How to Straighten Hair with Milk

Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: January 21, 2024

Mother Nature has her own beauty products and one of them is milk. Many believe that it has natural straightening agents that are quick and effective. Since it's probably already in your fridge, why not give it a try? Save the money, save damaging your hair with heat, and straighten with milk. See Step 1 below to get started!

Steps

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1
Fill a spray bottle with 1/3 cup of milk. Any (fresh) milk will do, but the thicker the milk is, the better. Though it's questionable, some believe that coconut milk has extra straightening power.
- If you do use coconut milk, combine it with lemon juice from half a lemon. Let it sit in the fridge for an hour until a cream forms on top. That's the stuff you want to use on your hair!^{[1]
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  Research source} Follow the rest of the directions as normal.
- You could also add a bit of honey, strawberry, or banana to your mixture. Just stir it up well and take in the extra moisturizing powers of the honey or fruit (and the better smell).^{[2]
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  Research source}
- Powdered milk is a cheaper alternative -- and it won't go bad as quickly!
2
Spray the milk all over your hair. Dry or damp hair is ideal. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Thoroughly saturate your entire head. You don't have half-straight, half-curly hair!
- Spray from root to tip, being sure the tips are just as milky as the roots.
- Spray on the top, flip your head over, and spray from the bottom. Then spray from the middle and sides, especially if you have layers.
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This keeps any of your hair from resting in a curled position and prevents any milky snarls -- that definitely won't smell good tomorrow.^{[3]
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The milk needs time to soak into each shaft of hair and weigh it down, straightening it.^{[4]
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Research source} This is a great time to exfoliate, paint your toes, or shave your legs!
Rinse your hair out a little more diligently than you normally would so you don't end up smelling like sour milk afterwards. Then continue your usual routine.
If you have somewhat wavy hair this will make your hair straighter, but if you have kinky, curly hair it may not work as well. However, it is still nourishing and will define your waves and curls if it doesn't straighten it.

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Question

Do I need to continue this treatment for maintenance after I get my desired results?

Community Answer

Yes. This treatment is only temporary, so you will need to repeat the treatment whenever you wish to have straight hair.

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Can I keep the milk conditioner on overnight?

Community Answer

No, 20 minutes is optimal.

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Question

I used a cup of milk and a tablespoon of honey. Will it work?

Community Answer

It will, but honey may lighten you hair, as it is a natural bleaching agent. If you don't want your hair to be lighter, use a couple teaspoons of olive oil instead.

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Tips

This will last until the next time you wash your hair.

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If you follow the directions correctly, this will not make your hair smell like sour milk.

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You can use a blow dryer to dry your hair after, but it's not necessary.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Always use a wide tooth comb while combing your hair. Never use a brush.
Massage properly so you have healthy hair growth.
If you have dyed hair, it will start fading off.

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Warnings

Don't comb hair roughly as it can cause split ends to your hair.

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Make sure to apply the milk before showering, otherwise it will smell.

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Don't use this method to straighten your hair if you are allergic to milk/dairy products.

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Might not work for extremely curly or permed hair.

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Don't depend on this technique before a big night; it may not work.

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