Pressing your hair between the heated tongs of hot iron reshapes the hair by altering hydrogen bonds inside the hair shaft. The effect is temporary and shampooing of hair or even sweating leads to re-curling.

How does the hot iron straighten my hair?

Pressing your hair between the heated tongs of hot iron reshapes the hair by altering hydrogen bonds inside the hair shaft. The effect is temporary and shampooing of hair or even sweating leads to re-curling.

Does the use of hot iron damage my hair?

If you use the hot iron once in a while, the damage caused on the hair shaft usually recovers. However, repeated use, frequent exposure of your hair to the higher temperature, damages the outermost layer of hair called as cuticle. The damaged cuticle gives a dry, dull, thin and shaggy look to your hair.

How can I minimise the damage caused by the use of hot iron?

Here are some guidelines for care that might help to reduce the damage caused by hot iron:

• Use only if necessary: Hot iron should not be used on a daily basis, restrict its use to important occasions. If you are a frequent user, then do not use it for more than twice a week.
• Avoid high temperature: Do not raise temperatures beyond 347 degrees Fahrenheit or set the rod on “low to medium” rather than “high”.
• Use the hot iron on dry hair: Avoid using heated iron on bleached, wet or dyed hair as it causes more damage than dry hair. You can put a wet towel between the ceramic hot iron and your hair to prevent damage from the direct heat.
• Nourish your hair: The application of leave on conditioner or serums to straightened hair helps to reduce the damage.

How should I choose my hot iron?

Following specifications should be looked for before buying hot iron:

• Manual or digital temperature setting: You should buy a hot iron of a reliable brand with the option of setting the temperature either digitally or manually on low, medium and high.
• Sturdy tongs: The tongs of the hot iron should be sturdy enough to straighten your hair in a single pass because multiple passes increase damage to your hair.
• Smooth plates: The plates should be smooth so that the hair runs easily between them without tearing or snipping.

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