Is straightening my hair bad for it?

I love the effect that straightening irons give to my hair - thick, frizzy curls become super-smooth locks. Is this damaging my hair and are there any preventative measures I can take?

answer

Any styling tool that makes hair look great has to be a good thing and straightening irons make almost any hair type appear smooth and ultra-shiny. But beware: extra heat means you should apply extra care to your day-to-day maintenance. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week - or even more often if your hair is naturally dry. Make sure you only use good quality shampoos, conditioners and styling products, and have your hair cut before the ends start to split. These preventative measures will make the difference between a healthy or lifeless hairstyle.

It's also worth noting that not all straightening irons are equally good. Don't just walk into a shop and buy the cheapest - some designs aren't built to last (with some brands the plates shift over time, which means the hair isn't held efficiently) and some will actually pull your hair out. So it's essential if you are going to straighten your hair at home that you invest in a quality professional straightener - ask your hairdresser to advise you on the best makes.

For best results, make sure your hair is completely dry before you apply the irons. Brush it thoroughly with a good bristle brush to make sure it's as smooth as possible and tangle-free: you don't want to iron in any tangles.

I'm not going to tell you not to straighten your hair every day if that's what it takes to keep your hair the way you like it, because the effect can be stunning. Just make sure you take precautions and give your follicles regular TLC.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about hair on the Hair Care message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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Is straightening my hair bad for it?