How to Straighten Hair Without Heat

Wet hair stretched taut while drying creates smooth results without damage.

Heat-free straightening takes patience but your hair will thank you in five years when it's still thick and healthy instead of fried.

1. Start with damp hair. Wash hair with smoothing shampoo and conditioner. Towel dry gently until hair is damp but not soaking. This gives you the most pliable base to work with.
2. Apply smoothing product. Work a nickel-sized amount of leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream through mid-lengths to ends. Focus on areas that typically frizz or curl the most.
3. Section and wrap. Divide hair into 6-8 sections. Wrap each section tightly around your head, securing with bobby pins or clips. The tension creates the straightening effect as hair dries.
4. Sleep or wait. Let hair dry completely in the wraps for 4-6 hours or overnight. The longer you wait, the straighter the result. Remove pins gently and finger-comb.