There are two ways to use your hair straightener as a curling iron. I recommend trying both to decide which works best for the style you want.

Method 1:

Just as you would with a curling iron, taking sections of your hair one at a time start at the end of the section, curl hair up towards the scalp, hold for about 5 seconds and then gently release the hair.

Method 2:

Again, taking sections, this time starting at the root, gently clamp hair and twist the iron around completely until all of the hair has gone between the plates OR twist the iron and pull it down towards the ends of your hair. This method is a little trickier at first but with practice it becomes a quick and easy way to curl your hair with your flat iron. Think of it like curling a ribbon with scissors, the faster you go the looser the curl, the slower the tighter.

andis ceramic 1" flatiron

Doesn’t look dirty?  Many people use a hair protector spray or other products like hair straightening serum when straightening their hair so although it may not look dirty, there very well may be some build-up in the plates of your straightener that need to be occasionally cleaned.  It’s easy to do and doesn’t take much time. This will help make it last longer too and perform at its best. Your hair straightener probably came with its own cleaning instructions that you threw out as soon as you opened the box, but no worries, cleaning it is usually as easy as 1 – 2 – 3:

1. Make sure your straightener is turned off and completely cooled.

2. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the plates and dry with another clean cloth.

3. Don’t forget to check the edges of your plates as there is probably build-up there as well. (Do not use anything sharp that could scratch or wear the plates)

Tip: To keep from accumulating product on the plates of your hair straightener, simply wipe it down after each use.

Cleaning Your Hair Straightener

Cleaning your flat iron will help keep your iron working at it’s best by removing any caked on build up from hair products. ALWAYS make sure that before cleaning your hair straightener that it is turned off and cool.

With a soft, dry, clean cloth gently wipe down the plates of your flat iron. Never use anything sharp to clean the edges of the plates as this will scratch the plates. If there is build up in the creases cover your fingernail with the cloth or use a dry cotton swab to get into the smaller sections of the iron.

Storage of your Hair Iron

When you are done using your hair iron always be sure it is unplugged and let it cool before storing it anywhere. Do not wrap the cord around the iron, instead, loop the cord together and secure with a twist tie or elastic. If you are traveling and taking your flat iron with you always be sure to let it completely cool down before putting it any type of carrying case or bag.