It is important to clean and care for your hair styling tools as it not only increases the lifespan of the tools but also makes them efficient enough to give the best styling results. These five tips can help ensure that your tools remain in good condition and durable for longer use.
Tip 1: Regular Cleaning of Your Tools
Keeping your styling tools clean is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and prolonging their lifespan. Here’s how to properly clean various types of styling tools:
General Procedures in Cleaning Hair Styling Tools:
- Flat Irons and Curling Wands: Electrically powered tools should be switched off and parts that heat up should be left to cool. Aside from the electrical parts, a moist cloth or soft sponge soaked in alcohol can be used to wipe the tool.
- Brushes and Combs: Always clean out any hair that was caught on the bristles of the brush or comb. These tools can be immersed for some time in warm water and soap in order to scrub off the products that are inherent and the small dirty germs. Sometimes, even build-up of dirt and organic matter can make your tools unhealthy for use. An example is when you use your comb after applying rice water conditioner; residue can build up and cause issues if not washed off.
Tip 2: Store Tools Properly
The way you store these devices will affect how long they last. Proper storage safeguards them from damage and promotes durability.
Best practices when storing your tools carefully:
- Heat-Resistant Mats: Always place your heated tools on a heat-resistant mat to prevent damage to surfaces.
- Drawer or Case: When you are not using your tools, put them in a drawer or a case for easier organization and protection against dust and stains.
Additionally, storing ethically made hair care tools, like those made by Yao Secret, in cool, dry places will not only protect them but also keep them ready for use when needed.
Tip 3: Use Heat Settings Wisely
There are a number of styling tools available today which have adjustable heat settings. Using heat settings inappropriately will hamper the lifespan of the tools and consequently damage the hair.
Heat Settings Guide:
- Fine or Damaged Hair: Use a low heat setting (approximately 300°F) in order to keep them from further damage.
- Normal Hair: Medium temperatures of about 350°F is great for styling when you do not need special hair lengths.
- Thick or Curly Hair: When using a higher heat setting (400°F upward), make sure the styling tool is built for high-temperature tasks.
Tip 4: Perform Routine Inspections
A regular, thorough inspection of your styling tools can help you identify problems that would otherwise go unnoticed before they become major issues.
What to Check:
- Cord Condition: Ensure the wire on your styling tools is in good condition. Without a doubt, a cord that is damaged poses safety threats such as electric shock and thus should be replaced.
- Heating Elements: Make sure no parts of a tool are inconsistent in heating up. Failure to heat up properly could also mean that the tool is due for service or replacement.
Tip 5: Handle Tools with Care
Lastly, gentle handling and use of your styling tools prevent damage and ensure durability.
Some Handling Tips:
- Do Not Tug: When using heated tools, avoid pulling or tugging your hair, as this is beneficial for your hair and reduces strain on the tools.
- Do not Drop or Throw: When you're done using your tools, place them down with care. If they are dropped, the internal parts can be damaged.
Conclusion
Using the necessary techniques for cleaning, maintaining, and storing away your tools will help you use them for longer and professional styling results by practicing the above-mentioned tips of cleaning them after use, storing them away when not in use, using heat sensibly, routinely inspecting, and using them as directed, the life span of your styling tools could continually improve.
Caring for your hair styling tools is very important just as much as the hair itself. Routine maintenance and upkeep will ensure that you have the best tools for the longest period.
How do you regularly clean and maintain your tools? Share your techniques and experiences with us.