These simple tips will help extend the life of your professional hair straightening iron and keep those bad hair days at bay!
Hundreds of the best-selling and top-rated flat irons, hair straighteners, and styling irons are being sold every day, and if you own one, you know you’d be lost without it. If you are so confident in your hair straightener, shouldn’t you take care of it? A much-loved flat iron equals a happy hairstyle in my book.
a few minutes a day
Spending a few extra minutes caring for your professional flat iron (or curling iron) after each use will not only help extend its life, but also ensure it’s clean and ready to go the next time you need it. A little extra care goes a long way with a straightening iron, and it’s easier than you think. Plus, if you’ve ever owned a flat iron, you know all about bad hair days to suffer through until your new one arrives, so proper care is the way to go.
Attention, it’s HOT
Remember to always be very careful when handling the hot iron and keep in mind that the iron plates will remain very hot for a short period after you turn it off. You should always wait for the straightener (or any hair styling device) to cool completely before cleaning or storing it, and you should always unplug it immediately after use.
Security First
While the griddle cools, I suggest placing it on a heat-resistant mat to protect it and your countertops. Many of the hair straightener manufacturers sell heat resistant mats along with their straighteners, and it’s a good idea to get one. I’ve seen them in silicone and a variety of other heat-resistant materials, any of which are fine to support your hot appliance while you use it or during the cool-down period.
prevent damage
Keep in mind that any styling product you use on your hair will cause buildup on your flat iron plates over time. This leads to excess stickiness on the plate surface and results in poor combing results. The gummy residue on the plates can also cause damaging stress to your hair by pulling and snagging on strands, causing split ends and breakage. Straightening irons are designed to glide smoothly through your hair, so it’s very important to make sure your iron is clean before each use. gummy residue? Split ends? Damage? You should be running to pick up a professional iron cleaner before you even finish this article.
Gentle care, better hair
Flat iron plates should be cleaned with a soft cloth and a professional flat iron cleaner specifically formulated for use with flat irons and other heat styling devices. You should never use harsh or abrasive cleaners that will damage or scratch the surface of the plates, or reduce the ability of the iron to glide easily through the hair. Be sure to never spray iron cleaner on a hot iron, this could damage the iron plates. Always be sure to use a plate cleaner on a cold plate to protect it from damage. I recommend cleaning your griddle after every use to keep your dishes in tip top shape and maintain peak performance. Remember “gummy residue”. Enough talk.
Loose handles?
With regular use, iron handles can sometimes become loose. If this occurs, you can walk away like I do, or try to fix it by removing the hinge cover and tightening the nut. Always make sure the griddle is unplugged and completely cool before attempting to tighten a loose nut. Remember to reattach the hinge cover securely when you’re done. If you’re unsure, have mechanical problems, or don’t like the idea of taking apart your favorite appliance, seek professional help! A stylist, professional barber, repairman, or appliance guru should be called in immediately.
Proper storage please!
When storing your iron, you should never, ever wrap the power cord around it. Did I say NEVER? I really cannot stress this point enough. Wrapping the power cord around the iron causes damage and stress to the connection points and will cause damage to both the iron and the cord. I wish I could tell you how many people complain that their iron broke after 3 months due to cord damage. When you store your iron, bundle the cord loosely and lay it next to the iron. This will prolong the life of your iron, guaranteed.
worth repeating
A flat iron will take several minutes to cool down completely after use. To avoid burning your countertop or dresser, you should invest in a heat-resistant mat or heat-resistant bag designed specifically to cover the griddle plates. A heat resistant mat protects counter surfaces while the griddle cools and also keeps the griddle plates clean and protected from damage during storage and travel. A mat is a great place to rest, but for travel and storage, if you can get hold of a heat-resistant bag, it would be a better long-term investment.
Taking care of your flat iron not only prolongs its life, but also ensures better performance and a smoother glide through your hair as you style. Also, caution is always advised with any heating appliance, safety first!