Are you tired of struggling to straighten the back of your hair? Do you end up with frustrating tangles and uneven results? The good news is, achieving sleek and straight locks in the back is easier than you think. With the right technique and a few helpful tips, you can give yourself a professional-looking straight hairstyle at home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, provide expert recommendations, and address common challenges. Whether you have naturally curly or wavy hair, thick or thin strands, we’ll empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to have perfectly straight hair in the back.
Before embarking on the straightening process, it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly. Begin by washing and conditioning your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. This will help hydrate and detangle your hair, making it more receptive to straightening. After towel-drying your hair, apply a heat protectant spray to safeguard it from damage caused by heat styling. Sectioning your hair is key to achieving even results. Use hair clips to divide your hair into smaller, more manageable sections. This will allow you to focus on straightening each section thoroughly without missing any strands.
Now it’s time for the straightening magic! Using a flat iron, gently glide it through each section of hair, starting from the roots and moving towards the ends. Hold the flat iron for a few seconds on each pass, applying gentle pressure to avoid snagging or burning your hair. For extra-straight results, you can repeat the process once or twice on each section. As you work your way through your hair, keep your movements smooth and consistent. If you encounter any particularly stubborn sections, you can increase the heat setting on your flat iron slightly while maintaining caution to prevent damage. Once you’ve straightened all sections of your hair, brush it gently to remove any static and showcase your sleek, straight locks.
Gather Your Tools and Prepare Your Hair
To achieve sleek, straight locks in the back of your hair, you’ll need the following tools:
- Heat protectant spray to shield hair from thermal damage
- Wide-toothed comb for detangling
- Paddle brush for smoothing
- Flat iron with adjustable heat settings
- Tail comb for sectioning
- Hair clips to secure hair while styling
- Pomade or serum for reducing frizz and adding shine
Before straightening your hair, it’s essential to properly prepare it to minimize damage and achieve the best results.
Steps for Preparing Your Hair:
1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and leave it feeling clean.
2. Apply a deep conditioner to nourish and hydrate your hair, focusing on the ends.
3. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair.
4. Section your hair into four parts for easier styling: the top, bottom, and two side sections.
5. Spray a heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair to protect it from heat damage.
6. Apply a small amount of pomade or serum to reduce frizz and create a smooth, sleek finish.
Choose the Right Straightening Iron
The type of straightening iron you choose will depend on your hair type and the results you’re looking for. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Plate Material
The plate material is one of the most important factors to consider. Ceramic plates are a good option for all hair types, as they distribute heat evenly and help to prevent damage. Titanium plates heat up quickly and can create a sleek, shiny finish. However, they can be more damaging to hair than ceramic plates.
Plate Size
The plate size is also important. Wider plates are better for straightening thick, long hair, while narrower plates are better for shorter, finer hair. If you’re not sure what size to choose, opt for a medium-sized plate.
Heat Settings
The heat settings on a straightening iron will vary depending on the model. It’s important to choose a straightening iron with heat settings that are appropriate for your hair type. If you have fine hair, you’ll want to use a lower heat setting to avoid damage. If you have thick hair, you’ll need to use a higher heat setting to get the desired results.
| Hair Type | Heat Setting |
|---|---|
| Fine | 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Medium | 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Thick | 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Additional Features
Some straightening irons come with additional features, such as ionic technology or steam. Ionic technology helps to reduce frizz and static, while steam can help to hydrate hair and make it more manageable. If you’re looking for a straightening iron with extra features, be sure to do your research to find one that meets your needs.
Divide Your Hair into Strands
To effectively straighten the hair in the back, it is essential to divide the hair into manageable strands. This will ensure consistent heat distribution and prevent tangles or damage.
Sectioning the hair involves the following steps:
- Brush your hair thoroughly: Remove any knots or tangles to prevent breakage.
- Determine the number of sections: The number of sections depends on the thickness and length of your hair. For thick or long hair, create more sections for better control.
- Use hair clips: Divide the hair into sections using hair clips or small rubber bands. Secure each section away from the others to keep them separated.
- Create the sections: Start at the nape of your neck and work your way up. Use your fingers or a comb to create horizontal sections of approximately 1-2 inches in width. Secure each section with a hair clip or rubber band.
- Secure the top section: Gather the top section of hair and secure it in a ponytail or clip it away from the other sections. This will keep it out of the way while you work on the lower sections.
By dividing the hair into strands, you can apply heat to each section more effectively, resulting in a smooth and straightened finish.
