The Quick Answer
Generally speaking, no, you should not straighten your hair with conditioner left in it. While conditioning is a vital step before straightening, the product should typically be rinsed out before applying heat from a flat iron.
Conditioning Hair Before Straightening: What the Reference Says
The provided reference highlights the importance of conditioning as a preparatory step:
"wash and conditioner your hair before you attempt to run a flat iron through it. This will give you freshly washed hair that you can wear down for several days, as well as creating smoother hair to straighten."
This passage recommends that you wash and condition your hair before you attempt to straighten it. This preparation step aims to make the hair smoother to straighten. The process of washing and conditioning hair typically involves rinsing out the conditioner thoroughly after applying it. The reference does not suggest leaving conditioner in the hair while applying heat.
Why You Shouldn't Straighten Hair With Conditioner Left In
Running a hot flat iron over hair that still has rinse-out conditioner residue can lead to several issues:
- Residue Buildup: The heat can cause the conditioner to cook onto the hair shaft and the straightening plates, leading to sticky or greasy residue.
- Uneven Heat Distribution: Product left in the hair can prevent the heat from distributing evenly, resulting in inconsistent straightening and potentially damaging hot spots.
- Potential Damage: Hair that isn't properly clean and dry can be more susceptible to heat damage when straightened. Conditioner, especially if not intended as a leave-in, might not provide the necessary heat protection.
- Poor Results: The hair may not become as sleek or straight as desired, and could look dull or heavy.
Using conditioner before straightening, as recommended by the reference, means utilizing its benefits to soften and smooth the hair after it's been washed, and then rinsing it out completely so you are working with clean, prepped strands for styling.
Preparing Your Hair for Straightening
Based on the reference and standard hair care practices, here's a typical routine before straightening:
- Wash Hair: Cleanse your hair thoroughly with shampoo.
- Condition and Rinse: Apply conditioner, letting it sit for the recommended time, and then rinse it out completely with water.
- Dry Hair: Gently dry your hair until it is completely dry (air drying or blow drying).
- Apply Heat Protectant: (Highly recommended, although not mentioned in the provided reference) Apply a heat protectant spray or serum designed for hot tools.
- Straighten: Section your hair and use a flat iron on dry hair.
By following these steps, you leverage the smoothing benefits of conditioner without the negative consequences of leaving it in while applying high heat.