9 Best Hair Straightening Products, According to Experts

So, you're ready to slay Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner levels of silky, straight, glass hair. Before you pick up your blow dryer and flat iron, grab a hair straightening product to assist. These must-have tools ensure that your strands are smooth, frizz-free, and well-protected before you even begin straightening.

Available in creams, serums, and leave-in sprays, hair straightening products prep, prime, and protect your hair from potential damage caused by heat styling tools and can be applied at different points in your straightening process. "They can help by hydrating and sealing" to prevent the harsh effects of blow drying and preserve "the integrity of the hair," celebrity stylist Jonathan Colombini tells Seventeen. Professional hairstylist Nicholas Taylor advises his clients to use several products during their straightening process. "Always use a heat protectant" before applying heat, Taylor says. If you're ready to slay sleek, frizz-free straight hair, read ahead for the best hair straightening products for every texture.

What should you look for in a hair straightening product?

There are a few important things to keep in mind when you're searching for new hair stylers. "Be sure to look out for products that mention heat protection," Colombini says. Additionally, you'll want ingredients that will keep your strands smooth. Humidity is like kryptonite for non-straight hair textures because the moisture in the air helps hair revert back to its natural texture. Colombini suggests products enriched with anti-humectants (moisture repellers) like shea butter and avocado oil to combat and block frizz.

What's the best way to prep hair before straightening?

There are two steps Colombini recommends before you pull out your blow dryer or get ready to plug in your straightener. He suggests freshly washing, conditioning, and towel drying hair before applying hair straightening products. Hair that is too wet can "dilute the product," Colombini warns. On the other hand, applying certain products when the hair is too dry can "prevent even saturation of the product."

Can hair straightening products decrease styling time?

Hair styling, in general, can take up tons of time, especially if you have a lengthy, multi-step routine or thick hair. When you use hair straightening products before blow drying and straightening, it actually gives you some time back. Taylor says that hair straightening products "[not only] act as a barrier to heat damage" but also "speed along the drying process," ultimately limiting the amount of time your hair is exposed to heat.

What's the difference between permanent and temporary hair straightening products?

Hair straightening products like smoothing balms and blowout creams can be rinsed out once you're ready for wash day. Other options can permanently alter the hair texture, leaving curl patterns looser and — in the case of no-lye relaxers — permanently straightening hair.

Keratin treatments are hair straightening system that falls somewhere in the middle. According to Taylor, keratin treatments temporarily straightens. "It's like a top coat for hair," he explains. Keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and nails, smoothens the hair, "seals the cuticle smooth, so it prevents frizz and makes your hair look shiner." Some salon-quality keratin treatments can last up to six months, while at-home treatments last up to six weeks.

No matter what your style goals be sure to properly prep your hair beforehand. Look no further than this expert-approved list of the best hair straightening products.