Gel is a good tool to flatten hair, but it can leave hair looking greasy and full of product. Gel also hardens which keeps hair from being soft and shiny. A number of alternatives to gel exist. Some, such as a flat iron or wave cap, require more time to use. While others, such as serums or pomades, are perfect on the go. Brush your hair with boar bristles to stop hair from breaking at the roots. Broken hairs are those short hairs that stick up on your scalp and won’t lay flat.
Wash your hair every two to three days. Daily washing doesn’t give the natural oils in your hair, called sebum, time to develop. These oils keep hair down.
Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum to your hair. Use a flat iron with a built-in comb to straighten hair. The serum and conditioner keep hair flattened without looking like your hair is full of product.
Dab a small amount of pomade on your fingers and rub together. Apply the pomade to the ends of your hair.
Tip
If your hair is looking a little oily, spray on dry shampoo then fluff your hair. Your hair will still lay flat but look fresh and clean.
References
- “The Hair Bible: A Complete Guide to Health and Care”; Philip Kingsley; 2003
- “The Complete Book of Hairstyling”; Charles Worthington; 2002
- “Naturally Healthy Hair: Herbal Treatments And Daily Care for Fabulous Hair”; Mary Beth Janssen; 1999
- “388 Great Hairstyles”; Margit Rudiger et al.; 1998
- “Great Hair: Secrets to Looking Fabulous and Feeling Beautiful Every Day”; Nick Arrojo; 2008
- “Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple”; Robert Vetica et al.; 2009
Writer Bio
Melissa Hamilton began writing professionally in 2007. She has enjoyed cooking creatively in the kitchen from a young age. In addition to writing cooking articles for various publications, she currently works in the restaurant industry as a food and beverage trainer.