Curly, frizzy hair can become particularly unruly and difficult to manage when humidity levels are on the rise, but there are some ways to tame those tresses regardless of the weather. Since curly, frizzy hair tends to dry out quickly from the heat, the first step is to protect strands with moisture-infusing shampoo and conditioner. After that, you can use some special styling tools and products that will straighten and protect your hair for several hours.
Whether you’re sporting a bob or long hair, here are some essential tips for straightening curly, frizzy hair:
1. Straighten hair with the right hair dryer attachment. Most hair dryers come with a diffuser attachment to help dry hair evenly and quickly, but this attachment can actually make your hair curly and wavy. Use a straightening attachment instead. These feature a thin comb-like extension and will make it easier to untangle your curls and blow dry them straight.
2. Use a paddle brush while blow drying. Avoid using a rounded, barrel brush and pick up a paddle brush instead. Paddle brushes will help to keep your hair flat and straight as you direct the dryer onto the roots and ends. A wider brush is well-suited for longer hair. If you have short hair, use a skinnier paddle brush.
3. Apply a heat protecting serum or spray. Keep your strands under control by using a heat-protecting serum, spray or gel before you use a flat iron. (You can also apply these products before blow drying if you’re using a blow dryer on its highest setting). Just apply the products from root to tip, and brush through with a comb.
4. Use an ion-based flat iron. A flat iron is the fastest, easiest way to straighten those curls and tame frizzy hair, but it’s important to use a flat iron only after you’ve partially dried your hair with a blow dryer. Make sure the flat iron’s heat setting is appropriate for your hair type – very fine hair will heat up very quickly, so it may not need to be heated at the highest heat setting. Thicker hair may take longer to straighten, and will be able to tolerate higher temperatures. Adjust the heat setting accordingly, or you risk frying your strands!
5. Apply a straightening or glossing balm. After your hair is completely dry, use a straightening spray or glossing balm to further protect the hair, seal in moisture, and strengthen the strands after the heat from the dryer and flat iron. These products will also reduce the risk of flyaways, and prevent your hair from curling when exposed to heat and humidity.
