hairpressing

Hair pressing is a method of temporarily straightening curly or coily hair. It is typically achieved by using heat to relax the hair's natural curl pattern. Historically, this was done using heated combs or irons, often heated over a fire. Modern hair pressing methods utilize electric flat irons or specialized pressing combs.

The process involves dividing the hair into sections and then running a heated tool through each section. This smooths the hair shaft, reducing volume and creating a straighter appearance. The effectiveness and longevity of the straightened style depend on the hair's texture, the heat used, and environmental factors like humidity.

Hair pressing is considered a temporary straightening technique because the hair will revert to its natural texture when exposed to moisture, such as rain or washing. It is often used for aesthetic purposes or as a preparatory step for other styling techniques. While it can achieve a desired look, frequent or improper use of high heat can lead to heat damage, breakage, and changes in the hair's curl pattern over time. Various heat protectant products are recommended to minimize potential damage.