Hair damage doesn't happen only at home; it can happen at the salon, too! What are the odds? Before you go to that salon, go along with the best hair straightener. If you are considering straightening at home, you can still get it right.
Giving your hair some silk press may be tempting—but if your hair is already damaged, you might need to have a rethink. At first, it could feel like you're signing up for more damage than there already is, but using the best hair straightener won't worsen things.
Why Damaged Hair Needs the Best Hair Straightener
The best hair straightener isn't the “best” because it is pricey or looks fancy. Every hair type requires different care, and that includes how you style it. There are straighteners with ceramic plates, and some are ionic. Some have large plates, and some are smaller. You don't want further damage to your hair? Then you need to take pre and post-styling care when using tools like flat irons.
The reason why your damaged hair needs a straightener is probably the reason why it was damaged. You don't have to ditch tools altogether. Yet you don't have to sacrifice your hair health during the process. Frizzy hair cannot stand humid weather, and so you'll be required to give it a smooth press for it to lie back.
You may also need to purchase a straightener that has adjustable temperature control to allow you to stay in a safe heat zone. If you get a flat iron that works on ionic technology, it is even better for you in order to lock in moisture and keep frizz in check all day.
What Makes for the Best Hair Straightener?
It's common practice to take preventive measures when heat styling. However, you can minimise the damage right from the point of acquiring a hair straightener. Here is a checklist of what should guide you in looking for a hair straightener.
Plate Material
The heat plate of your straightener could be made of ceramic, titanium, or even better, tourmaline-infused. Each of these materials is best suitable for different types of hair. Fine, thin hair can tolerate ceramic plates to some temperature levels, but because heat increases rapidly in ceramic plates, the risk of damage is high.
Titanium plates are more durable and transfer heat more evenly. They heat up fast too, and help to control frizz.
Size of the Plate
Let your hair type guide your choice for straightener plates—one that helps control it. Tight or thick curls will be easy to work on with hair straighteners with wider plates, say 1.25 to 2 inches. Use narrow plates for fine or short hair.
Adjustable Temperature Control
Damaged hair can't tolerate high heat, so be sure to go for those with good heat control settings to lower or increase heat where necessary. High temperatures can cause burns. Actually, the finer your hair, the lower the heat should be. The recommended heat setting for fine hair is about 290-330°F, while thick hair can tolerate as high as 370-470°F. Fragile or very fine hair needs a temperature between 250-290°F.
How to Use the Hair Straightener
Prep Your Hair
Before this becomes any more cliché than it already is, we want you to stick by it. Once you begin any styling procedure, ensure your hair is at its cleanest. Wash it with a moisturising shampoo, smooth it using a conditioner and allow it to dry.
Hair Straighteners do not work well on wet hair. Heck! Hair straighteners damage hair severely when wet. This is because when you press wet hair, it releases steam, and this is even hotter. So, be sure to towel-dry or air-dry.
Add On a Heat Protectant
You can't go wrong in styling with a heat protectant. Apply a quality one that is free of harsh ingredients and silicones. Go for the best heat protectant, like GK Hair's ThermalStyleHer Cream. It is rich in formulas that don't expose the hair to direct heat.
Divide Your Hair Into Sections
This is especially helpful for those with thick hair. You'd straighten out your hair more effectively without having to heat up a section repeatedly.
Straighten Slowly
Don't make the mistake of working several strokes quickly. Slow is fast when it comes to hair straightening. Each glide should be slow and steady until it is well straightened.
Do you know you can do a blowout at home with salon-quality results? Read on How to Blowout Your Hair in 4 Simple Steps.
Post-Straightening Hair Care: What to Do
Done with flat-ironing your hair? The next thing is to wait.
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Wait for 48-72 hours before rewashing your hair. The conditioner is a good substitute between washes to keep the straightened hair almost in place for days.
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Apply a lightweight oil serum like GK Hair's Argan Oil Serum from mid-lengths to ends to add to its shine.
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Allow your hair some time to cool before any further styling.
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Sleep smart - you should avoid cotton pillowcases and sleep on a silk pillowcase henceforth. An alternative is to wrap your hair in a satin scarf overnight.
Post-Straightening Hair Care: What Not to Do
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Don't use too much product. Use lightweight hair sprays and oils so as not to weigh your hair down.
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Don't use the blow dryer or curling iron immediately after. You should not expose your hair further to heat.
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Avoid steamy rooms or hot showers. They trigger frizz, which can undo all the work in minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Straightening Your Hair
Mistake 1: Using High Heat for a Faster Result
Using high heat won't give you the best results. It may seem like you are saving time, but the outcome isn't one that lasts for days. Apart from that, it can damage your hair.
Mistake 2: Straightening Wet Hair
Wet hair will release steam when it comes in contact with heat. Steam is incredibly hot and can damage the hair beyond what it can handle. Even using a heat protectant won't save the day.
Mistake 3: Heat Pressing Too Hard
This doesn't work for a silk finish like you may have thought. You'll only create creases in your hair and weaken the hair fibres.
Mistake 4: Using a Low-Quality Straightener
The best hair straightener isn't hard to find. If you are unsure of which is quality, use GK Hair's Titanium Flat Iron.
Mistake 5: Straightening Damaged Hair Every Day
There's the urge to hide away the fact that your hair is damaged. You should consider options like heatless styles and alternate them.
Nanoplastia Treatment for Hair Straightening
Ever heard of nanoplastia technology and how it is changing things in the hair space without compromising on hair health? Yes, it helps in straightening the hair naturally—no harsh chemicals, all natural. Before you go ahead to book an appointment with your stylist, here are a few things to note.
Nanoplastia treatment works for all hair types but is especially effective for curly, frizzy, and damaged hair. The smoothness it offers can last for months, but only when the hair is offered appropriate post-treatment care. The treatment is unique in that it doesn't use strong chemicals. It straightens naturally with ingredients like amino acids and organic acids.
You want smooth hair from within? Use GK Hair's Nanoplastia Treatment. The ingredients get absorbed well into any hair type without changing its structure and appearance.
