The first and most important thing in styling any hair type is to find the proper appliance for your hair type. For straightening, it is obvious that you would want to use a flat iron. As with anything, there are degrees of quality in hairstyling appliances - good, better, and best.

"Good" flat irons are usually made of gold, or some other metal. They generally do not get very hot, and because the metal is such a poor conductor of heat, it is common to have "hot spots". A "hot spot" is an area of the plate that is hotter than the rest of the plate. These generally go up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. These are the irons you get at Wal-Mart for twenty five dollars.

"Better" flat irons have plates and/or heaters made of ceramic. Ceramic is a better, more even distributor of heat, and is less damaging to the hair. There are even different grades of ceramic. Porcelain, for example, is the finest of ceramics. So, a flat iron with plates made of porcelain would provide an ultra smooth surface on which to straighten your hair. Think of a normal piece of metal like a mountain range - many peaks and valleys, plenty of places that your hair could get stuck, or even broken off. Porcelain would be more like a piece of glass - smooth, slick, and gentle. These irons will reach temperatures of 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, with minimal control. This is fine if your hair is similar to that of a horse, but if your hair is fine, the lack of control could cause unnecessary damage to the hair. These irons are typically found at beauty supply stores and will run you forty to seventy dollars.

The "Best" flat irons are teaming up with scientists to provide solutions to all your hair woes. Nearly all of these are made from ceramic or a superior material, with other technology added in. Tourmaline, for example, is actually a semi-precious gemstone, but science has found that when this gem is heated, it provides far-infrared heat and negative ions. The far-infrared heat means that the appliance works from the inside of the hair out, so styling is quicker and less damaging to the hail. Negative ions smooth the cuticle of the hair, which will cause the hair to be less frizzy. In a blow-dryer, the negative ions would actually break up the water molecules, reducing drying time by up to 30%. Silver has been known for centuries to be a natural antibacterial agent. Irons incorporating silver will kill product and bacterial buildup on the hair. These irons will also reach temperatures of 450 degrees or hotter, but will have a much more detailed temperature control system, making them very versatile for all hair types. These irons are found at beauty supply stores, or you can get them from your stylist, and they will run from eighty dollars on up.

Another commonly debated topic is size of the iron. I have always used a small flat iron, no matter how long or short my hair is. I feel it gives me greater control. However, this is entirely a matter of personal preference. It will make no difference in the end result.

The second most important thing when it comes to styling is heat protection. You are exposing your hair to extreme heat, and this can cause the cuticle to break, which will not allow the hair to hold necessary moisture. This will eventually result in breakage, split ends, and a visit to the salon that could easily have been avoided. Heat protectors are sold in spray and cream form, and cost between three and five dollars a bottle. If you are styling every day, one bottle should last you at least a month, if not more, depending on hair length. You can opt for heat protectors alone, or get one that is two products in one, such as one that combines a glosser with a heat protector or a hair spray with a heat protector. Simply apply evenly to your hair before any heat touches your hair. Mine is a volumizer/heat protector combo, and I use it before I blow-dry, then again before I flat iron. It is also important to have a good deep conditioner on hand if you are heat styling daily. This will put back in what the heat has taken out. Use it once a month, at least, more often if your hair requires it. But, do not use a deep conditioner every day - there IS such a thing as over-conditioning, and it will cause breakage as well!

Many people do not realize how important blow drying is to styling. As your hair dries, hydrogen bonds are formed - this is what determines your style for that day - or until the next time your hair gets wet. They are relatively weak bonds, but they do matter. The same qualities that apply to flat irons apply to blow dryers, so get a decent blow dryer AND flat iron. Mine are the same brand, but that doesn't really matter, so long as they are both quality appliances. Round brushes with large vents are useful in decreasing drying time and beginning your style. Some even have tourmaline or other technologies built in.

If your hair is long enough to part and clip away, do so in sections. Part the hair from the middle of the forehead to the nape of the neck, then from ear to ear. Clip off each of these sections, working with one at a time. Section off one inch by one inch pieces of hair, working one at a time. Pass the iron from root to tip at least three times, letting the iron glide as much as possible - too much forcing causes breakage and will pull the hair out at the root. You will know if you are forcing it too hard. Continue around the head, working from the nape up, back to front, small sections at a time. Those with really short hair will probably not need to (or be able to) do so much sectioning. The important part is that you are not trying to straighten too much hair at one time - it simply will not hold. You may need or want to use a styling product, such as a hairspray to hold the style in, especially in you live in a moist climate.

Another quick fact that most people do not know - a good hair cut is critical to having a good hair day. This is true for all hair types and lengths, but especially for those of us who rock the cropped do's - too much growth and we are looking kind of like a sheepdog. On top of keeping the 'do looking nice, it is actually healthier for the hair. It's like pinching the dead flowers and leaves off of a plant - when you get rid of the dead stuff, you leave more room for the healthy stuff to thrive. When it comes to hair cuts, if you are maintaining the same style, you should get a trim every four to six weeks. If you are growing out a style, every six to eight weeks is better. Be sure to be clear to a stylist exactly what you want. Many stylists prefer pictures, and this is really the safest way to go. Your two inches may not be on par with hers! If you are not happy with the cuts you have been getting, let her know! Give her a chance to change, and if she doesn't, then do not be afraid to move on.

1. Blow-dry your hair, using a decent dryer, consistent with your hair type and needs.

2. Find a decent iron, consistent with your hair type and needs.

3. Use a heat protector every time heat touches your hair.

4. Straighten small sections at a time.

5. Deep condition at least once a month.

6. Get good and frequent hair cuts.