flat iron

I bought a ceramic flat iron and it really worked for straightening my long, thick, very curly hair. Except for one thing! It made my hair perfectly straight but the ends kind of stick out. My hair is thick so in the back it was sticking out a lot. I almost felt like now I need to use a curling iron to curl the ends under or something. I tried flattening the ends with gel, etc. but that didn''''t seem to help. I used an oil sheen before ironing. I don''''t know a lot about hair care products or how to use them but I would love to be able to wear my hair straight and if I could solve the ''''end'''' problem, I''''d be set! Any advice?

From what you describe, it sounds like you probably need a trim. Split ends cause the effect you described when you try to straighten them a flat iron. They are also rougher in texture. A good trim may solve the problem.