1.) Try lower temperatures before you start using the maximum. Depending on your hair type, it is likely that you don't need to use the hair iron at its maximum heat level to get the effect you want. Experiment and work your way up in temperature - assuming that hotter is better isn't a good assumption! Your hair might straighten faster, but what good is straight hair if it's all broken?
2.) Don't leave the heat on in one spot for too long. While holding the flat iron or blow dryer in one place does straighten hair quicker, it's not good for the health of your hair. Heat will cause hair to break and ends to split!
3.) Pull as gently as you can. Tugging your hair hard will make it straighter, but with a bit of patience you can achieve the same effect without the pain. Try different types of brushes. While typically a round brush with bristly bristles is used in "blow outs" (straightening with blow dryers) you might find that a half-round brush does the trick for you or one with gentler teeth will work. Depending on hair length and hair type, you could be able to use more gentle brushes and still get the effect you want. Again, you just have to experiment. But the general idea is that you don't need to jump to the most extreme treatment first - it might cause traction alopecia.
4.) Use a gentle hair oil before you straighten. Instead of sticky chemical based products that leave hair clumpy, try using a natural oil or a conditioning spray. If you want to style your hair spiky or jagged, use gels, balms or hair paste over the oil or conditioner. Just a little bit of conditioning before a straightening session can really reduce breakage.
5.) Take a break from breaking your hair! A true blow out or straightening job will last until you wash your hair. So instead of doing a daily routine of hot iron in the morning after a shower, try not washing your hair for a couple days. You might be surprised how fresh it stays. Try and see how long it lasts. If you can't bear the thought of skipping your daily hair washing routine, skip a day of the iron and do an up-do or simple ponytail. Give your hair a rest! You don't iron your clothes every day, so don't iron your hair everyday!
Following these 5 rules can help you maintain the health of your hair at absolutely no extra financial cost to you. If you abuse your hair to the point where it is breaking and falling out, the cost will be much more than a bottle of leave-in conditioner, oil or a day wearing a ponytail. What is the cost of abusing your hair? The monetary cost can be a lot due to having to buy different shampoos, conditioning treatments OR in an extreme case - hair extensions! And I won't fail to mention that time between hair cuts can increase when you care for your hair and vice versa. So for the health of your hair and the health of your wallet - straighten in moderation!
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