How to Control Frizz When Flat Ironing Hair

Frizzy hair can happen to anyone, whether it is natural, environmental or as a result of over-coloring or chemical damage. Those with coarse, frizzy hair also have a lack of shine to their hair, because it does not reflect light in the same way straight hair does. Straightening hair with a flat iron is a great way to get a sleek, shiny look for most hair types. However, with all heated styling tools, too much heat can cause further damage to any hair type. Taking extra steps to moisturize and condition hair prior to using heated styling tools can help control frizz when flat ironing hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cold water
• Shampoo and conditioner for straight hair
• Hair frizz control serum
• Flat iron

1. Wash hair with a shampoo and conditioner that are designed to promote or create sleek, straight hair. Products found in drugstores such as Garnier Fructis, Sunsilk and Pantene among others offer formulas designed to create straight, sleek hair by adding moisture to frizzy strands. Use a dime-sized amount of each to prevent product build-up on the hair, which can make frizzy hair worse.

2. Rinse hair with cool water. Using the coolest water tolerable to rinse out shampoo and conditioner allows for the hair cuticle to remain smooth, reducing the appearance of frizzy hair.

3. Apply a frizz control hair serum to the strands before flat ironing. Again, use a dime sized amount of serum and distribute evenly, concentrating on the ends of the hair where it is driest. Avoid using too many anti-frizz products at one time, because buildup can prevent the hair shaft from getting the serum to soften the hair.

4. Blow dry hair completely. Once the hair is dry, begin to use a flat iron to straighten small sections of the hair. Work from the bottom up, concentrating on the crown of the head last. The frizz control serum applied will work to not only control frizzy strands, but also protect the hair shaft from further damage by the hot flat iron.

5. Prevent frizzy hair by getting a trim every six to eight weeks. This can prevent split ends, which travel up the hair shaft creating extra frizzy hair. Refrain from over washing the hair as well, since it can strip natural oils causing the hair to be dry and damaged.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect the hair with a hair serum before using a heated styling tool.
• Avoid using too many hair products, since they can cause buildup on all hair types.

References

• Controlling Frizzy Hair
• Sephora Hair
• Anti-Frizz Hair Style Products