Straightening Really Curly Hair

Women with unruly curls are all too familiar with the nightmarish task of straightening their curly hair. However, with just a little time and patience, even the curliest hair can be tamed. So stop pulling your hair up in a ponytail and learn how to straighten really curly hair.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leave-in conditioner
• Curl relaxer
• Hair dryer
• Large round brush
• Protective spray
• Large-tooth comb
• Flat iron

1. After washing hair, apply a liberal amount of leave-in conditioner, paying special attention to the ends of your hair.

2. Gently towel-dry your hair.

3. Apply about a small amount (about the size of a dime) of curl relaxer to damp hair, again focusing on the ends.

4. Pull top part of hair up and secure into place with a clip or hair band.

5. Using the hair dryer and large round brush, slowly dry hair, starting with the bottom layer at the crown of your neck.

6. Continue slowly drying the rest of your hair in small sections.

7. Once hair is dry, lightly spray your hair with a heat-protective spray.

8. Gently run a large-tooth comb through your hair to remove any tangles.

9. Use your flat iron to straighten hair in small, thin portions. Start at the hair's root and swiftly glide through to the tips.

10. Continue straightening until each section is straightened, and then style as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• The hair straightening process may take longer than normal, so give yourself additional time (about 30 minutes or so) to get ready. Once you get the hang of it, it will take less time.
• Do not be alarmed if you see steam while using the flat iron.

Resources

• Naturally Curly: Recommended products
• How to Choose a Flat Iron