The worst thing that can happen while you are flat ironing your hair is the dreaded burnt hair smell. We have all fallen victim to having the flat iron temperature a little too high. With trial and error, I was able to figure out the best way to figure out the right temperature for my hair when trying out a different flat iron.
Here is a very simple and quick tip for picking the right flat iron temperature:
Start with a low temp on your flat iron (or curling iron) and then work your way up to find out what temperature your hair needs to get the look you want. This was recommended by the makers of the Maxiglide flat iron. You never want to start high and work your way down. Trust me…I’ve burnt hair off starting the temperature out too high.
If I just want to straighten my hair enough to make bunning easy, I normally put the flat iron on 200 degrees. I say start there and work your way up to a higher flat-iron temperature. Additionally, if I want salon-finished hair to wear out, I can put it on 280 or 300. My hair can’t tolerate 400 degrees. My hair will burn at a temperature higher than 360 degrees.
Sidenote: Just because your flat iron goes up to 410/450 doesn’t mean you are supposed to use it that high. I’m just saying…don’t be mad at me for sayin’ it. LOL!
Additional tips to get rid of the burnt hair funk:
Be sure to use a heat protector. A heat protector will act as a barrier for damage just in case you start a little too high but it’s not a miracle worker. Notice I said a little… You can use a commercial heat protector or natural oils that have a protectant quality. I’ve used coconut oil and Grapeseed oil with success. I’ve read that Grapeseed oil protects up to 400 degrees.
Other causes of the burnt hair smell:
Now, if your temperature is right and you are using a heat protector and you still smell burnt hair, chances are you need to clean your flat iron (or curling iron). You may have product build-up on your device. Be sure to clean the inner plates and around the edges.
I hope my tips will help you save your hair. Please learn from my mistakes.
Have you experienced a burnt smell after using a heat appliance? Which tip did you use to get rid of the smell?
Great post I rarely flat iron mine, but I do flat iron my hubby’s hair at a pretty resonable setting, because he has stubborn curly hair, but never gotton the burning smell.