Hydrogen
Hair is composed of keratin, a type of protein. The proteins in your hair are held together with hydrogen bonds. These bonds are relatively weak and can be manipulated to straighten the hair. When temporarily straightening the hair, these bonds must be broken and kept from reforming into their natural wavy or curly state.
Water
You may have noticed that your hair is curlier when it is wet, or when the weather is humid. This is because water strengthens the hydrogen bonds in your hair. Some temporary hair straighteners work by keeping water away from the hydrogen bonds in your hair, usually by coating the surface of each hair. These straighteners are usually found in shampoos, conditioners or styling products. Some are petroleum-based and can be irritating to facial skin.
Heat
Heat is also good at breaking the hydrogen bonds in your hair. Many temporary hair straightening devices take advantage of this by heating your hair, then holding it in a flat, straight position so that the bonds cannot reform in their natural wavy or curly state. There are also styling products made especially to work with heated appliances used for temporary hair straightening.
Temporary
The effect of temporary hair straighteners lasts only until your hair comes in contact with water, usually at your next shampoo or sooner if the air is humid, and the hydrogen bonds reform. For permanent straightening, chemicals are used to break the hydrogen bonds and reform them in a new, curl-free configuration. Chemical straightening is best left in the hands of professional stylists.
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