All you need for smooth hair is the right products, skill, and a little patience.
Why go to a salon when you can straighten your hair at home? It might sound surprising, but it's possible.
You can easily straighten your hair without any trouble by using the right products and ingredients in your own place .
This article explains everything you should understand about making your hair straight at home and the correct method to do it. So, why wait? Let's begin.
How to Achieve Permanent Straight Hair at Home
Step 1: Start with a Clarifying Shampoo
Make sure your hair is clean so that the straightening products can work well. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove dirt, grease, and any buildup from your hair.
Even if you've already shampooed your hair, wash it again right before the treatment.
Step 2: Put on a Retexturizing Cream
Divide your damp hair into sections and comb through it. Apply the retexturizing cream gently to each section, making sure every strand is coated evenly.
Clip up each section on your head and then move to the next one. Finally, cover all your hair with a shower cap.
Follow the product instructions and consider your hair's curliness. Leave the cream on for around 45-60 minutes.
After the time is up, rinse your hair with warm water thoroughly to make sure there's no product left.
Important: Retexturizing creams work by affecting the natural bonds in your hair, making them softer and more flexible. So, handle your hair gently during this step to avoid any breakage.
Additionally, avoid applying the cream too close to your scalp to prevent potential burns.
Step 3: Dry and Straighten Your Hair with a Blow Dryer
Use hair styling tools like a blow dryer when your hair is around 40-50% dry. Once your hair is fully dry, use a flat iron to straighten it.
Divide your hair into smaller sections and straighten each section separately.
Take your time to straighten your hair completely. And ensuring you don't miss any areas, as this will be how your hair looks until it grows out.
Important: Avoid blow-drying completely wet hair as it's more prone to damage.
Allow your hair to naturally dry without using any heat until it reaches a point where it's roughly 65-70% dry. Afterward, take a blow dryer set to a low heat setting. And ensure that it is held approximately 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) away from your hair while using it. This gentle approach helps protect your hair from excessive heat exposure.
Step 4: Use a Neutralizing Cream
Put on a neutralizing cream, often known as a relaxer, on your hair.
Apply it evenly, following the direction of your hair, as straight as you can, and let it sit for no longer than 10 minutes. This product helps lock in the keratin bonds to keep your hair straight.
Step 5: Wash Out Your Hair
Rinse your hair using warm water only, without using any shampoo. You can then let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer to make it super straight.
Remember: Your hair might seem flat and lifeless at first, but it will regain its natural bounce in a few weeks.
To learn how to achieve straight hair at home using natural ingredients, continue to the next section.
Natural DIY Methods for Straightening Hair
1. Coconut Milk and Lemon Method
The mix of lemon juice and coconut milk combines acid and alkaline properties that can alter your hair's texture and reduce its waves.
This mask will make your hair feel silky, smooth, and soft after just one treatment.
You Will Need
1/4 cup of coconut milk
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions
Thoroughly blend the coconut milk and lemon juice.
Put this mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning, put this mixture on your hair, starting from the roots and going to the ends.
Allow it to stay for at least 30 minutes.
Rinse your hair with cool water and use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.
Do this once a week.
2. Olive Oil and Egg Method
Eggs are full of proteins that can make your hair healthier and smoother. Olive oil helps to make your hair softer and more conditioned. Together, these ingredients improve your hair's health and reduce frizz.
You Will Need
2 eggs (whole)
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
Blend the ingredients until a silky-smooth paste forms.
Apply this mixture to your hair.
Let it sit for about an hour.
Rinse your hair with cool water and use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.
Repeat this once a week.
Remember: If you want to see results from these natural hair straightening methods, you'll need to use them regularly. Keep in mind that these natural methods may not provide a permanent solution like chemical treatments.
Let's discover how long the effects of at-home straightening treatments endure.
How Long Do Home Straightening Treatments Last?
The results of your home hair straightening method will vary depending on the technique you use.
If you've naturally straightened your hair at home, the results may not be instant or long-lasting.
Additionally, if you use heat styling tools like flat irons and straighteners, your hair will stay straight only until you wash it.
On the other hand, using chemical relaxers for home hair straightening provides longer-lasting results until new hair growth.
This method is cost-effective and requires less time than getting your hair straightened at a salon.
The next section discusses some of the side effects of hair straightening.
Do Hair Straightening Treatments Cause Damage to Your Hair?
Yes, chemical hair straightening can result in the following problems:
Frizzy Hair
Dandruff
Hair breakage
Hair thinning and weakening
Split ends
Remember: The chemicals in hair straightening products can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and skin.
Be sure to follow hair care steps after the treatment to avoid these side effects. Now, let's see what you should avoid for the first 72 hours after getting permanent hair straightening.
Guidelines for the First Three Days After Hair Straightening
Do not rinse or shampoo your hair for the first three days.
Avoid using heat styling tools during this time.
Avoid using strong hair care products.
Do not get a haircut during this time.
Protect your hair from both the sun and pollution.
Use a wide-toothed comb to gently remove tangles.
Infographic: 2 Homemade Hair Straightening Recipes + Hair Care Tips
Why use strong chemicals when you can get beautiful, smooth, and silky hair the natural way? Check out our picture guide below.
We have 2 easy recipes for straightening your hair at home and 5 important tips to keep your hair straight and healthy. Have a look!
To make your hair permanently straight at home, you only need the right products used in the correct way.
Simply follow these steps in order, starting with washing your hair using clarifying shampoo and finishing with a rinse after applying the neutralizer cream.
This will keep your hair safe and give you great results.
You can also test out the homemade recipes we talked about earlier to get your hair straight without heat tools or store-bought stuff.
These recipes make your hair healthy and smooth. However, remember, they might not work as well or stay straight as long as the chemicals do. But be careful, using chemicals a lot can damage your hair in the long run.