Morales agrees with my method. “I recommend parting your hair into small sections and using clips to keep them in place. Start from the bottom layer and work your way up.” Her reasoning: “This allows you to concentrate on smaller areas at a time, ensuring each section is evenly straightened.”
You could work your way from front to back or however is easiest for you. For instance, Roszak does the opposite. “I always straighten the front first, then use flat clips to help set a look,” she says.
It does help to have some flat clips on hand. They’re especially helpful if you need to keep the hair out of your face while doing your makeup. By pinning the front pieces away from your face and flat to your head, it’ll prevent creasing.
Original video by Glamour tester Lisa DeSantis
Step 4: Start straightening.
“Glide the straightener through each section slowly, starting from the roots and working your way down,” says Morales. “Finish each section before moving to the next.”
Another tip to keep you from frying your hair? “Try two passes max with the iron, but with the goal for one,” says Roszak. Running the iron over your hair too many times will buy you a one-way ticket to Damageville. “Offer a very slight curve toward the endsl this will ensure the ends present smoother and never frayed looking.”
“If you find yourself needing more [passes], you may need to lower the temperature or use smaller sections,” explains Morales. “Doing too many passes can cause damage, so use the right heat setting for your hair type, and always work in small sections for the most efficient straightening.”
I also find that it’s helpful to run a brush through your hair before and after each pass with the straightener for the sleekest finish.
Original video by Glamour tester Lisa DeSantis
Step 5: Finish with serum.
“Once you’re done straightening, finish with a lightweight serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum to add shine and keep moisture,” says Morales. This serum forms a seal on each strand to prevent humidity from penetrating, which ultimately keeps hair from frizzing.
Lisa DeSantis is a freelance lifestyle writer, editor, and brand consultant whose work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Well and Good, Byrdie, and others. Her favourite topics to write about are beauty, health, and wellness. Follow her on Instagram @lisa_desantis_.
This feature originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.