Home Tools For Pressing Hair How To Press A Section of Hair How to do a Hollywood Press (aka California Press) Tips For Pressing Hair How To Keep Your Hair From Reverting Natural Black Hair Products Twelve Steps For Growing Black Hair (a book) Sign Up For Our Mailing List Contact Us Tools For Pressing Hair A pressing comb is sometimes called a hot comb or a straightening comb. A pressing comb looks like the image on the picture at the left of this text. Most pressing combs are metal, but there is one manufacturer that makes a ceramic coated pressing comb. Choosing a pressing comb: When buying a pressing comb, look for one that is electric and that has an adjustable temperature gauge so that you can regulate the temperature. Click here to view pressing combs at Amazon. A flat iron can also be used to straighten hair.  A flat iron consists of two flat plates that are heated and then clamped together on a section of hair and pulled along the length of the hair to straighten it. The plates can be metal, coated ceramic plates (metal covered with ceramic) or true ceramic plates.  To the right is a picture of a Solia brand ceramic flat iron (the one I use). Ceramic flat irons are popular because the ceramic plates hold a negative electrical charge (sometimes referred to as "negative ions"). This negative charge on the flat iron plates counteracts the positive charge on hair to make the hair lay flat. Choosing a flat iron: When buying a flat iron look for one that has an adjustable temperature gauge so that you can regulate the temperature, and that has ceramic or ceramic touralamine plates. Top quality flat irons will have true ceramic plates, but these usually cost quite a bit.  If you are not sure that a flat iron is what you want, you can always try a less expensive flat iron (one with ceramic coated plates), and then purchase a more expensive one if you decide that is what you want. A blow dryer can help speed up the time it takes for your hair to dry. If you use one with a comb attachment, or if you comb through your hair while you are using the blow dryer, this will help detangle your hair, and smooth it out a little, making it easier to press. However, as with all hair tools, blow dryers need to be used carefully. If you use one, use it on hair that is damp, not dry. This will lessen the amount of time it takes to use the blow dryer, and you will be able to use the lowest heat setting on it, also minimizing the amount of heat on your hair.  Also, don't rip through your hair with the blow dryer.  Detangle your hair first with a regular comb, and then use the blow dryer (gently) on it.   Choosing a blow dryer: Like other tools, blow dryers can range in price from very cheap, to ridiculously expensive. I prefer a blow dryer with a comb attachment and with variable heat settings like the Amber Waves one shown in the photo.