How to Care for Straight Hair

Every type of hair has good points and bad points that need to be addressed when caring for hair. Straight hair tends to look shinier because sebum--the hair's natural oil--coats the straight shaft more easily than curly hair. But that oil can also cause the hair to separate and look stringy. Caring for straight hair properly is an important step to keep the hair healthy and looking good.

Step 1

Find a mild shampoo that will allow you to wash your hair every day, if needed. According to KidsHealth.org, sebum easily coats straight hair, making the hair shiny at first but then overly oily or stringy. Keeping it clean is essential to keep the hair shiny. Shampoo made specifically for oily hair can be too drying to use each day.

Step 2

Choose a layered hairstyle to add body and shape to your hair. Layers can add dimension to your hair and take advantage of straight hair's natural shine. An article on Life123.com says that keeping your layered cut trimmed well is essential. Straight hair hides no sins.

Step 3

Get regular haircuts if you decide to grow your hair long. Straight hair can look dry and ragged at the ends because of age and breakage, so trim at least an inch every year to keep the ends in tip-top shape.

Step 4

When styling your hair, use a diffuser on your blow dryer to keep the direct heat away from the hair. Before drying, distribute any hair products through your hair with a wide-toothed comb. The comb will keep your hair from tangling and make sure the product gets from the roots to the tip of your hair.

Tips and Warnings

  • Curling shampoos may add some body to your hair if it is straight and limp. Another strategy is to loosely braid wet hair and let it dry overnight in the braid to add a wave to your hair.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild shampoo
  • Blow dryer with diffuser

References

Article reviewed by Danielle Last updated on: Jan 20, 2010

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