The 7 Best Hair Straightening Methods, Explained

Blowout

A circular brush and blowdryer are used for a blowout "says Roque. The brush holds the hair taut while the blow dryer dries it, creating a flawless finish.

Flat Ironing

Straightening dry hair is typical. After rough-drying hair with a blow dryer and brush, Roque recommends sectioning it and straightening it with a flat iron.

Silk Press

Silk presses are like flat irons but require additional prep. A silk press requires extensive scalp and hair cleansing, blow-drying, and straightening.

Roller Set

Roller sets are an old-fashioned straightening process that uses less heat. After rolling the hair tautly, you sit under a hooded dryer for 90 minutes to dry it.

Keratin Treatment

Your hair will still need the aforementioned procedures to straighten, and it will be smoother when wet, but the treatment makes it more humidity-resistant and helps it stay straight.

Relaxer

Ramos believes a relaxer permanently straightens hair without curl or wave. It employs sodium hydroxide to permanently dissolve hair disulfide links and straighten it.

Japanese Thermal Straightening

Japanese thermal straightening, also known as permanent re-bonding and heat reconditioning, removes curl and frizz by breaking down and reshaping hair connections.