Hair extensions have become a popular trend among women who want longer, thicker, and more voluminous hair. However, they come at the cost of frequent maintenance and care, especially when it comes to styling. Many women prefer the convenience of using a flat iron to style their hair extensions, but the question arises- is it safe? Will using a flat iron damage hair extensions? Let’s explore this in more detail.
What are hair extensions?
Before we dive into the potential damage a flat iron can cause, let’s first understand what hair extensions are. Hair extensions are hairpieces made of human hair or synthetic hair that are attached to a person’s natural hair. They can be clip-in or sewn-in, and they add length, volume, and texture to a person’s natural hair.
Can a flat iron damage hair extensions?
The answer is yes, a flat iron can damage hair extensions, just like it can damage natural hair. The high heat from a flat iron can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Heat damage can also cause frizz and split ends, which can shorten the lifespan of your hair extensions.
How to protect your hair extensions when using a flat iron?
If you want to use a flat iron to style your hair extensions, there are a few precautionary measures you can take to minimize the risk of damage:
- Use a heat protectant spray before using the flat iron.
- Set your flat iron to a low or medium heat setting to prevent overheating the hair.
- Don’t hold the flat iron on one section of hair for too long. Move it quickly over the section and don’t repeat the process more than once on the same section.
- Don’t use a flat iron on wet or damp hair extensions.
- Don’t use a flat iron on hair extensions that have been chemically processed.
Using a flat iron on hair extensions can be safe as long as you take the necessary precautions to protect your extensions from heat damage. Using a heat protectant spray, setting your flat iron to a low or medium heat setting, and avoiding overuse and overheating can help ensure your hair extensions look shiny and healthy for longer.
