Hair straighteners can create a sleek, flawless finish. They can tame flyaways and get frizz under control. If you’re a fan of a poker-straight look, investing in high-quality hair straighteners is a great starting point.
Researching the ones that offer a selection of settings and the latest tech can go a long way toward creating a salon-like finish from home. However, no matter what straighteners you use, there are some common mistakes that you’ll need to avoid while using them.
Applying Heat to Damp Hair
Technology has come a long way since the early straightening irons. If your hair was even slightly damp, you’d often hear a sizzling sound and potentially burn the strands. Now, many hair tools are designed for use, whether your hair is still a little damp or not.
However, it’s always recommended that you ensure your hair’s fully dry before you apply straighteners. Not only will this protect your hair from damage, but you’re more likely to achieve a polished, shiny look if you take the time to dry your hair first.
Not Adding a Protecting Treatment
A thermal protector will prevent your hair from becoming frizzy when you apply heat. It acts as a coat of armor for your mane, but make sure you follow the instructions and don’t overdo it. Using too much can wet the hair again, so you’d need to start over.
It’s worth taking the time to explore the different heat protection products on the market. You may find that you prefer one type over another. For instance, sprays offer convenience, or you may prefer to run the product through your hair using your fingers.
Having the Wrong Straighteners
Invest in good quality straighteners with several heat settings. Ideally, you will need some that allow you to vary the heat that you apply. Try to source a hair tool that suits your hair type. Some will include features that are designed to accommodate thicker hair, for example.
Taking too Much Hair at Once
If you cram too much hair into the styling tool, you could miss sections, so the straightening process is ineffective. Consider the thickness of your hair and adjust it to suit your needs. For those with thicker hair, you’ll need to take less hair and more if it’s very thin.
Start by splitting your hair into sections and make sure that the amount you run through the heated plates is never more than the length of the irons.
Applying too Much Pressure
Try not to squeeze when running the irons through your hair. Applying too much pressure can make it harder for the strands to run through the straighteners, and the hair can become damaged.
A common sign of too much pressure being applied is the marking line, which often appears at the root as a ridge of hair that’s been overly heated.
Take the time to establish a routine that works for your hair. It may require some trial and error if you’ve recently invested in a new set of straighteners, but it will be worth it when you see the results.
