How to Use a Hair Straightener - By: Kristy K

Owning a hair straightener is the best way to get all kinds of silky styles without leaving the comfort of your own home. But the straightener doesn’t exactly achieve it by itself. To get your hair from curly to straight or from straight to wavy, you’ll need the right technique and a few tips to set you on the right road to beautiful hair.

How to Straighten Hair

Let’s start with the basics. To straighten your hair, plug in your straightener and set it to the right temperature for your hair type. Low (180°F – 200°F) for thin and fragile hair, medium (250°F – 350°F) for normal hair and high (360°F – 450°F) for thick, curly and coarse hair. Now, follow these steps:

1. Prepare your hair by applying a heat protectant that will protect your locks from damage. Be careful not to put too much or your hair will end up greasy and won’t hold its new straightened style.

2. Clip your hair up but leave a layer at the bottom so you can start there and work your way up. Take your straightener and with your free hand grab a one-inch section of hair and hold it taut. Clamp the plates of the straightener down on the section of hair as close to the roots as possible, then SLOWLY slide it downwards until you reach the ends. Repeat if necessary.

3. Keep sectioning and straightening until you’ve finished the layer, then unclip another layer and carry on. Continue this until your whole head of hair is straight. Spritz on some holding spray or an anti-frizz serum for added shine.

How to Create Curls and Waves

1. Section your hair like you would for straightening. Take a thin section for tight curls or a thick section for loose curls, then hold your hot straightener in the other hand and clamp the plates down as close to your scalp as possible. Make sure that the section of hair is completely in between the plates to avoid snagging.

2. Turn the straightener 180° away from you or towards you depending on which way you want the curl to go, and then with your free hand wrap the remaining section of hair around the straightener once. Now, slide the straightener down slowly until you reach the ends.

3. Unclamp the straightener and release the section of hair. You might like to twirl it around your fingers to give it a curlier shape. If nothing happens during step 2, try turning the straightener around 360° instead. For waves, once you release the curl stretch it gently and tousle with your fingers. Mist with spray or serum for a long lasting style.

About the Author

Kristy is a stylist with 5 salons and writer for Rylees. Rylees is a leading online retailer of hair care products in the UK and offers the Best Curling Irons, Hair Dryers and the Hair Straightener. Free Shipping on orders over $50 and same day shipping.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Kristy-K/134822

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