How to Achieve Smooth, Straight, Glossy Hair

Fortunately, you don’t have to leave home to achieve lustrous locks.  While it’s easier for a hairdresser to get your hair straight as a pin, it’s just not realistic to go through on a daily basis.  However, you have plenty of options to get the straight hair you want at home for free.

Try an Olive Oil Treatment

Massage olive oil throughout your hair, focusing mostly on the ends and any frizzy spots.  Avoid the top and roots, or your hair will wind up flat and greasy-looking.  Wrap your tresses in a hot towel for 15 minutes, and then rinse your locks well.  Shampoo and condition as usual.  Voila!  You’ll have healthier-looking locks.

Use Your Blow Dryer 

Simply spray on a light heat protector, then brush your hair down the shaft while wet, with your blow dryer a few inches behind your brush.  Use a large, round-barreled bristle brush with a metal barrel, which will hold the heat as you brush.  Start at the front and work your way around.  Do not turn your head upside-down to blow dry/ brush, as this will rough up the hair cuticle and create ‘huge’ hair!  Keep brushing (gently!) until all your hair is dry. 

Buy a New Hair-Friendly Hairbrush

Most people don’t realize that their choice of hairbrush can be responsible for much of the daily damage their hair suffers.  Take a look at your hairbrush.  Is it cheap, old, or damaged?  If so, get rid of it and take the time to pick out a new one.  Most hairbrushes cost less than 10 dollars, but will last up to five years with a little care and weekly washings.  If you have long hair, then a round barrel will give you more efficient brushing than a paddle brush or a small-headed brush.  Avoid any brush which has round plastic tops on it’s bristles, as these can tangle, snarl and break hair.  Go with natural or plastic bristles and you’ll find that your hair will be in much better condition ofter a few months of use, and therefore much easier to straighten.

Hold the Highlights 

Bleach is the primary cause of frizzy, damaged hair, so you’ll never achieve glossy tresses if you over-process it.  Try to keep highlights to every 4-6 months, to give your hair time to recover between treatments.

Use Dry Conditioner

If you don’t have time for an olive oil treatment, you can always apply a very small amount of

your regular conditioner to dry hair.  A quick coat will tame flyaway hair, but too much will weigh your tresses down.  Apply to the ends only from below ear-level, and blow dry straight on a low heat.

Flat Iron – With Care

If you can afford a flat iron, it works wonders.  However, with overuse, it can do more harm than good.  Use a low heat, and spray on a protective heat-defense spray first.  Try to only use it once or twice a week (for instance on Friday and Saturday night only) or you’ll wind up drying out your hair, which will make it turn dull and frizzy.  It’s important to use everything in moderation!

In addition to the above methods, there are a variety of products and gels on the market that can help you achieve silky locks, but individual results vary depending on your hair type.