Most of us have tried to use a ceramics straightener at some point or have had a hairdresser use one on us. They can give great straight and sleek results on most lengths of hair. If not used correctly, the extreme heat that comes from them can cause damage to your hair. So, how do they work and what’s the right way to use them?
How a ceramic hair straightener straightens your hair
The heat from a ceramic hair straightener breaks down and reshapes the bonds within the hair to straighten it. The results gained from a straightener is often more dramatic than that of a hair dryer as the hair is straightened between two hot plates which release quite extreme heat. The hair will stay straight until it is exposed to moisture from washing, rain, or humidity.
How to use a ceramic straightener
- Wash your hair first
- Use a high quality hydrating and moisturising shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair before straightening. Trying to straighten unwashed hair that has a build-up of natural oils or styling products may cause it to clump and get damaged more easily.
- Make sure hair is dry
- Towel dry your hair and use a protective heat treatment spray to damp hair before you begin with the straighteners. The spray will protect hair from heat, and also make hair look better longer after being straightened. We strongly recommend against using a ceramics straightener on wet hair as this can result in damage and breakage of the hair.
- Keep the temperature low.
- Use the lowest heat setting that works on your hair. For thick, coarse or very curly hair use a temperature between 150 and 180 degrees celsius. For fine or chemically treated hair use a temperature of approximately 120 degrees.
Straightening in sections
- Once your hair is clean and totally dry, run a brush through it to get rid of tangles and knots. Clip it back into sections to separate it and make it easier to style.
- Straighten small sections at a time. Straightening too much hair at the one time takes longer, gives poorer results and can damage hair.
- Place the straightener over hair close to the scalp. Apply gentle pressure to slowly bring the ceramics straightener down to the end of the hair. Make sure you don’t let the straightener rest too long on one spot as this can singe the hair.
Regular use of a straightener can be bad for hair, breaking the follicles and damaging it. To prevent damage, start with clean, dry hair and apply the above tips.
