Hair Straightening Techniques Using a flat iron properly

Hair straightening remains popular for taming curls and frizz into sleek strands or adding funky texture to wild, edgy styles.

This page provides detailed techniques for flattening and/or texturizing hair with a flat iron.

You'll also find tips for using a flat iron safely (for the health of your hair) and tips on finishing your style.

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Hair Straightening Tips

A Few Words About Using a Flat Iron Properly

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• Avoid clamping down too hard at the root as this will create a harsh starting line. Ease into it. The plates should be in contact with the hair for as short a time as possible.
  
  
• Smooth the iron through in a fluid motion, just as you would a brush.
  
  
• Run a comb or brush through each section just before the iron to ensure the piece is snag-free and ready for hair straightening. The last thing you want to do is cook in tangles and knots!

Go here for tips on products, tools, and preparing the hair.

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The Sedu flat iron has revolutionized the world of hair straighteners and is now considered far and away, the best of the best.

Made with Tourmaline technology which produces a huge amount of negative ions, completely smoothing your hair record fast, but without the damage of traditional heat styling.

That's what you're paying for with this iron. Not a brand name, or fancy packaging... it's all about the transformative power the Sedu flat iron has on troublesome hair. The plates glide through the hair, doing their job quickly and effectively while boosting shine in a BIG way!

LONG HAIR STRAIGHTENING TECHNIQUES

Once the hair is completely dry, clip up the top sections leaving only a small strip at the nape of your neck.

Hold the entire section over one shoulder and gently clamp the flat iron down within a few inches of the scalp, sliding the iron through to the ends.

Don't worry about getting in too close to the scalp in the bottom sections, they'll be covered anyway.

Let your hair down in one to two inch sections, parting from ear to ear, all the way up the head (take the smallest sections in the very top). Smooth the comb through to the ends, then the iron, then let the piece fall and cool.

SHORT HAIR STRAIGHTENING TECHNIQUES

Use a narrow plated flat iron, or tongs. Dry your hair completely, then, holding small sections in a comb, slide the hair straightening iron in near the roots (watch your fingers!), clamp down and smooth through to the ends.

If your hair is slightly longer, you'll need to clip the top layers out of the way and start underneath. Take sections at different angles for more texture. Also try clamping down only on the ends to create peaks and add interest.

FINISHING

Now is the time for a smoothing, or finishing hair product. The product you choose will depend on your hair type and your desired effect.

If your hair is fine, stick with something very light such as a silicone spray. If you have thicker hair and want a rougher, more textured look, opt for a wax, clay or mud.

Yearning for shine? Smooth on some pomade or a silicone-based product. Whichever you decide on, use it sparingly at first, and emulsify (rub the product well into your palms). You can always add more if you need to.

If your hair tends to frizz in the slightest humidity, use an anti-humectant pomade before and after you dry it. Aveda makes a very good one.

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