A couple of my customers have asked about straightening hair and how to protect your hair, keep it shiny and make sure you get a super sleek look. Just a forewarning altering the texture of your hair is not always easy and may require a little extra work. It can definitely be done - just take a look at the effects on Sarah Jessica Parker. She has gorgeous curly hair, but also gorgeous straight hair!

First be sure to wash and condition your hair. One of the key tricks in not allowing your hair to get a dry frizzy look is to make sure there is still moisture in the hair. Conditioner is step one in that process.

Blow your hair dry, but dont dry it all the way. Leave it just a little damp..not so it seems wet, but just so when you touch it you know it isn't completely dry.

Pile most of your hair on top of your head and secure it with a barrette. It is really important that you do not just straighten the top layer of your hair while leaving the rest curly/frizzy - you will not get the look you are going for if you desire really straight hair.

Use a spray shine and spray it on your hair one piece at a time before you straighten it. ****Use a spray shine that does NOT contain alcohol. They are difficult to find, but they are out there. Alcohol dries the hair, and using one without will preserve your healthy hair. This is especially important if you also chemically treat your hair.

The one that I use that does not contain alcohol is Ellin Lavar Instantshine. I did a search and there isn't any available on ebay. I got mine at Ulta, but she also has a website if you want to check it out.

The straightener, I am sure anyone will do - but I have tried several and the absolute best is Chi ceramic hair iron. They are super expensive, but you can get them on ebay for a much more economic price. One warning, however - when purchasing on ebay many sellers include some other Chi product with a subpar iron to get the keyword CHI in the listing. Make sure you read it carefully and are not getting "Chi infusion + ceramic hair iron" See what I mean?

Then, work your way out doing the top of your hair last. It does take longer but the results are worth it.

Was this guide helpful to you? Please let me know, if it was not helpful I would like to know that too. Thanks for reading!