Straightener Temperature & Products

Q: I recently got a hair straightener. My hair got dyed in brown 3 days ago, along with blonde tips. It is naturally wavy and a little frizzy yet healthy. It is a couple of inches past my shoulders, and I need to know what temperature my straightener should be set to for my type of hair. My straightener can go from 100-200 degrees going up by 10's.

I straighten my hair every single morning of every week. I need to know what products you would recommend for me so that I can regularly straighten my hair without it damaging and breaking over time. If I set it to the right temperature and apply the correct products before straightening my hair, how many times can I straighten it per week? After straightening it, what should I apply? Spray to keep my hair looking straight all day long?

A: Basically, the temperature setting depends on the condition of your hair and the hair's texture and amount of curl being removed. I recommend that you start with a mid-range setting of 120 degrees to start. You can increase the temperature if you need to do so. Be sure to read over the information we have on Hairfinder about using thermal appliances safely for some basic information on using heated appliances. You can find that link here.

As for how often you will straighten your hair that answer depends on what you want to achieve as the look on a given day. Straightening the hair using a flat iron is a physical change and will only last until the hair becomes wet again. This means that when you shampoo your hair, it will revert to its normal wave pattern. It may also be affected by humidity in the air around you as well. By using light applications of styling products in the ironing process, you can maximize the longevity of your style.

I would recommend giving your hair a break as often as possible (perhaps letting it "be natural" on weekends) and to make sure to use good moisture rich conditioners and shampoos, as well as leave-in conditioning agents before any thermal styling treatment.

As with most styling techniques, a light mist of hairspray can make your hairstyle last much longer than without. But, after all is said and done, the bottom line in dealing with your hair's issues is that you need to make sure to keep an eye on your hair's condition as you continue to use the thermal iron. If you start seeing signs of damage – increased frizz, dullness, and dry feel – then take action to correct the problems immediately.

©Hairfinder.com