Hair straightening is a styling technique that helps achieve sleek, smooth hair. This makes it a go-to option for people looking to transform their natural texture.
Straighteners, which can also be called flat irons, offer a convenient way to reduce frizz, tame curls, and create a silky look. This helps to explain why they have become a must-have tool in many people's hair routines.
One of the main benefits of using straighteners is their versatility. If you want perfectly straight hair or soft waves, they can help you create salon-like results from the comfort of your home. However, improper use of straighteners can lead to heat damage, dryness, and breakage. It's therefore crucial to use the right techniques to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
In this guide, we will explore the different types of straighteners to choose from, a step-by-step guide to straightening your hair, straightening tips and tricks as well as common mistakes to avoid.
Table of Contents:
The different types of straighteners
Preparing your hair for straightening
Set your straightener at the right temperature for your hair
How to straighten your hair step-by-step
Straightening bangs and difficult areas
Hair care tips after using straighteners
Common mistakes to avoid when straightening your hair
Explore Bellissima’s range of straighteners
The different types of straighteners
Ceramic straighteners
Ceramic straighteners are known for their ability to distribute heat evenly across the plates. This helps to reduce hot spots that can cause uneven straightening or heat damage.
This type of straightener is ideal for fine or delicate hair, as it provides gentle styling without excessive heat exposure, leaving the hair smooth and shiny.
Find out more about the Bellissima Italia Absolute Straightener with ceramic and keratin-coated plates.
Titanium straighteners
Titanium straighteners are popular for their fast heat-up time and excellent heat retention. This makes them perfect for people with thick or coarse hair that requires higher temperatures to achieve a sleek finish. The durability and lightweight design of titanium also ensure a longer-lasting, efficient styling tool.
Tourmaline straighteners
Tourmaline straighteners work by neutralising positive ions in hair. This reduces frizz and makes hair look smoother and shiny.
The tourmaline plates help to retain moisture and prevent further harm to already fragile strands, which is especially beneficial for damaged hair.
Steam straighteners
Steam straighteners are a new, innovative product that combines heat with steam technology to hydrate hair while straightening. The infusion of steam helps lock in moisture, making it an exceptional choice for dry or coarse hair. It provides smooth, glossy results without the intense heat of traditional straighteners, reducing the risk of damage over time.
Check out the Bellissima Italia Steam Elixir Straightener today.
Infrared straighteners
Infrared straighteners use advanced infrared technology to gently heat the hair from the inside out. This ensures less surface heat, which reduces the risk of damage and keeps the hair’s natural moisture intact.
They help maintain hydration, making the hair soft, smooth, and frizz-free. This type of straightener is ideal for all hair types, particularly if you're looking to minimise heat damage while achieving sleek, shiny results.
Find out more about the Bellissima Italia Creativity Infrared Straightener now.
Preparing your hair for straightening
Washing and conditioning
Before straightening, it’s essential to start with clean hair.
Use a heat-protectant shampoo and conditioner that fortify your hair against heat damage. These contain ingredients like keratin or argan oil, which provide a protective barrier against the heat.
Dry your hair
After washing, make sure to dry your hair properly. Air drying or blow-drying on a cool setting can help preserve the health of your hair.
Using a straightener on damp hair can cause serious damage, so ensure it’s completely dry.
Use a heat protecting spray
Heat protectant sprays or serums are a must when using straighteners. They form a barrier between your hair and the heat, minimising the risk of damage while keeping your locks smooth and hydrated. Look for products that offer protection up to 230°C to ensure full coverage.
To get the best results, apply the heat protectant evenly across your hair. Spray or apply the serum, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, where the hair is most prone to damage. Comb through your hair to distribute the product properly.
Brush and section your hair
Detangling your hair before straightening is key to smooth, hassle-free styling. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles. This will help the straightener glide through more easily and prevent snagging.
Sectioning your hair is another important step to ensure even straightening. Divide your hair into smaller, manageable sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This method ensures that each strand gets the right amount of attention for a professional finish.
Set your straightener at the right temperature for your hair
Choosing the right temperature for your hair type is crucial to achieving the best results while minimising damage.
Here's what temperature we recommend you use, depending on the type of hair you have:
Fine or delicate hair
Use a lower temperature for finer hair, typically around 170°C. Fine hair can be easily damaged by excessive heat, so it’s important to use the lowest effective temperature.
Regular hair
A moderate temperature of around 185°C is generally effective.
Thick or coarse hair
Higher temperatures, up to 210°C, may be needed to straighten thicker hair efficiently.
Curly or textured hair
For more resilient curls or textures, temperatures up to 230°C may be required.
Always start at the lowest setting and gradually increase the temperature to find the most effective heat without damaging the health of your hair.
How to straighten your hair step-by-step
To achieve sleek, straight hair, follow these steps:
1. Position the straightener correctly
Hold the straightener close to the roots but avoid placing it directly on the scalp. This allows you to straighten the roots without risking burns.
2. Close the straighteners together
Gently close the straighteners around your hair, ensuring the heated plates make contact with your strands. Avoid clamping too tightly, as this can create a ridge where you begin straightening. Don't hold the straightener in one place for too long, as this can also cause creases in your hair.
3. Glide steadily
Glide the straightener slowly and steadily from the roots to the tips. This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, giving a smooth finish. Move at a consistent pace to avoid creating kinks or unevenness.
4. Move your straightened hair out of the way
Move the straightened section of hair aside and hold a new section of hair in your hand. It’s more efficient to work from one side of your head to the other, as this helps keep the straightened sections separate from those still to be done. If a section becomes tangled, brush it out before straightening.
