You’re not alone if you’ve straightened your hair only to find that it becomes frizzy or kinky within a few hours. Many struggles with getting their hair straight after using a straightening iron.
Several possible causes of this problem include heat damage, lack of styling products, and improper straightening techniques.
In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why your hair may not stay straight after straightening and provide some potential solutions to help you achieve a smoother, straighter look that lasts.
Possible reasons why hair won’t stay straight after straightening
These are the possible reasons your hair won’t stay straight after using straightening tools.
Flat Iron/ Hot Comb Wasn’t Hot Enough
One possible reason your hair may not stay straight after straightening is that the flat iron or hot comb you used wasn’t hot enough.
If the temperature of the straightening tool is too low, it may not be able to properly straighten your hair and make it smooth and sleek.
This can result in frizziness and kinking, especially if you have thick or curly hair. To avoid this problem, it’s essential to use a straightening iron or hot comb that reaches the proper temperature for your hair type.
Most flat irons and hot combs have adjustable heat settings, so you can choose a higher temperature for thick or curly hair and a lower temperature for fine or damaged hair.
It’s also a good idea to use a heat protectant spray before straightening, as this can help to prevent heat damage and keep your hair looking smooth and healthy.
Overloaded Hair With Products
Another possible reason your hair may not stay straight after straightening is that you’ve overloaded it with styling products.
Using too much hair spray, mousse, gel, or other styling products can weigh your hair down and make it challenging to maintain a smooth, straight style.
This can result in frizziness, kinking, and other problems that make your hair look unruly and difficult to manage.
Trim the Ends
Another possible reason your hair may not stay straight after straightening is that you need a trim. Over time, the ends of your hair can become damaged and dry, making them more prone to frizziness and kinking.
This is because the ends of your hair, the oldest part of your locks, are more susceptible to damage from heat and styling products and environmental factors such as wind and sun exposure.
If your hair is dry and damaged, it may be more challenging to get it straight after straightening. In this case, a trim can help remove the damaged ends and make your hair look and feel smoother and healthier.
Getting a regular trim every six to eight weeks can help to prevent split ends and keep your hair looking its best.
Hair Wasn’t Dry
Another possible reason your hair may not stay straight after straightening is that it wasn’t dry when you started styling it.
It’s essential to ensure that your hair is completely dry before using a flat iron or other heat styling tool, as wet hair is more susceptible to damage and can be more challenging to straighten correctly.
If you try to straighten your hair when it’s wet or even slightly damp, the heat from the straightening iron can cause steam to build up inside the hair shaft.
This can cause your hair to become frizzy and kinky and damage the cuticle, the outer layer of your hair that protects it from damage.
To avoid this problem, it’s essential to ensure your hair is completely dry before straightening it.
You can use a hair dryer on a low or medium heat setting to dry your hair or allow it to air dry naturally if you have the time.
Hair Natural Structure too Curly or Wavey
If your hair has a naturally curly or wavy structure, it may be more challenging to get it straight after straightening.
This is because the natural shape of your hair can make it more resistant to being straightened, and it may have a tendency to return to its natural state over time.
You can try a few things if you have naturally curly or wavy hair and trouble getting it straight after straightening.
First, it’s essential to use a high-quality straightening iron that can effectively straighten your hair without causing heat damage.
You may also need a heat protectant spray before straightening to help prevent damage and keep your hair looking smooth and sleek.
Another option is to use a hair straightening product or treatment, such as a keratin treatment, to help relax your hair’s natural curl or wave.
These products and treatments can help to make your hair more manageable and easier to straighten, and they can also help to keep it looking smooth and sleek for more extended periods.
Finally, you can use a hair spray or other styling product to help hold the straightened style in place.
This can help to prevent your hair from reverting to its natural state and becoming frizzy or kinky after straightening.
Hair Wasn’t Properly Cared After Straightening
If your hair isn’t properly cared for after straightening, it may not stay straight. Even if you use a high-quality straightening iron and the right styling products, your hair can still become frizzy or kinky if you don’t take good care of it after straightening.
To properly care for your hair after straightening, it’s essential to avoid touching or styling it until it has cooled completely.
This can help to prevent your hair from becoming frizzy or kinky, as the heat from your hands or styling tools can cause your hair to revert to its natural state.
In addition to avoiding touching or styling your hair until it has cooled, you should also avoid using hair ties or clips that could cause your hair to become kinked or frizzy.
You can use a hair spray or other styling product to help hold the straightened style in place, but be sure to use it sparingly to avoid weighing your hair down or making it greasy.
Damaged Straightening Tools
If your hair isn’t straight after straightening, it’s possible that your straightening tools are damaged or not in good working order.
Over time, flat irons and other heat-styling tools can become damaged or worn, affecting their performance and making it more challenging to achieve a smooth, sleek look.
If your straightening tools are damaged, it’s essential to replace them with new ones. Using damaged straightening tools can cause heat damage to your hair and make it more prone to frizziness and kinking.
It can also make achieving the straightened style more challenging, as the tools may not distribute heat evenly or reach the proper temperature for your hair type.
To avoid this problem, it’s essential to regularly check your straightening tools for signs of damage or wear.
If you notice any bent or broken plates, frayed cords, or other damage, it’s time to replace your tools with new ones.
Investing in high-quality straightening tools can help ensure your hair stays straight and smooth after straightening.
