There are so many different types of hair straighteners available. Some have floating plates, some have tourmaline, and some even claim to be ionic. But which one is the safest? Recent news has brought attention to the potential fire risk of hair straighteners, because several models have caught on fire — in some cases burning users severely and requiring hospital treatment. So how does a hair straightener catch fire? Read on to find out how you can reduce your risk of suffering such a horrible accident and whether you should ditch your current hair tools for something safer….
What You Should Know About Hair Straightener Fires
A number of hair straighteners have recently been recalled due to the risk of them catching on fire. But how can you prevent your own straighteners from catching alight? And what exactly causes hair straighteners to catch fire in the first place? Here are five facts you should be aware of before you pick up another pair of straighteners. – Hair Straightener Fires Are No Laughing Matter – When you start reading about the injuries caused by these incidents, it’s easy to see why some hair straightener fires have made headlines around the world. Some people have suffered severe burns to their skin and even lost parts of their hair as it melted in the blaze. Others have been left with scarring and have had to see their doctors regularly to have the scars treated. In the worst cases, victims have had to have skin grafts and even undergone skin graft surgery.
The Dangers Of Fires Caused By Hair Straighteners
Hair straighteners are designed to apply heat to your hair and make it smooth and straight. But when there’s too much heat in the air, things can quickly get out of hand and lead to a fire. Even when you use the correct setting for your hair type, it’s important to remember that all electrical appliances have the potential to become too hot. One of the most common causes of hair straightener fires is leaving the tools unattended while they’re still plugged in and switched on. While you’re styling your hair, it’s possible that another part of your body will come into contact with the straighteners — perhaps your clothing even. If you forget that the straighteners are still on, you run the risk of them overheating and starting a fire.
Which Type of Hair Straightener is Safest
All hair straighteners come with the risk of overheating. But the type of hair straightener you choose can make a difference to the potential risk of fire. It’s best to avoid corded hair straighteners altogether, since the long cable can increase the risk of the appliance becoming too hot. It’s safer to go for a cordless hair straightener — or one that has as short a cable as possible. In terms of the type of plates you should look for, ceramic hair straighteners are generally thought to be the safest. What other features should you look for in a safe hair straightener? What about the price tag? Unfortunately, you can’t always determine whether a hair straightener is safe just by looking at its price. Even the most expensive brands aren’t guaranteed to be 100% fireproof.
How To Stay Safe With Your Hair Tools
If you’re keen on keeping your hair straighteners safe, there are a few things you can do to lower the risk of a fire. For one thing, don’t leave the straighteners on while you’re not using them. This can increase the likelihood of overheating and a fire. If you’re in a hurry, you may try to speed up the straightening process by turning the heat up. But you need to be careful not to apply too much heat to your hair. You can use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage to your hair. If you’re styling your hair in a bathroom, don’t leave your straighteners on the floor. Make sure they’re on an accessible shelf so you can unplug them quickly if you need to. And remember to turn off the lights when you go to bed. If you’re worried that your straighteners may be faulty, you can contact the manufacturer or visit a nearby store to ask them to check them out for you.
What to Look for in a Safe Hair Straightener
When you’re shopping for a new set of straighteners, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting a safe product. Firstly, make sure you’re buying a product that’s been tested by an independent safety body. You can look for a safety mark on the packaging — such as the UL seal or the CE mark. On top of that, you’ll find some hair straighteners come with an auto shut-off function. This is a great extra that can help to reduce the risk of fire. Some straighteners also come with a temperature control that lets you choose the level of heat you want to apply.
Summing up
When it comes to your hair straighteners, it’s important to remember that safety should come first. While straightening your hair can be a quick and easy way to get ready in the morning, it’s important not to rush the process. If you’re in a rush, you may try to speed up the process by turning the heat up. But it’s important to make sure you don’t apply too much heat to your hair. You can use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage to your hair. If you’re worried that your straighteners may be faulty, you can contact the manufacturer or visit a nearby store to ask them to check them out for you.