How to use hair straightening cream is undoubtedly one of the first questions that come to mind when you think of straightening your hair at home.
Using the cream is easy, but you have to do it right to get the best possible results.
In this article, you’ll see step-by-step how to use this type of product to produce celebrity-like straightened hair.
After speaking to many experts, I found this the best method, so let’s get started!
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
1. Choose The Right Hair Straightener Cream
You can agree that the best hair straightening cream is as important as the straightening process itself.
If you have slightly wavy or frizzy hair, I suggest you use a mild cream (such as the John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Styling Crème), which can be used daily, resulting in silky, smooth hair.
On the other hand, for curly, suborn, or natural hair, it’s better that you adopt a super-strong cream such as Keratin Research Brazilian Keratin Blowout Straightening Hair Treatment.
The powerful active chemicals in it help relax your hair strands and allow for straight hair quickly.
2. Thoroughly Wash Your Hair And Rinse Well
Once you have the right cream for your hair type, start your hair straightening session by thoroughly washing and cleaning your hair. [1]
Hair experts recommend that you don’t apply styling cream on unwashed hair as the product will not as well, and it can actually cause hair damage.
It is a good idea to use a straightening shampoo. I recommend the OGX Ever-Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo to wash away debris and dirt from your hair locks and build an excellent base for the upcoming straightening process.
Experts, like those at Dove, recommend that you rinse your hair with warm water. [3]
3. Towel Dry Your Wet Locks
After you finish washing your hair, you need to towel dry it gently. Doing this gently will help prevent damage to all kinds of hair.
I like to use a microfiber towel to soak up any excess water so that my hair is lightly damp. I’ve found that damp hair produces the best results when applying cream hair products.
After you’ve soaked up an acceptable amount of moisture, lightly brush through your hair, making sure you get all knots and tangles out.
READ MORE: DIY Permanent Hair Straightening Cream at Home
Here’s a great tip on the best way to towel dry and prevent damaged hairs.
4. Divide Hair Into Small Sections
Don’t just start grabbing chunks of hair and start applying your hair cream.
First, you need to section all your hair into several parts. How many sections you need will depend on hair structure and length.
Using this method ensures a more even and consistent application of the cream, which gives you a better chance of making your hair straighter.
One great tip that I learned for making sections is to use a rat tail comb like this Scalpmaster Nano Rat Tail Comb. It allows you to create precise sections. It is one of my favorite must-have hair tools.
Finally, secure each section with a clip for easier hair shaft application.
5. Apply The Hair Straightening Cream
Now it’s time for the most important step, applying the straightening cream.
Take a small amount of cream in your palm (you can always build it up if you need it) and apply it to the selected section of hair.
Start slightly away from your scalp, around 3/4 inches away from the roots, and work the cream out to the ends.
Run your finger through your hair to spread the product evenly.
Repeat the process to cover all your hair with the styling cream and comb through them again, distributing the solution throughout your locks.
Our video will guide you on how to apply hair straightener cream.
6. Leave The Cream On Your Hair
Once you are done applying the cream, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, depending on the condition of your hair.
20 minutes is more than enough for sensitive, color-treated, or dry hair. However, you have to give the production process longer if you have thick, curly hair locks.
Remember not to put on any clips or lay down while the cream is still there.
6. Rinse The Cream Out Of Your Hair
After letting the cream rest on your hair for up to half an hour, it’s time to wash it off. Use lukewarm water and rinse until you are sure that every bit of the product is washed away.
Note: do not use a shampoo or hair conditioner at this stage.
Again using a microfiber towel (I prefer the DuraComfort Essentials Super Absorbent Microfiber Hair Towel), gently tap your hair and remove the excess water.
Do not rub the hair since it might damage the strands and cause potential hair loss. [2]
CHECK: L’oreal Hair Straightening Cream Side Effects
7. Blow Dry Your Hair
When your hair is damp, start drying it with a blow dryer.
While using the dryer (such as this Remington D3190 Damage Protection Hair Dryer), start pulling the hair strands with a round bristle brush to straighten them with a natural finish.
If you are aiming for more salon quality, pin-straight, smooth appearance, use a flat iron to straighten your hair after you are done drying them properly. This will help make your hair smoother.
Just be cautious not to overdo it to reduce the risk of heat damage.
I found this video really helpful for blowdrying tips! Check it out.
FAQS
When should we use hair straightening cream?
Use hair straightener cream on dry frizzy hair after washing and towel drying.
Does straightening cream damage hair?
Straightening creams can cause hair damage as they can contain harmful chemicals. The harsh chemicals can lead to hair breakage and reduce your overall hair health.
How long does hair straightening cream last?
How long hair straightener cream lasts will depend on the specific product you use and your hair type but many last 3-4 months.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you answer the question ‘how to use hair straightening cream?’ While it does take up a good chunk of your time, it’s pretty easy.
Do you have a favorite product you use to tame your locks? I’d love to know what you use!
Resources
- 1. Hoffman M. Picture of the Hair [Internet]. WebMD. WebMD; 2010. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-hair
- 2. Surprising Reasons Your Hair Is Falling Out [Internet]. WebMD. [cited 2022 Aug 24]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/ss/slideshow-hair-fallout
- 3. Hair Wash Dos and Donts [Internet]. Dove India. Available from: https://www.dove.com/in/stories/tips-and-how-to/hair-care-tips-advice/how-often-should-hair-be-washed2.html
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Sylvia is one of the most joyful people you’ll ever meet. She is a high advocate of self-love and encourages women to take care of themselves both mentally and physically. She loves girly talks especially salon talks (a little gossip doesn’t hurt) and spends most of her free time on skincare or hair care. You can find more about here HERE. Find her on LINKEDIN
Hello people,
I am just amazed by your writing. It is one nicely penned down article with just the right amount of information. After going through this piece of writing thoroughly, I wonder how you come up with such versatile ideas and provide so much appropriate information and tips. Before reading this article, I was always skeptical about whether you can use straightening cream on your own or not. But this blog erased all my confusion. Thank you very much guys for such an amazing explanatory article.
But then again, I have a question. You said that before applying the straightening I should use a microfiber hair towel to soak excess water from my manes. If I use a regular cotton towel instead of a microfiber one, would there be any problem?
Looking forward to your answer.
Thanks in advance.
Dear Kathy,
First of all, thank you very much for your sweet and inspiring words. We are overwhelmed with your response.
Secondly, it doesn’t matter how you soak up the excess water from your manes before applying the cream, soaking water is important. However, we suggest a microfiber towel because of its severe benefits over cotton one.
We hope that this would help.
I must say that all the steps and instructions that you have listed in this article are very easy to follow. After reading this piece of writing, I was so intrigued that I followed these steps to a T and applied straightened cream on my hair locks. Trust me, girls, I never felt that the process was difficult. And the end result was also phenomenal. If you are thinking of applying straightening cream at the comfort of your own home then I would suggest you follow these steps. Straightening hair would never feel easier.
Thank you guys for making our lives easier.
Keep up the good work.
I wish you all the very best.
First of all, thank you very much for your kind words. We are ecstatic with your response.
Secondly, we are also glad that our article helped you in some way or the other. It’s a great achievement for us.
Please keep coming back for more informative articles in the future.