hair

MANE-TAIN

photos/post/design: Kristin Ess

Hairstylists typically own lots of curling irons and they’re all used to achieve different types of curl or wave. One thing all of these curling irons have in common– they need to be cleaned and stored properly in order to last a long time. Whether you’ve invested in an army of irons or just own one, here are 3 things very important things you should know…

1. Clean your curling iron barrel about once a month with rubbing alcohol and a washcloth. Product build up on a curling iron is no good. A lot of people don’t even think about cleaning their hot hair tools, but that crusty brown gunk will cause excessive dryness to your hair and can even cause a slight yellowing on blonde ends. Product residue will remove easily with alcohol while the iron is cool. Someone asked me if they could shampoo off the residue– answer is no. You never want to submerge the barrel of your curling iron in water (plugged in obviously, but not even unplugged.) There are small cracks that can get water in them and cause rusting or coild damage.
2. DO NOT run a hot curling iron under cold water. The extreme hot to cold temperature can cause damage to the springs inside the barrel. They need the proper time to cool. I had to learn that the hard/expensive way. If you’re in a rush and you have to pack a hot iron, instead of running under cold water get one of Lauren’s curling iron bags! They’re the best and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees.
3. When you’re finished don’t wrap your chord around the handle because doing that over and over can cause your curling iron to short out. Instead, grab a rubberband or ponytail holder and wrap it like you see in the bottom photo.

If you have any tips or tricks of your own for curling iron maintenance, please share them below! If you’re looking for these curling irons, you can find them HERE. xo