When it comes to straightening your hair, particularly using curling irons for the first time, so many end up wishing they had never bothered. It is extremely important to know the basics and above all how to use hot plates on your hair.
In the first instance it is always a good idea to assess and prepare your hair. You should know if your hair is thick, thin, and curly, coloured or has had any other chemical treatment prior to straightening. Preparing the hair before using curling irons involves using a good vitamin based conditioner and even a leave in conditioner to protect the hair from drying out. You should consider using a leave in conditioner daily or a deep conditioning product at least once a week in order to restore the moisture heat styling takes out of the hair.
In addition, you should always know how much heat to apply on your hair depending on your hair type. It is strongly recommended that you test the heat level of a new appliance before even using it on the hair. A good way to do this is by using a moistened piece of tissue paper and holding it in the irons for a few seconds. If the paper becomes discoloured then you know the temperature setting is too hot and would scorch the hair causing it to burn and break off.
Another important thing to remember is that the hair must be completely dry before using curling irons. It may be a good idea to wash the hair the night before if you are pushed for time or have long, thick hair. Also you should work with small sections of hair at any one time and use a protective spray both before and after.
Sat, Jun 6, 2009
Hair Care Tips