What is the best way to keep your hair straight without using a flat iron?

The previous poster recommended an at-home perm for straightening and stated that it was less damaging than the flat-iron...AS A PROFESSIONAL, I CAN NOT DISAGREE MORE. I STRONGLY discourage home texturizing services, you do not know what you're getting into. The chemical composition of some clashes with that of others and even some colors (especially if you've colored at home) translating into breaking off at the point where your new growth (roots) end. I cannot begin to tell you how many of these disasters I've had to attempt to correct and the bottom line is, it usually has to be cut off, or most cut off and the damage that's left has to be grown off.

The flat-iron can be used regularly with minimal damage IF done correctly...

NEVER iron damp or wet hair, I don't care if you have a supposed "wet/dry iron". Hair is VERY elastic when wet and the heat and stretching=no good.

Blow-dry before ironing with a thermal protector. They're easy to come by and well worth the $12-$20. We're talking about keeping your hair here.

Use an iron that has a thermostat or temp-control. Turn it all the way down and try ironing a section. Increase the temp in small increments until it works well on your hair. NEVER use the iron on "HIGH" on a regular basis.

If you want to use a serum/oil, blow-dry with it or put it on AFTER ironing. There are a lot of stylists out there telling clients to put it on before ironing. Here's a question...how do you fry chicken? Oil+heat...you do the math.

There are many straightening sprays to use with the flat iron and help protect the hair. There are just as many that are to be used with the BLOW-DRYER. READ THE DIRECTIONS!!!!!

Finally, don't spray hairspray on right before ironing...sizzling and smoking generally aren't a good sign. Once in a while for a prom or something if you just have to, but the Hair's sake...not often.

(HEY ANOTHER VERY USEFUL TIP IS 2 ADD BEER TO YOUR HAIR AND BRUSH IT FROM SIDE TO SIDE 4 ABOUT 30 MINUTES OR SO) AFTER THAT, TAKE A REGULAR BATH OR RINSE UR HAIR THOROUGHLY WITH SHAMPOO!!!) BEST WISHES!:)