Is Hair Straightening Good for Hair? - Your Hair Styling Guide

Wait! Do you also adore celebrities' straight hair look? Who doesn't love sleek, shiny, straight hair? But is hair straightening good for your hair? What if it damages my hair?

Are you thinking the same? No worries, let’s spill the beans! In this post, we have given you a quick and straightforward guide to understanding hair straightening. We’ll delve deeply into the hair-straightening world and understand different methods.

Besides, we’ll also give 7 tips and a step-by-step guide to straightening your hair without causing any damage. Now, let’s begin!

Instagram: Katrinakaif

Different hair straightening methods

There are typically two major ways to straighten your hair, which are as follows:

1. Heat styling: Particularly with a flat iron, heat styling remains a popular and accessible method to achieve straight hair. It offers a sleek, frizz-free look that’s versatile and easy to maintain.

The best part of this straightening method is that you don’t need to visit the salon every time. You can get salon-like straight hair at home using the proper techniques and tools. Although it’s a temporary straightening method, it offers a shiny and polished appearance.

2. Chemical treatments: Typically popular for long-lasting results, even chemical hair straightening methods offer beautiful, smooth, straight hair. You can find several hair straightening treatments, like Brazilian and keratin, in a nearby salon.

These chemical treatments are often more expensive than heat styling and require post-treatment care to maintain the hair. Moreover, as these salon treatments include various chemicals, they may increase the risk of allergic reactions and other health concerns.  

How to Straighten your hair without damaging it?

Here are 7 tips to straighten your hair without damaging it:

1. Use leave-in serum: Hair straightening methods often disturb the upper layer of your hair. Ensure you add a hydrating and UV-protectant serum to your hair care routine. It will avoid dryness and maintain a sleek look. 

2. Use heat protectant: If you are going with heat styling, never forget to apply heat protectant serum to your hair before using a heating tool. This serum creates a protective layer on your hair, preventing heat damage and dryness. 

3. Monitor temperature: Verify the temperature of your straightener before using it. It’s suggested to keep the temperature between 120° C and 180° C for thin hair. You can increase it to 260° C if you have thick and coarse hair.

4. Deep condition weekly: Whether you get chemical treatment or heat styling, deep conditioning is a significant part of your hair care routine—deep condition your hair at least once weekly to replenish lost nutrients and add shine.

Photo: Freepik

5. High-quality flat iron plates: According to experts, it’s always good to pick flat irons with either ceramic or titanium plates. These plates are suitable for all hair types and are often more gentle and versatile.

6. Use advanced hair straightener: Pick hair straighteners with advanced negative ion technology, vibration, and temperature control. Moreover, you can also find heating tools that display accurate temperatures, making them safer and more accessible.

7. Pick chemical treatments wisely: If you are going for a salon treatment, ensure you go for a treatment suitable for your hair type and scalp condition. It’s wise to get hair straightening treatments like Nanoplastia or Organic treatments to get straight hair without health risks. However, consult your hair expert for the best decision. 

The best hair straightening method

Both chemical treatments and heat styling are great ways to straighten your hair. While chemical treatments are long-lasting, heat styling is affordable and more accessible. 

So, here is a step-by-step guide to the best hair straightening method. 

1. Wash your hair: Before straightening your hair, wash it thoroughly and rinse out all product buildup and dirt. Don’t forget to follow up on shampoo with conditioner to moisturize your hair.  

2. Apply heat protectant: Use a microfibre towel and remove excessive water from your hair. Now apply a heat protectant to your damp hair, a few inches from the roots to the end. 

3. Dry them: Dry your hair thoroughly before exposing it to high temperatures. You can either go for blow-drying or let them dry naturally.

4. Divide hair into sections: Once dry, detangle and divide it into different sections. Make small and manageable hair sections based on your hair thickness and length. You use clips if you are a beginner. 

Photo: Yan Krukau 

5. Adjust heat temperature: Take the Artisto Estello Hair Straightener and adjust the temperature based on your hair type. Keep the temperature at 160° C if you have thin or fine hair. You can check the accurate temperature on the display screen. 

6. Straighten the hair: The Artisto hair straightener heats up rapidly, placing the small section of hair between the heated plates, starting a few inches away from the roots. Now press the plates closer and gradually pull down the straightener till your ends, ensuring even contact.

Once straightened, secure the section to one side using a clip or hair tie. Continue the process with other hair sections until all your hair is done. 

7. End with serum: Apply leave-in serum to your straightened hair once done. This serum will add shine to your hair and protect it from tangling and dryness.

Is hair straightening good for hair?

Coming back to the title, is hair straightening good for hair? Hair straightening is a great way to achieve a sleek and polished look. There’s no doubt that it’s good for your hair if you follow the proper techniques and tools. 

Photo: Polina Tankilevitch

These techniques include keeping your hair hydrated, using heat protectants, and exposure to only a suitable heat temperature. Moreover, straight hair serves as the best base for doing any new hairstyles, including buns, updos, and ponytails. 

Conclusion

Whether you choose chemical treatment or heat styling to straighten your hair, it’s your responsibility to take care of it and enjoy the benefits without compromising its health. However, we can conclude that yes, hair straightening is good for your hair if it is suitable:

• Use the right hair care products, like heat protectors, hair masks, and serums.
• Invest in high-quality and advanced tools like the Artisto hair straightener.
• Pick a safe and suitable chemical treatment.

Overall, hair straightening can be equally good and bad for hair, depending on your efforts and approach. So, you should consult your hair expert to find the best way.

FAQ

What can I apply before using a hair straightener?

It’s essential to apply heat protectant serum before straightening your hair to minimize heat damage. 

Is hair straightening safe?

Hair straightening is a safe procedure if you take all essential measures, like using a heat-protectant serum and adjusting the temperature in a heating tool.