Those of us with straight or wavy hair often like to switch it up and go for a more curlier look from time to time. If we’re not careful about the tools we use though, we could end up with very little hair to work with.
Straightening hair always comes at a risk. We risk getting shocked, burning our skin, but most commonly, we risk getting serious hair damage. Preparation is key to avoiding this.
Prepare your hair
Before we get into choosing the right tool, keep in mind that there are measures you should take to keep that hair on your head. Using a strengthening shampoo is one of them.
A more important step is applying a heat protectant to your strands. Whatever liquid you use should be the only thing on your strands; wet hair is a cry for breakage.
There’s a tool for everything
They say that using the right tools for the right job is the key to success for any task. If your hair is already damaged, there’s an iron for that. It’s called the Sultra the bombshell rod and it’s available on Amazon.com.
But we’re hoping you’re not at that point quite yet. If so, you’re going to want to look for irons that have certain characteristics and won’t damage your hair in the first place.
Must-have features of a good curling iron
Look for a curling wand that is coated in ceramic so that the heat is evenly distributed on your strands. In this way, you won’t have to go back and reheat sections, increasing the chances of them frying up.
Another feature to look out for is temperature control in an iron. Higher temperatures don’t always equate to better results. Use the option that’s right for you based on your hair type and if it’s already damaged.
A newer feature you can search for is curling irons with negative ions, that is, curling wands with tourmaline. This diminishes the damage to your hair, effectively protecting it from the heat.
Get it right the first time around
Once you’ve bought the right wand for your needs, you’re going to want to make sure you use it correctly. Really, you want to ensure you do the right movements to get your hair how you want it.
If you’re using curling wands with a clamp, leaving the ends out will give you that messy look while having them under the clamp will be more tidy and glamorous.
The direction you’re curling is also important. Curl away from your face to bring out your facial shape and features. Curl both ways to get a messier beach look.
Don’t make this common faux pas
Some general advice is to make sure you don’t leave the iron on your hair for more than 10 seconds. If you follow the above and attain your desired style quickly, you hopefully won’t go over that limit.
Another tip is to curl the right amount of hair, typically one-inch sections, so the heat distributes evenly. Once you’re done there, don’t just let go the curl as it won’t keep the shape.
Wrap it up with a gentle touch
Instead, cool your curls by holding them in your hand for a few seconds right after they leave the iron. If you had to use high heat, wear a glove so you don’t burn yourself.
When you finally let go, enjoy glorious bouncy curls that last for a long time. It’s not wise to apply heat to your hair every day, but with these tips and the right tool, you won’t have to worry too much about your gorgeous locks.
