Straighten Wavy Hair

I can relate very well to the woes of those who have naturally wavy hair and want to get rid of the boring, unmanageable waves. Straight, frizz free hair is something that we yearn for almost daily, especially on the bad hair days. If you have dry wavy hair, your problems are just added to, as the hair becomes even more unmanageable. Then its also the usual 'the grass is greener on the other side' and 'I want what I don't have' situation. Those born with straight hair want curly or wavy hair, and people like us, who are born with wavy hair, want straight hair. So, mentioned below are a few tips on how to straighten wavy hair, but let me warn you, these require a lot of time and patience, so do not expect instant and magical results in the very first time.

Ways to Straighten Wavy Hair

Using Hair Straighteners or Flat Irons
Using hair straighteners or flat irons, wavy hair can be easily straightened, but this will last only for a few hours, or maximum for one whole day. A procedure needs to be followed to straighten wavy hair with a hair straightener or hair iron. Firstly, you need to wash your hair clean with a shampoo and conditioner, preferably one for wavy and frizzy hair. Then, dry your hair thoroughly, use a hair dryer if you are in a hurry. Once your hair has dried well, use a wide mouthed comb to comb your hair straight down. Plug in your hair straightener and wait for it to heat up, medium heat will be sufficient. In the meanwhile, apply a heat protection lotion to the entire length of the hair and let it stay for about a minute. By now, the straightener would have become hot enough. Take small, thin sections of your hair and clip the straightener to the section close to the scalp. Run the straightener from that point to the tip of the hair. Repeat this until all your hair is straightened and falls flat.

Using Blow Dryers
Using blow dryers to straighten wavy hair will take much more time as compared to hair straighteners. This procedure also needs a little experience as blow drying your hair straight, yourself, will be a little difficult initially. Once you learn the technique, it should be relatively easier and faster. Firstly, wash your hair and towel dry it thoroughly. Apply a heat protection lotion to the hair and let it stay. Divide your hair into sections, take one section and clip up the rest. Using a round or flat brush, run the blow dryer on the length of your hair simultaneously with the brush. You may have to repeat this twice or thrice for the same section until the hair becomes straight. This type of hair straightening will last only for a few hours.

Hair Straightening Shampoos, Conditioners and Serums
These are hair straightening products that claim straight hair, if used. But the fact remains that they seldom work. When all three are used in conjunction, they may be a little effective, but do not give the optimum or desired results. However, you can use these before using hair straighteners or blow drying hair, as an aid to straighten wavy hair.

Permanent Hair Straightening
Also known as thermal reconditioning, this is the most effective way to straighten wavy hair and its results last for over six months. However, this technique requires a lot of maintenance and also a lot of damage can be caused to the hair during the process of permanent straightening, so opt for it only if you are really desperate to have poker straight hair.

You can try any of the above mentioned techniques to straighten wavy hair. However, during any of these, make sure you indulge in proper hair care and maintain the health of your hair.