Thick hair can make straightening feel like a long series of repeat passes. A wide plate gives you room to work through longer sections, but preparation and technique still do most of the work. Here’s a routine you can adapt to your hair.

1. Begin with completely dry hair

Never use a conventional flat iron on wet hair. Dry your hair fully, detangle it gently, and divide it into manageable sections. Use a heat protectant according to its label if it is part of your routine. Keep the sections small enough that the plates contact the hair evenly.

The Laurenza Milano has 2-inch ceramic plates. That width can cover more hair than a narrow plate, but it is still better to use a comfortable section than to overfill the iron.

2. Choose heat deliberately

The Milano has five settings: 320°F, 360°F, 390°F, 430°F and 460°F. These are the tool’s options, not a prescription for a particular hair type. Start at the lowest setting that could work for you and increase only if necessary. If your hair is fragile, color-treated or already stressed, be especially cautious and consider professional advice for your situation.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends low or medium heat for flat irons and warns that excessive heat can damage hair. Read our temperature guide for a fuller explanation.

3. Glide once, then assess

Place a small section between the plates, leaving a safe distance from the scalp. Close the iron gently and glide toward the ends in a smooth motion. Do not stop in one place. Let the section cool, then decide whether it needs another pass; avoid repeating passes automatically.

If a section catches, do not pull harder. Release it, detangle again, check that the plates are clean, and try a smaller section. A tool should move with your hair, not against it.

4. Finish without rushing

Allow the hair to cool before brushing or tying it back. Turn the iron off, unplug it, and leave it on a heat-safe surface until fully cool. Clean the plates only when the tool is cool and unplugged, following the product instructions.

Quick checklist

  • Hair is completely dry and detangled.
  • Heat starts low and rises only if needed.
  • Sections fit comfortably between the plates.
  • Each pass is smooth and continuous.
  • The iron is unplugged after use.

The aim is a routine you can repeat with control. A wide iron can make that routine easier on longer or fuller hair, but a thoughtful approach to heat remains essential.