| One of the most popular trends in hairstyles is | | | | many varieties. The two most important things to |
| straight and sleek looks. If you have naturally | | | | look at when shopping for a flat iron are the |
| straight hair you can increase the shininess of | | | | material it is made out of and how hot the iron |
| your hair by using the following techniques. On the | | | | will get. Most flat irons are made out of either |
| other hand, if you have curly or wavy hair, then | | | | metal or ceramic. I have used both, and have |
| the following techniques will straight and add shine | | | | found the ceramic to be much better. Over time, |
| to your hairstyle. To straighten hair, begin by | | | | you will often find that metal flat irons will not |
| shampooing, conditioning and towel-drying hair. | | | | heat evenly; that is, spots on your iron will be cool |
| Apply a heat protectant product to your hair, | | | | while another spot is warm. There are claims that |
| paying special attention to the ends. Wash your | | | | ceramic flat irons won't damage your hair; be |
| hair with a tiny bit of moisturizing shampoo and | | | | aware that if you are clamping down two hundred |
| conditioner. Squeeze out the excess water and | | | | degrees on to your hair, damage is inevitable. It is |
| apply serum to your hair. Apply to the ends of | | | | possible that they aren't as damaging, but damage |
| your hair, not to the roots, so that they don't get | | | | still will occur. As for the temperature of the flat |
| oily. If you're washing your hair every day or | | | | iron, you will need a higher heat for thicker hair, |
| more, it may be better to choose a mild | | | | and a lower heat for finer hair. |
| shampoo instead of a shampoo designed for oily | | | | Color can only be changed with chemicals (or a |
| hair. If you have decided to use a hair | | | | wig!). A pigment called melanin controls your hair |
| straightener, put your hair into sections again, and | | | | (and skin) color. People with black or brown hair |
| run over your hair with the straightener. If your | | | | have eumelanin in their hair, and people with blond |
| hair is dry, it's a good idea to wash it less | | | | or red hair have pheomelanin. A kid's hair color is |
| frequently. | | | | nice just the way it is naturally, so we don't |
| Some people only need to wash their hair once a | | | | recommend this treatment for kids. Some people |
| week - and that's fine. Many people who have | | | | complain about hair loss or a burning scalp after |
| curly hair also have dry hair. Most hair types will | | | | getting their hair dyed. Others have allergic |
| have success with this process, except for some | | | | reactions, like redness, itching, or even trouble |
| hair of African descent or hair. Alawys use heat | | | | breathing. |
| protection spray or else your hair will get | | | | Also be careful if you decide to dye your hair a |
| damaged from straightening. Relaxers. Relaxers | | | | crazy color, like blue. Some dyes are meant to be |
| (straighteners) work by breaking chemical bonds | | | | temporary - like for Halloween - but it may take |
| in curly hair. Relaxers containing lye can cause skin | | | | time before you are back to your usual color. |
| irritation and hair breakage. If you use a clothes | | | | Tips: |
| iron, your hair will go in all the wrong directions. | | | | * Be sure to condition your hair often. Sun, cold |
| Stay safe, and use proper hair straighteners. | | | | temperatures plus the use of your hair dryer can |
| They work on all hair and now you can get them | | | | be hard on your hair. |
| cheap. Use a flat brush. Plus, if you want it really | | | | * For best results, use products formulated for |
| straight, use your straightening iron. | | | | your hair type. It does make a difference. |
| The Iron | | | | * Give your hair a break and allow it to dry |
| Flat irons (also called straightening irons) come in | | | | naturally as often as possible. |