Hair Straightener Safety Guide: 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid While Using It

An appliance that can grant you salon-like, sleek hair from the comfort of your home is the straightener. This multitasking wand (if used strategically) can also create curls, beach waves, and chic crimps with a trained hand movement. Often dubbed a flat iron, this tool is easy to use, safe and makes for a great addition to your beauty arsenal!

If you wish to invest in a hair straightener to ace the assortment of hairstyles mentioned above and more, here are some tips and tricks you should be well-versed in. These pointers will help you get the most out of your styling tool while ensuring its longevity. Additionally, we share common mistakes to avoid hair damage or harm during straightening.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using A Hair Straightener

While a hair straightener is low-maintenance, it is not immune to damage from prolonged use. Here are some common mistakes that can wear out your trusty hair appliance, making the styling process tedious. Scroll further.

• Not Picking the Right Straightener: The sheer volume of hair straighteners in the market can baffle you. But before you splurge on a device, here are some basic checks you should consider!
• Easy to Manoeuver: Before you buy a straightener, ensure that it’s easy to manoeuvre. If it is too heavy or slips from between your fingers, you stand a risk of burns. Additionally, it will also hamper your styling process.
• Distinct Temperature Setting: The heat application should vary according to the quality of your hair and the look you have envisioned. To crack your favourite hairstyle, be it poker straight tresses or retro curls, it’s important to have a device with clear and conspicuous temperature settings.
• Straightening Unwashed Hair:  As you know, our hair bears the brunt of excess pollution, external aggressors, and temperamental weather conditions. This leads to an accumulation of dirt and grime in the strands, leading to friction between the straightener and the tresses. To counter this problem, use a shampoo and hydrating conditioner before you whip out your hair straightener.
• Using a Straightener on Damp Hair: Damp hair is more prone to damage and breakage. So, ensure that you towel-dry your volume thoroughly before beginning the straightening process. If you want to minimise irksome flyaways and baby strands, use a blow dryer. Never use a straightener on wet tresses.
• Not Detangling Your Hair:  For best results, always detangle your hair before straightening. This little activity makes your tresses more manageable and easy to style. Also, we recommend making smaller sections of your hair with clips to help tackle the entirety of the volume.
• Not Using Heat Protectant: Using excessive heat on the tresses can prove detrimental to their health. To steer clear of this problem, spray or dab a heat protectant on your mane, a few inches above the roots.
• Putting Too Much Pressure on Hair: The higher the heat, the better the styling is a popular styling misconception. For finer or thinner hair, use a temperature setting of 70 to 140 degrees Celsius and nothing more. Also, avoid putting too much pressure on the paddles while you clasp them together.

Not Taking a Second Pass in the Same Section:  As discussed, prolonged exposure to heat can cause irreversible damage to the lock. This is why we recommend practicing restraint with the temperature and taking a second pass on the same tuft if required. This activity reduces episodes of stress or strain on the mane.

Tips and Tricks For Your Hair Straightener’s Longevity

Use these tips and tricks to add more years to the hair straightener’s shelf life!

1. Maintain Cleanliness

A simple yet effective step to maintaining your hair straightener is thoroughly cleansing the plates. That’s right! The device’s ceramic plates can see an accumulation of product residue with prolonged use, slackening its efficiency. To counter this problem, use a wet cotton pad and wipe down the plates, preferably after every use. Ensure that your device is unplugged during this process.

2. Store Well

Wait for your straightener to cool before putting it away. Always store it lying flat in its designated case or bag. Avoid leaving it on the bathroom counter, as it may increase the risk of damage due to water contact.

3. Be Cautious of Damage to The Cable

Contrary to popular misconception, you should never strangle the straightener with its cable while storing. This rookie mistake can wear down the wiring, directly impacting the tool’s effectiveness. Place the cable in a zig-zag fashion (around the straightener) for a longer vanity life.

4. Look for Wear And Tear Signs

Your hair straightener showing signs of wear or tear should be addressed immediately. Whether the cable looks a little strained or the casing is damaged or dented, get it repaired without any delays.

Parting Thoughts

Get hair straightener as it is a versatile must-have for your vanity! It allows you to get sleek tresses, curls, and beachy waves from the comfort of your home. But before you part ways with your hard-earned money, ensure to be acquainted with some tips and tricks for the results.

Straighten your hair after it is washed, hydrated and lathered with a heat protectant. Never use heat on damp hair, as it is more prone to breakage or damage. Be cautious of the temperature setting, keeping it between 70 and 140 degrees Celsius for thin or brittle hair. After using the straightener, wipe down the plates with a wet cotton pad and store them after they cool. Don’t strangulate the paddles with the cable.