How To Style Hair With A Straightener

Whether you call it a straightener or a flat iron, heated straightening tools can be used for more than you think. Far from just flattening your strands, straighteners are great for adding texture in the form of waves, curls, and flicks. If you’ve only got a pair of straighteners to hand, but want to mix up your look, or you simply want to know what else your trusty tool can do – then look no further. This guide is packed with simple tips and tricks to help you style your hair with straighteners for the healthiest and most glamorous results.

TOP TIPS FOR STRAIGHTENING YOUR HAIR

While heated tools like straighteners do speed up the styling process, it’s not as simple as plugging them in, cranking up the heat, and dragging them through your hair. Getting the best results when straightening your hair requires preparation, caution – and most importantly – care. 

PREPARE YOUR HAIR FOR STYLING WITH STRAIGHTENERS

Before you reach for your straighteners, make sure your hair is in the best condition, ready for heat styling. Here are four steps to prep your hair for shiny, sleek results.

1. Detangle your hair using the Wet Hairbrush while your hair is still wet for smoother styling.
2. Ensure your hair is clean and dry before straightening for the best results. Styling wet hair or applying heat to dirty hair can cause damage. If you haven’t got time to allow your hair to air dry, use the Airshot hair dryer to blow-dry it. We recommend using a round brush in a smooth, downwards motion to blow-dry your hair straight.
3. Apply a few generous spritzes of a heat protectant like Magical Quick Dry Potion to shield hair your hair from high temperatures and ensure glossy, shiny results.
4. Use our Temperature Calculator to discover the best temperature to set your straighteners to. 

CHOOSE THE PERFECT STRAIGHTENER FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE

Find the perfect match for your hair with our tips for choosing the best straightener for your hair type.

• Opt for Variable Temperature Control: Different hair types need different levels of heat, so invest in straighteners like CLOUD NINE’s that allow you to adjust the temperature to suit your hair type.
• Think about your plate width: Wider plates – like those on our Wide Iron – are ideal for long or thick hair, as they cover more surface area at once, saving time and minimising your hair’s contact with heat. Slimmer plates provide precision and are perfect for short hair or fringes. Our Slim Iron has 0.5-inch plates, making it perfect for styling bangs, bobs and pixie cuts.
• Choose ceramic plates: Straighteners with ceramic plates allow heat to be distributed evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots that can singe or damage your hair. CLOUD NINE’s signature mineral, Sericite, is infused into our ceramic plates to help ensure a smoother finish with reduced frizz and static.
• Benefit from advanced haircare technology: If you’re shopping for new straighteners, look out for expert haircare technology that’s specially designed to protect your hair from heat damage. At CLOUD NINE, our straighteners are equipped with Revive ModeTM which uses Axial VibrationTM technology to minimise friction and snagging as you style your hair.
• Use the right temperature for your hair: You may have found the perfect straighteners for your hair, but if you’re not using the right heat setting, you could still be causing damage, compromising your style in the long run. Use our Temperature Calculator to discover the best heat setting for your hair type. Simply answer a few quiz questions about your hair type, texture, and colour, and you’ll receive a personal recommendation about the perfect heat setting for your hair. 

For more comprehensive advice on choosing your ideal straighteners, head to our Guide to Choosing the Best Straighteners from CLOUD NINE.

STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR LIKE A PRO

Whether you're a straightening newbie or have been perfecting your sleek look for years, you may benefit from a few tricks to get salon-quality results without compromising your hair’s health.

1. Section your hair first: Divide your hair into sections. Smaller sections mean you’ll get more even, controlled styling and avoid having to go over the same piece multiple times – promoting better hair health.
2. Use a heat protectant: Heat protectant products come in sprays and creams. Our Magical Quick Dry Potion is packed with nourishing natural ingredients to keep your hair hydrated and protected from heat. Always apply your heat protectant before using your straighteners – no matter how low you set the heat.
3. Straighten each section in one smooth motion: Here’s the key to damage-free, flawless straightening: glide your straightener from the roots of your hair to the ends in one smooth motion. No stopping, no clamping down, and definitely no repeated heat exposure on a single spot.
4. Dial down the heat: Each hair type requires a different styling temperature. Fine or damaged hair? Keep it under 150°C. Thick or coarse hair? Your ideal heat setting is likely to be a little higher. Check out our Temperature Calculator to discover the best heat for your hair type.

HOW TO STYLE STRAIGHTENED HAIR

So you’ve straightened your hair, but now you’re not sure what to do with it. We’ve got three tried-and-tested styles for straight hair that will be sure to turn heads:

Sleek ponytail

The classic ponytail is a practical look that keeps your hair off your face and shows off your features. Simply sweep your hair back and secure it with a snag-free hair bobble. For an extra glam finish, take a small section, around 1cm thick, and gently wrap around the hair bobble to disguise it. Simply tuck the end into the hair bobble or secure it with a carefully hidden bobby pin. Finish by rubbing a pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy between your fingers and run them gently over your hair from the roots to the tip of your ponytail – this will add an extra gloss to your look.

