Ways to straighten your hair without using heat
There are lots of natural methods of achieving curls without heat, but not many people know some of the tried and tested ways of straightening your hair without damaging it. We picked out 5 of the most effective tips for relaxing your tresses in a hair friendly way.
Hair mask
You can literally go crazy trying out all of the amazing hair masks available at the moment. And why not? There’s so much fun to be had experimenting with all the different types. Not only do they intensively condition your hair to make it soft, shiny and manageable, but as a bonus they add nutrition and, of course, leave your hair smelling incredible for days. Avoid using any heated appliances and allow your hair to dry naturally after application, combing through regularly to encourage it to straighten before rinsing, then repeat after rinsing until dry. Used once a week, a good quality mask will also help protect your hair from chemicals and the elements.
Combing whilst wet
One of the easiest and most logical ways to straighten your hair naturally is to comb your hair through often whilst drying after a wash and condition. Make sure you have removed any tangles first with your fingers. Comb your hair through every few minutes whilst drying to ensure maximum straightness. Use a wide tooth comb initially until all the tangles are gone and then switch to a finer toothed comb. Once dry, a brush can be used to maintain the look. Consider investing in a boar bristle brush for this purpose as these are recommended for tackling frizziness.
Essential oils
We can’t recommend the use of essential oils enough for your hair. That’s why they are used so abundantly in hair products these days. Be it coconut oil, almond oil, macadamia oil or argan oil, to name but a few, these oils are an essential piece of kit for those seeking to beat the frizz and stretch out their strands. Which oil you choose depends very much on your hair type so look out for our tips on choosing the right one. Avoid applying near the roots as this could make your hair look greasy more quickly than usual, particularly if you have an oily scalp. Used correctly, it will make your hair naturally easier to brush or comb straight.
Cold blow dry
This shouldn’t take too much longer than the conventional hot setting on the hair dryer but will certainly be much kinder to your locks. After your hair has dried a little naturally, switch your hairdryer onto the cool setting and hold it around six inches away from your hair. Next, move your dryer backwards and forwards from root to tip and repeat until dry, combing your hair through as you go.
Hair straightening products
From shampoos and leave-in conditioners to hair sprays and serums, there are a wide range of excellent products available to aid you in your sleek, straight hair mission. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see which suits your particular hair type best. Serums and spray on conditioners containing keratin are particularly good for relaxing your locks, whilst avoiding the detrimental effects of overusing heated appliances such as straighteners. They work by coating each individual hair strand, adding extra weight and therefore reducing its ability to fly away or frizz.
