Ironing our hair is a daily ritual for many of us, however, even though ironing seems simple, it is very easy to make common mistakes that damage our hair, leaving it dry, brittle and in the worst case, burnt. That’s why we bring you tips on what mistakes to avoid with an arch and how to achieve perfectly straight hair without losing the bouquet.
Do not use irons without setting the temperature
Everything important starts with the selection of the iron. First of all, always focus on the fact that the iron has the ability to adjust the temperature. We all have differently thick or fine hair, and it is always necessary to adjust the temperature individually. It is true that irons with adjustable temperature tend to be a bit more expensive, but such an investment is definitely worth it. “Adjusting the temperature is essential when ironing your hair. What your hair will undoubtedly appreciate is the Micro Heating Matrix heating system, which has a total of 2,500 micro heaters. These fully cover the heating plates and spread the heat evenly. I would also recommend looking at irons with an ionization function that prevents frizz and flyaways. This way you get perfectly straight and smooth hair even at lower temperatures.” explains Monika Kovačovská from BaByliss.
And as for the temperature itself, depend on the strength of your hair. If you have them softer, set a maximum of 180 degrees. If your hair is thicker and thicker, you can iron it even at a temperature of 190 degrees. Definitely avoid temperatures above 200. You would burn and dry your hair.
Tip: If you are not 100% sure of the appropriate temperature, try the iron on a small strand of hair and observe the reaction. If your hair starts to smoke or you feel a burning sensation, the temperature is too high!
Insufficient protection
Another very common mistake is insufficient protection of hair from heat. Direct contact with hot plates can lead to damage to the hair fiber and in this way the hair starts to break. Therefore, always use a thermal protection spray or cream before ironing. These products will create a protective barrier and reduce the risk of hair damage.
Tip: Ceramic or tourmaline plates distribute heat evenly and thus reduce the risk of damage to hair fibers.
Take your time!
Patience is a rose, and it’s no different when ironing your hair. Of course, if you’re running out of time and have a few minutes to spare in the bathroom, it’s clear that there’s no time to linger. If you do have one, start by dividing your hair into several layers and flat iron them gradually and slowly. When running over the strand quickly, some parts may remain wavy or curl after a while, as not enough heat penetrates them. Therefore, you would basically be doing the whole job for nothing.
Tip: If you are careful like this, you will avoid repeatedly ironing one strand. Drive slowly, smoothly and don’t stop! If you feel that the hair is not straightened enough, set the temperature slightly higher.
Comb your hair thoroughly
Comb each strand thoroughly before ironing. In the case of tangled hair, there is a risk of greater damage and an imperfect result. Always comb your hair from the ends, roughly the last 10 centimeters. Then move up another 10 centimeters and work your way up to the scalp.
Tip: Some hair straighteners have a built-in comb on the plates, which combs the hair just before straightening. The resulting effect is all the more precise. These irons are produced, for example, by the BaByliss brand.
Damp or painted hair
Wet or damp hair has open pores, which means it is full of water. If you were to start ironing them in this state, the water would start to boil, which could damage the hair fiber or cause it to break. Likewise, it is not worth using hairsprays and hair products without thermal protection, because they are baked into the structure of the hair during ironing and irreversibly damage it.
Source: www.moda.cz