Straightening Curly Hair

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory M.

If you've been following us for a while, you should know by now that my sister Tessa has the most wonderful curly hair. Unlike many curly-heads I've talked to, Tessa love-love-loves(!) her curls. Despite her love for her natural locks, sometimes she craves a sleeker look when leaving it down, or even when putting it up. For that, we enlist the help of our good friend: Mr. Hair-straightener.

Photo by: Rory M.

Now before you throw rotten fruit at me saying, "But Rory! Heat kills hair!", let me clarify that everyday straightening will, over time, hurt your hair, and I would never suggest you do that. However, once-in-a-while straightening will not kill your hair.

Now that we've got that straightened out (Haha, get it?), let's get to it!

Step 1: Begin with dry curls and brush them out. I know this part isn't fun, but good luck trying to straighten curls without this step. Seriously, brush those babies.

Photo by: Rory M.

Step 2: Separate your locks. Trying to straighten a large chunk of hair often doesn't work, and you end up running two hot plates over the same area, exposing it to heat damage. So we put half of Tessa's hair up, and began working with smaller sections.

Step 3: Start straightening! The pieces we did were about 1/8 inch thick and 2 inches wide. We intentionally left the ends curled (She eventually braided it, and the curly ends looked so cute!).

Try not to hold the straightener on a particular spot for too long. It could result in burning the hair. Just clamp it shut, and run it down to the ends.

Photo by: Rory M.

Step 4: Once you've succeeded in straightening the entire head, use some product to smooth and hydrate the 'do. We used John Freida Frizz-Ease Extra-Strength Serum.

Photo by: Rory M.

Remember:

Your hair wants to revert back to its natural state, so keep it away from water and humidity, if possible.

Your ends are the most delicate parts of your hair. be gentle on them when straightening because it is easier for them to get split or damaged by excessive heat.

Feel free to use a heat protective serum or lotion to protect your hair against damage. I usually use Got2be Crazysleek Flat Iron and Blow Dry Lotion. 

Like every part of our bodies, the health and safety of your hair should come before style! Be sure to consult a hair stylist or a friend if you're concerned about how heat straightening may be affecting your hair over the long run. My sister and I have been doing this for years, but we're always very careful. So take care of your hair, and have fun switching up your style!

Photo by: Rory M.