How Hot Does A Hair Straightener Get? The Right Temperature

How hot does a hair straightener get?

My hair is so important to me, and taking GOOD care of it is essential. I want it to look its best, but I also want to ensure it’s protected and healthy. So, what about using top rated hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners often start at 300F and can go up to 600F, making them pretty hot. While this can be great for getting the style you want, there is also a massive risk of heat damage to your hair if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Allow me to take you through everything you need to know about how hot hair straighteners get, the damage they can cause, and the steps you can take to protect them.

READ MORE: Does Hair Straightening Damage Hair?

Key Takeaways:

• Hair straighteners can get very hot, depending on the model and settings
• The temperatures can range from around 300 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees
• Some models of flat iron even have settings that go up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
• Always read the instructions carefully and start with the lowest setting

How Hot Does a Hair Straightener Get?

Some models even have settings that go up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful when using a hair straightener, as it can cause BURNS if not used properly.

The flat iron temperature will depend on the brand you buy and your needs, but the truth is that you are highly UNLIKELY ever to need the highest settings.

Pro Tip: Always read the instructions carefully and start with the lowest setting before gradually increasing the heat. If you have any concerns, consult a professional stylist.

But what temperature would you choose for your straighteners depending on your hair type? Read on to find out.

What Temperature Should My Hair Straighteners be for My Hair Type?

The TYPE of hair you have will impact the temperature that your hair straighteners should be and the effect it can have on your hair.

It should be noted that hair straighteners CAN be used on damp hair, but you should avoid using them on wet hair as this can burn it.

Fine Hair (Damaged): 120-150C

There are many reasons why hair might be FRAGILE, which is why you mustn’t set the temperature of your straighteners too high if your hair is both fine and damaged.

Fine Hair (Strong): 150-180C

If your hair is fine, but in GOOD condition, you can easily turn the temperature up. This will help give you a smoother finish and works for straight hair and other hair types.

Normal Hair (Damaged): 180C

If your hair is NORMAL in terms of thickness but damaged, you will need to be careful not to overdo it with the heat of your flat irons.

Pro Tip: Damage includes those from coloring treatments as well as generally chemically treated hair

Normal Hair (Strong): 190-210C

If your hair is NORMAL and in GOOD condition, you can afford to increase the temperature. Your hair will be able to cope with the increase without the fear of causing heat damage.

Thick Hair: 210C (MAX)

If you have THICK hair, you mustn’t go over 210C as this could damage your hair. This temperature should be more than enough to give you the desired results.

Pro Tip: Wavy hair and curly hair might also benefit from this heat setting as it can help to get through those thick locks.

Try not to panic; I have some fantastic tips to help reduce heat damage from your straighteners.

READ MORE: The Hair Damage Causes To Know

Tips for Reducing the Risk of Heat Damage

If you want to try and PROTECT your hair to reduce the risk of heat damage from your straighteners and other heat styling tools, I have a few handy tips that I frequently use that might help.

Use Heat Protection

• Hair Sprays: These are great for adding an EXTRA layer of protection to your hair and can be sprayed on both before and after straightening.
• Hair Serums: Hair serums are great heat protectants for those with FRIZZY hair as they help to smooth down the hair cuticle and add shine.
• Hair Creams: Hair creams can be used to protect hair from HEAT DAMAGE and also help to add moisture and shine.

Pro Tip: Be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging to get the best results.

Use Straighteners with Even Heat Distribution

One of the leading causes of heat damage is when the hair is exposed to UNEVEN heat. This can happen if you use straighteners that don’t have an even heat distribution.

To avoid this, look for hair straighteners that have CERAMIC plates. Ceramics is an excellent material for hair straighteners as it helps to distribute the heat evenly.

Take Regular Breaks

If you use your hair straighteners frequently, you must take regular breaks. This will help PREVENT your hair from becoming over-exposed to heat and avoids heat damage.

Clean Your Straighteners Regularly

Another cause of heat damage is when hair straighteners get CLOGGED with hair products and dirt. This can prevent the heat from being distributed evenly and cause your hair to become DAMAGED.

To avoid this, make sure that you CLEAN your hair straighteners regularly. You can do this by using a soft cloth to wipe them down after each use.

Turn the Temperature Down

If you are worried about causing heat damage to your hair, you can always turn the temperature DOWN. While it might take a bit longer to straighten your hair, it will be worth it.

What Happens to Your Hair if Straighteners are too Hot?

This damage can be PERMANENT [2], especially if you don’t take steps to repair and nourish your hair.

If you think that your hair might be damaged from using hair straighteners, there are a few things that you can do to try and repair it.

Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment

If your hair looks dry and damaged, you can try using a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to add MOISTURE back into your hair and make it look healthy again.

Use a Leave-In Conditioner

If your hair is feeling a bit DRY, you can try using a leave-in conditioner. This will help add moisture to your hair and make it soft and manageable.

Conclusion

Hair straighteners can be a GREAT way to achieve your desired hair. However, it is essential to be careful as they can cause heat damage if not used properly.

By following the tips above, you can help to PREVENT heat damage and keep your hair looking its best. You don’t have to stop straightening; you must be careful with the heat.

I hope you found this helpful guide and that it’s helped you learn more about how to look after your hair and protect it from damage.

How hot do you keep your hair straightener? Let us know in the comments section!

Sources:

• 1. Hatsbach de Paula JN, Basílio FMA, Mulinari-Brenner FA. Effects of chemical straighteners on the hair shaft and scalp. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97:193–203.
• 2. Lee Y, Kim Y-D, Hyun H-J, Pi L, Jin X, Lee W-S. Hair Shaft Damage from Heat and Drying Time of Hair Dryer. Annals of Dermatology. 2011;23:455.