Flat ironing African American hair can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a sleek and straight style. In this article, we’ll go over how to flat iron African American hair in a relaxed and easy-to-understand manner.
Table of Contents
- How to Flat Iron African American Hair
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Flat Ironing African American Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Hair Care for Flat Ironed African American Hair
How to Flat Iron African American Hair
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s go over some basics. Flat ironing African American hair requires a high-quality flat iron with adjustable heat settings. You should also use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage to your hair.
It’s important to note that flat ironing should only be done on hair that has been recently washed and conditioned. Avoid flat ironing hair that is dirty or has product buildup, as this can cause damage to your hair.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start by washing and conditioning your hair. Apply a deep conditioner to add moisture to your hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it out.
Step 2: Apply a Heat Protectant Spray
Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair to prevent damage from the flat iron. Spray the heat protectant evenly throughout your hair, making sure to cover all of your strands.
Step 3: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into small sections using hair clips. This will make it easier to flat iron each section and ensure that you don’t miss any strands.
Step 4: Adjust the Heat Settings on Your Flat Iron
Adjust the heat settings on your flat iron based on your hair type. For fine hair, use a lower heat setting, and for thick or coarse hair, use a higher heat setting.
Step 5: Flat Iron Each Section of Hair
Starting with the bottom section of your hair, take a small section of hair and place it between the plates of the flat iron. Slowly glide the flat iron down the length of your hair, making sure to keep the plates parallel to your hair.
Repeat this process for each section of your hair, working your way up to the top section of your hair.
Step 6: Finish with a Serum
Once you’ve flat ironed all of your hair, apply a serum to add shine and prevent frizz. Apply the serum evenly throughout your hair, making sure to avoid your roots.
Tips for Flat Ironing African American Hair
- Use a high-quality flat iron with adjustable heat settings
- Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before flat ironing
- Divide your hair into small sections to ensure that you don’t miss any strands
- Work from the bottom section of your hair and work your way up to the top section
- Use a serum to add shine and prevent frizz
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I flat iron my hair?
It’s best to limit flat ironing to once a week to prevent damage to your hair.
Can I flat iron my hair if it’s wet?
No, you should never flat iron wet hair. This can cause damage to your hair and even burn your scalp. Make sure to only flat iron hair that has been recently washed and dried.
What should I do if my hair gets stuck in the flat iron?
If your hair gets stuck in the flat iron, turn off the flat iron and gently pull your hair out of the plates. Use a detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles.
Hair Care for Flat Ironed African American Hair
After flat ironing your hair, it’s important to take care of your hair to prevent damage and maintain your style. Here are some tips:
- Avoid washing your hair too often
- Use a deep conditioner regularly to add moisture to your hair
- Avoid using heat styling tools too often
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent breakage while you sleep
With these tips and techniques, you can flat iron African American hair with confidence and achieve a sleek and straight style.
