Keeping your hair sleek and straight the whole day is a difficult task especially if you don’t always have the time to do it. But aside from that, most women dread the endless time of wasting money, effort, and even the process of trial and error. I can relate to that, believe me.

That being said – are there any solutions to keep it straight the whole day?

Why your hair doesn’t stay straight after straightening them?

There are a couple of reasons why this happen and for years, I am still wondering what is the best product or combination to keep my hair sleek and straight after using my flat iron. However, here are the common mistakes why this is happening.

You are prepping your hair the wrong way

Yes, how you prep your hair before straightening them is very essential to keep it sleek and straight. And this means having the right shampoo and conditioner, the whole hair care routine.

If you are struggling to keep it straight, here are useful tips:

  • Cleanse your hair especially on the scalp area to strip off oil build-up. Repeat if necessary to make sure excess oil is removed. Too much oil in your oil will not only make your hair look limp, but it will not also keep the hair straight.
  • Choose shampoos that are “smoothing” or “fortifying”, preferably those that are sulfate-free, anti-frizz, or something that will protect your hair from damage or have weak ends.
  • Take it easy in applying conditioner. You may also skip it or apply only on the ends of your hair and not the roots.
  • Apply products like balm or serum while the hair is wet. Avoid applying it on the roots and don’t forget to follow it up with a heat protectant.
  • Blow-dry your hair first until completely dry. Once the hair is dry, section the hair. You may now proceed using your straightening iron in small sections until you have passed throughout your hair.
  • Finish it lightly with a spritz of a holding spray.

Using cheap hair tools

Not all hair tools are created equal. While you may be tempted in buying a $20 blow dryer, straightening iron, or curling iron, because you think that you won’t be using it most of the time, you will find that you are not saving money. What’s more, you might be damaging your hair in the process.

It is not just the price that you should be worried about when buying your heat tools but the heat settings, plates, and airflow that you are paying for. Moreso, low-quality heating tools may just break down in just a few months or so and may burn your hair when you use it. So, be very careful in choosing your hair tools.

And if you want to find the best hair straightening tool, click here.

Using the right hair styling products

Hair tools will not work well without pairing them with the right hair products. Products such as straightening balm, mousse, or serums should be applied to wet hair. Use a finishing spray or oil when your hair is already dry.

Curly hair needs a lot of moisture while straight and wavy hair needs texture and a lot of volume to make it more manageable to style and have fuller body results.

Hair products to use for best straightening results are anti-frizz, humidity blocker, and heat resistant products which may include leave-in conditioner and shampoo. Even if you are living in areas that are not humid, spritzing some spray or mists will do the trick.

What can cause the hair to not stay straight?

There are different causes and these may include:

  • Humidity
  • Touching your hair continuously
  • Too much or too little hair product is applied
  • Not enough hold in the product
  • Your hair is too damaged or too frail
  • Your hair is too “dirty” upon styling
  • Not enough heat to create a smooth shape in your hair

How to keep your hair straight all day?

To keep your hair straight the whole day here are some steps you can try:

Use shampoos and conditioners that help straighten your hair

Choose those products that have a lot of vitamins and minerals and ingredients like wheat proteins or hedera helix extract. Comb the conditioner into your hair during shower using a wide-toothed comb. This will help in getting rid of tangles and encourage straightness.

Dry hair properly and avoid harsh rubbing your hair

When drying your hair, pat and squeeze your hair dry using a soft towel and avoid intensely rubbing your hair to dry. If you are using a hair dryer, move it from side to side and avoid focusing it directly on your hair to avoid damage and prevent frizzing.

Using a straightening iron

When using your straightening iron, be sure to apply a heat protectant to prevent hair damage and encourage your hair to adhere to the straightness of your iron. Opt-in for ceramic plated iron and straighten your hair per section one at a time.

Fight humidity with hair oil

Humidity is one of the causes why your hair doesn’t stay straight for long. Apply a smoothing hair oil to keep it straight all day. The smoothing oil will keep the humidity and frizz at bay. Coconut oil and argan oil are good products that work well in fighting humidity.

Author

Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.