How to Create Flat Iron Hairstyles for Black Hair

Although flat irons can be used to flatten thick hair, they can also be used to form creative hairdos. Most African American women's hair is naturally thick, and the volume is apparent. Flat irons are excellent tools for molding popular hairstyles. With the right amount of heat and the right angle, a flat iron can help Black women achieve cute hairstyles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flat irons
• Hairspray
• Loose gel
• Hair wrap

1. 

   Heat the curling iron for at least 10 minutes to be able to form this willowed hairstyle. Part hair as you wish, and take a small layer of hair to style. Holding the flat iron in the shape of how the hair should rise, leave it at this angle for several seconds. With the index finger and middle finger, hold the raised hair in place and proceed straight down to curl the ends of these strands of hair. By holding the raised part of the hair, it eliminates the raised hair from flattening down too. Hairspray or gel may have to be used to keep the hair raised. This hairstyle has the potential to resemble that of a waterfall, which is the reason why the hairstyle is given that nickname.

2. 

   Use flat irons from the part of the hair straight down, cupping the flat irons around the chin area to resemble what rollers would do. Her head is oval-shaped so the flat-ironed style compliments her face. This style looks better on Black women with oval or round heads as opposed to long heads.

3. 

   Flat iron hair with the same willowed hairstyle like that of Step One. But instead of flat ironing the edges of the hair straight down, flip the flat irons into the opposite direction raised towards the chin to eyes instead of eyes to chin. You may have to hold the flat iron several seconds in place to achieve this flipped-edge hairstyle effect. Hairspray or gel can be used to keep the flips in place.

4. 

   Be creative with the parts. Flat ironed hair does not always have to start in the middle of the head, as with Step Two. Part hair on angles and flat iron the hair to cup the face. In this hairstyle, the Black woman flat ironed the back of her hair straight down to her back but cupped the sides of her hair along her chin. She also took a chunk of the front end and flat ironed it towards the back so the hair is swooping in different directions. There are no limits for the directions that the hair can be styled in, especially if the hair is thick enough to hold the style.

5. 

   Use flat irons to straighten out naturally thick Black hair. Hair does not necessarily have to be flat ironed down with flat irons to create a hairstyle. Even if it's to brush it back into a ponytail for that librarian or professional look, a simple barrette or clip can make all the difference. The pulled-back hairstyle works well with a stylish collar of the shirt or a shawl (ex. with feathers or with a plunging neckline). Hair shouldn't compete with the outfit; the hair should compliment it instead. Flat irons are also useful for pinning hair into a French bun.

6. Be careful about using flat irons on Black hair on a daily basis. Because Black hair tends to dry out and must be oiled regularly, adding excessive heat to it can damage the ends and cause Black hair to fall out. Try flat ironing hair and molding it into a hairstyle at the beginning of the week and wrapping it all week to be feathered out for the rest of the week. When hair is wrapped and combed out, the volume tends to improve.

Resources

• How to Curl Hair with Flat Irons

[texeyes]

on 11/8/2009 Great articles and remember,"to keep a healthy head of hair you must continue washing regularly with organic shampoos, combing daily, massaging softly, do not over use hair dryers, maintaining a good and healthy diet, minimizing stress levels and drinking lots of water." http://hairaerobics.net

[ajoy]

on 8/24/2009 Thanks for the tips.