6 Common Flatiron Mistakes

Avoid these styling iron missteps for sleek, straight hair with minimal damage.

CRANKING UP THE HEAT—ALL THE WAY
“You don’t need 450 degrees,” says hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins; “410 works for every hair type.

FORGETTING PROTECTION
“Not enough people use thermal protectors,” says hairstylist Matt Fugate. Look for a no-hold formula, like Suave Professionals Heat Protection Spray or Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray.

RUNNING OVER (AND OVER AND OVER) CURLS
Get hair as straight as possible before ironing by stretching out each section with a brush. Then slide the iron slowly and steadily in a single pass. “Don’t stop and go, or you’ll get horizontal lines,” says hairstylist Garren.

GOING BOARD-STRAIGHT
Instead of ironing hair straight, parallel to your face, move your arm in a C shape as you proceed down the hair, and bend the ends under.

IRONING DAMP HAIR
If you hear a sizzling sound or see steam, well…it ain’t good.

THINKING BIGGER IS BETTER
Hulking irons “make it hard to get to the hairline, where hair tends to be curliest,” says hairstylist Sebastian Scolarici. Instead, choose a straightener with ceramic or tourmaline plates that are an inch wide