Straightening Curly Hair Extensions 101: Hairstylist Tips!

How To Straighten Hair Extensions Without Ruining Them!

Whenever I ’m getting tired of the hair extensions I’m wearing; I like to switch it up.

If I have straight extensions, I like to change it to curly by using various curling methods. Sometimes, I’ll braid it up and wait a few days before unraveling it to reveal luscious curls.

It's a little different with curly extensions though.

I’ve never had to worry about my straight extensions reverting after curling them.

However, every time that I’ve worn curly extensions, I’ve wondered how I would be able to get the curliness back.

Usually, what I’ll do is wait until I’m about to remove the extensions to change the texture.

By doing this, I was didn’t have to worry about how to revert my curly extensions because I would be taking them out anyway.

Quick Note: We are discussing straightening human hair wigs and human hair bundles, not synthetic hair.

Can You Straighten Curly Hair?

Over time, I’ve learned that it is possible to straighten curly extensions without losing the curl.

You don’t have to worry about losing your curly texture when you have great extensions and methods to keep them bouncy.

Are you wondering how you do this? Don’t worry.

We’re going to let you know all the ways you can straighten your curly hair without ruining it.

The Extension Type Matters

Before you decide to straighten your curly extensions, you should think about the extension type that you have.

Synthetic hair cannot withstand heat and cannot be manipulated much. When it comes to human hair, you’ll need to make sure that you choose the right extensions.

The quality of the extensions is essential because it will determine whether your curly extensions will be able to revert after experiencing heat. Some companies have curly extensions that return with just water.

Other companies have extensions that require water and some product. The point is, you’ll want to choose something that will return quickly and without much hassle. Keep in mind that the kind of curly hair you purchase matters.

Why?

Well, not all curly hair will revert as easily.

For example, afro kinky hair tends to have a frizzy curly texture.

This means that it won’t look exactly like how it did when you initially purchased it. Other styles such as Indian curly and Afro Kinky Curly won’t have any issues going back to a curly state.

These textures usually only need water, and they’ll coil back into the state you initially bought it. Make sure you do your proper research when choosing curly extensions.

When you straighten them, you don’t want to risk damaging them, especially if you're going to go back to having a curly style eventually.

Prep Your Curly Extensions

Before you choose to straighten your curly extensions, you’ll need to prepare your hair. Clean your extensions with light shampoo and conditioner.

You’ll want to make sure that you choose something that isn’t harsh. Gentle shampoo and conditioner products are always the best option. After rinsing out the product, dry your extensions with towels.

Let it dry naturally for about 20 minutes before getting our your blowdryer.

Gently comb and brush your curly extensions to ensure that there are not any knots or tangles in the curls.

This process makes it easier for you to straighten your curly extensions. When your extensions are free from knots, slightly dry and clean, you’ll be able to straighten it without issue.

Before you pull out any heating product, you’ll need to use a heat protectant for your hair. Heat protectant is so essential when it comes to both extensions and natural hair.

You’ll want to make sure you purchase one that will get the job done.

The Straightening Process

After finishing the preparations, you’ll want to pull out a blow dryer.

I prefer to blow-dry the extensions while combing through them because it helps me use less heat during the straightening process.

When using the blow dryer, you’ll want to use it on the cool setting. Blow-dry from the roots to ends while gently combing or brushing your curly extensions.

Do this until all of your hair feels dry.

It may take a while, but it will be worth it in the end. The less heat you use, the easier it will be to bring your curls back to life after straightening. After the blowdrying process, you’ll start to use your professional hair straightener. Using your straightener on the lowest setting possible is crucial.

This will lengthen the process, but you’re going to thank yourself later. While you’re doing all this, make sure that you’re hair is sectioned off into parts. This will make the process less messy.

Go through each section until it is straightened and smooth.

Apply the necessary product along the way.

Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat if you have minimal time but be mindful of how much.

The Reversion Process

After you’ve enjoyed an amazingly cute straight style, you’ll need to prepare your curly extensions for reversion.

When bringing your curly extensions back to life, you’ll want to make sure you have all the products necessary. When I’m changing the texture of my extensions to curly, I use curling products such as leave-in conditioner and curling shampoo and conditioners.

