Like all products that are continually used, flat irons, curling irons and other hair styling tools get dirty. Keeping these hair tools in tip-top condition with cleaning products is very easy to do.

Before you style your hair, you probably put an assortment of products in your hair such as thermal protectant, mousse, gel, volumizer, etc.  When heat is applied directly to your hair in the form of a flat iron or curling iron, these products begin to build up on your styling tool.  Before long, this unclean buildup could be detrimental to the effectiveness of your flat irons or curling tool.

The sometimes gummy buildup will prevent the tools from moving smoothly and evenly through the hair.  In addition, it will alter the way the heat is applied. This will affect the results you get from your styling tool. Flat irons are particularly susceptible to buildup because of how they are commonly used – pulled through hair. Over time, it will take longer and longer for you to be able to complete your styling routine.

To keep your styling tool clean, it is best to clean them once a week – before the buildup becomes visible to the naked eye.  After the buildup becomes visible, it becomes harder to clean off. Never scrape your styling tool – this will scratch the protective coating most tools have and can cause severe damage to your hair.Most professional beauty supply stores sell cleaner for styling tools and is relatively inexpensive, depending on the amount you purchase. Other common household products such as rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover and oven cleaner can also do the trick.

To clean your flat iron, curling iron or other styling tool, make sure your tool is off and unplugged. As soon as the tool is cool to the touch, start by wiping the surface with a damp cloth.  Be careful to avoid the electrical components.Then using a cotton ball, apply the cleaner of your choice to the surface, gently rubbing until the buildup is gone. Use a fresh cotton ball as needed. Once you are finished, be sure to wipe down the surface with water again to ensure the cleaner is not transferred to your hair the next time you use the tool.

Flat irons, curling irons and other styling tools are great as they allow us to quickly do our hair each day. But like all tools and small appliances, they need to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure the effectiveness.  Taking just a few minutes each week to clean off your styling tool will help prolong the life of your styling tool and save you money in the end.

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