Quick Quide: How to Flat Iron Natural Hair The Right Way

Flat-ironing hair requires the right skills, tools, and patience. Ideally, you will want to ensure that your hair is clean and deep-conditioned before starting. A good leave-in conditioner should be utilized as well to provide adequate protection from heat damage. So let’s dig quickly how you can flat iron your hair the proper way!

What You Will Need

To flat iron natural hair, you will require a few tools readily available to see you through this process.

• Hair Clamps (To hold your hair)
• Wide-tooth comb
• Denman Brush
• Thermal protectant for your hair (if hair is excessively dry)
• Ionic hair dryer with multiple settings, preferably one with low, medium, high and cool
• Concentrator nozzle
• Flat Iron (Tourmaline or Titanium Plates)

Blow-Drying Your Hair

First, you will want to ensure that you thoroughly blow-dry your hair using a thermal protectant. This process will help to protect your hair from heat damage while also ensuring that your hair is adequately dry and as straight as possible before beginning the flat-iron process.

To do this, section your hair into four to six parts, depending on the thickness and length of your hair, then using an ionic hair dryer with a concentrator nozzle on the end, dry your hair. Make sure to use your Denman brush to aid in the stretching and drying process from root to tip. With all four sections are dry, you are now ready to begin the flat-iron process.

The Selected Flat Iron

Make sure to do your research before purchasing a flat iron and using it on natural hair.  All flat-irons are not equal. Look for a flat iron that uses infrared and negative ion technology. A good flat-iron will have the ability to:

• Reach temps between 310°F and 450°F
• Remove the frizz and sustains hair in humid climates.
• Leave hair shiny and smooth yet full of body.
• Lack hot spots that create risk for damage or breakage.
• Limited passes for quality, straight hair.
• Be easily manipulated for straightening and curling purposes.
• Automatic shut-off (in case you forget to turn off your iron).

You may have to pay between $100 to $200 for a good flat-iron, but the outcome will be worth it.

Flat-Ironing Your Hair

The temperature of iron will vary by the texture of hair. Start at 310°F. Finer hair textures may need to start at a lower temperature such as 250°F.

1. Divide hair into four to six sections depending on the thickness and length of hair then dividing hair one row at a time in a smaller section;
2. Apply thermal protectant.
3. Place flat iron within two inches of the root and slide down to the tip of the hair.
4. Repeat with the next row of hair and follow with another row.
5. Be careful not to try to flat iron too much hair at a time or your hair will not fully straighten.
6. You should be able to flat iron each section in a single pass until finished.
7. Apply a dime-size amount of argan or coconut oil to your hair to ensure adequate moisture upon completion.

So, now you know the process of how to flat iron your natural hair. It’s time to take action! To sustain your hair for up to a week, wrap your hair, then take care to tie your hair up at night with a silk scarf. Touch-ups may be necessary throughout the week but with a good iron, your style should last for at least seven days.