Thick hair can be both a blessing and a curse. You have the admiration of your friends and family for your luxurious locks, but it can be difficult to achieve simple styles like straight hair. Luckily, there are plenty of tips out there so that even thick-haired girls can get smooth, straight strands.Dry It First
Straightening hair while it is still wet is a big no-no. Your hair is at its weakest when it is wet or damp. Excessive heat during the drying stage can remove moisture from your hair, causing dry, damaged strands. If you can’t wait for your hair to air dry, use a blow dryer. You can also add volume during this stage. If you want a fuller look, especially at the scalp, try blow-drying your hair upside down. This will add volume at the roots.Brush It Out
When you want to straighten your hair, you should always use a brush. Combing hair—especially thick hair—increases the risk of split ends. It also has the unfortunate side effect of making hair static-y! Brushing dry hair will cut down on the static while still combating tangles.Protect Your Hair
When applying heat to your hair, you always run the risk of damaging it. There are lots of products out there that help you minimize this risk. Look for heat protectant or heat “serum” from your favorite salon product line. Spray or rub it into your hair either before blow-drying or before straightening. Be sure to read the directions on the label; some products require a few moments to soak in before they are fully effective.Section It Off
If you’ve had trouble in the past with accomplishing a straight hair look, try taking a few moments to section it off. Use a few clips or pins to create layers in your hair that you can more easily straighten. Some people prefer to section from the scalp or crown, while others prefer to go front to back. Try it out a few different ways to see which one works best for your texture. Try not to miss any of the sections.Straighten Your Hair
Now, it is time to actually begin straightening your hair! Make sure your flat iron is at a high-temperature setting. Thick hair needs more heat in order for you to see results. Be sure to straighten each section from the roots to the ends. Try not to run the flat iron over a single section too many times in order to avoid unnecessary damage.When you’re finished straightening your hair, you can always add finishing spray for a smooth, lasting look, such as Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight.