5 Cool Tips On Using a Flat Iron

Are you tired of all the celebs having perfectly straight and shiny hair while you're stuck with a frizzy mess? Of course you are! Fortunately there is a secret weapon the stars use and you can have it at a fraction of the price. Flat irons have made a huge impact on the world of hair. A flat iron can take even the curliest hair and make it stick straight.

In the 70's women did not have the luxury of having flat irons at their disposal. To get straight hair they had to iron their hair out with a real clothes iron. It sounds crazy, right? It goes to show how far women will go for fabulous hair. Don't worry, put the iron away. You can find a flat iron in your local Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, or almost any store that carries blow dryers. Flat irons, also called straightners, range in price from $10 to hundreds.

When buying your flat iron, look for an iron that has an adjustable heat setting and a gold plate on the inside. The adjustable heat setting will allow you to control how much heat is going on your head. Women with mostly straight hair already can use a low heat setting, saving their hair from high heat damage. On the other hand, women with very curly hair can use a hotter setting, helping the hair to straighten more easily. The gold plate protects your hair and helps it from burning.

After you purchase your flat iron you are right on your way to straightness. Simply follow these steps to get that perfect look.

1. Plug the flat iron in and adjust the heat setting to match your hair.

As a rule of thumb use as little heat as you can. Continuous exposure to high heat can lead to damaged hair and split ends. At a lower setting of heat you may have to go over the hair a few times. A higher setting may only take one time to get it right. Play around and see what works best for your hair type.

2. Spray hair with a flat iron shine spray.

This is not completely necessary but will protect your hair from damage. A flat iron spray will create a barrier on your hair to protect it from heat damage. The spray also adds shine to the hair and helps the straightner work easily.

3. Divide your hair in sections.

Pin up the top of your hair so you can straighten the bottom first. Sectioning the hair helps you have a complete look and makes sure you get the hair underneath.

4. Place the flat iron close to the root of your hair, clamp the hair and slowly move the flat iron down until the hair is no longer in the flat iron.

Make sure you move slowly so the hair takes the heat. If you rush your hair will not get as straight. Continue to do this until your entire head is finished. Repeat if necessary.

5. Spray hair with a finishing or hair spray for hold.

A little bit of spray will ensure that your locks stay straight all day. Make sure to spray underneath your hair as well. Use extra spray for wet or humid days.

The time it takes to complete straightening your hair with a flat iron will vary based upon the length and thickness of your hair. Longer hair will take more time then shorter hair. The same is true for thick hair.

Remember practice makes perfect. Pretty soon you will be able to flat iron your hair in no time. The celeb's secret weapon is now yours.