Straightening Iron: Men's Guide To Straight Hair (2025)

Straight hair is a popular style for men, with many different ways to achieve the look. Whether you want to straighten your hair temporarily or permanently, there are several methods to help you achieve sleek, straight hair. It's important to note that all heated styling can damage hair, so it's crucial to use a protectant spray and conditioner to minimise breakage. In this article, we will explore the different ways to straighten hair, the best products to use, and how to take care of straightened hair.

Wash and dry hair

Wash and dry your hair before straightening it with a flat iron. Here's how:

Shampoo and Conditioner

Use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type. If your hair is thick and frizzy, use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is thin and flat, use volumizing products.

Towel Dry

Once you step out of the shower, wrap your hair in an absorbent, microfiber towel and leave it for a minute or two. Then, gently dab or blot your hair with the towel to get rid of any excess moisture. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel, as this can cause breakage.

Blow Dry

Blow-dry your hair with a hairdryer. This will help to pre-straighten your hair, so you'll have less work to do with the straightening iron. Dry the roots of your hair first, then work through the lengths. Turn your head upside down while drying your hair to add more volume. Use a paddle brush to work through tangles and hold hair taut as you dry.

Heat Protection Spray

Apply a heat protection spray to your hair. This will lock in moisture and prevent hair from becoming dry and frazzled. Hold the can about six inches away from your head and spray the product evenly over dry hair. Avoid applying the spray to your roots, as this can make them look greasy.

Use a heat protection serum

Using a heat protection serum is an important step in straightening your hair with a flat iron. Here's a detailed guide:

Choose the Right Serum

Select a heat protection serum suitable for your hair type. Look for products specifically designed for heat protection, as these will form a protective barrier on your hair, shielding it from heat damage. Some serums may also offer additional benefits like frizz control, shine enhancement, or UV protection. Check the ingredients list and opt for serums containing natural oils like argan, coconut, or almond oil, which are known to nourish and protect hair.

Prepare Your Hair

Before applying the serum, ensure your hair is clean and damp. Wash your hair and gently pat it dry with a towel. Avoid vigorously rubbing your hair, as this can cause frizz and tangles. You want your hair to be slightly damp, not soaking wet, when applying the serum.

Apply the Serum

Dispense a small amount of the serum into your palm and gently rub your hands together to distribute the product evenly. Start applying the serum to the ends of your hair, where the damage is usually most prominent, and work your way up. Use your fingers to gently coat each section of hair, ensuring every strand is covered. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the serum evenly throughout your hair, detangling any knots or tangles as you go.

Allow Your Hair to Air Dry

Once you've applied the serum, let your hair air dry completely. Avoid using a blow dryer or any other heat styling tools at this stage, as you don't want to expose your hair to heat without protection. Air drying is the gentlest way to dry your hair and helps prevent damage.

Style Your Hair

Now that your hair is protected, you can begin straightening it with a flat iron. Section your hair into manageable parts and work in small sections at a time. Remember to use your flat iron on completely dry hair, as applying direct heat to wet or damp hair can cause breakage and damage. Follow the straightening technique described earlier, and enjoy your sleek, straight hairstyle!

Using a heat protection serum is a crucial step in the hair straightening process. It acts as a shield, safeguarding your hair from the intense heat of styling tools. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively use a heat protection serum to achieve straight, sleek hair while minimizing heat damage.

Blow-dry hair straight

Blow-drying your hair is a popular method for straightening hair because it uses tools that most people already have at home. The time it takes depends on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as how detailed you are. For everyday styling, most men can get this done in 5-10 minutes.

Step 1: Start with damp hair

Wash your hair as usual, then gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, squeezing, or twisting your hair, as this can damage it. Use a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt to dry your hair, as these cause less friction and put less stress on your hair than cotton towels.

Step 2: Brush and detangle hair

Use a comb to remove any knots. This will allow you to dry your hair more evenly. When combing your hair, always start at the ends and work your way towards the crown of your head. If your hair is curly, use a wide-tooth comb to gently untangle any knots.

Step 3: Apply heat protectant spray

Blow-drying can cause intense damage to your hair if it isn't properly protected. Apply a thermal protectant product, such as a heat-activated spray, to keep your hair from being fried by the blow dryer. Use enough product to cover every strand of hair.

Step 4: Use a brush to lift hair in the front

Angle the blow dryer up from beneath your hairline and gently lift and tug the hair at the front of your crown upward while you dry it. This will create a natural lift and add volume to the front of your hair.

Step 5: Blow-dry the front of your hair

Pull a small section of hair along your forehead up with a brush. With the nozzle about half an inch away from your hair, dry your hair from roots to tips. Repeat the process with the remaining sections of hair.

Step 6: Blow-dry the back of your hair

For the back of your head, comb your hair flat to the scalp and aim the blow dryer down onto it. This straightens your hair without adding volume.

Step 7: Blast with cold air

When your hair is all the way dry, blast it with cold air to set the style.

Step 8: Apply your favourite pomade

If the product doesn't have enough hold for your hair, lock the look in place with a finishing spray. Modern versions of hair spray leave hair more moveable and touchable than ever. Hold the can about a foot away from your head and spray a light coating all over.

Flat iron hair in sections

To flat iron hair in sections, you'll first want to separate your hair into several sections. The number of sections will depend on the thickness of your hair. Aim for sections that are one to two inches thick so that they can easily pass through the straightener. Pin or clip the sections you are not using out of the way as you straighten each individual section.

Starting with the lowest layer of hair, separate a lock of hair one to two inches wide. This should be small enough that you can fit the flat iron around it easily and straighten it in one pass. Place the straightener as close to the roots as possible without burning yourself. Clamp the iron down, then run it down the length of your hair. Be sure not to clamp too firmly, as this will create a ridge at the top of the hair. Keep the same amount of pressure on the hair at all times.

Repeat the process with the remaining sections of hair, working from the lowest layers up to the surface. If the lock of hair isn't straight after the first try, go over it again. If this keeps happening, use smaller locks of hair or raise the iron temperature. Multiple passes with a low-temperature iron can cause more damage than a single pass with a high-temperature iron.

Apply a finishing product

Once you've finished straightening your hair, you'll want to apply a finishing product to keep your hair straight and sleek all day. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Choose the Right Product

Firstly, you'll want to choose a finishing product that's suitable for your hair type. If you have fine hair, opt for a lightweight product that won't weigh your hair down, such as a spray or mousse. If you have coarse or frizzy hair, look for a product that's designed to smooth and tame flyaways, such as a serum or cream.

Apply the Product

When applying your finishing product, start with a small amount and work it through your hair, focusing on the areas that need the most help. If you're using a spray, hold the can about 12 to 14 inches away from your head and spray a light coating all over. If you're using a cream or serum, warm a pea-sized amount between your palms and then work it through your hair, adding more as needed.

Use a Wide-Toothed Comb

After applying the product, use a wide-toothed comb to gently distribute it evenly through your hair, from root to tip. This will help to smooth your hair and ensure that the product is coating each strand.

Protect Your Hair from Humidity

If you live in a humid climate, it's important to take steps to protect your hair from moisture, which can cause frizz and ruin your straight style. Look for products that contain silicones, which seal the hair cuticle and protect it from humidity. You can also carry an umbrella with you to shield your hair from rain or mist.

Maintain Your Style

To keep your hair straight and sleek for longer, avoid touching your hair or putting it up in a ponytail or bun, as this can cause kinks and creases. When you sleep, use a silk or satin pillowcase, which will be gentler on your hair and help to prevent frizz and breakage.

Frequently asked questions