You’ll want to wash out the straightening that you did to your extensions.

First, you’ll wet your extensions. If you bought the right extensions, then that may be all you need but if not then you’ll need to use a curling shampoo and conditioner.

After wetting the hair, lightly shampoo your extensions. Rinse out the shampoo then add the curling conditioner and let it sit. Let the conditioner sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it out.

At this point, you should see the curls starting to come back. While rinsing, you’ll want to use your fingers to comb through.

After the washing process, apply a leave-in conditioner and pat your curly extensions down with a towel. After that, let your curly extensions air dry and voila!

Your curly look is back!

Quick Tips for Straightening Curly Hair

Ready to get that hair straight for a bit? Here are some quick tips for you!

Preparation is Key

Start with clean, well-conditioned hair to ensure your strands are hydrated and detangled. Use a heat protectant to shield your hair from thermal damage.

Prepping your hair with these products can significantly reduce the risk of damage and make the straightening process smoother. For very curly hair, consider using a leave-in conditioner or a smoothing serum to help manage frizz and add an extra layer of protection.

Choose the Right Tools and Techniques

Invest in a high-quality flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates that distribute heat evenly and reduce the chance of heat damage.

Select a flat iron with adjustable temperature settings to tailor the heat level to your hair’s thickness and texture.

When straightening, work in small, thin sections starting close to the roots and gently pulling the iron down to the ends in a single, smooth motion.

This method ensures even heat distribution and reduces the need to go over the same section multiple times, minimizing potential harm.

Maintain with Care

After straightening, apply a lightweight oil or serum to the ends of your hair to seal in moisture and enhance shine.

To prolong the straightened style and avoid reintroducing curls or waves, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before bed, or sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.

Maybe even weave a silk bonnet!

This helps to reduce friction and prevent frizz, keeping your hair smooth and straight for longer.

Remember, less frequent use of heat tools contributes to the overall health of your hair, so consider incorporating heat-free styling days into your routine.

Top 3 Mistakes People Make When Straightening Curly Hair Extensions

Straightening curly hair extensions can give you a sleek and polished look, but it's essential to do it correctly to avoid damaging the hair.

Here are the top 3 mistakes people often make when straightening curly hair extensions:

Using Excessive Heat Without Protection

One of the most common mistakes is applying high heat directly to curly hair extensions without heat protection.

High heat can lead to heat damage, causing the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Solution: Always use a heat protectant spray or serum before using hot tools on your hair extensions. A heat protectant creates a protective barrier that helps to minimize heat damage.

Additionally, use the lowest practical heat setting on your flat iron or blow dryer to achieve the desired straightness without compromising the health of the extensions.

Straightening Wet or Damp Hair

Attempting to straighten hair extensions while they are still wet can cause severe damage. Wet hair is more fragile, and applying heat to damp hair can cause the water in the hair to boil, leading to breakage and split ends.

Solution: Ensure your hair extensions are completely dry before straightening. Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to gently dry the hair, or allow it to air dry thoroughly.

Once the hair is dry, you can then proceed with straightening.

Neglecting to Section the Hair Properly

Straightening large sections of hair at once can result in uneven straightening and an increased risk of heat damage. It can also make the process more time-consuming and less effective.

Solution: Divide the hair extensions into small, manageable sections before straightening. Working with smaller sections allows for more even heat distribution and better control, ensuring that each strand is straightened correctly.

Use clips to hold back sections of hair and work methodically from the bottom layers to the top.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can achieve beautifully straightened curly hair extensions while maintaining their health and longevity.

Straightening Curly Hair - What To Remember!

Straightening curly extensions can be scary but no worries!

We got you covered. Before you even think about the straight style you’ll create with your curly extensions; you’ll need to make sure you choose the right extensions. Don’t select a texture that you know will be difficult to revert. Super kinky styles will be the most difficult to revert to curly.

However, styles like our Raw Indian curly bundles, and Kinky Curly bundles will be able to revert easily. Make sure that you prep your hair before straightening your hair.

When applying heat, use the lowest settings possible. Make sure you’re stocked up on all the curling products that you need to bring your curls back to life afterward. If you follow the instructions above, you should be just fine.

Don’t be afraid to try a new style with your curly extensions.