To use a hair straightening comb, start with clean, completely dry, detangled hair and a heat protectant. Choose the lowest heat setting, take a 1- to 2-inch section, set the comb at the roots so the teeth sit inside the hair, and pull it slowly down to the ends while holding the section taut. Do two or three slow passes per section, work from the bottom layers up, and let your hair cool before you style it.
A heated straightening comb (also called a straightening brush or hot comb) works differently from a flat iron. It combs heat through the hair instead of clamping it, so technique comes down to tension, speed and section size. We use our cordless mini hair straightening comb as the example, but the method works with most heated combs and brushes. Always read the manual that comes with your tool first, because heat settings and controls vary.
What you need
- A heated straightening comb or brush. Our mini straightening comb is cordless, runs on a rechargeable lithium battery that charges over Type-C, and has three heat settings.
- A heat protectant spray or cream made for hot tools.
- A regular wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to remove knots before you start.
- Sectioning clips, three or four is plenty.
- A blow dryer if your hair is curly or very thick. You can find dryers and other styling tools in our hair care collection.
How to use a hair straightening comb, step by step
- Start with clean, fully dry hair (and a charged comb). Product build-up and oil make hair clump between the teeth. Check underneath at the nape, where hair stays damp longest.
- Detangle. Brush out every knot with a regular comb or brush. A heated comb should glide; if it catches on tangles you'll pull and snag the hair.
- Apply heat protectant. Mist or smooth it through the lengths and ends and give it a minute to dry.
- Turn on the comb and pick the lowest setting. Let it heat up fully before the first pass. Our comb's listing says it heats up in about 30 seconds.
- Section your hair. Clip up the top and leave a bottom layer at the nape loose. Working from the bottom up means the finished top layers cover the ones underneath.
- Take a section about 1 to 2 inches wide. Thinner sections straighten in fewer passes. If the comb's teeth disappear completely into the hair, the section is too thick.
- Place the comb at the roots and pull down slowly. Insert the teeth about half an inch from your scalp with the heated side facing the hair, then pull the comb down to the ends in one slow, steady motion. Hold the end of the section with your other hand so the hair stays taut; tension is what makes a comb straighten instead of just warming the hair.
- Repeat two or three times. A comb exposes the hair to heat more briefly than a flat iron's plates, so it usually needs a couple of slow passes. If a section is still wavy after three, take a thinner section or go one setting higher rather than going over it again and again.
- Work up the head, then let it cool. Let down the next layer and repeat, finishing with the top and front. Leave your hair to cool for a minute so the style sets, then finish with a drop or two of oil on the ends. Our guide on how to use hair oil covers how much to use for your hair type.
Which heat setting should you use?
Use the lowest setting that straightens a section in two or three slow passes. Fine, bleached or color-treated hair: lowest. Medium hair: usually the middle. Thick, coarse or very curly hair: the highest, with thinner sections. Our comb has three heat settings, and its manual explains each one. If you hear sizzling or see steam, stop: your hair is not fully dry, or there is too much product in it.
Tips by hair type and length
- Wavy hair: this is where a straightening comb shines. One or two slow passes on dry hair usually smooths waves and frizz without the flat look of an iron.
- Curly or coily hair: stretch it first with a blow-dry using a paddle or round brush, then use thin sections and slow passes. Hold each section firmly at the ends for tension. For a sleeker finish, follow up with a flat iron; see how to straighten hair with a flat iron.
- Thick hair: smaller sections, not more passes.
- Short hair: use small sections and keep the comb close to the scalp, then roll it slightly under as you reach the ends so short layers don't flick out. Keep the hot side away from your ears, neck and forehead.
Common straightening comb mistakes
- Using it on damp hair. Always dry first, unless your manual says otherwise.
- Moving too fast. A quick swipe only warms the hair. Slow, steady passes do the work.
- No tension. Hold the ends of each section with your free hand so the hair is pulled taut.
- Sections that are too big. The outside straightens and the middle stays wavy.
- Dirty teeth. Product build-up makes the comb drag. Wipe it with a dry or slightly damp cloth once it is switched off and completely cool.
Straightening comb vs flat iron
Both straighten hair; they just give different finishes. A straightening comb is faster for everyday smoothing, frizz control and quick touch-ups, it is easy to use close to the roots, and it leaves a softer straight look with some body. A flat iron clamps the hair between two plates, so it gives a sleeker, glassier finish in fewer passes and can also make curls and waves. For the most polished look or tight curls, a flat iron is the better main tool; for quick everyday smoothing or a tool for your bag, a comb is easier.
Using a cordless comb for touch-ups and travel
A cordless comb is handy for fixing frizz at the office or on a trip. Charge it before you leave, let it cool before packing, and carry it in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage, since it runs on a lithium battery. Our guide to bringing a cordless hair straightener on a plane explains the TSA rules.
Our cordless mini straightening comb
Our mini hair straightening comb is a cordless heated comb in black or pink with rounded, heat-resistant teeth, tourmaline-ceramic heating, three heat settings and a rechargeable lithium battery that charges over Type-C. It is $32.90. Before first use, read the manual in the box, charge it fully, start on the lowest setting, use a heat protectant, keep it away from water, and switch it off and let it cool before storing.
Every US order ships free, and new customers can use code WELCOME15 for 15% off their first order.
FAQ
How do you use a hair straightening comb?
Start with clean, completely dry, detangled hair and a heat protectant. Pick the lowest heat setting, take a section about 1 to 2 inches wide, place the comb at the roots so the teeth sit inside the hair, and pull it slowly down to the ends while holding the section taut. Do two or three slow passes per section, work from the bottom layers up, and let your hair cool before styling.
Can you use a straightening comb on wet or damp hair?
No. Use a heated straightening comb or brush only on fully dry hair unless the manual says it is a wet-to-dry tool. Water in the hair turns to steam on hot surfaces and the hair frizzes back up as it finishes drying. Blow-dry or air-dry first, then straighten.
Does a straightening comb work on curly hair?
It works best on wavy hair or curly hair that has been stretched first. Blow-dry curly or coily hair with a brush to loosen the curl, then use thinner sections and slower passes. For pin-straight results on tight curls, a flat iron usually gets there with fewer passes.
Straightening comb vs flat iron: which is better?
A straightening comb is quicker for touch-ups, frizz and a smooth, soft straight finish with some volume, and it is easier to use near the roots. A flat iron clamps the hair between two plates, so it gives a sleeker, flatter result and can also make curls and waves.
Can you use a straightening comb on short hair?
Yes. Use small sections, keep the comb close to the scalp, and pull it out and slightly under at the ends so short layers don't flip out. Keep the hot side away from your skin.