How do you flat iron African American hair?

To flat iron African-American hair, start with clean, conditioned and dry hair. Apply a heat protectant before straightening the hair with a ceramic flat iron set between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Always flat iron hair in small sections, and begin as close to the roots as possible.

1. Start with clean and dry hair

   Wash, deep condition, and dry your hair completely before you apply the flat iron.

2. Apply a heat protectant

   Distribute a heat protectant throughout your hair evenly from roots to tips.

3. Adjust your flat iron temperature

   Turn your flat iron on, and adjust the heat setting in the range of 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your hair type. Set your flat iron temperature closer to 350 if your hair is fine and thin or up to 400 if your hair is coarse or thick.

4. Work in small sections

   Pile all but the bottom layer of hair on top of your head, and secure it with a hair tie. Starting from the nape of your neck, part the hair in 1-inch sections. Gently glide the flat iron through each section, from the roots all the way to the ends.

5. Straighten the rest of your hair

   Release another layer of hair, and continue parting and straightening 1-inch sections of your hair until all of it is straight and smooth.