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This is a temporary method, since the hair will stay straight until the next shampoo. When choosing a flat iron to straighten, quality matters. The best flat irons are pricey, but the ceramic plates that are often used in them are better for your hair than the old metal plates.
Flat ironing should be done on freshly shampooed, conditioned and completely dry hair. The hair should be divided into small sections no wider than 1 inch. Bring the flat iron close to your scalp without touching the scalp, and pull it down in one smooth motion to the end of that section of hair. Repeat over your entire head. - Like flat irons, hot combs are a temporary way of straightening the hair. Old hot combs were heated in metal ovens or on stove tops, but modern ones can be electric. Use a hot comb similar to the way you use a flat iron---on small sections of clean, dry hair. The small, closely spaced teeth on hot combs, combined with the heat, straightens the hair.
- Relaxers are a permanent straightening method. They rely on chemicals and should only be used on virgin, or non-chemically treated, hair. As your hair grows out, you'll need to apply the relaxer to the new growth, so that it straightens and matches your previously relaxed hair.
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The best method for straightening your hair depends on your lifestyle. If you're active and regularly exercise, using a flat iron or hot comb to keep your hair straight will be difficult. You may opt for a relaxer instead. If you only want to straighten your hair occasionally, a heat-based method is better for you.
Keep in mind the cost associated with straightening your hair. Buying a good flat iron can cost quite a bit, but high-quality irons will last for years.
Relaxers can be applied at home, but unless you're skilled, you should go to a beauty professional when it's time for touching up new growth. This can be costly over time, since most black women get touch-ups every 4 to 8 weeks.
