Damp hair absorbs heat protectant more effectively, but you can still apply it to dry hair. You may use argan oil or other natural heat protectants instead, but set the iron to a low temperature to protect your hair further. This will make it less effective.
For thin hair, use the lowest heat setting. For average hair thickness, use medium heat (about 300–350ºF / 150–177ºC). For thick hair, use high heat (400–450ºF / 200–232ºC). To be safe, you may want to start lower and work your way up until you can straighten the hair in one pass. If you aren’t using heat protectant, use low temperatures only. Be aware that there is a high risk of burning. [7] X Expert Source Michael Van den AbbeelProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.
You’ll be working with locks of hair 1–2 inches (2. 5–5 cm) thick. Each section can include several locks of hair, as long as it’s convenient and easy to separate and hold one lock at a time. Section off the top section of your hair by lifting it and tying or clipping it in a half ponytail. You’ll need total access to the lower layers of hair.
Be sure not to clamp too firmly, as this will create a ridge at the top of your hair. Leaving the iron in one place for too long will also cause a ridge. If there is excess hair falling out of the iron, open the iron and try again with a smaller amount of hair.
It is normal to see steam coming from your hair and the iron. Your hair is not burning; this is just the heat protectant evaporating a little. If you see a lot of steam, or smell burning hair, move the iron more quickly. If your hair is particularly curly or frizzy, start with a few short strokes near the top, before dragging slowly as described.
Multiple passes with a low-temperature iron can cause more damage than a single pass with a high-temperature iron.
Pay extra attention to the very back of your head. It’s easy to miss a kink hiding out of your sight.
Rub in a drop of hair oil, about the size of a pea or even smaller. Spray a little hairspray over the flyaway strands and comb them down. You may apply hairspray over all your hair to protect from wind and moisture. Hold the can 12 to 14 inches (30–38 cm) away from your hair.
