These simple tips will help extend the life of your professional hair straightener and keep those bad hair days at bay!

Hundreds of the best-selling and top-rated flat irons, hair straighteners, and styling irons are sold every day, and if you own one, you know you’d be lost without it. If you are so confident in your hair straightener, shouldn’t you take care of it? A well-loved flat iron equals a happy hairdo in my book.

a few minutes a day

Spending a few extra minutes caring for your professional straightener (or curling iron) after each use will not only help extend its life, but also ensure it’s clean and ready to use the next time you need it. A little extra care goes a long way with a flat iron, and it’s easier than you might think. Plus, if you’ve ever owned a flat iron, you know all about the bad hair days you have to endure until your new one arrives, so proper care is the way to go.

Attention, it’s HOT

Remember to always be very careful when handling the hot iron and keep in mind that the plates of the iron will remain very hot for a short time after you turn it off. You should always wait for the iron (or any hair styling appliance) to cool completely before cleaning or storing it, and you should always unplug it immediately after use.

Security First

While the griddle cools, I suggest placing it on a heat-resistant mat to protect it and protect your countertops. Many of the hair straightener manufacturers sell heat resistant mats along with their irons, and it’s a good idea to get one. I’ve seen them in silicone and a variety of other heat resistant materials, any of which are fine for supporting your hot appliance while in use or during the cool down period.

prevent damage

Keep in mind that any styling products you use on your hair will cause buildup on your flat irons over time. This leads to excess tack on the plate surface and results in poor styling results. The gummy residue on the plates can also cause damaging stress to your hair by pulling and snagging strands, causing split ends and breakage. Straightening irons are designed to glide smoothly through your hair, so it’s very important to make sure the iron is clean before each use. gummy residue? Split ends? Damage? You should be running to pick up a professional iron cleaner before you even finish this article.

Gentle care, better hair

The iron plates should be cleaned with a soft cloth and a professional iron cleaner specifically formulated for use with irons and other heated styling appliances. You should never use harsh or abrasive cleaners that will damage or scratch the surface of the plates, or reduce the ability of the iron to glide easily through the hair. Make sure you never spray griddle cleaner on a hot griddle, this could damage the griddle plates. Always be sure to use an iron cleaner on a cold iron to protect it from possible damage. I recommend cleaning your griddle after each use to keep your dishes in top shape and maintain peak performance. Remember “gummy residue”. Enough talk.

Loose handles?

With regular use, iron handles can sometimes become loose. If this occurs you can either walk away like I do, or try to fix it by removing the hinge cover and tightening the nut. Always make sure the iron is unplugged and completely cool before attempting to tighten a loose nut. Remember to replace the hinge cover securely when you are done. If you’re not sure, have mechanical problems, or don’t like the idea of ​​taking apart your favorite appliance, seek professional help! A stylist, professional hairdresser, repairman or appliance guru should be called immediately.

Proper storage please!

When storing your iron, you should never, ever wrap the power cord around it. Did I say NEVER? I really can’t stress this point enough. Wrapping the power cord around the iron causes damage and stress at the connection points and will cause damage to both the iron and the cord. I wish I could tell you how many people complain that their iron broke after 3 months due to damaged cord. When storing your iron, loosely tie the cord and place it next to the iron. This will extend the life of your iron, guaranteed.

worth repeating

A flat iron will take several minutes to fully cool down after use. To avoid burning your countertop or vanity, you should invest in a heat-resistant mat or heat-resistant bag specifically designed to cover the griddle plates. A heat resistant mat protects counter surfaces as the griddle cools and also keeps griddle plates clean and protected from damage during storage and travel. A mat is a great resting place, but for travel and storage, if you can get a hold of a heat-resistant bag, it would be a better investment in the long run.

Caring for your iron not only prolongs its life, but also ensures better performance and a smoother glide through your hair as you style. Also, caution is always advised with any heating appliance, safety first!