Don't get burned: Top 6 flatiron hair mistakes

                                 

                    Don't get Burned 

     Top 6 flatiron hair mistakes

Whether your hair is curly, wavy or even already straight, you're probably no stranger to the benefits of the flatiron. A few minutes with this handy tool will straighten curly hair, or smooth out frizziness in hair that's naturally stick-straight. With the right technique, a flatiron can even help you create curls! But like any tool, proper usage guarantees the best results. Check out our list below to make sure you're not making any of these 6 top flatiron hair mistakes: 

1. Not using the right iron

Using the right flatiron is key to getting the best results. Not all irons are made equal. Invest in one with ceramic or tourmaline plates, which are designed to heat up evenly, and will be gentler on your hair. Also, the width you choose matters! Narrow widths of 1 to 1.5 inches are ideal for straightening bangs or curlier hair close to the hairline, while wider irons work best for longer lengths of hair.

2. Going too hot

Just because your flatiron can crank the heat up to 450 degrees doesn't mean you should go for it! If your hair is fine or has been chemically treated, you should opt for lower heat settings. Coarser hair can take higher temperatures.

3. Leaving out protection

Don't forget to use a heat-protection product on your hair before going to town with your flatiron. A good product will help prevent heat from damaging and drying out your hair. There's a wide variety to choose from--gels, mousses and sprays--which combine heat protection with shape retention, giving you smooth locks that will last all day.

4. Working with damp hair

The sound of sizzling hair, steam rising from your iron--these are not good signs! You'll avoid heat damage if you make sure your hair is totally dry before using your flatiron. Blowdrying your hair with a flat or big round brush before using your iron will ensure the smoothest results.

5. Taking too-big sections

Don't overload your flatiron. You'll get more even heating and more uniform results if you take thin sections, about an eighth of an inch thick. 

6. Not making the most of your flatiron

Did you know you can create waves and curls using your flatiron? A slight turn of the wrist with your iron at the end of each section can give you a smooth flip. You can also create curls by holding the iron close to the root of each section, turning it about one and a half times in the direction you want the curl, and then pulling the iron through while keeping it at the starting angle. Practice makes perfect, so don't give up if you get less than stellar results in the beginning.