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If a relaxer isn't an option for you, don't fret. There are tons of other ways to get sleek and straight locks that don't require a relaxer at all. Instead of forcing your hair to take a relaxer, learn a few other ways to straighten your mane.
Blowout
You'd be surprised what a good blowout can do. The key is to use a round brush in conjunction with the heat of a blow dryer to get your hair good and straight. The process can be kind of tedious and hard to perfect if you don't know what you're doing; so if you're a rookie, head on over to your stylist, who should have no trouble hooking you up.
Flat Iron
These days there are so many great quality flat irons that you can definitely find one that'll get your hair good and straight. If you have really stubborn curls, flat-iron your locks in small sections. The smaller the sections, the better the heat of your iron will get to your curls to straighten them out. Make sure to spritz your hair with a bit of heat-protectant spray before straightening to keep it safe from damage.
Brazilian Keratin Treatment
Unlike relaxers, keratin treatments aren't permanent. You'll have to go to your stylist for this one, too. Keratin treatments apply chemicals to your hair; they're sealed in with a flat iron, keeping your locks free of frizz for up to six weeks. These treatments are kind of pricey -- they can run you up to $500 a pop. But if relaxers don't work for you and you need a little extra help, keratin is a great option.
Straightening Comb
Another option is to enlist a tried-and-true straightening comb. Lots of girls with tighter-coiled locks remember getting their hair hot-combed as a child. It was probably one of those painful ones that you had to heat up on a stove. These days, straightening combs are much more advanced, so find yourself an electric one that'll be much easier on your hair. Straightening combs are also fantastic for touching up your edges.
