

Skip to Content

• EXPLORERandom Article

• Home
• Random

Terms of UseHow to Keep Your Hair Straightened Explore this Article methods 1 The Basics 2 As You Straighten Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Shun Pittman

Last Updated: August 4, 2025 References

X

This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 68,446 times.

You've no problem straightening your hair; getting that part down was easy. You look in the mirror, see that your hair passes the test, and walk out the door. But when the night is over, you walk back in and all of a sudden instead of you it's a frizz monster in the mirror looking back at you. What happened?

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

The Basics

1. 1 Grow your hair long. It's science -- the heavier your hair is, the more it will straighten out under its own weight. So if you want naturally straighter hair (not straight, straighter), grow it out. Shorter hair has more of a tendency to curl up.[1]
   • That being said, don't avoid the salon and ignore your regular haircuts. Still go in every 2 or 3 months, but only get the ends trimmed. This will actually support growth (cutting off the dead ends) and help your hair grow faster.
2. 2 Invest in a good blow dryer. The only reason those salons that only do blow-drying (seriously?) exist is because very few of us own a good blow dryer. It may seem silly, but "ionic" may not just be a marketing ploy. If you see it on the box, buy it. It may prevent further hair damage.
   • "Ionic" supposedly means that instead of the water molecule evaporating (like it normally does under the heat), the ionic blow dryers simply break it down, leaving the moisture in your hair. They also do the drying quicker, saving you time. If you blow dry often, they're worth the extra cost.[2]
   Advertisement
3. 3 Nail down your blow-drying technique. You may think there's one way to blow dry your hair: point the blow dryer and go. But there's actually more to it to that and it's important that you do it correctly. There are two things you should get down pat:[3]
   • Use the nozzle on the end -- it's there to direct the heat exactly where you want it to go. That will help your hair cuticles lay smoother and flatter, so your hair will have a shinier finish.[4]
   • Section your hair to get it straighter, getting a faster result.
   • Use a large round brush of you want more volume at the scalp area. If you prefer less volume, use a paddle brush or a Denman brush.
   Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

As You Straighten

1. 1 Shampoo your hair and blow-dry. Use your shampoo, conditioner, and straightening serum and follow your normal routine of lathering up. Bust out that nice hair dryer you just bought, the round brush, and get to work, starting from the nape of your neck.
   • You can now choose to either blow dry your hair or to straighten it with a flat iron, or both. If blow drying, take a wide brush and straighten your hair as your hair stylist would do. Watch out not to turn the blow dryer on maximum heat and not to keep it too close to your hair.[5]
   • Try using a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, which are designed to be used with a thermal straightener.[6]
   • You can also use a thermal protectant leave-in conditioner after your shampoo, which usually comes as a cream or spray. Apply the product to your hair from root to tip.[7]
2. 2 Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. This step may not be necessary if your hair responds well to blow-dryers and brushing. But if you have rather curly hair and tangles are common, give it an extra comb-through.
   • Always be gentle on your scalp. When you're brushing or combing, take extra care in not pulling or tugging on your follicles.
3. 3 Straighten your hair a small section at a time. You may think you're saving time in the long run, but when you take large sections, you just wind up going over them again.[8] Keep your sections to about 1" (2.5 cm) wide to get a more uniform, straightened-for-longer look. And you won't be exposing the strands to heat over and over -- just the one time.[9]
   • If you have fine hair, keep the hair straightener on low; but thick and coarse hair can tolerate the medium and high settings. If you're curious, grab a tissue and test the flat iron on it. If it scorches, it's obviously too hot for you. And though it should go without saying, always, always, always use a heat protectant on your hair to defend your strands against the heat.[2]
   • Spritz each section of hair with thermal protectant before you start straightening.[10]
4. 4 Apply product. You've invested in a good hairdryer and a good flat iron, so it's high time to invest in some good products. Get a hairspray you know you like and some anti-frizz spray or gel that contains silicone.
   • That's right, silicone. It's found in many hair care products. It minimizes frizz because it's water-resistant, and so it prevents humidity from entering the hair shaft and swelling it. Using a shampoo, conditioner, and styling serum all containing silicone will not only control frizz but also help with detangling and shine.[11]
5. 5 Finished. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How do you keep your hair straight for a long time? Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Answer Always work with smaller hair sections, whether you're drying it or straightening it. If the sections are too big, you risk not smoothing it enough with the blow dryer or missing the outside parts when straightening them. 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 Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
• Question What product helps keeping the hair straight? Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Answer That depends on the hair density. If your hair has a medium density or texture, you may want to apply a serum to seal it. If you have fine hair, though, you don't need to apply it. 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 Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
• Question How do I keep my hair straight after straightening it overnight? Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Expert Answer The best way to maintain your hair straight throughout the night and the day is to start with a good prep work. Believe it or not, but it starts with the shampoo and the conditioner. Focus on using products that provide more protection to your hair. If possible, to a treatment to layer your hair and guard it against humidity to keep it straighten. 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 Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

• Cover your hair before you go to bed, or you'll be right back where you started. Use a scarf or a sleep cap. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Straighten small pieces of hair. Taking large chunks will just get you poorer results. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

Warnings

• Flat ironing and blow drying can lead to hair damage. Try to give your hair a day off at least once a week. Thanks Helpful 42 Not Helpful 4
• Keep hairspray away from fire. Thanks Helpful 32 Not Helpful 16

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

• Straightener
• Hair products
• Comb
• Hairdryer
• Brush

You Might Also Like

How toTip How toBecome Taller Naturally How toDress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females) How toGet a U.S. Passport How toIron How toMake Ice Cream with Snow How toSlim Your Face How toAsk Customers for Feedback How toInsert a Rectal Suppository How toPlan a Family Reunion How toFix Your Whole Life How toImprove Your Alexa Ranking How toImprove at IELTS Listening How toClean Le Creuset Advertisement

References

1. ↑ http://time.com/7593/curly-hair-physics-explained/
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/21/straight-hair-tips_n_2724562.html
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqQYcKIiMsk
4. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
5. ↑ http://youqueen.com/beauty/hair/4-great-tips-on-how-to-keep-your-hair-straight-all-day/
6. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
7. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
8. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
9. ↑ https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-care/frizzy-hair/how-to-straighten-curly-hair

More References (2)

10. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
11. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/How-to-Keep-Curly-Hair-Straight-In-Warm-Weather#ixzz2WCycpoYR

About this article

Co-authored by: Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". This article has been viewed 68,446 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 20 Updated: August 4, 2025 Views: 68,446 Article SummaryX

To keep your hair straightened all day long, start by straightening your hair in 1 inch sections at a time with a high quality, ionic hair dryer. In order to improve your blow-drying technique, use the nozzle on the end of your hair dryer to protect your hair from direct heat and use a large round brush to help smooth out your hair. After you’re done straightening, apply an anti-frizz spray or gel that contains silicone to prevent humidity from entering your hair shaft. For more tips, including how to straighten your hair according to your hair type, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

• Print

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 68,446 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author Co-authors: 20 Updated: August 4, 2025 Views: 68,446 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

You Might Also Like

How toTipHow toBecome Taller NaturallyHow toDress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females)How toGet a U.S. Passport wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Contact Us
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Follow Us

--408