Cleaning your flatiron is something that you probably know you should be doing, but rarely (if ever) put into practice. However, that buildup on your flatiron’s plates could be ruining your hair, and you should be giving your flatiron a cleaning once a week! Keep reading to find out more about why you need to clean your flatiron, as well as a detailed guide on exactly how to do it.
If you want to lengthen the usability of your iron and save money by not having to buy a new iron too soon, cleaning your flatiron is a good idea. However, you may be wondering why your iron gets dirty in the first place.
Well, when you use your flatiron, you probably also use products like a heat protectant, serum, leave-in conditioner, or hairspray. As the flatiron moves through your hair, the remains of these products stay behind and eventually build up. They appear as a brown or similar-colored substance on the sides of your flatiron’s plates.
Signs that your iron needs a good cleaning include a burning smell when you turn on the iron, visible build-up on the sides of the plates, and an uneven distribution of heat. The residue of your hair products can even seriously dry out your hair! This can cause your hair to straighten incorrectly and may even make you think you may need a new iron! Before you go shopping, try these easy at-home cleaning methods.
Don’t Use Abrasive Chemical Cleaners to Clean Flatiron
First of all, make sure not to use abrasive chemical cleaners. These can seriously damage the coating on the plates of your flatiron. However, if your iron is truly not in good shape, a Mr. A clean eraser or a toothbrush may come in handy!
Alcohol and Cotton Balls for a Clean Flatiron
One simple way to clean your iron is with rubbing alcohol and cotton balls (you can also use q-tips to clean out all the nooks and crannies). Simply make sure your iron is unplugged and completely cooled down and wipe it off with the alcohol-soaked cotton balls. When it’s cleaned to your liking, use a warm, damp cloth to finish off the cleaning process.
Or Microfiber Cloth for a Clean Flatiron
A similar method using rubbing alcohol suggests employing a microfiber cloth to clean your flatiron. A microfiber cloth is handy because it attracts residue without spreading it around. Use circular motions with the microfiber cloth to clean all the build-up from your iron.
Baking Soda for a Clean Flatiron
If you don’t like the idea of using alcohol to clean your flatiron, another option is to use baking soda. Mix a paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and apply it directly to the plates of your flatiron. Allow it to sit for several minutes, using a q-tip to spread it to any difficult-to-reach areas.
Next, heat your iron to a moderate temperature. Leave it at this temperature for a minute and then turn it off. After allowing the plates to cool, wipe the paste off of your flatiron with a warm, damp cloth.
Hair Relaxer for a Clean Iron
If you’re looking for another option, you can also use relaxer to clean your flatiron. A mild or regular relaxer is optimal. Keep the flatiron cooled off and unplugged while you apply a layer of the relaxer to the flatiron’s plates. Make sure it is evenly spread out to get the best results.
The next step is to plug in the flatiron and allow it to heat up to a moderate temperature. Leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes, or a little longer if your flatiron is especially grimy. Turn off your flatiron and wait for it to cool down; next, remove the relaxer with a damp cloth to finish off the cleaning process.
Styling Iron Cleaner for a Clean Iron
You can also use a spray cleaner or a cleaning stick made specifically for flatirons for the same results.
After cleaning your iron, make sure all cleaning substances have been completely removed and the iron is dry before using it on your hair–otherwise, you could damage it!
Now that you know about several methods for cleaning your flatiron, put them to good use and clean it once a week! It will keep both your iron and your hair in great condition.
Mistakes you make when using the hair straightener
When it comes to beauty, there are few efforts that women do not make to look flawless. Hair is one of the most precious treasures of a woman: long, shiny and straight.
Use the hairdryer
Another mistake you make when using the flatiron is to use the hairdryer first. This is the most harmful to your hair and is the differentiating factor between straight hair and more ruffled hair.
If, however, you have nowhere to go and you have to use the dryer, it is recommended not to dry your hair completely. If it is 80% dry, it is perfect to apply the rest of the cosmetics or simply to let the hair dry on its own. Only then can you begin the process of straightening with the flatiron.
Don’t use a thermal protector
If you don’t want your hair to “fry”, you need to use sunscreen. Some products protect your hair up to 230 degrees Celsius and are resistant to moisture. You can use it with confidence. and argan oil, which will protect you.
You don’t know how to adjust the temperature
Another mistake that many girls make when it comes to using a hair straightener is to adjust it to the highest temperature. The 230-degree value mentioned earlier was specially designed for the use of the hair flatiron in salons. It was not designed for ordinary consumers, although now anyone can use it.
If you choose to set such a high temperature, your hair will suffer. Try to maintain a constant temperature for the flatiron, around 150-170 degrees.
You don’t know your flatiron
Perhaps the worst mistake in using the hair straightener is not knowing it completely. Read the instructions that come with it, set the temperature well, make sure it hasn’t been plugged in too long or that it has had time to warm up before using it.
At the same time, the material from which it is designed is very important. In general, ceramic tiles are the most recommended. Although they may be a little more expensive than the others, ceramic tiles are a very good long-term investment because they help you keep your hair healthier and more beautiful.