Steps to take to help hair stay straight after straightening
To keep your hair straight, smooth, and sleek after straightening them, you should take these steps.
Blow Dry Hair
The first step is to properly dry your hair after straightening it. This means using a blow dryer to thoroughly dry your hair, focusing on the roots and working your way down to the ends.
When you get your hair professionally straightened, your stylist will likely spend a lot of time blow-drying your hair to ensure that it is completely dry and free of any moisture that could cause it to frizz or curl up.
Once your hair is dry, you can use a flat iron or another straightening tool to smooth out any remaining kinks or curls.
Be sure to use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair, as this will help to prevent damage and keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
Finally, avoid exposing your hair to high humidity levels, which can cause it to frizz and curl up.
If you live in a particularly humid climate or know you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, consider using a hair product that helps protect your hair from humidity.
These products work by forming a barrier around your hair that helps to prevent moisture from getting in and causing it to frizz or curl up.
Work in Small Sections
If you want to keep your hair straight after straightening it, one of the best things you can do is to work in small sections.
This means dividing your hair into small, manageable sections before you begin straightening it and then working on each section separately.
To work in small sections, start by dividing your hair into several sections using hair clips or hair ties.
You can divide your hair into as many sections as you like, but a good rule of thumb is to divide your hair into sections no wider than your flat or straightening iron.
Once you’ve divided your hair into sections, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle each section, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Next, begin straightening your hair, starting with the bottom section and working your way up to the top.
Working in small sections can help ensure that your hair stays straight and smooth after straightening it.
Use Argan Oil
If you want to keep your hair straight after straightening it, one of the best things you can do is opt for argan oil.
This natural oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, which can help to nourish and protect your hair from damage.
It can also help to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to maintain a straight, sleek look.
To use argan oil to keep your hair straight after straightening it, simply apply a small amount to your hands and rub them together to warm it up.
Then, run your hands through your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
Be sure to focus on the areas where your hair is most prone to frizzing or curling, such as the crown of your head and around your face.
Once you’ve applied the argan oil, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
This will help to ensure that every strand is coated with the oil, and will help to prevent tangles and knots.
Use a Hair Serum
One of the best things you can do is to opt for hair serum. This specialized hair product is designed to help smooth and tame frizz and can help to keep your hair looking sleek and straight for extended periods.
To use hair serum to keep your hair straight after straightening it, simply apply a small amount of the product to your hands and rub them together to warm it up.
Then, run your hands through your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
Be sure to focus on the areas where your hair is most prone to frizzing or curling, such as the crown of your head and around your face.
Once you’ve applied the hair serum, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
Hair Spray
Another way is to use hair spray. This specialized hair product is designed to help hold your hair in place and can help to prevent frizz and flyaways that can cause your hair to curl or kink up.
To use hair spray to keep your hair straight after straightening it, shake the can well before use, and then hold it about six inches away from your head.
Next, mist your hair evenly with the spray and avoid oversaturating your hair. Once you’ve applied the hair spray, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
This will help to ensure that every strand is coated with the product and will help to prevent tangles and knots.
Use High-Quality Tools
One of the best things you can do is to use high-quality tools. This means investing in a good quality flat iron or straightening iron and a high-quality blow dryer.
When choosing a flat iron or straightening iron, look for one made from high-quality materials, such as ceramic or titanium.
These materials are known for their heat-conducting properties, which can help to distribute heat evenly across your hair, preventing hot spots that can cause damage.
Additionally, look for a flat iron or straightening iron with adjustable heat settings, so you can choose the right temperature for your hair type.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are several potential reasons why your hair may not stay straight after straightening it.
These could include the quality of your straightening tools, the condition of your hair, and the products you use before and after straightening.
To ensure that your hair stays straight, it may be helpful to use high-quality straightening tools, use hair products designed to help it stay straight, and take care of your hair by avoiding damage from heat and other environmental factors.
Additionally, using the right straightening techniques and practicing proper heat styling can help your hair stay straight for extended periods of time.
How long should you keep your hair straight after straightening it?
It is generally recommended to keep your hair straight for at least 4 or 5 hours after straightening it. This allows the hair to set and hold the straight style in place.
However, the exact amount of time will vary depending on the condition of your hair and the products you use.
If your hair is healthy and you use products that help it stay straight, it may be able to hold its straight style for more extended periods.
On the other hand, if your hair is damaged or prone to frizz, it may not stay straight for as long.
To help your hair stay straight for more extended periods, it is essential to use high-quality straightening tools, use hair products that are designed to help hair stay straight
How many times a week is it OK to straighten your hair?
How often you can straighten your hair without damaging it depends on several factors, including the condition of your hair, the quality of your straightening tools, and the products you use before and after straightening.
If your hair is healthy and you use high-quality tools and products, you can straighten your hair several times a week without causing significant damage.
However, if your hair is damaged or prone to breakage, limit straightening to once or twice a week to prevent further damage.
Should I use hairspray after straightening?
Using hairspray after straightening your hair can help to set your style in place and prevent flyaways and frizz. However, some people find that using hairspray after straightening can make their hair feel sticky or stiff.
In general, it’s also a good idea to use hairspray before straightening your hair.
This can help to protect your hair from heat damage and provide a barrier between your hair and the hot tools you’re using.
This can also make it easier to achieve a smooth, straight finish.
Also Read:
Can you use a hot comb on white hair (Answered)
Can I Use Oil Before Hair Straightening (Answered)
