Flat Iron Safety Tips from Misikko

Flat Iron Safety Tips

As you know, flat irons are heated tongs that are used to press hair and straighten it. When using a flat iron, you need to be very careful, not only by not burning your ears or fingers, but by not frying your hair. Flat irons break down the hydrogen bonds inside the hair and then reform them into a flattened state, thereby straightening your hair. This heat can have a negative effect on the outside of your hair though, leading to dry, broken or brittle hair. The best flat irons on the market though are ceramic flat irons, as they use a ceramic coating to help protect your hair. Some brands of ceramic flat irons include: The Babyliss Pro, the HAI flat iron, the GHD flat iron, the T3 flat iron and the Corioliss flat iron. But, even the best flat iron can be used improperly and lead to injury or hair damage. Here are some safety tips.

Avoid Electric Shock

Every year people die from accidents in the home, especially electrocution. So, while it seems like common sense, you should NEVER user a flat iron or hair dryer near water. Do not straighten your hair while sitting in a tub, and do not use a hair dryer near a full sink. You may not be clumsy, but accidents do happen, and using a flat iron or hair dryer near water is a sure way to get electrocuted.

Avoid Burning Your Skin

A burned ear not only hurts, it can be embarrassing. The most obvious way to avoid this is to use a hair dryer to straighten your hair, but they are inconvenient and take longer. So, use a flat iron. Remember though, that even the best flat iron can lead to burning, no matter how many safety features they have. You have to be careful. First of all, take your time. Separate your hair into sections and prepare for straightening. Focus on each section at a time, always being aware of where your ears are. However, if you are in a hurry, use a band-aid on your ear to protect it.

Protect Your Children

A flat iron is a dangerous device when not used properly. Be sure to keep it out of the reach of children, especially when it is pre-heating. Keep it in a safe place where no wandering fingers can get burned. Also, place the flat iron in a safe place when you are done so it can cool. The same advice applies to your hair dryer.

Don’t Scorch Your Hair

Test the flat iron before you use it. Even a ceramic flat iron, with their nice ceramic coating, can still scorch or damage your hair. Pre-heat the flat iron, and then press a piece of toilet paper between the hot tongs for five seconds. If it browns or burns, then turn down the heat a bit. Keep turning it down until you reach a point where the tissue does not discolor.

Again, even the best flat irons can be dangerous. Many of them have safety features, and some trusted brands are the Babyliss pro, the HAI flat iron, the GHD flat iron, the T3 flat iron and the CHI flat iron. But, it takes a careful user to be sure that no accidents happen. Be safe and be patient.