Flat ironing your hair can give you sleek, shiny results, but it’s important to take the right steps to protect your hair. Applying the right products before using a flat iron can prevent damage and enhance the look and feel of your hair. In this article, we’ll explore the essential steps to take and the what should put on hair before flat ironing.
Why Protecting Your Hair Is Important
Before jumping into the products to use, it’s essential to understand why protecting your hair is so important. Flat irons work by applying direct heat to your strands, which can cause dryness, frizz, and even breakage over time if you don’t protect your hair. The heat can strip moisture from your hair, making it vulnerable to damage. Applying the right products before flat ironing helps minimize heat damage, retain moisture, and improve your hair’s appearance.
Step 1: Start With Clean, Damp Hair
The first step to flat ironing your hair is ensuring it’s clean and damp. Flat ironing dirty or oily hair can lead to uneven results and build-up. Clean hair gives the flat iron better grip and allows for smoother results. You should also never flat iron dry hair, as dry strands are more likely to suffer from heat damage.
How to Prepare Your Hair
Wash your hair using a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type.
Gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water.
Leave your hair damp but not soaking wet.
Step 2: Apply a Heat Protectant
The most important product to put on hair before flat ironing is a heat protectant. This product forms a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing moisture loss and reducing the chances of heat damage. Heat protectants come in various forms, such as sprays, creams, and serums.
How Heat Protectants Work
- Heat protectants coat the hair with a protective layer.
- They act as a shield against high temperatures.
- They can also help improve shine and smoothness.
Best Heat Protectant Products
Spray Heat Protectants: Light and easy to apply, spray protectants are great for fine hair that may get weighed down by heavier creams.
Creams or Lotions: Ideal for thicker or coarser hair, creams provide more control and may also help with frizz.
Serums: These are great for adding shine while protecting your hair from heat.
How to Apply
Section your damp hair into manageable parts.
Hold the heat protectant about 6-8 inches from your hair.
Mist the product lightly onto each section of hair.
Distribute the product through your hair using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
Step 3: Use a Leave-In Conditioner
After applying your heat protectant, you might want to consider using a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and soft. Leave-in conditioners are lightweight formulas that stay in your hair after washing and offer additional protection and nourishment. They help detangle the hair and provide extra smoothness before using a flat iron.
Benefits of Leave-In Conditioner
- Adds moisture to prevent dryness.
- Helps detangle hair and prevent breakage.
- Offers additional heat protection.
- Softens hair for better flat iron results.
Best Leave-In Conditioners
Lightweight Formulas: Ideal for fine hair, these leave-in conditioners won’t weigh down your strands.
Moisturizing Formulas: If your hair is on the drier side, a more moisturizing leave-in conditioner will help hydrate your strands.
How to Apply
After towel-drying your hair, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner.
Start at the ends and work your way up to avoid weighing down your roots.
Comb through to distribute the product evenly.
Step 4: Add a Frizz Control Product
Frizz can be a major problem when flat ironing, especially in humid weather. To keep your hair smooth and frizz-free, consider using a frizz control serum or anti-frizz cream. These products help to lock in moisture and smooth the hair cuticle, preventing flyaways.
How Frizz Control Products Work
They seal the hair cuticle to lock in moisture and shine.
They provide a barrier against humidity and environmental factors.
They improve the overall smoothness of your hair.
Best Frizz Control Products
Frizz-Reducing Serums: These products are great for smoothing frizz and adding shine.
Anti-Frizz Creams: Ideal for more textured or curly hair, anti-frizz creams help with taming hair while adding moisture.
How to Apply
Apply a small amount of frizz control product to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Avoid applying too much to the roots to prevent flatness.
Comb through to distribute evenly.
Step 5: Use a Styling Cream or Mousse (Optional)
If you’re looking for more hold or volume, you might want to apply a styling cream or mousse before flat ironing. These products give structure and support to your hair, allowing for better results when using a flat iron. They’re particularly useful if you’re going for a styled look like volume or curls, and they can help the style last longer.
How Styling Products Work
- They provide hold and structure.
- They enhance your hair’s natural texture.
- They can add volume and shape.
Best Styling Creams or Mousses
Volumizing Mousse: Ideal for fine or flat hair, it adds volume and lift without weighing hair down.
Smoothing Creams: These help keep your hair sleek and shiny while adding light hold.
How to Apply
Apply a dollop of mousse or styling cream to damp hair.
Focus on the roots if you want volume, or smooth it through the lengths for sleekness.
Comb or finger-style to distribute the product.
Step 6: Optional: Apply a Hair Oil for Extra Shine
If your hair tends to look dull or lacks shine, applying a hair oil can help. Hair oils are great for sealing in moisture and providing an extra glossy finish after flat ironing. However, you should use them sparingly, as too much oil can weigh hair down and make it look greasy.
Benefits of Hair Oil
- Adds a healthy shine to your hair.
- Seals in moisture and protects against dryness.
- Smooths frizz and flyaways.
Best Hair Oils
Argan Oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, argan oil is perfect for adding shine and preventing dryness.
Coconut Oil: Great for nourishing hair, but use sparingly as it can be heavy.
Jojoba Oil: Similar to natural scalp oils, jojoba oil is lightweight and ideal for all hair types.
How to Apply
Apply a small amount (a few drops) to your hands.
Rub your palms together and then smooth the oil over the ends of your hair.
Avoid applying directly to the roots to prevent greasiness.
Step 7: Section Your Hair for Better Flat Iron Results
Once you’ve applied all the necessary products, the next step is to section your hair. Sectioning ensures that each part of your hair gets evenly flat-ironed, helping you achieve the smoothest finish.
How to Section Your Hair
- Divide your hair into 2-4 sections depending on thickness.
- Use clips to keep the sections separated.
- Start flat ironing from the bottom section and work your way up.
Conclusion
Flat ironing can give you beautiful, sleek hair, but it’s essential to prep your hair with the right products. Using a heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, frizz control, and optional styling products will not only protect your hair from damage but also improve the overall finish. By taking the time to properly prepare your hair, you ensure that your flat iron will work effectively, leaving your hair looking smooth, shiny, and healthy.
Remember that every hair type is different, so experiment with products that work best for your specific needs. If you’re using a flat iron regularly, it’s also important to take good care of your hair through regular trims and deep conditioning treatments to maintain its health.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy smooth, shiny, and healthy-looking hair after flat ironing every time.
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