How To Straighten Your Hair With a Straightening Iron

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After this process you'll have nary a wave in your sleek and shiny hair.
Added December 11, 2007

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You Will Need

A straightening iron
A damp head of hair
Straightening balm
Heat-protective serum
A blow-dryer with a nozzle
Hair clips
A comb
And a silicone-based gloss

Step 1.
Choose iron

Choose a straightening iron depending on your type of hair: for short hair, use an iron with small, narrow panels; for long, curly hair, use a large iron that can hold a lot of hair at once and deliver plenty of heat.
If your hair is fine and has a tendency to frizz, then you should opt for a low-wattage iron—about 40 watts—that will not burn your hair.
Step 2.
Apply serum

Apply a heat-protective serum to your hair according to the product directions.
Step 3.
Work in balm

Work a quarter-sized dollop of straightening balm evenly through your damp hair with your fingertips.
Step 4.
Heat iron

Plug in your straightening iron and heat it according to its instructions on a nonflammable surface. If your iron has an adjustable temperature feature, follow the directions for setting the heat level.
Step 5.
Part hair

Part a line around the back of your head from ear to ear, and clip the top section of hair up.
Step 6.
Dry lower section

Blow-dry the lower section of your hair with the nozzle of the dryer directing the air down from the roots toward the tips.
Step 7.
Dry top sections

When the lower section of your hair is completely dry, blow-dry the hair on top of your head, small sections at a time.
Buy an iron that is safe to use on damp or wet hair—it will save you time and save your hair from the extra heat of blow-drying.
Step 8.
Clip up hair

When your hair is completely dry, clip the top section of your hair up again.
Step 9.
Comb and iron lower section

Insert a comb into a lock of hair in the lower section, close to the roots, and clamp the iron between it and your scalp. Slowly pull the comb forward through the hair all the way to the end as you pull the iron behind it.
If time is not an issue, divide your hair into one-inch locks. The thinner the locks, the sleeker your hair will be in the end.
Step 10.
Repeat on top section

Repeat this on the top section of your hair, slowly pulling a comb and the iron through locks of hair.
Step 11.
Gloss your hair

Run some silicone-based gloss through your hair to add extra shine and hold the style. Now it’s time to show off your new sleek, sexy ’do.
The “straightening comb” was invented in the late 19th century by French hairdresser Marcel Grateau.