How to Make Pin Straight Hair

Co-authored by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: January 6, 2023 References

Pin-straight, glossy hair never goes out of style. If you want your hair to have a sleek, almost liquid-like appearance, it's important to use the right products and drying techniques. See step 1 for instructions on how to achieve this comfortable look.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Prepping Your Hair

1
Shampoo and condition your hair. You'll need to start with wet hair, so shampoo and condition as normal.^{[1]
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Research source} If your hair is on the dry and frizzy side, be sure to use a good moisturizing conditioner to protect it from your heat styling tools.
- If your hair is extremely dry, you might want to do a deep conditioning treatment prior to straightening it.
- Shampoos and conditioners with natural ingredients are easier on your hair. Consider using products that are sulfate and silicone-free to keep your hair healthy and damage-free, especially if you plan to straighten it often.
2
Rinse your hair with cold water before getting out of the shower. This closes the hair shaft, keeping your hair from frizzing up.^{[2]
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Research source} Finishing with a cold rinse will also add extra shine when your hair dries.

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3
Gently towel dry your hair. Don't ball it up or handle it roughly; just gently pat off the excess water.^{[3]
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4
Comb out your hair. Remove the towel and comb your hair using a detangling (wide-tooth) comb.^{[4]
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Research source} Don't use a brush, because brushing wet hair can cause breakage and damage to the hair.^{[5]
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5
Apply a heat protectant spray or cream. Make sure to cover all areas of your hair, especially the ends. This will protect your hair from breakages and split ends.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Drying Your Hair

1
Blow it out using a round brush. Working section by section, blow your hair dry with a hair dryer. Start at the roots and blow it out to the tips.^{[6]
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- If your hair dryer came with a nozzle attachment, use it. The attachment protects your hair from direct heat and helps the final result look shinier.
2
Straighten your hair section by section using a flat iron.^{[7]
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Research source} Pin back the parts that you aren't working on. Each section you straighten should be only half as wide as the straightening iron you're using.
3
Lightly spray your hair with a spray laminator. This product is designed to keep your hair straight for several days. You can use hairspray instead.^{[8]
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- Apply the hairspray at least 12 in (30 cm) away from your hair, so it goes on evenly.
- Do not apply hairspray if your hair is naturally quite dry, as hairspray doesn't provide any moisture.
4
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Dose a straightening brush work as well as a flat iron?

Community Answer

In most cases it does not, because it does not grab and squeeze the hair from both sides like a flat iron does.
Question

How can I straighten my hair if I have baby-fine hair?

Community Answer

Use shampoo without sulfites (Lush's Godiva shampoo is super moisturizing). Then use a coconut oil conditioner and let it sit in your hair for 2-3 minutes before washing it out. Blow dry your hair and then use a leave-in conditioner. Straighten your hair in segments; if the ends start to frizz, apply a little more leave-in conditioner.
Question

Is there another way that I can make my hair straight at all times?

Community Answer

You could go to a hair salon and get a perm, I suppose. Or when you straighten your hair, avoid washing it for a few days to prevent it from getting curly again.

Warnings

Avoid using too much hairspray; that can also have damaging effects.

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Avoid using shampoo containing silicone. While its immediate effects might give your hair a nice look, it will damage your hair over time.

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Turn off the flat iron when not in use. Unplug it to be sure. If you leave it on it can start a fire. Some have an automatic shut off system, but that shouldn't prevent you from being careless. As it cools, leave it on a surface that will not ignite easily.

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Avoid straightening your hair with a flat iron or chemical repeatedly. It can damage your hair over time. If you want more permanent straight hair, take a shower less often, every other day or so. Or take a shower without washing your hair.

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