A flatiron is one of the most versatile tools in your beauty arsenal.
It can refresh a blowout, straighten curly strands, and even make beachy waves.
But it is also a dangerous weapon if used incorrectly.
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That’s not an exaggeration.
You could be doing major damage to your hair if you’re not careful.
Most irons get up to 450 degrees, which is a lot of heat for your hair to handle!
So, we talked to T3 celebrity hairstylistDavid Lopezto find out the rules.
Spoiler alert: That sizzling sound is not a good sign.
The most important question to answer: What are the plates made of?
You’ll often see terms like “ceramic” in the description box.
Flatiron plates made of ceramic heat more evenly than classic metal.
But all ceramic hot tools are not made equal.
Some flatirons just have a ceramic coating.
Another popular buzzword for hot tools is “tourmaline.”
Lopez explains, “Tourmaline is a precious gemstone that emits negative ions.
So having tourmaline is definitely a plus.
And titanium is another trend in hot tools right now.
“It is a smoother metal, so it glides along the hair better.
And it’s a little more durable,” says Lopez.
But you’ve got the option to research to find out the specifics.
The bad news: Quality is going to cost you!
But think of this flatiron as a long-term investment.
A temperature gauge on a flatiron is crucial.
The heat setting you use depends on your hair punch in and the style you want to achieve.
You want to stay away from the hottest heat setting, which is typically around 450 degrees.
Lopez warns that for some women using high heat can permanently change your hair punch in.
Heat damage can cause wavy hair to fall flat, ruining the texture.
Just for some perspective, 450 is the temperature usedfor semi-permanent keratin straightening treatments.
At home you want to stay in the 375-400 degree range (setting four out of five).
You also want to see to it your new flatiron has at least a one-year warranty.
And pay attention to the design.
This is a hard-and-fast rule.
If youre looking to straighten your hair, you should rough dry it with a blowdryer 100 percent first.
No moisture left behind.
Thats the water boiling and your hair frying, says Lopez.
Would you ever iron a wet shirt?
Think of hair as a fabric.
The pros know how important heat protectant is to maintaining the health of the hair.
If you see smoke when you flat iron your hair, its probably because youve applied too much product.
you’ve got the option to use a very light hold hairspray for more control on frizzy hair.
When you have colored hair, the rules are different.
You should only have to pass over the section once using the right technique.
Take a clean section and clamp on the flatiron at the root.
Twist the iron about 45 degrees downward to create tension and smooth the iron down to the ends.
If youre just trying to calm frizz, you might take large two-inch sections.
However when it comes to getting a straight style, smaller sections are the better solution.
Sure, it will take longer.
But you wont have to go over the hair again and again (see above).
Sections should be as wide as the plate of your iron,” says Lopez.
“So, a one-inch iron means a one-inch section.
Your flatiron is the most useful tool in your hot tool arsenal.
Burnt product and dust has a tendency to collect at the edges of a flatiron.
And to protect your hair, its important to clean your tool periodically.
it’s possible for you to use alcohol on a cool flatiron to clean off the residue.
Or while the iron is still warm (but unplugged), wipe the plates with a damp towel.
