Curls and waves are fun and exciting, but can be hard to keep neat at times. So if you are in the mood to switch up your look, try straightening your hair! Many people are reluctant to straighten their hair because they are afraid of causing damage, but with the proper equipment, products and techniques, you can achieve an amazing straight look without destroying your hair. To properly straighten your hair, using either straightening irons or a hairdryer, just follow the steps below!

*Straightening Iron*
Wash and blow-dry your hair. Straightening your hair works best on freshly washed or day-old hair. When washing your hair, tailor your shampoo and conditioning products to your hair type. For thick, frizzy hair, use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner. For thin, flat hair, use volumizing products. Once hair is washed, dry it gently with a microfiber towel, spray it with a heat-protectant product, and then blow-dry it with a hairdryer. This will help to pre-straighten your hair, so you will have less work to do with the straightening iron.
Dry the roots of your hair with the hairdryer first, then work through the lengths of your hair.
Turn your head upside down while drying your hair to add more volume.
Use a paddle brush to work through tangles and hold hair taut as you dry.

*Apply a heat protection spray*
Investing in a good heat protection spray which you apply every time you straighten is one of the best things you can do for your hair, without forgoing straightening altogether. The heat protection spray locks in moisture and prevents hair from becoming dry and frazzled. Apply the heat protection spray evenly over dry hair, holding the can about six inches away from your head.
Don't apply the heat protection spray to your roots, as this can cause them to look greasy.
Heat protection sprays can be found at most drug stores and hair salons. It may be worth investing in a brand name product which will do a better job of protecting your hair. Try asking your hair stylist for recommendations.

*Divide your hair into sections*
Dividing your hair into sections will ensure that you straighten your hair properly, without missing any strands. The easiest way to section your hair is to divide it into three layers.
Create the first layer by taking the front sections of your hair and scooping them back with your thumbs to grab all of the hair on the crown of your head. Separate this layer by twisting it and securing it with a hair tie or butterfly clip.
Create the second layer by scooping up the hair that remains above your ears and securing with a hair tie or clip.
The third layer consists of any hair which remains unclipped, which should be the hair at the back of your head, growing around the nape of your neck.
If you have very thick hair, you can divide your hair into extra layers. If you have very thin or fine hair, you may not need to divide hair at all, or you can just split it into two sections.