Straight hair has always been a timeless trend. It has a polished and sleek look to it that looks appealing in every way. Not to mention, the sleek and polished look also goes well with all sorts of outfits and occasions.
However, achieving and maintaining straight hair can be a challenge. Many factors can contribute to frizz, flyaways, and a lack of smoothness.
If you desire perfect straight hair, here are a few things you must avoid.
#1 Heat Damage
Using heat styling tools excessively is one of the main culprits behind damaged and frizzy hair. While flat irons and blow dryers are convenient for achieving straight hair, the high temperatures can strip your locks of moisture, leaving them dry and brittle.
If you want to avoid heat damage, you must limit the use of such heating tools. On top of that, you also have to use a heat protectant spray before you start styling your hair with an electric hair iron. Feel free to embrace heat-free alternatives like air drying or opting for heatless styling methods, such as wrapping your hair overnight. That way, you’ll get to completely avoid heat damage.
#2 Overwashing
While washing your hair is a must every day, washing it too frequently with shampoo and other hair products can strip away its natural oils. This, in turn, leads to the hair drying out and getting frizzy. It is particularly true for straight hair, as it tends to produce less oil than other hair types.
Instead of washing your hair daily, you should wash it every other day. If possible, lower the frequency even further depending on your needs. Incorporate dry shampoo into your routine to refresh your hair between washes and maintain its natural oils, which help keep your hair healthy and smooth.
#3 Overusing Chemical Straighteners
Dependency on chemical straighteners can lead to severe damage to your hair. You’ll notice that with time, your hair will lose its natural touch. Slowly, you’ll notice hair fall too. Once in a while, it’s fine to opt for chemical straightening treatments, but doing it regularly will do your hair a lot of harm.
Besides, there are also studies that suggest chemical straightening products can lead to serious health issues. The chemical hair straightener lawsuit filed in early 2023 suggests that these products can even cause cancer in some cases, including uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer.
An observation by TorHoerman Law suggests that over eight popular hair straightening and relaxer brands have been charged with chemical hair straightener lawsuits. These are all renowned brands that have been in the business for years. This goes to show just how dangerous chemical straighteners can be for your hair.
#4 Skipping the Conditioner
Conditioner helps to nourish and moisturize your locks, providing essential hydration and reducing frizz. Avoid skipping this step, even if you feel like your hair is already smooth. Look for lightweight conditioners specifically formulated for straight hair and focus on applying the product from mid-length to ends to avoid weighing down your roots.
#5 Using the Wrong Brush
Choosing the right brush can make a significant difference in achieving and maintaining straight hair. You must avoid brushes that have harsh or stiff bristles. Such brushes tend to cause breakage and damage to your hair. Instead, go for a wide-toothed comb or a brush that has soft and flexible bristles since they help detangle your hair much more smoothly.
If you’re blow drying your hair, use a round brush, as it can help add volume and smoothness to your hair. Always start at the roots and then work your way down while using a comb or brush. Doing so will allow you to evenly distribute the heat produced from the dryer.
#6 Neglecting Protection from Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as humidity, UV rays, and pollution can wreak havoc on your straight hair, making it prone to frizz and dullness. To protect your locks, invest in hair products that offer UV protection and create a barrier against environmental aggressors.
Serums, sprays, and creams designed to shield your hair can help maintain its smoothness and shine throughout the day. Additionally, consider tying your hair up or using a scarf or hat on particularly humid or sunny days to minimize exposure.
#7 Neglecting Regular Trims
Split ends and damaged hair can prevent you from achieving the perfect straight look you desire. Regular trims can help you maintain healthy hair and also prevent split ends. Aim to trim your hair every six to eight weeks to remove any damaged or split ends and promote healthy growth. Regular trims will not only improve the overall appearance of your hair but also make it easier to style and manage.
Many people will tell you that perfect straight hair is nothing but a myth, as it is often impossible to achieve. However, if you give the above-mentioned tips a try, you’ll realize that achieving a perfect straight hair look need not be that difficult.
