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How to Keep Your Hair From Smelling Burnt From a Flat Iron

Mar 12, 2011 / By Kimbry Parker

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If you notice a burning smell, stop flat ironing your hair immediately so you don't damage it.

Photo: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

If you can't live without your flat iron, but notice a burnt smell when you're using it, you need to make some changes, girl. Sure, a flat iron uses heat to get your strands sexy-straight, but you shouldn't be scorching your hair in the process. The next time you get out your flat iron, follow some quick procedures to make sure it's in good shape to press your locks. After all, the goal is to straighten your hair, not burn it, right?

Get the temperature right. You might be tempted to just crank up the flat iron to the highest heat setting, but you need to take into consideration your hair type. Thick, curly or coarse hair should be ironed at 380 to 410 degrees. If your hair is normal thickness and slightly wavy, set the flat iron between 360 and 380 degrees. Thin, fine hair is the most delicate and should be straightened below 360 degrees. Using the lowest heat setting you can for your hair type will prevent your hair from burning.

Straighten your hair when it's clean. If you've loaded up with styling gel or mousse the day before and you flat iron your hair, you may notice the burning smell from all the product. So wash your hair before straightening it if you've used hair products. The burning smell could also be because your hair is still wet or damp when using the flat iron, so make sure your locks are completely dry before straightening.

Give your flat iron a good cleaning. Buildup from hair products, natural oils in your hair and other gunk accumulate on the plates of your flat iron, which give off the burning smell. So before you press your tresses, wipe down the plates with a soft, dry rag to get rid of the grime. Make sure to get into the grooves and creases, too.

1.Soft rag