The effect of a flat iron both straightens and smooths. Even if your hair is already straight, a flat iron will leave it with a more intense sheen.

To utilize a flat iron it is important to use a frizz control product beforehand, preferably while your hair is still wet, before you blow dry. When you blow dry, the most important thing is to get the hair completely dry, not to try to straighten it while you dry unless you have uncontrollably frizzy hair.

Once the hair is dry, you will need a comb to section the hair. Doing small sections at a time guarantees the greatest straightening and smoothing effect. If your flat iron comes with an adjustable heat setting, start with a medium setting. If that isn’t sufficient to straighten your hair, you may increase the heat but only go as high as is necessary to give you the desired straightening effect. The more heat you use, the greater the risk of hair damage.

Comb each section of hair smooth once it has been straightened. If necessary you can apply a finishing product to your hair but nothing that adds moisture. The time to moisturize is before you straighten your hair.

If you use a flat iron regularly, it is important to remember that it can make your hair dry and thus more susceptible to split ends and other damage, so moisturize your hair thoroughly when you shampoo and condition.