A hair straightener can be your styling best friend for achieving sleek, polished styles – but it can also be your worst enemy if used incorrectly. The high heat needed to straighten hair can cause dryness, split ends and breakage if you’re not careful. This is especially true when brands use super high heats as a benefit in their marketing campaigns!
The good news is that, with the right techniques and habits, you can enjoy smooth, frizz-free hair without sacrificing its health. Today, we’re looking at the dos and don’ts of using a hair straightener safely.
Do use heat protectant every time
Before you even plug in your straightener, apply a quality heat protectant spray or serum. These products create a protective barrier between your hair and the hot plates, helping to prevent moisture loss and damage. Make sure to coat every strand evenly and brush the product through, especially the ends, which are more fragile.
Don’t straighten dirty hair
Straightening unwashed hair coated in oils and product residue can ‘cook’ the buildup onto your hair, leaving it dull and brittle. Imagine heating up cooking oil – your hair will fry when using your straighteners on dirty hair! Always start with clean, dry hair for the best results. Plus, you can enjoy your fresh style for longer without having to rewash it.
Do choose a hair straightener that uses an optimal heat temperature
Not all hair needs maximum heat. In fact, ghd has found that the optimal heat temperature for hair styling is 185 degrees C. Any hotter will cause irreversible damage to the internal core of your hair, while any colder may damage the external walls of each strand. This can lead to split ends and damage.
The main issue here is that many hair styling brands boast about higher heat options, stating that they can style hair quickly. However, higher temperatures cause more harm than good.
Don’t ignore the material of your hair straightener plates
Cheap straighteners with unevenly heated plates or rough edges can cause more harm than good. Investing in a professional tool ensures you use a consistent temperature, smooth gliding, and less need for multiple passes, translating to less damage over time. Plate material is important, too – ceramic and tourmaline are two excellent options for frizz-free shiny results.
Do work in small sections
Straightening large chunks of hair may seem faster, but it forces you to go over the same section multiple times. Working in small, manageable sections makes sure your hair is treated with even heat distribution, better results, and fewer passes – which means less damage and gorgeous hair!
Don’t go over the same section repeatedly
If your straightener is of good quality and heated to the right temperature, you should only need one or two passes per section. Going over the same area again and again exposes it to unnecessary heat damage, increasing the risk of frizz and breakage. Section your hair properly to avoid repeat styling.
Do clean your hair straightener regularly
Product build-up on your hair straightener plates can create uneven heat spots, snag hair, and cause it to burn. To keep your hair looking and feeling its best, wipe down the plates with a damp cloth (making sure the flat iron is unplugged and cool first!) to keep them smooth and effective.
Pro tips for healthy, straight hair
We asked our professional stylists to give their top tips on how they straighten hair while maintaining a gloriously glossy finish:
- Limit how often you style your hair with heat: Give your hair regular ‘heat-free’ days to recover. Use braids, buns, or heatless curlers to change your look without the straightener.
- Use the right plate width: Narrow plates work best for short hair or detailed styling, while wider plates are more efficient for long, thick hair.
- Seal with a serum: After straightening, use a lightweight serum or oil to lock in moisture and add shine.
- Mind the pressure: Pressing too hard on the straightener will not straighten your hair; it will only cause unnecessary stress on your strands.
Final thoughts
Using a hair straightener doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your hair’s health. By following these dos and don’ts, adjusting your heat settings, protecting your strands, and investing in a quality tool, you can enjoy sleek, shiny styles without the damage. To find your perfect hair straighteners, make sure you look for an optimal heat setting, premium plate material, and size.
