How to Use a Straightening Comb

Using a straightening comb (also known as a pressing comb or hot comb) may seem like a hard thing to do, but with the right amount of patience attention it's not all that hard, here is how it's accomplished:

Things You'll Need

• straightening comb
• wide tooth comb (for thick hair)
• regular comb
• straightening cream
• hair oil/spray

Instructions

1. If you want to make straightening your hair easier, I suggest to start by getting your hair as straight as possible before hand. This entails using a blow dryer with a comb at the end and/or combing/brushing out any tangles. If your hair is thick you may want to use a wide tooth comb which will make your hair easier to untangle than a smaller one. This will make the straightening process less difficult, painful and time consuming.

2. There are different types of straightening combs: the kind that you can place on a stove, and the electrical kind that you can plug into an outlet. Each type has its own advantage.

   Stove type: You have more control of the heat setting allowing your comb to gradually cool down for you to reheat it. This entails less heat strain on the hair thus less damage.

   Electric type: Great if you don't have access to a stove. Less trips back and fort to the stove and the mirror, and it's quicker.

   Decide which type of straightening comb you think is best for you personally.

3. Before you begin to straighten your hair be sure to moisturize it with some type of oil/sheen that will help in protecting your hair from the intense heat. Also, section it off so that you can work through one area at a time gradually straightening.

   A great product that not only moisturizes the hair but also locks in the straightness is Let's Jam by Soft Sheen and Carson.

4. For stove type straightening comb, place the metal comb part on the stove for roughly five minutes. Before you put it to your hair try blowing away some of the steam and wipe it on a paper towel if needed. For electric type, simply plug it in, set the heat setting and allow it to warm up.

   While standing in front of a mirror pay close attention to your hair and slowly run the comb up through your hair. Think of it as a comb, only you want to avoid it touching your scalp or skin, it's very hot! Also, don't let the comb linger in one posittion for too long, keep the motion going. Think of it as ironing clothes; if you leave the iron standing still on the clothes your risk burning your clothes, same goes for you hair. Continue to slowly run the comb through your hair until it becomes less difficult to do. After one section has been straightened use a regular comb to comb it through and remove any tangles. If needed, apply the straightening comb again. You may notice your arms getting tired so you have the option of taking breaks in between pressing your hair.

5. Repeat this process, going through each section of your hair slowly and making sure not to touch your scalp/skin with the comb. You will notice that your hair is becoming easier to comb through, this means that the straightening comb is working.

Tips & Warnings

• When straightening your hair try to use low heat, this way your hair won't have as much damage as it would with high heat, meaning you'll have healthier hair

• Never use your straightening comb too often, especially every day, it's just too much heat to constantly have so close to your scalp. You may not realize it but all that heat damages your hair by drying it out, causing breakage and split ends.