How to Straighten your Hair: 11 Tips for Perfectly Sleek Hair

Sleek, straight hair—the ultimate "clean girl" hairstyle. It’s effortlessly chic and pairs perfectly with everything, from an elegant dress to your favorite sneakers and joggers. Plus, it works for all hair lengths.

Want to achieve the look? We’ve gathered our best tips for you. From prepping in the shower to the final touches, these expert tips will help you straighten your hair like a pro, without unnecessary damage, since we are using heat, after all!

1. Prepare your hair for straightening in the shower

Hair care products labeled "smoothing" can help prep your strands by adding moisture. But let’s be clear, no shampoo or conditioner will magically make your hair straight.

For dry or brittle hair, try combing conditioner through before rinsing gently. Once you’re out of the shower, avoid aggressively towel-drying, as this can enhance natural curls. Instead, gently pat your hair downward to reduce frizz and keep it smooth.

2. Rough dry your hair

Briefly dry your hair with a blow dryer, but don’t overdo it! Too much heat can cause frizz and prevent a sleek finish. If you prefer blow-drying after showering, aim to dry your hair about 80% before applying styling products. Let the remaining 20% air dry for a smoother look.

3. Use the right brush

Use a brush that combines nylon and boar bristles. Brushes made entirely of nylon can create static on their own.

4. Wait until your hair is completely dry

Your hair should be completely dry before straightening. If you hear sizzling or see steam, it's not dry yet. Also, avoid applying products to dry hair before using a flat iron. Unlike curling, straightening clamps the hair, leaving no room for the product to dissipate. This can essentially "boil" the product into the hair shaft, which is especially damaging if it contains alcohol.

5. Use a heat protector oil or spray

You don’t want your hair to sizzle, so be sure to use a heat-protecting oil or spray. In addition to shielding your hair from heat, these products also moisturize and add shine.

6. Monitor your temperature

Most straighteners today come with heat control, and the Silk’n SilkyStraight features various settings and advanced technologies to accommodate different hair textures and conditions while ensuring safety. With 12 temperature options, it’s one of the most versatile straighteners available, suitable for a range of styling needs.

7. Take one section at a time

Create sections in your hair to easily track your progress instead of randomly grabbing fistfuls of hair. Start by parting your hair down the middle at the back and bringing it forward. This will give you two manageable sections to work with, helping you save time.

8. Always hold tension

Make sure to keep your hair sections pulled taut; this will require fewer passes with the straightener, which reduces damage. The more passes the more damage. Passing over hair more than once won’t kill the hair, but you shouldn’t need to do it as much if you’re pulling your hair and creating tension. Create tension, then pull the straightener downward starting from the root, it will help immensely.

9. Reduce frizz and add shine with finishing products

Even though our SilkyStraight already delivers frizz-free straight hair, it’s always beneficial to nourish your hair with anti-frizz products. A light-hold hairspray is a great option, but be sure to wait for your hair to cool down first!

10. Use a straightener with advanced technology

The truth about straighteners is in the product. It’s worth investing in a good straightener because, after all, it’s about your hair and appearance!

11. Don’t forget the double duty of your straightener

In addition to tip 10, straighteners can also function as a curling iron and give you beachy waves or tousled curls.