Among the many hairstyling appliances, a hair straightener is one of the most versatile tools. It is like a quick fix to many hair problems including frizzy and unruly mane. However, this versatile hairstyling appliance can do much harm to the hair and safety when used on wet and even damp hair. While modern appliances come equipped with advanced features that assure smooth and salon-perfect results, not all of these are designed to be safely used on wet hair. In this blog, we’ll break down what happens when you use a hair straightener on wet hair instead of dry.
Why Using a Hair Straightener on Wet Hair Is a Bad Idea
There are many reasons to not use a straightener on wet hair. Some major ones include:
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Instant Steam Damage: Hair absorbs water easily due to its porous nature. So, when a straightener glides on wet hair, the water inside turns into steam instantly. This results in bubble hair wherein the hair shaft swells from the inside leading to damage.
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Weak Hair Structure: Wet hair is already vulnerable and combining it with heat destroys the protein bonds that give hair its strength. This exposure can further lead to increased hair breakage, split ends, brittle texture and elasticity loss.
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Dull Hair: Straightening wet hair results in hair dullness instead of sleek shine as the cuticle layer becomes uneven and damaged.
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Scalp and Skin Burns: The steam releasing from wet hair may cause burns to the neck, scalp, ears and even hands.
The Right Way to Prepare Hair Before Straightening
The right appliances to straighten hair and the proper way to use hair straightener equally work to deliver smooth results. For instance, the Vega SleekOn Hair Straightener features Ceramic Coated Plates for even heat distribution as well as Floating Plates for minimum hair pulling and tugging. It is ergonomically designed to conveniently use and its professional styling temperature of 230⁰C makes it perfect for all hair types. Preparation is key to any hairstyling and here’s how you need to do it:
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Start with clean hair by shampooing and conditioning.
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If you are wondering how long should hair dry before straightening, it should be done within a few minutes. For the best results, dry hair completely using the Vega Ionic 1200-1400 Watts Hair Dryer that locks in moisture and reduce frizz with its Ionic Technology.
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Apply a heat protectant to create a barrier between the hair, scalp and heat.
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Detangle hair thoroughly to remove all knots to prevent uneven results.
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Divide your hair into different sections using a Vega tail comb for smoother styling and longer-lasting results.
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Select the required heat temperature as per your hair type and styling need.
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Clamp a hair section between the plates, one inch away from the roots. Gently glide the straightener till the ends. Repeat till desired result is achieved and continue the process for the remaining hair sections.
Why Titanium Hair Straightener and How to Use
Titanium material is lightweight and durable. It is known to heat up very quickly and effectively retain high temperature. This further makes it a highly favored straightener metal for people with thick and coarse hair. Its superior heat conduction ensures long-lasting performance, delivering professional level results that last throughout the day and even more. Here’s how you can use a titanium hair straightener like the Vega Go-Glam Hair Straightener with 3 Adjustable Temperature Settings to suit all hair types.
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Follow the hair care before straightening with hair prep by hair shampooing, conditioning and drying properly
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Detangle your hair using a Vega paddle hair brush with ball-tipped nylon bristles, wide paddle design ergonomic handle and cushion base.
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Divide your hair into multiple sections and set the right temperature:
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180°C for thin hair
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200°C for medium hair
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220°C for thick hair
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Glide one hair section with the plates. Titanium is powerful and hence, one pass should be enough. Avoid holding the plates in one place to prevent heat spots.
Why Ceramic Hair Straightener and How to Use
Ceramic plates on the other hand distribute heat evenly and gently, reducing hot spots. They make for the perfect hair straightener for women with any hair type, especially thin or fragile hair as well as for regular hair styling. Use the above-mentioned technique to prep hair first and use of the right temperature and gentle gliding. Additionally:
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Work in small sections to allow even heat distribution.
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Limit passes as multiple glides increase heat exposure.
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For hair straightening with care, switch to the Vega LitStyle L1 Hair Straightener Brush with Triple Care Technology that combines Ionic Technology along with Keratin and Argan Oil infused in its ceramic-coated bristles.
The hair straightener brush also features 5 Heat Temperature Settings from 120°C to 230°C and Smart Memory Function that remembers your last used temperature to save time. For a better understanding between the two straightener appliances, you can learn which is the better pick for you – A Straightener or Straightener Brush for hair.
Final Thoughts
Using a hair straightener on wet hair can cause serious and long-lasting damage to hair as well as your safety. Along with knowing why it is damaging for the hair to use straightener on wet hair, you must also be aware of the right techniques of using ceramic and titanium straighteners to achieve salon-perfect results at home with added care to the hair. The secret to smooth, shiny and salon-worthy hair lies in proper preparation, the right tool straighteners and smart techniques.
FAQs
What happens if you use a hair straightener on wet hair?
The water inside the hair turns to steam which can cause hair breakage and dryness.
Why does hair sizzle or smoke when straightening?
When the leftover moisture or product residue heats up and evaporates with the high temperature, the hair sizzles.
How do I know if my hair is damaged from straightening?
Increased breakage, split ends, dryness, rough texture and so on are signs of hair getting damaged from straightening.
What is the safest way to straighten hair?
Dry your hair completely, apply a heat protectant, divide hair into sections, use the right temperature and glide the straightener in one smooth pass.
Can heat-damaged hair be repaired?
Heat damage cannot be fully reversed but you can consider certain hair treatments to improve hair appearance and strength.
How often can I safely use a hair straightener?
With proper heat protection and care, you can use a hair straightener. However, it is advised to use only when necessary.
