DO Use the Right Heating Setting

The best temperature depends on your hair type and the condition of it. Coarse or thick hair, and natural rather than color-treated, can typically withstand more heat than fine, colored hair.

Also, always read the manual that comes with your first iron, whether it is your first one or not. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended best practices for temperature settings and more. 

If you find that the hair is not straightening as well as you would like or requires multiple passes to do so, increase the temperature slightly the next time. With practice, you will find the ideal heat level.

DON’T Wash Your Hair Too Much

Rather than washing your hair every single day, try to limit it to a few times a week, if possible. Doing so will help keep your hair from losing its natural moisture. As it retains its natural oils, your hair can continue to look sleek and shiny when using the new flat iron.

In addition, try to go 2-3 days between straightening sessions to keep your hair strong and shiny. Also, be sure to get your hair cut regularly to encourage healthy growth.

DO Use a Quality One Like NuMe’s Megastar Hair Straightener

Don’t make the mistake of choosing the cheapest model as your first flat iron. Instead, select one still fits your budget and is safe for your hair type. 

Many beginners choose a flat iron with tourmaline ceramic plates that are less damaging on the hair. A great example is the NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener, which is designed for all hair types. 

The Megastar is our top choice for someone using a straightening tool for the first time because it locks in moisture with the integrated ion booster, reduces frizz, and amplifies shine. Plus, the 1-inch floating plates let you get close to the hair, so a single pass is often all you need for straight, smooth hair without any painful tugging.

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DON’T Hold the Flat Iron in One Position Too Long

If you have curly, wavy or kinky hair, it’s tempting for many beginners to only hold the heat tool over the areas they want to straighten. But that’s a mistake as it won’t give your hair a uniform, smooth look. 

Instead, the strands will appear flat in the places you’ve applied the heat. You also risk burning one part of the hair by applying heat to it for an extended time. A better approach is to pass the straightener over the hair from root to tip in a steady motion. 

Doing so will prevent having to cover the same section of hair twice to straighten it. That saves time in your styling routine, not to mention being easier to do. 

DO Use a Heat Protectant First

A heat protectant product, whether it is a spray or an oil, is great to have at home. Ideally, you will apply it to your dry hair before using the flat iron. 

The special spray is designed to protect your strands from the heat of the styling tool, especially if you have brittle or damaged hair. Some thermal sprays also add extra shine to the hair.

DON’T Use the NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener on Wet Hair

Both heat protectants and flat irons are designed for use on dry hair. If you were to use them on wet hair, the risk is not only that they will work less effectively but that the heat will singe the hair.

Rather than using the Megastar right after washing the hair, it’s best to use a blow-dryer or air-dry strands. Otherwise, the water held in your strands will cook when the heat of the straightener is on them. If you don’t want to wait for your hair to dry, consider washing it the night before and then straightening in the morning with the NuMe tool.

DO Choose a Flat Iron that is Easy to Use

As a beginner, you don’t want a hair straightener that is difficult to understand and use. Instead, look for one with a user-friendly design that fits well in your beauty routine. 

The NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener, for example, has an ergonomic design and swivel cord to easily straighten sections of hair in front of the mirror. The tool’s digital screen clearly shows the temperature too; set it to the precise heat level you want and see when its reached.

The Megastar heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit quickly to minimize your styling time. When done using it, simply press the power button to the “off” position. Please note that while it has a straightforward design it does not fall short on achieving salon-quality results, as per many user reviews 

DON’T Try to Straighten Too Much Hair at a Time

Rather than putting a lot of hair between the flat iron’s plates, a better approach is to only feed small sections of hair into the heat tool. Using small sections will speed up the process as you will only need to pass the straightener once over the hair. In contrast, large sections of hair would require multiple passes of the styling tool for a straighter look.

Concluding Words for Flat Iron Beginners

If you’ve never used a straightening tool before, the list above provides the basics for getting the best styling results. The described tips will also help you have an easier and faster time when using the NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener. 

Investing in a quality flat iron like the Megastar can help you get straighter hair, while also adding shine with gentle heat and eliminating frizz. By using the heat tool in the most effective and safe way possible, you can look forward to a sleek hairstyle and a more polished appearance overall.   

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