Apply Heat Protectant
To prevent damage and keep your hair healthy, it’s crucial to apply a heat protectant before straightening. This product forms a protective barrier around each strand, shielding it from the high temperatures of straightening tools. Ensure you distribute the protectant evenly throughout your hair, paying special attention to the ends, which are prone to dryness and split ends.
Choosing a Heat Protectant
| Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Serum | Lightweight, non-greasy, and provides frizz control |
| Spray | Easy to apply, provides volume, and can be reapplied throughout the day |
| Cream | Provides intense hydration, smoothes hair, and protects against humidity |
When selecting a heat protectant, consider your hair type and the level of heat protection required. For fine or oily hair, a serum or spray may be sufficient. For thick or coarse hair, a cream will provide additional hydration and protection.
Application Tips
Glide the Straightener Down Evenly
To ensure even straightening, glide the straightener down each section of hair smoothly and steadily. Avoid holding the straightener in one place for too long, as this can cause heat damage and uneven results.
Here are some tips for gliding the straightener down evenly:
7.1. Start from the roots and work your way down to the tips.
7.2. Use a light to medium pressure and don’t clamp down too tightly.
7.3. Keep the straightener parallel to the hair shaft and avoid bending or twisting it.
7.4. Move the straightener at a steady pace, about 1-2 inches per second.
7.5. If you have thick or curly hair, you may need to repeat the process 2-3 times for each section.
7.6. Once the hair is straightened, let it cool completely before brushing or combing it.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a heat-protectant spray | This will help protect your hair from heat damage. |
| Brush your hair thoroughly | This will remove any tangles or knots that could cause the straightener to snag. |
| Start with small sections of hair | This will help you to get an even finish. |
| Hold the straightener at a 45-degree angle | This will help to prevent the hair from becoming frizzy. |
Finish with Fuller Brush or Hairspray
Using a Fuller Brush
A fuller brush is a soft, natural-bristle brush that helps to distribute oils throughout the hair, reducing frizz and adding shine. To use a fuller brush, start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Use gentle, sweeping motions to smooth out any kinks or waves. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid breakage.
Using Hairspray
Hairspray can help to hold your hair in place and prevent it from reverting to its natural curl pattern. To use hairspray, hold the can about 10 inches away from your head and spray evenly over the surface of your hair. Avoid spraying too much hairspray, as this can make your hair look stiff and unnatural.
Additional Tips for Using Hairspray
Here are some additional tips for using hairspray to straighten your hair in the back:
- Use a heat-protectant spray before using hairspray to prevent damage.
- Hold the hairspray can at a 45-degree angle and spray evenly to avoid creating streaks.
- Be sure to brush your hair before spraying to help distribute the product evenly.
- Use a light hand when applying hairspray to avoid making your hair look stiff or crunchy.
- If you need to reapply hairspray throughout the day, be sure to brush your hair first to remove any product buildup.
| Pros of Using Hairspray | Cons of Using Hairspray |
|---|---|
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How To Straighten Your Hair In The Back
If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you know that it can be a challenge to keep it straight. The back of your hair is especially difficult to straighten, as it is often the most prone to frizz and tangles. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve sleek, straight hair all over your head, including the back.
To straighten your hair in the back, you will need a flat iron, a heat protectant spray, and a brush. Before you start straightening, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray to your hair to help prevent damage. Then, brush your hair to remove any tangles.
To straighten the back of your hair, start by dividing it into small sections. Then, using the flat iron, clamp down on each section and slowly glide it down the length of your hair. Be sure to hold the flat iron taut and keep it moving to avoid creating creases.
Once you have straightened all of the sections of your hair, finish by running a brush through it to smooth out any flyaways. You can also apply a light-hold hairspray to help keep your hair straight all day.
People Also Ask
How often can I straighten my hair in the back?
You should not straighten your hair more than once or twice a week, as excessive heat styling can damage your hair. If you need to straighten your hair more often, try using a heat protectant spray and a lower heat setting on your flat iron.
What is the best flat iron for straightening hair in the back?
The best flat iron for straightening hair in the back is one with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These types of plates heat evenly and help to prevent damage to your hair. You should also look for a flat iron with a swivel cord, which will make it easier to maneuver around your head.
How can I keep my hair straight in the back all day?
To keep your hair straight in the back all day, apply a light-hold hairspray after straightening it. You can also use a smoothing serum or cream to help control frizz and flyaways.
