Things You'll Need:
- Flatiron
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Blow dryer
- Frizz-Ease
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Step 1
Buy a ceramic flat iron. If you own a flat iron but it's not ceramic, now is the time to upgrade. Hair emits positive ions, and ceramic flat irons emit negative ions and when the two meet, the ions are neutralized, causing smooth, frizz-free hair.
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Step 2
Consider buying a 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch plate size. A 1-inch plate size works for most hair lengths, and is especially useful if you have shorter hair, like bangs, or if you have layers.
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Step 3
Start with clean hair. Always shampoo and condition hair prior to each use of a flat ion. Also add a no-frizz serum, like John Frida's Frizz-Ease, to your hair. This helps to minimize frizz that develops from the outdoors.
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Step 4
Blow dry your hair before using a flat iron. A good idea is to blow dry hair in sections, using a brush to thoroughly dry and straighten hair simultaneously.
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Step 5
Choose a flat iron that goes up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit (210 degrees Celsius). For ethnic hair, the temperature range recommended is between 380 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit (or 190 to 210 degrees Celsius). Make sure the flat iron you buy has a dial that allows you to change temperature by degree, instead of the generic "low," "medium," or "high."
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Step 6
Start flat ironing at the lowest temperature setting for ethnic hair (380 degrees Fahrenheit). Continue to raise the temperature until your hair is straightened but not smoking.
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Step 7
Choose small sections of hair (approximately 1/4-inch) to flat iron at a time. Run the flat iron over each section of hair multiple times, until the hair is sufficiently straightened.
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Step 8
Flat iron from root to ends in one smooth motion.
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Step 9
Wrap hair in a silk scarf, or sleep on silk sheets, to maintain straightened hair.
