Straight hair styling opens up a world of new, sleek hairstyles that can change your personal style. With various straightening techniques, the look you want is achievable, whether for a day or for several months.
Hair can have a huge influence on how we look and feel. You may think that the hair on your head has no impact on your overall style, but that could not be further from the truth. In fact, Byrdie details that your hairstyle can even change the appearance of your face shape.
What exactly does it mean to have straight hair, and how can you achieve sleek strands? In this guide, we will discover some of the best methods for straightening hair, both temporary and semi-permanent.
What Does It Mean to Have Straight Hair?
Straight hair is rather self-explanatory: It simply means that your strands have little to no texture or wave. Since straight hair doesn't have a curl pattern, it reflects light more naturally, making it shinier. Follicle shape also plays a role in hair texture. Straight hairs have round follicles, which cause the strands to grow without waves or curls.
Caring for straight strands may be different than other hair types. Straight hair often becomes oily more quickly, meaning an increased frequency of hair washes. Additionally, very straight hair may have difficulty holding curls or waves without excessive product.
How to Get Your Hair Straight?
The hair straightening techniques you choose depend on whether you seek temporary or long-lasting results. Straight hair styling also depends on your budget and the time you are willing to invest in caring for your straightened locks.
Nanoplasty Hair Treatment
Nanoplasty hair treatment uses newer, molecular technology to both repair and strengthen the hair as it smoothes your strands. The entire process can take two to four hours, but results can last for several months or longer, depending on your lifestyle and maintenance routine.
Nanonplasty hair treatment is best for candidates who:
- Have damaged hair from previous treatment methods
- Want longer-lasting results without harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde
- Have unruly or frizzy hair and want smoother locks that are more manageable
Consider a Perm
When you picture a perm, you may think of excessively curly hair that was popular in the 1980s. However, straight perms are a little-known option that can achieve the opposite effect of their curly counterparts.
One of the key benefits of perming your hair is the long-lasting results. Typically, perms last for three to six months, sometimes with touch-ups needed as new hair grows in.
If you decide to get a perm, it is crucial to follow the aftercare instructions to avoid losing your results. Do not wash your hair for 48 to 72 hours following treatment, as this can deactivate the perming chemicals that are still working on your strands.
Additionally, avoid excessive heat styling while you have permed hair. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentler on permed locks and will not strip them of their moisture and chemicals.
Utilize a Flat Iron
A flat iron is a fantastic way to see if straight hair is right for you, or to simply have sleeker strands for a day before switching back to your natural hair texture. Flat ironing hair involves taking small sections and placing them between the flat iron, then running the tool down to achieve the straightened effect.
Since flat irons are very high heat, make sure to apply heat protectant to your hair before you begin. If you flat-iron your hair frequently, give your strands a break every once in a while to avoid permanent damage.
Get a Keratin Treatment
Keratin treatment involves using a solution on clean hair before blow-drying and flat-ironing the locks. The flat-ironing process uses very high heat, which essentially locks in the keratin formula for long-lasting results.
With proper care, you can expect the keratin treatment results to last anywhere from three to six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Straight Hair the Most Rare Hair Type?
It can be, depending on the exact hair type. Type 1A is the rarest type of hair, which is both very fine and very straight. However, hair thickness and texture fall on a spectrum, so some straight hair types are more common than others.
Type 1B, for example, is much more common than Type 1A and has more volume. Type 1C is still thicker, and the thickness can cause frizz.
What Are Some of the Best Hair Products for Straight Hair?
Maintaining straight locks requires the right hair products to ensure your hair retains its volume and shine. Look for products that add volume, as straight hair can lie limp and appear lifeless if it is too heavy.
Use clarifying shampoo once a week to remove excess product buildup on your scalp. When the buildup lifts and washes away, your strands will naturally appear more full and voluminous.
If you utilize heated tools to style your straight hair, it is crucial to protect it from damage. Use the least amount of heat possible and give your hair occasional breaks to recover from heat styling. Additionally, apply heat protectant before using tools to capture moisture and reduce damage.
Does Straight Hair Require More Frequent Washing?
Usually, yes. Straight hair tends to be finer than other hair types, meaning that it accumulates buildup more easily. As the scalp produces natural oils, the oils travel more easily down strands of straight hair, exacerbating its oily appearance much quicker than other hair types.
If you do not want to wash your straightened hair more frequently, use dry shampoo in between washes to keep your locks fresh and shiny.
Are You Ready to Begin Your Journey to Straight Hair?
Changing your look with straight hair can be a refreshing way to improve confidence in your appearance. Whether you use a more permanent solution or simply break out the flat iron, you can transform your style with new locks.
Would you like to learn more about beauty and fashion? Take a look around our website for more tips, tricks, and guides.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
