Top 3 Tips for Using a Flat Iron

I want to share with fans of Mature Beauty some of my Top Tips for using a flat iron.

Tip 1: It’s all about the Preparation

People make the mistake of thinking that the gorgeous flowing shiny hair is attained by just using a flat iron. The truth is that the straightening with a flat iron is the last step in the process and is used to create the definition of the look.

It starts by towel drying your hair and combing out your hair to remove any kinks and snags. Next, using a quality Ionic Hair Dryer and a ceramic coated round brush, blow out your hair while simultaneously smoothing it out with the round brush. At this stage the hair should be relatively smooth and almost straight!

Tip 2: Protect and Add Shine

The next step is crucial. I would recommend that a flat iron or curling iron should never touch your hair until you have a Thermal Protectant Serum or spray applied to your hair. My personal favorite is the HANA Shine Shield but anything with Jojoba oil will suffice. Without proper protection against heat you’ll slowly damage your hair to the point of where the ends will need to be cut! So never skimp on the protectants!

Tip 3: Hair Straightening 101

Once you’ve combed, dried, and protected your hair you are now ready to finish your look with a quality hair straightener. People ask me all time, “What Temperature should I use?” The answer is not as straightforward as you may think.

Everybody’s hair is unique but the key is to use a temperature setting that allows you to achieve the look you want in 1 or 2 passes. I would recommend setting the iron around 350-370 to start but you are the one that needs to become an expert on learning about what works well on your own hair.

Also, remember that you need to section out your hair in small enough sections so that each hair follicle is heated evenly. I know it seems like it’s going to take forever if you just straighten 1 inch sections at a time but believe me, you’re going to get better results and it may even be faster because you’re not making as many passes!

My favorite Flat Iron and Hair Dryer

Patty asked me to reveal my personal favorite flat iron and hair dryer. For flat iron, my new favorite is the Hana Titanium flat iron. The Corioliss wet/dry flat iron is also amazing for really thick long hair. As for blow dryers, I like the HANAair for performance. T3 Evolution is the best super light dryer and great for people with wrist problems.

This Beauty Tip

This complimentary beauty tip article was contributed by professional stylist and hair expert John Davis at Misikko salon. Says Davis “I was at FashionWeek in NYC last month and between all the glitz and glamour what I noticed was just how amazing the hair artists were at the show. Hundreds of models moving up and down the runway I barely saw a fly-away! As a stylist this made me more happy than any of the fur coats or bold fashion statements ever could”.

Misikko online store has more flat iron video tips and sells ionic hair dryers, quality hair straighteners and hair related products. FYI John’s elderly mother hand ties ribbons around their products every day before they are sent out to make them extra special. Thanks John for sharing your flat iron tips with my readers Here also is another article from mature beauty on flat irons.