How to Straighten Your Hair Without a Flat Iron

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Worried about damaging your hair? There are safer ways to straighten your hair than attacking it with a flat iron. Here are a few alternatives, ranging from thorough treatments to easy, low-investment options.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Blow-Drying (Hot or Cool)

1
Wash and condition your hair. Getting your hair wet is the first step to straightening it, so start by washing and conditioning your hair. To improve hair moisture and prevent frizzing, use a deep conditioner, or leave your regular conditioner in your hair for an extra two or three minutes.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Michelle Bebbington
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}
- Optionally, use a shampoo formulated to straighten hair.
- If you've already washed your hair recently, just dampen it with water. Too much washing can strip away protective oils and can lead to frizzy hair.
2
Towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Gently pat your hair dry until it is no longer dripping, but still damp. This will speed up the blow-drying process, thus reducing damage to your hair.

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3
Apply anti-frizz product. This will help your hair stay straight while it dries, especially if it's naturally prone to curling up under cool air. Apply a dime-sized amount from the roots to the ends. Use more if you have thick, long hair.^{[2]
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Research source} You can choose from any of the following treatments:
- Anti-fizz serum
- Leave-in conditioner or leave-in hair balm
- Moroccan oil
- A mix of 4 oz (120 mL) camellia oil and 1 oz (30 mL) avocado oil
4
Section your hair. Part your hair into 3–6 sections, depending on how thick your hair is. Keep all but one section out of your way using crocodile clips.
5
Choose a blow dryer setting. Blow dry with cool air if you want to protect your hair, but be prepared to dry for up to an hour. For faster drying and a longer-lasting effect, use hot air. Hot air can damage your hair over time, especially if used frequently.
- If using hot air, apply heat protectant to your hair first. If possible, choose one based on natural oils, not silicone.
6
Choose a brush. Find a flat paddle brush or a round brush. Avoid wide brushes, as these are difficult to handle.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Michelle Bebbington
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}
7
Brush as you blow-dry. Take one thin lock of hair, slightly narrower than your brush. Blow dry this with the nozzle pointed downward. Brush slowly in long, straight strokes as you dry that section. Keep the brush under the hair and the dryer nozzle hovering over the hair. Move the brush and dryer at almost the same speed, with the dryer trailing behind just a short distance. Repeat if necessary until the hair is completely dry and straight, then move on to the next lock of hair.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Michelle Bebbington
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}
- Start with the lower layers of hair, around the nape of your neck and your ears.
- You can also blow-dry your hair in front of a fan, rather than tiring out your arm with a blow-dryer. Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to control a fan than a blow-dryer.
8
Style your hair (optional). Smooth more anti-frizz product into your dry hair to keep it smooth, straight and glossy.
- Keep your hair in a low, loose ponytail if you want to put it up. Putting it in a bun or braid will leave creases in your hair, making it appear wavy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Hair Ties

1
Try this easy, gentle method. This method is best used to turn moderately curly hair into gentle waves. The result won't be as straight as a flat iron could make, but your hair will be healthier and more resistant to humidity. This process is also very easy, and it requires no special hair products.
2
Wash and partially dry your hair. Wash your hair in the evening. Towel dry gently, leaving it damp but not dripping.^{[5]
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3
Comb your hair. Comb or brush out any knots and tangles.^{[6]
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4
Tie in a series of fabric hair ties. Tie your hair into a loose ponytail using a fabric hair tie, not an elastic hairband. Add a second hair tie about 2 inches (5 cm) below the first, and repeat at regular intervals.
- You can use hair clips or bobby pins instead.
5
Leave the hairbands in overnight. Remove them in the morning, or once your hair is dry.^{[7]
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6
Brush out indentations (optional). If the hairbands have left marks, brush them out with a round brush.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is blowing out your hair better than straightening it?

Michelle Bebbington
Professional Hair Stylist
Michelle Bebbington is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Living Room Hair and Skin based in Great Falls, Montana. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in hair education, coloring, and styling.

Michelle Bebbington

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

A blowout can work just as well! Start by washing your hair, conditioning your hair, and adding in your favorite hair oil. Then, blow-dry your roots with a vent brush to give it a little tension. Once it's about 60% dry, pin up your hair in 3 sections (top, middle, bottom). Drop out the bottom section of hair, roll it up with a large brush, and blow-dry it with your concentrator nozzle. Once that section is dry, drop it out and move to the next one.
Question

How do I condition my hair?

Community Answer

Apply conditioner to damp or wet hair, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it out.

Warnings

Mousse and hairspray tend to kink or curl your hair. Try a coin-sized amount of natural oil instead. Rub it into the lower half of your hair, away from the scalp, then brush it in.

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Don't point the blow dryer nozzle up towards the ceiling. This will rough up the strand and make it harder to achieve a sleek, straight look.

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