Flatiron tips

Aquamarine

I am growing my hair out (too many layers) and purchased a cheap flatiron with great reviews from Amazon. So far I love it. I have a lot of really thick hair that tends to get poofy. I’ve found a quick swipe with the flat iron seems to quell the puffiness. My hair is now below chin level, with long layers.

Any tips from flatiron users? Do I really need a heat protectant if I use the flatiron only a few times a week? Is Morrocon oil a good thing to use on my hair to protect it? Before or after flatironing? I’ve ordered a bottle from Amazon to try and am waiting for it to arrive. My hair is color-treated but very, very healthy.

7 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

cindysmith

Veteran

I absolutely recommend a heat protection product before using the flat iron. Even though it's not every day, and it's just a quick swipe, it's heat and heat damages.

My hair has a lot of grey, which is naturally course and dry. If I don't use the right products before styling, my hair gets all dry and frizzy looking at the ends

7 years ago

Ginger

Veteran

I agree with Cindy. The reason flatirons work so well is that they're extremely hot. Heat protectant is always a good idea.

7 years ago

3style

Veteran

When I want straight hair immediately after my shower, I use a combination hair dryer and flat paddle brush in one tool. Faster and much less damaging on the hair. I’m not home right now, but glancing at the internet photos, I think I have the Revlon one.

7 years ago

Anonymous

I have thick curly/ frizzy hair. I use a flat iron all the time ( heck I use to use a regular clothes iron in 60s and 70s- lol) I have a bablyss that I absolutely love.

My suggestions are:
1- I wash and AIR dry hair (in evening- then flat iron in am) every 2 - 3 days. ( not every day) I am allergic to products so I can’t use any . I don’t blow dry and flat iron at same time frame.
2- I use shampoo and conditioner that is meant for stressed or mistreated hair to keep it from getting dried or damaged. I use to color now I am letting it go gray but my coarse hair always needed enriching.
3- Don’t turn heat setting on super high- keep it at medium high ( I set mine on mid 30s. )
Always keep it moving - never holding it in one place
4-Straighten in sections- I find I have better luck starting horizontal with floor then if needing more I do second pass on the vertical- gives a smoother finish for frizzies maybe a hair expert knows why
Even when your layers grow out I think you will like it for its smoothing effect.

May you be as happy with your new toy as I am with mine. It has done more for my self esteem that anything else EVER- lol

7 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

When my hair was shorter, I used one almost every day. I used a styling oil for protection and my hair stayed healthy. My stylist says to never re-flat iron a section you've already done. If it's absolutely necessary, make sure the hair has cooled completely before using the flat iron on it again.

7 years ago

Anonymous

As Sara L said. I use a tiny drop of Moroccan oil on the ends of my hair only - before blow-drying. Be careful with it - too much can make your hair look greasy and gross....and impossible to style.

7 years ago

lisaflex

Veteran

try sprayiing on its a 10 before blow drying

7 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Thanks everyone!, for your thoughts, recommendations, and tips.
Seems like a heat protectant of some sort is a good idea despite how healthy I think my hair is.

Sara L. and Lisa p.....sounds like an oil is a good protectant, but just a little on the ends. I shudder at the thought of greasy hair..gah, puberty memories!

7 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree with 3style, if you are going straight (ha) from the shower a brush and dryer works better. I used to hate straightening my thick hair with a dryer, but I picked up the "Wet Brush flex dry," and it does work remarkably well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....#038;psc=1

Another option if you don't need stick-straight hair is a heated brush. I have one and almost never use my flatiron anymore. I use it for second/third day hair or after airdrying overnight. It doesn't give mega-straightness on me, just smooths out any cowlicks and helps calm down frizziness. I feel like it doesn't use as much heat as a flatiron and is faster to use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....#038;psc=1

7 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I use a flatiron the day after I wash my hair. I try to only wash it every other day, so it does reduce the heat on my hair.

On the days I do flatiron it, I give it a quick spritz of Kendi oil dry mist I buy from the salon. Yeah, it's expensive, but a bottle of it lasts me 6-9 months, it smells good, and it doesn't bother my allergies.

https://www.sephora.com/produc.....st-P278004

7 years ago

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