It is difficult to match the smooth, silky feel of hair that has been properly styled with a hair flat iron. However, to achieve good results time and time again, it is important to learn how to straighten hair without causing excessive damage.

Lock in moisture and improve strength

First, make sure you treat your hair right by using cleansing and moisturizing products especially formulated to protect hair from heat damage caused by styling tools. Prior to styling, and as your normal routine, use a shampoo that locks in moisture while providing gentle cleansing and follow with a conditioner that will improve strength and elasticity. You may also opt to use a leave-in product for extra protection and moisture.

Choose the right flat iron

Once your hair is clean and properly moisturized, you are ready to begin styling. Keep in mind that because hair is more vulnerable to damage when wet, you should start with completely dry hair – unless of course, you are using a flat iron specifically designed to go from wet to dry. You should also place a great deal of importance on using a high-quality ceramic flat iron rather than one with metal plates, which will cause much more damage.

Heat protection for hair

For an added layer of protection, we recommend spraying a light mist of CHI Iron Guard and comb through hair to distribute evenly. It provides an additional barrier between your hair and the heating element, while ensuring a silky and smooth finish.

Flat Iron Hair

Glide the flat iron down one-to-two inch sections of hair, without stopping in any one place for too long, which can burn your hair. Repeat this process until you have styled all of your hair. While they’re viewed as the quickest if not the only means to achieving smooth silky hair, flat irons can also cause irreparable damage, which is why learning how to prevent hair breakage from flat iron use is even more important than perfecting your technique.