Whether you have sew in hair extensions, a chin-length bob or even a pixie cut, it’s likely that your hair straightener is your most beloved styling tool. Straight hair is one of the most popular hairstyles to sport these days, and there’s no better way to tame unruly locks of hair than with a straightener.

However, if these devices aren’t used properly, you run the risk of severely damaging your hair, which can result in dry, frayed ends and breakage. If you’re trying to grow your hair out, misusing your straightener can make it impossible to do so!

Could you be damaging your hair without even realizing it? By avoiding these three common hair straightening mistakes, you can have hair that’s both sleek and healthy:

Straightening down

It’s easy to assume that you’re supposed to straighten your hair by clamping and pulling down. However, pulling the straightener down along your hair can make it look limp and flat — something no one wants. Instead, try pulling the straightener up and away from your head to revitalize add body to hair.

Never cleaning your straightener

Can you remember the last time you’ve cleaned your straightener — if at all? Failing to regularly clean your hair straightener is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Over time, product from your hair will build up on your flat iron — which will be transferred back to your hair later on, making it look greasy and feel dirty. Luckily, all you need to prevent this is a simple wet wipe.

Cranking up the heat

Whether your hair is all natural or you’re wearing sew in hair extensions, you should never, ever be straightening your hair with your straightener’s heat setting turned all the way up. Any hair salon shop will tell you that doing this can permanently damage your hair. Instead, try using a medium setting.

Have any other questions about keeping your weave or extensions in good condition? Want to know more about hair extension services in general? Let us know in the comments. Get more on this here.