Apply a light hairspray or setting serum immediately after straightening each section. Be careful not to get any product on the hair you haven't straightened yet, as it can potentially cause damage to both your hair and straightener.
5. Limit the number of passes
Run the straightener over each section of hair 2-3 times at most. Once your hair is straight, stop to avoid unnecessary heat exposure. If your hair is fine, you may only need to pass the straightener once, while thicker hair might require a couple more passes. Avoid exceeding three passes to minimise the risk of heat damage.
Straightening bangs and difficult areas
Straightening tricky sections like bangs and the areas around your face requires a bit more attention.
Bangs
Use a smaller sectioning clip to isolate your bangs. Straighten in small, controlled strokes, and avoid using high heat to prevent damage. You might need to adjust the angle of the straightener to ensure the bangs lay flat and smooth.
Around the face
For the areas around your face, use the straightener at a slight angle. This will help you to avoid direct contact with your skin and to better manage the curve of your hairline. Hold the straightener at a comfortable angle and use gentle strokes to straighten these sensitive areas.
Hair care tips after using straighteners
After achieving the look you desire with your straighteners, it’s important to focus on maintaining the health and appearance of your hair. Proper care and the right finishing products can enhance your style and keep your hair looking great.
Finishing products
After straightening, using serums or oils is an excellent way to enhance the shine and add a glossy finish to your hair.
These finishing products not only make your hair look smoother and healthier, but also help protect it from humidity that can cause frizz. Serums containing ingredients like argan oil, known for its moisturising and restorative properties, or silicone-based products, which coat the hair shaft to seal in moisture, are effective in smoothing the hair and creating a sleek, shiny appearance.
Applying an anti-frizz spray is also a great way to maintain the sleekness of your style throughout the day.
These sprays form a protective barrier around the hair, guarding it against humidity and preventing flyaway hairs from ruining your straightened look. To get the best results, apply the serum or oil evenly to your hair after straightening.
Focus on applying to the mid-lengths and ends, where hair is usually drier. Follow up with a light mist of anti-frizz spray to keep your hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free all day long.
Minimising damage over time
To minimise heat damage, it's essential to limit the frequency of using straighteners. Aim to straighten your hair only a few times a week rather than daily. This practice helps prevent the cumulative damage that can occur with frequent heat exposure. On days when you’re not using straighteners, consider letting your hair air dry or using a heat-free styling method to give your hair a break.
Incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your routine can help ensure your hair remains healthy and hydrated. Deep conditioners (or hair masks) are often rich in nourishing ingredients like keratin, proteins, or natural oils. These penetrate the hair shaft to repair and restore moisture, strength, and elasticity. Applying these treatments once a week can improve your hair’s resilience and appearance.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of regular trims. Cutting your hair every 6-8 weeks helps remove split ends and prevents damage from travelling up the hair shaft, keeping your hair looking fresh and healthy. You should also use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair, avoiding harsh brushing, and choosing sulphate-free shampoos.
These steps will help ensure your hair stays strong, shiny, and beautiful over time.
Common mistakes to avoid when straightening your hair
Avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference in maintaining the health of your hair and achieving the best results.
Here are the mistakes that we hear people have made the most:
Using your straightener on wet hair
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using a straightener on damp or wet hair. Doing this can cause serious damage, as the heat boils the water inside the hair shaft, leading to breakage and frizz.
Always ensure your hair is completely dry before using a straightener.
Not using heat protectants
Skipping heat protectant products can expose your hair to intense heat, which causes damage over time.
Always apply a heat protectant spray before straightening to create a barrier that reduces the impact of high temperatures.
Setting the temperature too high
Using the highest heat setting may seem like a shortcut, but it can lead to excessive damage, especially for fine hair. Choose the lowest effective temperature for your hair type to minimise heat exposure while still achieving your desired style.
Straightening hair too frequently
Overuse of straighteners can weaken hair, leading to breakage, split ends, and dryness. To avoid long-term damage, limit straightening sessions and give your hair time to recover between uses.
Explore Bellissima’s range of straighteners
For achieving the perfect straight hair, choosing the right straightener is key.
Our ceramic hair straighteners are designed for all hair types, helping you create sleek, straight locks, soft waves, or defined curls without worrying about heat damage. With a ceramic coating infused with Argan Oil, they ensure smooth, frizz-free results every time.
Bellissima Italia straighteners effortlessly deliver a professional finish. Experience the freedom to style your hair just the way you want to.
Ready to elevate your hair game? Explore our range of hair straighteners and find your perfect match today!
FAQs
Can I use a straightener to curl my hair?
Yes, many straighteners can create waves or curls by twisting the tool as you glide it down your hair. Choose a straightener with rounded edges for best results.
What’s the difference between a hot brush and a straightener?
A hot brush combines the effects of a brush with heat styling, gently smoothing your hair as you brush it through. A straightener, on the other hand, uses two heated plates to clamp and straighten hair by applying direct heat and pressure. Read more about the differences between a hot brush and a straightener on our blog.
How do I clean my straightener?
Once cooled, wipe the plates with a damp cloth to remove product build-up. Make sure to follow the cleaning guidelines for proper maintenance.
Can I straighten my hair when it's damp?
No, straightening wet or damp hair can cause severe damage by frying your strands. Always ensure your hair is completely dry before using a straightener.
How do I avoid flat, limp hair after straightening?
To maintain volume, focus on straightening the mid-lengths and ends rather than flattening the roots. You can also use a volumising product before styling. Explore more about adding salon-worthy volume to your hair at home.
Are Bellissima Italia straighteners good for all hair types?
Yes! Bellissima Italia straighteners are designed with ceramic and Argan oil technology. This ensures a smooth, professional finish for all hair types, whether straight, wavy, curly, or thick.