Half-up, half-down

Another great look that works with all hair types and lengths is the half-up, half-down style. It’s a versatile and stylish look that’s perfect for any event. Simply gather the top half of your hair and secure it into a mini ponytail with a hair bobble at the back of your head. Accessorise with a ribbon or clip for an extra flourish. Use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to add some flicks or even some waves – its curved ceramic plates make it the perfect tool for straightening and waving.

Loose and free

You’ve spent a little time straightening your hair, so why not leave it loose? After straightening, apply a little Magical Remedy through the lengths to enhance your hair’s shine. The straight, sleek style works for any hair length, but medium-length or long hair can be draped over one shoulder for an elegant look.

HOW TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL WAVES AND CURLS WITH STRAIGHTENERS

Straighteners are not just for achieving pin-straight hair – they’re a versatile tool that puts a range of looks at your fingertips. We’ve got the lowdown on three key style that work with different hair types and lengths.

Hollywood waves

Nothing says Hollywood glamour like glossy waves – and your straighteners are the perfect tool to achieve them. For the ultimate classy curves, use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro – its interlocking, curved plates make it a 2-in-1 styling tool that doubles up as a straightener and curling iron.  

1. Start with dry hair and spritz with a heat protectant like Magical Quick Dry Potion to shield your hair from heat while you style.
2. Switch on your 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro and adjust to the correct temperature for your hair (head to our Temperature Calculator if you need to check which temperature is best for your hair type). 
3. Place the straighteners vertically into a section of your hair, pointing the tip downwards.
4. Turn the straighteners a half turn in your hair.
5. Glide down from where you want the curve to start, all the way to the ends of your hair.
6. Repeat with the other sections of your hair, turning in the same direction each time.
7. Finish by brushing through with the Luxury Dressing Brush and some lightweight hairspray. 

Defined curls

If you’ve got long or thick hair, the Wide Iron is the perfect choice for straightening and adding big curls. To create a wavy look, simply follow the Hollywood Waves steps above (using the half-turn method). For bigger, more defined curls, follow these steps:

1. Begin with dry hair and a generous spray of Magical Quick Dry Potion. 
2. Set your Wide Iron to the optimum temperature for your hair type – take a quick look at our Temperature Calculator if you’re not sure.
3. Gently place the straighteners around a section of your hair, pointing the tool downwards.
4. Twist the straighteners half a turn, then as you continue down the length of your hair, continue twisting to a full turn, and so on until the ends of your hair. This will create more of a curl than a wave.
5. To ensure a bouncy, well-defined curl, wrap each one around a roller after curling or simply pin them up for a while to encourage your curls to set.
6. Repeat for the rest of your hair and set with hairspray. For less defined curls, gently brush through with the Luxury Dressing Brush.

Tight curls

If you have short hair, the Slim Iron works wonders for adding waves and curls. Simply follow the steps for creating Hollywood waves if you want to achieve a wavy look. For tight curls, follow the guide for defined curls, above. Voila, beautiful curls to suit your short hairstyle.

Read our guide on How to Curl Hair with Straighteners for more hints and tips on using straighteners to add texture to your hair.

HOW TO USE STRAIGHTENERS TO BOOST VOLUME AND LIFT

Straighteners can be a secret weapon for adding volume and lift to your hair. Here’s how to do it:

Lift and curve

Start by taking small sections of hair at the crown of your head. Any CLOUD NINE straighteners will work for this, but the Original Iron is ideal. Place your straightener close to the roots, then gently curve it outward as you pull through. This creates lift right where you need it, leaving your hair looking fuller and more voluminous.

Flicks

For an extra bouncy finish, try adding flicks or bends at the ends of your hair. Turn your straighteners slightly outward or inward as you reach the ends to give your style a playful, dynamic look. Finish with a light hairspray or texture spray to enhance the bouncy texture further. A good root-lifting spray or mousse can enhance the effect to give your hair extra hold and oomph from the roots.

HOW TO STYLE BANGS WITH A STRAIGHTENER

Fringes (or bangs, if you prefer) can be a bit of a styling challenge, but the Slim Iron is the perfect tool for the job. Whether you’ve got a classic blunt fringe or wispy, curtain bangs look, here’s how to keep it looking chic:

Smooth and sleek fringe

For a polished finish, take your fringe section and run the Slim Iron over it in a quick, smooth motion. Angle the straightener slightly downwards as you go to ensure your fringe sits neatly.

Curved fringe

If you’re after a softer look, add a subtle curve by turning your straighteners slightly under as you reach the ends. This works wonders for curtain bangs too, helping them frame your face beautifully.

Top tip: When styling your fringe, remember less is more. A single pass is usually enough to straighten your fringe. Overdoing it can lead to that dreaded flat look.

With this guide, you’ll be able to create salon-worthy styles from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re going for volume, curls, or a sleek and sophisticated look, your straighteners are your new best friend.

Come and see what we’re up to on our socials and share the next style you create with your CLOUD NINE straighteners. Head to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.