Creating Flat Iron Hairstyles on Black Women

Although flat irons can be used to flatten thick hair, they can also be used to form creative hairdos. Most African American women's hair is naturally thick, and the volume is apparent. Flat irons are excellent tools for molding popular hairstyles. With the right amount of heat and the right angle, a flat iron can be magical for creating cute hairstyles.

Supplies: Flat iron, hairspray, hair oil or light gel, head wrap, hair scissors

Style 1 (Layered Hairstyle): Heat the curling iron for at least 10 minutes to be able to form this layered hairstyle. Part hair as you wish, and take a small layer of hair to style. This is one of the best perks of hair growing back from short haircuts. You can take advantage of the different lengths or have the hair cut for different levels. Then flat iron the hair, and use a feather comb to spread the hair out so it will layer around the head.

Style 2 (Straight Wrap): Use flat irons from the part of the hair straight down, cupping the flat irons around the chin area to resemble what rollers would do. This style looks better on women with oval or round heads as opposed to long heads because it'll make their faces look even more narrow.

Step 3 (Flip Curls, picture in top right-hand corner): Flat iron hair with the same willowed hairstyle like that of Step One. But instead of flat ironing the edges of the hair straight down, flip the flat irons in the opposite direction raised towards the chin to eyes instead of eyes to chin. You may have to hold the flat iron several seconds in place to achieve this flipped-edge hairstyle effect. Hairspray or gel can be used to keep the flips in place.

Step 4: Be creative with the parts. Flat ironed hair does not always have to start in the middle of the head, as with Step Two. Part hair on angles and flat iron the hair to cup the face. Take a chunk of the front end and flat iron it towards the back so the hair is swooping in different directions. There are no limits for the directions that the hair can be styled in, especially if the hair is thick enough to hold the style.

Step 5:

Use flat irons to straighten out naturally thick Black hair. Hair does not necessarily have to be flat ironed down with flat irons to create a hairstyle. Even if it's to brush it back into a ponytail for that librarian or professional look, a simple barrette or clip can make all the difference. The pulled-back hairstyle works well with a stylish collar, tanktop or a shawl. Hair shouldn't compete with the outfit; the hair should compliment it instead. Flat irons are also useful for pinning hair into a French bun.

Step 6: Be careful about using flat irons on Black hair on a daily basis. Because Black hair tends to dry out and must be oiled regularly, adding excessive heat to it can damage the ends and cause Black hair to fall out. Try flat ironing hair and molding it into a hairstyle at the beginning of the week and wrapping it all week to be feathered out for the rest of the week. When hair is wrapped and combed out, the volume tends to improve.