* Blow Drying with a Round Brush: This was a very popular method. People would use a hairdryer and a round brush to pull the hair straight as they dried it. It required skill and practice to achieve a smooth, straight look.
* Hot Combs (also known as pressing combs): These metal combs were heated on a stove or with electricity and then run through sections of hair to straighten them. Hot combs were particularly effective on textured hair. However, they carried a risk of burns and hair damage if not used carefully.
* Early Flat Irons: Flat irons started to become more widely available in the 1990s, although they were not as advanced as the models we have today. These early flat irons often had inconsistent heat distribution and could be damaging to the hair. They were typically made of metal.
* Chemical Relaxers: Chemical relaxers were (and still are) used to permanently straighten very curly or textured hair. These products contain strong chemicals that break down the hair's natural bonds. They were a more permanent solution, but also came with a higher risk of damage to the hair and scalp if not applied correctly.
* "Wrapping" the Hair: This technique involved wrapping wet hair tightly around the head and securing it with pins or a scarf to dry in a straight position. It was a gentler, heat-free option, but the results were less dramatic and it was time-consuming.
* Hair Straightening Serums and Lotions: Various products were available that claimed to help relax the hair and make it easier to straighten with heat styling. These were often used in conjunction with blow-drying or flat ironing.
The choice of method depended on individual preferences and hair type. People with fine or slightly wavy hair might have had success with blow-drying or wrapping, while those with thicker, curlier hair might have opted for hot combs or chemical relaxers. Early flat irons were an emerging option, but they were not as user-friendly or effective as modern models.