The Best Ways To Straighten Your Hair At Home
Do you have curly or wavy hair and want to straighten it? What if we told you that you don’t need to visit a salon to do that? Well, it’s true – you can straighten your hair at home with ease, provided you have the right products and ingredients. This article lists the best ways to straighten your curly hair at home.Scroll down for more information!
Table Of Contents
- How To Get Permanently Straight Hair At Home
- DIY Remedies For Straightening The Hair Naturally
- How Long Do Straightening Treatments Done At Home Last?
- Do Straightening Treatments Damage The Hair?
- Rules To Follow For Three Days After Straightening
How To Get Permanently Straight Hair At Home
Step 1: Use A Clarifying Shampoo
Make sure that you have clean hair so that the straightening products can work effectively. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to eliminate dirt, grease, and any buildup. Even if your hair is shampooed, wash it again immediately before the treatment.
Step 2: Apply A Retexturizing Cream
Separate your damp hair into sections and comb it. Apply the retexturizing cream gently to each section, coating every hair strand evenly. Clip up each section on your head and then move on to the next. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
Depending on the product recommendation and how curly your hair is, leave it on for about 45-60 minutes. Once the time is up, rinse your hair with warm water and ensure no product residue.
Note: Retexturizing creams react with the hair keratin bonds, breaking them down and rearranging them to soften and stretch the hair. Hence, be gentle with your hair at this step to prevent breakage. Also, do not apply the cream close to your scalp, as it can cause burns.
Step 3: Blow Dry And Straighten Your Hair
Blow dry your hair after it is 40-50% dry. After it has dried completely, straighten your hair with a flat iron. Divide your hair into sections and straighten one section at a time. Spend enough time to straighten your hair without missing any spot because this is how your hair is going to remain until it grows out.
Step 4: Apply A Neutralizer Cream
Apply a neutralizing cream, commonly called a relaxer, to your hair. Apply it in the direction of your hair, as straight as possible, and leave it on for not more than 10 minutes. This product locks the keratin bonds so that your hair stays straight.
Step 5: Rinse Your Hair
Wash your hair only with warm water. Do not use any shampoo. You can air dry or blow dry your hair to make your curls super straight.
Note: Your hair might look flat and limp initially, but it will regain its bounce after a few weeks.
To get straight hair at home using natural ingredients, check out the next section.
DIY Remedies For Straightening The Hair Naturally
1. Coconut Milk And Lemon
The lemon juice and coconut milk combination is an acid and alkali blend that can change your hair texture and affect its waviness. This mask will leave your hair feeling silky, smooth, and soft right after the first treatment.
You Will Need
- ¼ cup of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Directions
- Mix the coconut milk lemon juice well.
- Refrigerate this mixture overnight.
- In the morning, apply it to your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with cool water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
- Repeat this once a week.
2. Olive Oil And Egg
Eggs are packed with proteins that can help nourish and smoothen your hair. Olive oil helps condition your hair (1). These ingredients help enhance your hair health and keep frizz at bay.
You Will Need
- 2 whole eggs
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
Directions
- Whisk the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste to your hair.
- Leave it on for about an hour.
- Wash your hair with cool water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
- Do this once a week.
Note: DIY remedies for straightening the hair will give you results over time, only if used consistently. Also, natural ways of hair straightening may not be a permanent solution.
Let us find out how long at-home straightening treatments last.
How Long Do Straightening Treatments Done At Home Last?
Depending on the method you choose for straightening your hair at home, the results will differ.
If you have straightened your hair at home naturally, the results may not be quick and long-lasting. Also, heat styling devices like flat irons and straighteners will keep your hair straight only until you wash it.
However, hair straightening at home with chemical relaxers gives long-lasting results until the new hair starts growing. This process is budget-friendly and less time-consuming than straightening your hair at the salon.
Hair straightening has a few side effects, which are discussed in the next section.
Do Straightening Treatments Damage The Hair?
Yes. Chemical hair straightening can lead to the following issues:
- Frizzy hair
- Dandruff
- Hair breakage
- Hair thinning and weakening
- Split ends
- Dryness
Note: The chemicals in hair straightening products might irritate the eyes, nose, and skin.
Make sure to take care of your hair after the treatment to prevent these side effects.Now, let’s take a look at what you should avoid for 72 hours after permanent hair straightening.
Rules To Follow For Three Days After Straightening
- Do not rinse or shampoo your hair.
- Stay away from heat styling tools.
- Do not use strong hair care products.
- Do not go for a hair cut.
- Protect your hair from the sun and pollution.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle knots.
Follow these tips to prevent any hair damage and failed results.
Final Thoughts
While you can choose between natural methods, chemical methods, and styling tools to straighten your hair, the most permanent results are obtained with chemical treatments. However, chemical treatments can damage your hair in the long run. Consult a hairstylist before straightening your hair with chemical relaxers to achieve the best results as per your hair type.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
Q. What should we apply to the hair before straightening it at home?
A. If you are straightening your hair temporarily with a heat styling tool, use hair serums or heat protectants before the process.
Q. Does rice water straighten your hair?
A. No. There is no scientific evidence that indicates that rice water can straighten your hair.
Q. Can I use oil before hair straightening?
A. No. Using oil before hair straightening will reduce the impact of relaxers or styling tools on the hair.
Q. Can I use a curling iron on my treated hair?
A. No. Avoid using a curling iron within 72 hours of straightening your hair permanently.
Q. How to get straight hair without heat?
A. You can opt for natural remedies for hair straightening at home if you are not willing to apply heat to your hair.Q