How to Get Straight Hair Without Using Irons

Straight, glossy hair is always in style, and luckily for people with curly hair or waves, there are a lot of effective ways to try a new look. Flat irons get the job done, but applying high heat directly to your hair too often can damage it. Try these gentler methods for loosening your curls and achieving a smoother style.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Use a Smoothing Wash and Dry Regimen

1
Purchase smoothing products. Smoothing shampoos and conditioners are formulated to loosen curls. Shop at beauty supply stores and hair salons for the best products, or ask a salon expert to assist you.^{[1]XExpert SourceShun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & AuthorExpert Interview. 7 September 2021.}
- Consider purchasing a smoothing serum or leave-in conditioner as well.
Leave the conditioner in your hair for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse the conditioner out and towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture.
This protects the hair follicles during the blow-drying process and adds shine to your hair. Comb the product through your hair to evenly coat it with the protective serum.
Use an ion-generating blow dryer. Section your hair into manageable parts, working from back to front and not moving on until one section is sufficiently smooth. Blow dry your hair from root to tip, using a boar-bristle or solid plastic brush to brush it out along the way.^{[2]XResearch source}
When your hair is completely dry, brush it evenly and use your hands to smooth in a light styling product, or mousse for hold.^{[3]XExpert SourceShun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & AuthorExpert Interview. 7 September 2021.}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Brush with a Fan

Towel it dry so that it is still damp, but not dripping wet. If you wish to add straightening serum at this point, use your fingers to smooth it into your hair.
Leave one section free. This will be the section you dry first.
3
Position yourself in front of a fan. Any type of strong-blowing table or box fan will work. Turn the fan on so that it blows air directly toward your head.^{[4]XResearch source}
- This approach works best if your hair is already somewhat straight and you don't have a blow dryer. If your hair is curlier, you'll probably still need heat to get your hair perfectly straight.
Working in long, straight strokes, brush your hair in front of the fan. Place the brush at the roots of the section of hair and pull it through to the tip, holding it straight for a few moments before allowing the hair to drop.
5
When the first section is completely dry, start on a new section. Continue in this manner until your hair is completely dry. The process should take about 15 minutes, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
- Don't stop until there is no moisture left in your hair. Even a little dampness will cause the curl to come back.
- Pay special attention to your roots, which tend to curl up unless they are completely dry.
When your hair is completely dry, brush it evenly and use your hands to smooth in a light styling product, or mousse for hold.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Use Rollers

Towel it dry so that it is still damp, but not dripping wet. If you wish to add straightening serum at this point, use your fingers to smooth it into your hair. Brush your hair so that it is as straight as possible when you begin to roll it.
2
Stretch a hank of hair straight from your head. Run a brush through it. Place a roller under the tips of the hair and roll your hair around it. When you have rolled the section of hair all the way to your scalp, secure the roller with a pin or clip.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Repeat this process until all of your hair has been sectioned and rolled.
- Use a uniform rolling technique to ensure that the hair falls neatly when you remove the rollers.
As with other smoothing techniques, it's important that your hair get completely dry to finish the process. Either let your hair air dry in the rollers or use a hair dryer on a low setting to dry it.
4
Remove the rollers. Unclip the rollers and let your hair fall free. It should be smooth and glossy.
- This technique will help you get a smoother curl pattern, but it may not straighten your hair completely.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Other Methods

1
Make a natural smoothing remedy. Stir 1 egg into 2 cups (.5 liters) of milk and then dip as much of your hair as you can. This will straighten the protein bonds in your hair for longer periods of time.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Keep your hair in the milk for 10 minutes, then cover your head with plastic wrap and let it sit for another 30 minutes.
- Afterward, shampoo as usual and either blow your hair dry or brush it dry in front of a fan.
Divide freshly shampooed and combed hair into two even sections. Lift the left section and comb it over your head, across the right section. Coil it around your head and secure it in several places with hairpins. Lift the right section and wrap it over your head in the other direction, securing it in several places with pins. When your hair is completely dry, remove the pins and brush your hair straight.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
What can I use to permanently straighten my hair?
Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".
Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Answer
The only way to ensure your hair stays straight is by getting a salon treatment, such as keratin or a chemical relaxer.
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Question
Will egg make my hair smell?
Community Answer
Egg won't make your hair smell as long as you wash it out properly with shampoo.
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Question
Can I add honey with the milk?
Community Answer
Yes. If you have dry or damaged hair, honey can help. A natural humectant, honey attracts moisture. It’s also full of antioxidants and nutrients to feed hair follicles that house the live part of hair, encouraging hair growth.
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Tips

Don't tie your hair up or braid it after washing, or you may create waves.
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Washing hair in cold water makes hair shiny.
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Be careful combing hair when it's wet. This can stretch your hair and break it. If you must, use a detangler and wide tooth comb.
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Warnings

Non-heat straightening techniques are not as effective on extremely curly hair. You will be more likely to achieve a shiny wave.
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Don't dry your hair upwards, because this adds excess volume.
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