All women have used a straightener and/or curling iron at some point. However, there are many mistakes that even those who use them every day still make. Through this article, identify the ones you make to correct them. Your hair will thank you! Let's get straight to the point.
______________
1 – Straightening or curling damaged hair
First of all, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to use a straightener on very damaged hair. We think these devices will miraculously straighten, curl, and even prevent frizz, when in fact the hair is like this because it lacks hydration.
By using an iron on damaged hair, we risk damaging it even more, to the point where it will be impossible to save. The key is intensive and regular care.
Only healthy hair, properly maintained with conditioners, masks, and oils, will withstand high temperatures in the long term and can be styled with straighteners and other straightening tools.
2 – Using an iron on wet hair
Another common mistake made with these tools is using them on wet hair.
Most women don't dry their hair thoroughly and place it directly between the plates. Perhaps due to lack of time? The fact remains that under the influence of heat, water evaporates very quickly from the hair, the cuticles open, and the hair strands become dry and sometimes even burnt. The hair is then severely damaged!
3 – Straightening or curling tangled hair
Hair should always be properly prepared for straightening or curling. One thing you should never forget is to comb or brush your hair thoroughly before straightening. It's very easy to damage uncombed, unruly, and tangled hair – the straightener doesn't glide smoothly and can pull or break it. You can, of course, use detangling products to help you.
For women with curly hair who want to straighten it, if combing your hair is too complicated, at least try to prepare it with moisturizing products!
4 – Not using heat protection
If you don't apply a heat protection spray to your hair before using a straightener or curling iron, you can easily damage your hair (this applies to any heat styling tool).
Spray a thermal protection product on your hair beforehand to prevent it from being damaged by heat.
Are you looking for a protective spray to keep your hair healthy after using the iron?
Discover the Thermic Spray from Kin Cosmetics.
5 – Incorrectly setting the appliance temperature
Some people think that "if overheating the straightener damages hair, it's better to keep the temperature as low as possible." This may seem counter-intuitive, but it's better to use a medium to high setting.
Why? On a low setting, you'll need to pass the iron over the curls multiple times to straighten them. And passing it multiple times over the same strand is really not what you want! A higher temperature means there's a better chance of straightening them in one go.
Conversely, using the appliance at too high a temperature will also damage your hair... We recommend a temperature of 180° on average.
6 – Going over the same strand multiple times with the iron
A common mistake when using these appliances is to go over the same strand multiple times.
If you do this, perhaps your strands are too thick? Divide your hair into small enough sections so you can straighten them all at once without having to go over them again and again.
7 – Using the wrong equipment
Choosing the cheapest equipment is also a serious mistake, which can turn into torture for your beautiful hair.
Each coating will have its own qualities depending on your hair type, whether it's titanium, ceramic, or tourmaline.
We advise you to take a look at our dedicated pages for more information:
Discover our straighteners
Discover our curling irons
8 – Straightening or curling hair too often
It should also be mentioned that a straightener is a tool not to be overused. If you straighten your hair too often, it's a one-way ticket to the hairdresser: to cut dry, damaged strands that cannot be saved. The maximum frequency is 2 to 4 times a week, depending on your hair type.
For more details:
- 2 times a week for fine hair
- 3 times a week for normal hair
- 4 times a week for thick hair
This is a maximum rhythm, however, we recommend using irons less often, for example, for special occasions. There are other ways to straighten your hair daily that don't require heat...
9 – Not using the right technique
Straightening or curling hair downwards will leave your hair relatively flat. If you want some extra volume, take your strand as close as possible to your hair root and pull it upwards or horizontally. However, everything depends on the desired result!
Also, be careful not to go too fast or too slowly when passing the iron. If you go too fast, you risk having to go over it a second time, while if you go too slowly, you risk burning your mane!
10 – Not remembering to clean the iron
Like any appliance, your curling or straightening iron needs to be cleaned regularly! The thermal protection spray and other styling products you apply accumulate on the surface of the plates.
To prevent product residue from sticking to your hair during use, regularly clean the appliance with a soft cloth dipped in hot water and then wrung out.
In conclusion
As you can see, while it seems easy to use a straightener or curling iron, it's just as easy to make mistakes! Perhaps you don't always have time to follow these rules to the letter, but we hope you'll keep them in mind to best protect your beautiful mane.
Do you have any other tips to share with the community? Feel free to write them in the comment section!
