How to Flat Iron Hair: 14 Steps
Flat ironing your hair can give you a sleek, smooth, and stylish look. But using a flat iron incorrectly can lead to damaged hair. Follow these 14 steps to achieve perfectly flat ironed hair without causing damage.
1. Choose the right flat iron: To avoid damage, pick a flat iron with adjustable heat settings, ceramic or titanium plates, and a narrow width for easier maneuverability.
2. Wash your hair: Start with clean hair by washing it with shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type.
3. Dry your hair completely: Before flat ironing, make sure your hair is thoroughly dry. Use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water and use a blow dryer on low heat to finish drying.
4. Apply a heat protectant: Evenly distribute a heat protectant product throughout your hair to shield it from high temperatures.
5. Detangle your hair: Gently comb through your hair with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles.
6. Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips or ponytail holders, starting at the nape of the neck and working upwards.
7. Set the appropriate temperature: Based on your hair type, set the temperature of the flat iron accordingly (Fine/fragile: 250-300°F, Medium/normal: 300-350°F, Coarse/thick: 350-400°F).
8. Start from the roots: Hold the flat iron near the roots of one section of hair but not too close to avoid burning your scalp.
9. Glide the flat iron: slowly down the section of hair, maintaining consistent tension while holding the ends taut with your other hand.
10. Avoid multiple passes over the same section; otherwise, it can cause damage.
11. Move on to another section: After finishing one section, release the next section from the clip and repeat steps 8-10.
12. Cool down your hair: Allow each section of hair to cool for a moment before styling or touching it, as hair remains malleable when hot.
13. Apply a finishing product: Use a lightweight hair serum or oil to smooth any flyaways, add shine, and seal in moisture for healthier hair.
14. Clean and store your flat iron: After cooling, clean your flat iron’s plates using a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. Store it in a safe place to avoid damaging the cords or plates.
By following these 14 steps, you can achieve beautiful flat-ironed hair while minimizing heat damage. Practice makes perfect, so continue refining your technique and experimenting with different products to find what works best for you.