Pick the right size flat iron
Flat irons are like clothes, they are not one-size fits all. The length and thickness of your hair should determine the size of your iron.
The right size iron will be easier to maneuver, straighten your hair more efficiently, and decrease the risk of overheating and damaging hair.
For short, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with narrow plates ranging in size from half-an-inch to one-inch thick. This will allow you to iron smaller sections.
For long, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with wider plates ranging in size from one-and-a-half inches to two-inches wide so you're able to cover more surface area in less time.
How Not to Wreck Your Hair
Your blow dryer, flat iron, and curling iron can make your hair look great.
But if you misuse those tools or have the wrong ones, your hair may look like it's ready for a lengthy stint in hair rehab.
Use this guide to brush up on how to style your hair at home as well as how to mend damaged hair.
1. Buy Good Tools
Hair styling tools don't have to cost a fortune. But they do need basic features.
Look for tools that offer different heat settings. "The cheaper ones have just one setting."
Check to see if your tool displays heat temperatures. For instance, some hair irons can be dialed to a variety of heat settings, from 130 to nearly 230.
Above 230-degree setting is "definitely too high" for personal use by someone who isn't a stylists and is certainly not needed.
Choose dryers with a nozzle attachment to target air flow and a diffuser to help distribute heat more evenly.
2. Know Your Hair -- and Style It AccordinglyWhen you select a heat setting on your dryer or curling or straight iron, consider the thickness of your hair.
"The finer the hair, the lower the temperature". "For instance, a person with baby fine hair should use the lowest possible setting."
That doesn't mean if you have a thick mane you should opt for the highest setting, he adds. "We rarely,"use an extremely high degree of heat even at the salon."
Before you get a curling iron or a flat (straightening) iron, take your natural hair texture into account.
"It's better to work with your natural hair texture than against it.
3. Protect your Hair from the Heat
There are hair products made to protect your hair from the heat of dryers, curling irons, or flat irons like the L'oreal Iron finish. Many of them use silicone as a protective coating for your hair.
To protect your hair while styling, work quickly.
"If you are using a curling or straight iron, you should probably not use it for more than three or four seconds [per section].
4. Study Styling Technique
A little professional advice never hurts. Ask your hair stylist to go over how to style your hair, even if you've done it yourself for years.
The stylist may be able to show you shortcuts, or newer techniques. Set up a separate appointment, or ask in advance for some extra time at your next visit. That will give your stylist time to work with you.
5.Things to avoid -
Do not iron hair when wet, as this is a sure way to fry your strands.
- Do not use broken or chipped hot tools, as they can be dangerous.
- Do not use a flat iron everyday as "any tool or procedure involving high heat will dry the hair and make it brittle over time, especially with prolonged and frequent use.
6. Use the right material
Look for flat irons that use ceramic, tourmaline or titanium metals. They will heat more evenly causing less heat damage to your hair. They are the "gentlest on the hair" because they release negative ions which work to tighten the hair's cuticle. This produces a shinier, healthier, less frizzy look and feel, advises. On the flip side, be weary of "irons that are ceramic 'coated' or Teflon 'coated" as they will heat a little more unevenly, and tend to have a more drying effect."
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