Invest in a quality flat iron. For very long hair you can opt for the wider paddle flat iron but the thinner flat irons will give you more flexibility and it works on long and short hair styles.. Ask your hair stylist what brand they recommend. Avoid those sold in drug stores if you will be flat ironing regularly. The ones available through your hair stylist or a beauty supply store will last longer and will be less damaging as they have better heating surfaces and more temperature control options.
Invest in a protective spray for your hair. These are sold almost everywhere and they smooth and soften while you flat iron while protecting your hair from thermal damage. This isn't mandatory but it will help.
Wash your hair and condition it as you normally would. Flat ironing hair can dry hair so use a deep conditioner or leave your regular condition on for a few more minutes that usual.
Using a microfiber towel or your regular towel try to get as much moisture out of your hair as possible.
Spray on an instant spray leave-in conditioner
Using a wide tooth comb part and comb your hair. If you normally don't have a part do the best you can.
Dry your hair using a hair dryer and use a paddle or vent brush to get your hair as straight as you can while blow drying it.
Once your hair is completely dry brush it through to eliminate as many knots as possible.
Starting in front, divide your hair into small, thin sections. For best results use sections that are 1-2 inches wide and only about 1/2 inch thick.
Spray the hair protective spray over the section of hair and run the comb through it to remove all knots. A flat ironed know looks very unattractive so make sure your hair is knot free. The heat protective spray will usually help with tangles as well as the leave in conditioner.
While holding your hair with one hand apply the flat iron as close to your roots as you can get without burning yourself. Hold the hair firmly in the flat iron.
In one fluid movement pull the flat iron over the small section of hair. If it isn't completely straight, that's OK, pull it through again.
Don't stutter your movements while pulling the flat iron through your hair. It will leave horizontal lines indented in your hair and you will need to go over the hair several more times to remove them.
Don't be alarmed if you see steam rising from the iron or a sizzling noise. The plates are very hot and there may be some moisture left from the wash in addition to the sprays. This is normal.
Continue to move around your head straightening small sections all the way around as you go. Do not neglect the under portion of your hair.
If your hair gets unruly you can separate the curly hair from the straight hair using a lose clip.
Once you have gone over all of your hair you should examine your work in a mirror to make sure you didn't miss any sections. Don't forget to check the back. Now is the time to go over any missed spots or anyplace particularly frizzy.
Play with your hair to style it. You may need to flat iron pulling the section in another direction to get it out of your face or to help it style a certain way.
Continue to style your hair but avoid spraying water or adding mousse. The water content will cause your hair to curl back up or frizz almost immediately.
You can use a curling iron for adding subtle curls or just wear it straight. Use a hair spray for humidity if you live in a humid area. Your hair will be prone to frizz with the moisture in the air.
Congratulations! You've gone from curly to straight! Enjoy your new style and have fun with it.
For added shine and straightening add a small amount of silicone based hair shine solution. Add only a few drops and rub between your hands and then smooth over hair. Adding too much is very easy and your hair will look greasy.
