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You don’t need to worry about damaging your hair when using a hair straightener. Help is on the way! If you use a hair straightener, check out these great tips to avoid damaging your lovely locks.

First, be sure to wash your hair with a shampoo and conditioner specially designed for dry/damaged hair. Even if you have the healthiest hair, it’s a good idea to arm your mane with this first defense against the pending heat that could wreak havoc.

Next, dry your hair completely. Some hair straighteners claim to work well even with wet hair, but the reality is, your hair is at its most vulnerable when it is wet. For this reason, make sure your hair is completely dry before applying the irons.

If possible, use a ceramic straightener. They more gentle on your hair and keep your hair straightened for a longer period of time. This is a bonus, because constant use of a hair straightener can increase the chances of your hair suffering from heat damage.

Another step you can take to protecting your hair during straightening is to apply a heat protection spray. A good idea is to apply the spray when your hair is wet, and again after you blow dry your hair.

Instead of a spray, you can use a heat protection cream on your hair. This will work better than the spray, as will a heat protection serum. The serum may be oily, but it is a stronger defense against your hair getting burned.

When using the straightener on your hair, use the lowest possible setting. Using it at 200 is not advised; 50 degrees works best. The lower the temperature, the better for your hair.

Another way to avoid damaging your hair during straightening is to work on your hair a section at a time. Don’t try to cover too much hair all at once. If you try to straighten an area of your hair that is too thick, you will only overheat the outer layers of your hair. For best results, and less damage, work your way through your hair a small section at a time.

Another rule to avoid damage when straightening your hair is to be gentle. Any kind of pulling on your hair will only cause stress on the hair root and it could lead to damage if continued. Don’t use a straightener that seems to “pull” on your hair.

As you use the straightener on your hair, don’t linger on each section. Too much heat will hurt your hair. It’s never good to let the straightener rest or sit on a strand of your hair. Instead, move it down quickly and effortlessly.

Finally, to make sure your hair stays healthy, use a thick and vitamin-enriched deep conditioner once a week. This may cost a pretty penny but it is well worth the expense to restore and revitalize your hair.

By following the advice above, you can use a hair straightener without worrying about damaging your hair.