What You Need to Know Before Using a Hair Straightener

In love with straight hair? If yes, are you following the rules before getting your hands on the straightener and using it on your hair? Most of us love that glossy and manageable look and feel.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Wash and condition your hair. This will remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup that could make your hair more difficult to straighten. It will also help to hydrate your hair and make it more manageable.
Dry your hair completely. Never use a straightener on wet hair, as this can cause damage. Wet hair is more fragile and can be easily burned. It is also important to dry your hair completely before using a straightener, as any moisture left in your hair can cause frizz.
Apply a heat protectant spray. This will help to protect your hair from the heat of the straightener. Heat protectant sprays contain ingredients that help to shield your hair from heat, preventing it from becoming dry, damaged, or brittle.
Start with a low heat setting. You can always increase the heat as needed, but it’s better to start low to avoid damaging your hair. The heat setting you use will depend on your hair type. Fine hair will require a lower heat setting than thick hair.
Divide your hair into sections. This will make it easier to straighten your hair evenly. Divide your hair into sections that are about 1-2 inches wide.
Work in small sections. Don’t try to straighten too much hair at once, or you’ll risk burning it. Start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up, straightening each section one at a time.
Use a gentle touch. Don’t press the straightener down too hard, or you’ll damage your hair. Use a gentle touch to straighten your hair, applying just enough pressure to smooth out the strands.
Don’t stay in one spot for too long. Move the straightener quickly over your hair to avoid burning it. Hold the straightener in one spot for no more than a few seconds at a time.
Take breaks. Don’t straighten your hair for too long at a time, or you’ll risk damaging it. Take breaks every few sections to allow your hair to cool down.
Condition your hair after straightening. This will help to restore moisture to your hair and prevent it from becoming dry and damaged. After you’re finished straightening your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or deep conditioner to help hydrate your hair and protect it from future damage.

Here are some additional tips:

Use a straightener that is appropriate for your hair type. If you have fine hair, you’ll need a straightener with lower heat settings. If you have thick hair, you’ll need a straightener with higher heat settings.
Avoid straightening your hair every day. This can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage. Straightening your hair every day can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and damaged.
Be careful when using a straightener near your scalp or ears. You can easily burn yourself if you’re not careful. When using a straightener near your scalp or ears, be sure to keep the plates away from your skin.
Turn off your straightener when you’re finished using it. This will help to prevent accidental burns. When you’re finished using your straightener, be sure to turn it off and unplug it.

By following these tips, you can straighten your hair safely and effectively without damaging it.