How hot is too hot?

[soslychic]

When you flat iron your hair, how does the iron react? Can you see visible steam/smoke or whatever going up in the air? Maybe I"m being paranoid and this is normal. I'm just trying to make sure because that's what I saw

Also, is your actual hair HOT to the touch about 1 1/2 seconds afterward? Also, do you hold it sidesways and go up to the part where the plate seems to end? Stupid questions I know, but I'm very new to this

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

Girl, if you see steam then either your hair is wet or the iron is too hot. Your hair will be hot to the touch a couple of seconds after. I hold mine sideways and downward but I try to get all of the hair in the middle of the iron to prevent snagging. Try using smaller sections. These are not stupid questions. If you don't know you should ask!
HTH

 

[soslychic]

Thanks dsd!!
Huh...I don't see how the iron could have been too hot. It dosn't have settings and I had just let it heat up for a few seconds. I didn't think it was hot at all, but obviously it was. But I had sprayed some olive oil sheen on it a little before. Could that have been it? When you protect your hair with something though, how does the iron not steam?

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

Yep, the sheen is the culprit. Sometimes when you put oil or protectants on first the iron steams. Nothing abnormal there.

 

[dominicana]

What is a good product to put on before using a flat iron? I don't use anything right now. I'm afrid to use anything with oils in it because I'm afraid I'm frying my hair like frying eggs. hot plate and oil the only difference is the hair :}

 

[soslychic]

Hmmmmmm........never thought about that. That's kinda scary. How DO you keep from frying your hair if you used a oil or oil based product? Does it all have to do with temperature?

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

I think a lot of times we use a little too much oil. That is when the frying effect comes in. I find that if I apply the oils while wet it prevents this from happening.

 

[JenJen2721]

Whenever I flat iron, I keep a cool damp handtowel hanging nearby. Before I put the iron in my hair...I clamp it arond the towel like I was curling the towel. If it sizzles or makes a hissing sound. It's too hot for my hair. I do this before curling each section of my hair.

 

[soslychic]

[ QUOTE ]
I think a lot of times we use a little too much oil. That is when the frying effect comes in. I find that if I apply the oils while wet it prevents this from happening.

[/ QUOTE ]

That sounds good, but do you think that would be as effective in protecting?

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

Yep. That's the way I have always done it. With no damage too!