The hairstylist’s little-known tip for seeing if your straighteners are past their sell-by date

One hairstylist has claimed that our beloved straighteners have an “expiry date” and that continued use after that time could do our locks more harm than good

(Image: Getty Images/Images Bazaar)
We have bad news for those of you who own and love hair straighteners.
That’s because they actually have a shelf life, just like your favorite cosmetic products.
Most people don’t realize that their days are limited with their trusty hair styling tool, but unfortunately, it’s really important to take note.
If you don’t do this and continue to use your flat iron after it’s past its prime, you could seriously damage your locks – and not only will it affect the overall appearance of your hair, but your hair’s health as well.
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Unfortunately, it’s not as clear-cut as an expiration date — but there are several things you can do to check if your straightener might need replacing.
A telltale sign that it’s time to retire your current hair straighteners is when the plates become worn or scratched on parts.
Veteran hairstylist Fabio Scalia previously explained to Marie Claire that damaged plates can expose your hair to extreme heat.
This can burn your hair, break it, and strip away the natural oils it needs — definitely not what you want when you’re trying to look your best.
Some retailers actually offer plate replacements that are cheaper than replacing the entire straightener if you can’t say goodbye to your trusty model.
Once you’ve checked and your plates are fine, it’s worth checking the heat indicator light, as that’s another telltale sign that your straightener is past its sell-by date.
He said: “The indicator will also tell you when it’s time to start looking for a new one.
“If the light blinks a lot during use, your iron has stopped retaining heat and is on its way out.”
Another way of saying it might be time to part with your money for a new flat iron is when you find yourself going over the same strand of hair over and over again and it’s not really doing anything.
If you find yourself repeatedly going through the same strands, it’s sad to say your flat irons are probably not going to last much longer and it might well be time for retail therapy.
Speak with MRS Jackie Dove, Pierre Haddad’s stylist, claimed that straighteners need to be replaced every two to three years.
She also said, “To get the most out of it, keep yours in a heat-resistant zip-top bag.”
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/hair-stylists-little-known-tip-26913768 The hairstylist's little-known tip for seeing if your straighteners are past their sell-by date