How to Use a Flatiron

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By ArtImitatesLife
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Use a Flatiron

For those of us with a naturally wavy or curly mane, achieving perfectly straight locks requires mastering the flatiron.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Brush or comb
Hair clips
Flatiron

Step 1

The first step to any styling routine is to start with a clean slate. Blow dry your freshly washed coif until it is dry to the touch. Using a flat iron or other heat-producing styling tool will not work as well on damp hair. For extra volume, apply a small amount of volumizing spray at your roots.
Step 2

Brush your newly dried hair to remove any tangles. If your hair has a tendency to frizz, you may want to apply a small, dime-sized amount of a silicone-based heat-protectant before any heat styling. Divide the hair into sections and clip to the top of your crown, leaving the hair around your nape loose and ready to style. This is especially important if you have thicker hair or a lot of layers to your style.
Step 3

Take an inch to two-inch section of the loose hair and, starting about an inch from the roots, slowly pull the flatiron down the length of your hair. Try not to work too high towards the roots, as it will have a flattening effect. Do not pull too hard or too fast. Pulling too hard on such a hot instrument can cause breakage, making hair appear frizzy and unhealty.Pulling too fast through your hair applies less control to the tool, which will not achieve that desired super-straight effect. Also, try not to rest or jerk the flatiron as you go; this creates a crimping effect on the hair, making little crease lines where you rested the flatiron on the section of hair. Slow, smooth motions are key, and if you must repeat, two times over the same section should really do the trick. If you want to add a little dimension to layered styles, curve the flatiron under slightly as you get towards the ends of the hair. Continue by taking down one section of hair at a time until you are at the top of the head. Make sure that you pay attention to your part as you finish those last sections of hair by straightening in the direction you want the hair to lay.
Step 4

When you are done straightening, you can finish with an anti-humidity sealant spray to keep your strands super-straight all day, in any weather.