It’s all straight hair, don’t care—until you accidentally burn your ear or fry your ends!
Using a hair straightener might seem like a no-brainer, but a few simple mistakes can turn a good hair day into a disaster, that why we’re breaking down simple tips for using a hair straightener like a pro—but safely!
So, before you crank up the heat, let’s make sure you’re equipped with the know-how to keep your hair sleek and healthy.
1. Start With Clean, Dry Hair:
Ensure your hair is clean, shampooed and completely dry before using a straightener. Wet or damp hair can be more susceptible to damage when exposed to the heat of a hair dryer or straightener.
2. Use A Heat Protectant
To protect hair from heat damage, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair before heat styling. This creates a thermal protection barrier between your hair and the heat, minimising the risk of damage.
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3. Choose The Right Temperature
Adjust the straightener to the appropriate temperature for your hair type to avoid heat damage. Fine or damaged hair requires lower heat settings, while thicker hair may need higher temperatures for effective temperature control.
4. Invest In A Quality Straightener
Choose a high-quality hair straightener or flat iron with adjustable temperature control settings and advanced technology to minimise damage. Quality hot tools distribute heat more evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots and damaged hair.
5. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair, regardless of hair length, into manageable sections before straightening. This ensures that each strand receives equal attention and reduces the need to go over the same section repeatedly, preventing damaged hair.
6. Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure
Limit the number of passes over each section of hair to avoid heat damage. Excessive heat exposure from hot tools can lead to damaged hair, so aim for a smooth pass without unnecessary repetition.
7. Keep The Straightener Moving
Avoid leaving the hot tool on one section of hair for too long, as this can cause heat damage. Keep the straightener moving smoothly and continuously through each section to prevent hair damage.
8. Don’t Straighten Wet Hair
Never use a straightener on wet or damp hair. Wet hair is more susceptible to heat damage, and the water can turn into steam, causing additional harm and hair straightener damage.
9. Take Breaks & Use A Heat-Resistant Mat
Give your hair and the hot tool a break every few minutes. Place the straightener on a heat-resistant mat or surface to avoid causing damage to countertops or other surfaces, as part of your hair care routine.
10. Maintain Proper Technique
Hold the straightener at a consistent speed and maintain a steady grip as part of your hair care routine. Avoid clamping down too hard, as this can lead to unnecessary tension on the hair shaft and potentially cause damaged hair.
11. Keep The Straightener Clean
Regularly clean your straightener’s plates to remove any hair product buildup. Residue from hair products on the plates can affect heat distribution and result in uneven straightening, which may lead to damaged hair.
12. Store Safely
Allow your hot tool, the straightener, to cool down completely before storing it. Store it in a heat-resistant pouch or on a heat-resistant surface to prevent accidental burns or damage to other items, as part of your hair care routine.
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These 12 tips for using a hair straightener safely will help keep your locks luscious and your fire alarms silent.
