How to Straighten Curly Hair (And Minimise Damage While Doing So!)

This is a public service announcement: it is possible to learn how to straighten curly hair without causing serious damage!

Wait, what? Yep, you read that right. Most curly girls assume that in order to switch up their style they need to risk the health of their curls. But it’s simply not true.

The key? A residue-free foundation, hydration that penetrates (not coats), and innovative, weightless protection.

Today we’re sharing curly hair tips and breakthrough technologies that not only prevent heat damage but actually work with the heat to keep your strands smooth, strong, and nourished.

What Happens to Curly Hair when You Straighten It?

Let’s start with breaking down the science. When you straighten curly hair, the heat temporarily breaks the hydrogen bonds in the hair's cortex, altering its natural curl pattern until it gets wet again.

This process can cause dehydration if the hair isn’t properly prepped, as heat strips away natural moisture, making it feel dry and brittle.

So, Does Straightening Curly Hair Damage It?

Yes, straightening curly hair can cause damage—but only if you’re not using the right prep and protection.

Here are two key ways heat styling can impact your curls:

1. Heat Damage

High Heat Effects: High temperatures from styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can severely damage the hair cuticle, the protective outer layer of the hair strand.

When the cuticle is compromised, it can no longer protect the inner layers, leading to weakened hair structure. This results in the hair becoming brittle and prone to breakage.

Protein Denaturation: Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein that can denature (lose its structure) when exposed to high heat.

This denaturation makes the hair less elastic and more susceptible to snapping and breaking. Over time, repeated exposure to heat can cause cumulative damage, leading to significant hair loss and thinning.

2. Moisture Loss

Hydration Depletion: Heat styling can strip hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness. This occurs because high temperatures can evaporate the natural oils and water content within the hair shaft, which are essential for maintaining hair health and elasticity.

Raised Cuticles: Heat can cause the cuticle layers to lift, which not only makes the hair look frizzy but also allows moisture to escape more easily.

When the cuticle is raised, the hair is more porous and loses hydration quickly, making it prone to further damage and breakage.

How to Straighten Curly Hair the Curl Wow Way

Getting those long-lasting, sleek locks without damage starts with the right foundation.

Professional Stylist Felicia says, “If you are going to straighten your hair, you need to make sure to cleanse and hydrate your hair properly before straightening.”

1. Shampoo

Start with a clean slate! Use Snag-Free to gently detangle and create slip before shampooing with Hooked 100% Clean Shampoo.

Most shampoos leave behind residues that weigh curls down or interfere with styling, but Hooked deeply cleans without buildup—so hair is fresh and prepped for styling.

2. Condition

Unlike traditional heavy conditioners, Coco-Motion penetrates to the core of the hair rather than just sitting on top—so your curls stay hydrated without feeling weighed down.

PRO TIP: Avoid heavy, waxy, deep conditioning treatments before straightening, as they can create buildup that affects how smoothly your hair straightens.

3. Towel Dry & Saturate Your Hair with Dream Coat

There’s a reason why Dream Coat is the OG, game-changing humidity-fighter! This best-selling frizz treatment forms an invisible shield around each strand to repel moisture and prevent frizz—even in the most humid conditions.

Not only does this help maintain a smooth, sleek finish, but it also extends the longevity of your straightened style, reducing the need for heat touch-ups.

But not all Dream Coats are the same! Curly-haired girls who want that ultra-sleek, long-lasting straight style should reach for either:

Original Dream Coat Supernatural Spray – Best for wavy or curly hair that frizzes and needs long-lasting humidity-proofing, frizz control and a glossy, glass-like finish.
Extra Strength Dream Coat – Best for very curly/coily hair, or hair that's extremely dry and dehydrated which tends to revert back to frizz more quickly.

Additionally, Dream Coat’s heat-activated polymers work with your styling tools—not against them—locking in hydration while protecting hair from high temperatures.

Felicia says, “I highly recommend curlies use Dream Coat to not only help protect their strands while straightening, but also to help lock in results and fight frizz so there’s less need for touch ups! Fewer touch ups = less chance of heat damage.”

Simply divide your hair into sections, and then spray each section thoroughly (on the surface as well as underneath) to completely saturate hair.

This is very important - we recommend completely covering your hair to get the most out of the Dream Coat range.

For a full guide on how to use Dream Coat, take a look at our blog.

4. Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into small, manageable sections. This ensures even blow drying and allows you to work methodically.

Clip away the sections you’re not working on to keep them out of the way.

5. Blow Dry with Tension

For the best results, blow-dry your hair using a hair dryer with a concentrator nozzle.

Blow dry, section by section, using a brush to hold each section taut while directing dryer heat (set at medium to high temperature) down hair lengths until section is completely dry.

6. Use a Flat Iron if You Want Super Straight Hair

Choose a flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates, which distribute heat evenly and reduce damage.

Ensure it has adjustable heat settings so you can tailor the temperature to your hair type.

Start at the roots and slowly glide the flat iron down to the ends of each section. Avoid going over the same section multiple times to prevent excessive heat exposure.

7. Finish with a Shine Spray

Once all sections are straightened, apply a lightweight shine spray like Extra Mist-ical to add gloss and tame any remaining frizz.

Post-Straightening Maintenance: How to Keep Curly Hair Straight

Here are some essential tips to help you preserve your straight style:

Stay Dry: Water and humidity are the enemies of straightened hair. Avoid getting your hair wet and use an umbrella or hood in damp weather.
Shower Precautions: Use a shower cap to protect your hair from steam and moisture while bathing.
Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases reduces friction, preventing frizz and maintaining smoothness.
Hair Wrapping: Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before bed to keep it smooth and protected.
Low Heat Settings: If you need to touch up your hair, use the lowest effective heat setting to avoid further damage.
Avoid Over-Brushing: Over-brushing can create static and frizz. Brush your hair minimally and only when necessary.