Hair tools are essential for achieving salon-worthy styles at home, but they can also be the source of frustration, damage, and underwhelming results if used incorrectly. From flat irons to blow dryers, your favorite tools might be working against you simply because of user error. To get the best out of your tools and keep your hair healthy, here are some common mistakes you’re making and how to fix them.
1. Using a Flat Iron on Wet or Damp Hair
Flat irons are designed to straighten dry hair. When used on wet hair, the sizzling sound you hear is your hair being fried, leading to severe damage and breakage. Always blow-dry your hair completely or allow it to air-dry before using a flat iron. Use a heat protectant spray for added safety.
2. Skipping Heat Protectant
Heat tools like curling irons, blow dryers, and straighteners expose your hair to high temperatures that can cause split ends, dryness, and frizz. Skipping heat protectant amplifies this damage. Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using any heat tool. It creates a barrier between your hair and the high temperatures, minimizing damage.
3. Overusing High Heat Settings
Cranking up the heat on your tools might save time, but it wreaks havoc on your hair. High heat can burn your strands, especially fine or chemically treated hair. Use the lowest effective heat setting for your hair type. Most hair tools have adjustable settings—fine hair requires less heat (250–300°F), while thicker hair can handle higher temperatures (300–375°F).
4. Holding the Curling Iron Too Long
Holding a curling iron on a strand of hair for too long can create uneven curls and even burn your hair. Hold the iron on each section for 8–10 seconds max. For long-lasting curls, prep your hair with a heat-activated styling spray.
5. Blow-Drying Without Sectioning
Blow-drying your hair without sectioning leads to uneven drying, tangling, and extra time spent on styling. Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. Dry one section at a time, starting from the roots and moving to the ends.
6. Not Cleaning Your Tools
Dirty hair tools accumulate product buildup, oils, and debris, which can transfer back to your hair, making it greasy and dull. Clean your tools regularly. Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to wipe down your flat iron or curling iron. Remove lint from blow dryer filters to keep them functioning efficiently.
7. Using a Brush on Wet Hair
Brushing wet hair can cause breakage and split ends because your hair is most fragile when wet. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair, such as a detangling brush. Start from the end and work your way up to avoid pulling.
8. Curling Hair in the Wrong Direction
Curling all sections of hair in the same direction can result in flat, lifeless curls instead of the bouncy, natural waves you want. Alternate the direction of your curls. Curl one section toward your face and the next away from your face for a more voluminous and natural look.
9. Using the Wrong Size Curling Iron or Brush
The size of your tool matters. A curling iron that’s too small can leave your curls looking tight and unnatural, while one that’s too large might not curl your hair at all. Choose the right size for your desired style. For loose waves, use a larger barrel (1.5–2 inches). For tighter curls, opt for a smaller barrel (0.5–1 inch).
10. Blow-Drying with the Wrong Technique
Blow-drying with the nozzle too close to your hair or pointing it directly at your scalp can cause heat damage and leave your hair frizzy. Use the nozzle attachment to direct airflow and keep the dryer a few inches away from your hair. Blow-dry downward to smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz.
11. Tugging Too Hard with a Round Brush
Using a round brush incorrectly can lead to tangling and hair breakage, especially if you’re pulling too hard on your strands. Use a round brush with natural bristles and gently roll it through your hair while blow-drying. Don’t yank; let the brush glide smoothly.
12. Skipping Pre-Styling Prep
Jumping straight into styling without preparing your hair can make your tools less effective and leave your hairstyle flat or short-lived. Start with clean, dry hair and apply styling products suited to your goal—volumizing mousse for lift, smoothing cream for sleekness, or texturizing spray for waves.
Your hair tools are only as good as how you use them. By addressing these common mistakes and adopting the right techniques, you can protect your hair while achieving flawless styles. Treat your tools—and your hair—with care, and you’ll enjoy healthy, beautiful locks for years to come.
