How to Use Straightening Crimping Irons

If you admire the long, straight locks of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and you'd like to give that look a try, a straightening iron is a good way to accomplish a similar look with your own hair. When used correctly, a crimping iron with a flat attachment can be used to make curly or wavy hair completely straight.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crimping iron with flat attachment
• Moisturizing shampoo
• Conditioner
• Heat protecting hair spray
• Brush or comb

1. Wash the hair with a good quality moisturizing shampoo and apply a conditioner. Dry the hair completely and brush or comb the hair to remove any tangles and snarls. Mist the hair with a good heat protection spray.

2. Plug in the straightening iron, and allow it to heat for about 10 minutes.

3. Separate a small section of hair and brush or comb through it to make sure it's smooth. Hold the section with one hand, and the straightening crimping iron with the other hand.

4. Open the straightening iron and place it on the hair near the scalp. Leave it for a few seconds and then pull it slowly through from the scalp to the ends of the hair. If the hair isn't straight enough, pull the straightening crimping iron through the hair again, pulling quickly the second time.

5. Clip the straightened hair out of the way. Separate another piece of hair and straighten it as directed. Add it to the hair in the first clip, and continue until all the hair has been sectioned and straightened.

6. Release the hair from the clips and run your fingers or a hair pick through the hair. Check in the mirror to see if any sections need a repeat treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• A crimping iron is a great way to style hair, but because of the extreme heat, it should be used occasionally and not on a daily basis.
• Make sure the hair is completely dry before attempting to straighten it with a crimping iron. Applying heat to wet hair can cause severe damage to the hair.
• To prevent the heat from damaging the hair, keep the crimping iron moving constantly and never let it remain in one place for more than a couple of seconds.

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