Hot hair can also mean a hot mess!

     So, the other day I had a client in my chair who had beautiful long natural brown hair.  She was a young college student who came in to get a haircut before the holiday season.  I went about doing my normal routine; wash, blow dry then cut.  I go about doing my normal long-layered cut and notice, as I get to the front of her face, she had breakage on the left side where her bangs usually part due to a cowlick.  She told me about her daily routine and what she used to make her already straight hair even more straight.  It was none other than a flat-iron.

     My whole thought process behind this post is to educate people about the do's and do not's of flat ironing.  There are lots of women who, when using flat-irons, do not realize the risks involved when it comes to protecting their hair.  First of all, product is a must.  Now, I am not one who uses products every day nor do I push products on my clients to use, but if I find a good one I will highly recommend it.  I test out products on myself and a few close friends who don't mind a different effect every now and then.  (Definitely a perk of being a Cosmetologists friend)  Just keep in mind, not all products are intended for everyone.  Everyone has different texture and a different hair type.  Heavier products can weigh down fine/thin hair and not using enough product can cause frizz and damage on course/heavy hair.  


Here are some tips I highly recommend when using Flat Irons :


1. Always use some type of oil or thermal protectant.  My favorites are Moroccan Oil and the Aquage SeaExtend Silkening Oil Treatment which can be used on all hair types.

Fine/Thin hair - use about a half-of-a-dime size amount and work in at ends.  Keep away from scalp so it doesn't weigh hair down and become lifeless.

 
Medium hair - use a nickel size amount and work in from ends to mid-strand.  Also keep away from scalp.

Course/Thick hair - use a quarter to half dollar amount depending on the density of hair.

*You can also use any type of root amplifier in conjunction with any of these products*

2. Try not to use your flat iron as a "flat" iron.  People have this perception that irons can only flatten the hair which makes hair look flat and lifeless.  You can easily add curls, waves and lots of texture to any hair type.  Directing the hair, rather than flattening is key in creating fullness and making the hair looked pronounced, especially if you have layers.

3. The hotter the better.  Good quality irons such as CHI and FHI have thermostats built in which can reach temperatures up to 450 degrees.  What this means is it takes less time to achieve your end result.  Instead of purchasing a cheap iron that takes more than 5 strokes to get your hair in place, invest your money into a good iron that heats up quickly, stays hot and will last for years to come.  Also it will wreak less havoc on your hair in the long run.

4. Breakage!  Have you ever noticed a few pieces of hair around your face that seem to be a little fuzzy?  Doesn't matter what length or what texture you have, it can happen to anyone.  How does this happen, you ask?  The result is the flat iron being on the hair too long therefore frying the ends and hair strand.  Again, invest in a good flat iron that takes less time to use and prevents breakage like so.

Hopefully this article made you more aware of the pro's and con's of straightening irons and the affects it can have on YOUR hair!