Hair Straightener – Do’s & Don’ts
A hair straightener is an essential tool in any hair care routine, giving you smooth, sleek hair in just a few minutes. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply styling your hair for the day, it’s crucial to know the correct way to use a hair straightener. In this guide, we’ll cover the key do’s and don’ts to ensure that you get the most out of your hair tools and accessories while keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
Do’s of Using a Hair Straightener
- Use Heat Protection Before you start straightening your hair, always apply a heat protectant. Heat can cause significant damage to your strands, leading to dryness and split ends. A good heat protectant will create a barrier between your hair and the heat from the hair straightener. Consider using a hair serum for this purpose as it helps nourish and protect your hair while adding a healthy shine.
- Choose the Right Temperature Not all hair types require the same level of heat. Fine hair can be styled at a lower temperature, while thicker, coarser hair might need a higher setting. It’s important to use the correct heat setting on your hair straightener to avoid unnecessary damage. Most straighteners have adjustable heat settings, so make sure to pick the one that suits your hair texture.
- Work in Small Sections To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to divide your hair into small sections. This allows the hair straightener to work more efficiently, ensuring that every strand gets the heat it needs. Straightening in sections also prevents excessive passes with the straightener, which can cause unnecessary heat exposure.
- Keep Your Hair Dry Always make sure your hair is dry before using a hair straightener. Straightening wet hair can cause it to become frizzy and prone to breakage. You can use a blow dryer or let your hair air dry before styling. Using hair products like a heat-protecting spray can also help maintain the quality of your hair during the styling process.
- Maintain Your Straightener Regularly clean your hair tools and accessories to keep them functioning optimally. Build-up from hair products can accumulate on the plates of the straightener, reducing its effectiveness. Wipe the plates with a damp cloth after each use to ensure they remain in good condition.
Don’ts of Using a Hair Straightener
- Avoid Using the Straightener on Damp Hair One of the most common mistakes people make is using a hair straightener on damp hair. Applying heat to wet hair can cause it to become frizzy and can damage the hair cuticle. It’s important to always make sure your hair is thoroughly dry before using a straightener. To speed up the drying process, you can use a blow dryer, followed by a light serum for added protection.
- Don’t Use Too Much Product While using hair products is essential to protect your hair, overloading your hair with styling products can weigh it down and cause it to look greasy. Be mindful of the quantity of products like hair serums or heat protectants that you apply. A little goes a long way, and applying too much can leave your hair feeling sticky or limp.
- Don’t Straighten the Same Section Repeatedly Straightening the same section multiple times can cause excessive heat damage to your hair. It’s tempting to pass the straightener over stubborn sections of hair, but doing this can weaken your strands. Instead, focus on using the correct temperature and the right hair tools and accessories to ensure you get the desired result with fewer passes.
- Avoid Using High Heat for Fine Hair If you have fine or damaged hair, using high heat can cause irreversible harm. Always opt for a lower heat setting when styling finer hair types. High temperatures can strip the moisture from your strands and leave them brittle. Instead, use a gentle heat setting and let your straightener work its magic without compromising the health of your hair.
- Don’t Forget to Turn Off Your Straightener After finishing your styling, always remember to turn off your hair straightener. Leaving it on can not only waste electricity but also pose a fire hazard. Make it a habit to check and switch off your hair tools and accessories when you’re done.
