These Easy Tips Will Help Prolong the Life of Your Flat Iron and Keep the Bad Hair Days at Bay!

Hundreds of flat irons are sold everyday, and if you're anything like me, you use yours daily and would be lost without it. If you have that much trust in an appliance, shouldn't you take the necessary steps to take care of it? A well-loved flat iron equals a happy hairstyle in my book.

A Few Minutes a Day
Taking a few extra minutes to care for your flat iron after each use will not only help prolong its life, it will also ensure it stays in excellent working condition, and is ready for use the next time you need it. Some extra care goes a long way with a flat iron, and it's easier than you think. Plus, if you've ever had a flat iron die on you, you know all about the bad hair days you must suffer until the new one arrives, so proper care is the way to go.

Caution, it's HOT
Remember to always use extreme caution when handling a hot flat iron, and keep in mind that the plates of the iron will remain very hot for a short period after you turn it off. You should always wait for the iron to completely cool down before cleaning or storing it. While your iron is cooling down, I suggest placing in on a heatproof mat to protect it and your counter tops. Many of the flat iron manufacturers sell heatproof mats along with their irons, and it's a good idea to get one. I've seen them in silicone and in a variety of heat resistant materials, any of which are fine for resting your hot appliance on while using or during the cooling down period. (www.hairstraightening.net)

Prevent Damage...to your Hair!
Keep in mind that any styling products used on your hair will cause build up on the iron plates over time. This leads to excess stickiness on the plate surface, and results in poor styling results. The gummy residue on the plates can also cause damaging stress to your hair by pulling and snagging the strands and causing split ends and breakage. Flat irons are meant to slip through the hair smoothly, so make sure your iron is clean before every use. Gummy residue? Split ends? Damage! You should be running to pick up some professional iron cleaner before you even finish this article.