Caring For Your Flat Iron

A professional quality flat iron is an investment.

While spending a $100 to $300 dollars on an iron may seem like an unnecessary splurge, ask anyone who has spent hundreds of dollars replacing cheap, inexpensive irons year after year and they'll tell you that investing in a professional iron is a smart move you won't regret. Not only will a professional iron save you money in the long-run, but they're made with the most modern of technologies and are specially designed to protect your hair from long-term damage. It's the kind of investment that will benefit your wallet and your hair.

It's important to remember, though, that flat irons - even the best of the best - are not invincible. When cared for properly, the average professional iron lasts for years. However, when instructions are not followed or the iron is handled carelessly damage can, and often does, occur.

Here are a five simple reminders and tips on how to keep your professional flat iron in excellent condition ~

1. Clean your iron after every use. You can use a damp cloth to clean any product residue off your iron's plates. If you use many hair styling products during straightening, you may want to consider purchasing the Hot Tools Professional Flat Iron Cleanser to ensure that no product residue is missed. When your iron's plates are dirty, they become unable to evenly distribute heat, making it very difficult for you to obtain that smooth straight look.

2. Always store your iron in a protective pouch. This will keep your iron from becoming scratched and damaged. If your iron did not come with a pouch, the FITI Insulated Travel Case/Pouch/Mat is a very convenient, versatile choice and can be used for both flat irons and curling irons.

3. Never leave your flat iron unattended when it is turned on, especially as it is heating up! Once your iron is plugged in and in use, it should have your full attention. Leaving the room while your iron is still on, even if only for a few minutes, can be disastrous. Always remember that you are working with a tool that can reach extremely high temperatures very quickly. Leaving a hot iron unattended is a fire hazard. If you must leave the room, be sure to turn your iron off.

4. Avoid setting a hot iron down on a surface that is not protected. Doing so can cause damage to both your iron and your work surface. Instead, use a flat iron stand like the KQC Flat Iron Stand (for irons with plates measuring 1-1/2") or the BaByliss Flat Iron Holder (for irons with plates measuring up to 2").

5. Never try to fix a broken iron on your own. If you begin to experience technical difficulties of any kind with your iron, do not attempt to resolve the issue yourself until you have spoken to a company representative. Most manufactuers will not honor the warranty if the iron has been altered in any way by the consumer - even something as simple as adjusting screws can void your iron's warranty.