Are you wondering can you straighten wet hair ? This is a common question that I am asked all the time, and when there’s so much information out there on what to do and not to do, it’s easy to forget or even keep up with all the forever changing beauty rules nowadays.
Modern society has created a world of high demands and busy schedules, leaving very little time for ourselves and self care practices.
When you’re in a rush, running from thing to thing, your hair can seem like a hassle and the last thing you’d care to prioritise. Just the thought of having to wash, dry and then straighten your hair can cause stress and it’s natural for you to want to cut corners.
So, can you straighten wet hair?
Most hair straighteners temperature range is set between 185-230°C. If we compare this to boiling water, The boiling point of water is typically considered to be 100 C, therefore the temperature of your irons is greater than boiling point.
Have you ever tried to straighten your hair, thought it was dry after blow drying it, but quickly found it was still wet in places? If so, you would of experienced your hair make a sizzle sound, and then steam coming from the hair.
This process damages the cuticles and leads to hair breakage, dry hair and split ends or frizz. So much so that experts advice that any heat resistant products are even used on wet hair so by the time you’ve dried your hair, the straighteners won’t sizzle on the product and potentially cause your hair to dry out.
Therefore, going back to your question about can you straighten wet hair, the simple and short answer to your question is no. It is not safe to apply heat to your hair when it’s wet or damp.
Rest assured, I’ve got plenty of tips to meet your busy schedules, and save you time in the mornings, without the risk of damaging your hair .
Here is my ultimate guide to quick hair styling tips and save you time.
Use A Microfibre Towel
Microfibre towels can dry your hair much faster, and they are also more gentle for your hair than regular towels. They reduce the tugging, pulling and absorb the water faster. Use the towel by gently patting the hair, do not rub. Then wrap your hair up in the towel for the ultimate safe drying. This will reduce the drying time and reduce the amount of heat being applied to your hair.
Don’t skip on the conditioner
It’s important to Invest in a good quality conditioner that matches your hair type. Not only does conditioner rehydrate your hair, it also repels water. Don’t forget to include this in your hair wash routine to seal in the moisture and help your hair avoid absorbing more water than necessary.
Gently wring or shake out your hair while still in the shower.
By wringing your hair out over the bath tub or in the shower, it will remove a lot of the water. This will speed up the drying process as there will be less water to remove for when you towel your hair. You could also consider using a wide tooth comb to brush your hair in the shower, as this will also help remove a majority of the water.
Blow Dry With Cool Air
Using a cool setting will help you prevent hair damage, it will seal your hair cuticles for smoothness and shine.
Wash Your Hair The day before
washing your hair the previous evening will help save time in the morning. Remove most of the dampness using a Microfibre towel, apply a heat resistant product, and allow it to dry over night. This way it will be fully dry by the morning and ready for you to straighten.
Skip The Hair Wash
If you are in a rush, it’s better to not wash your hair at all, than consider straightening it when your hair is wet. You can use a dry shampoo or talcum powder to absorb the oils from your hair to freshen it up.
Conclusion – can you straighten wet hair ?
In summary, applying heat and straightening your hair when it’s wet damages the cuticles and leads to hair breakage, dry hair and split ends or frizz. It’s not recommended to do so, however, there are many ways that you can save time styling your hair without the risk of damage.
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