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When you want to go from naturally curly to straight for a few days, it can take a hot comb to get the job done. Hot combs have metal teeth that heat up to press -- or straighten -- your hair. Some modern hot combs are electric, but you can heat old-fashioned hot combs on your stove top. When you use a hot comb carefully, you’ll like the sleek results -- but the same heat can also damage your hair and scalp. So if you don't know how to use a hot comb, visit a stylist to get your hair professionally pressed instead.
Classic Bob
The secret to a perfect straight style is usually in a good cut. So if you've been keeping up with your trims and your hair is between chin and shoulder length, it can be easy to press your curls into a chic bob. After your hair is pressed out, part your hair and then comb it downward toward your shoulders. Use the hot comb or a flatiron to flip your ends under to complete your look.
Long Sexy Curls
If your hair is shoulder length or longer when stretched out, it makes sense to press it out to show off on special occasions. Sometimes nothing spells sexy like long, gently tousled curls. After your hair is pressed completely straight, grab sections of your hair and wrap them around the barrel of a large curling iron to make curls. Run fingers through your curls to separate them. Follow up with a little hairspray to hold your curls throughout the day.
Chic Bun or Topknot
An easy way to create a look that's simply chic is to put your hair up. Buns and or topknots only take a few minutes to create and show off your face and neck. Brush your hair gently to the center back of your head for a bun or to the crown of your head for a topknot and secure it with a ponytail holder. Then twist and tuck your hair under and hold it in place with a few decorative pins or clips for interest.
Sassy Pixie Curls
Who says you can't go from short and curly to sassy and sleek? If your natural hair is short, you'll need to take extra care to keep the sizzling hot comb away from your scalp, but the results can be worthwhile. You can make loose curls as you press hair by flipping your hair with the hot comb. If you want tighter curls, grab a small curling iron instead. Then separate the curls with a wide-toothed comb, and use a brush to create the look you want.
