Our hair expert columnist, Sean Taaffe of the Sean Taaffe Hair Group answers some common questions on hair care…
Question: I’m thinking of buying my 14 year old daughter a hair straightener for Christmas. I know they damage hair so what advice can you give?
Sean Says: You’re right that any heat appliance if overused can damage the hair.
However the likelihood of keeping your daughter away from one realistically is fairly slim!
My suggestion is to have a discussion about it first agree some ground rules, for example to only use it at the weekends perhaps or a twice weekly limit.
Secondly and vitally important is to use a heat protector, these come in the forms of sprays or creams that are applied to the hair before the appliance is used.
Anyone using a heat appliance of any kind should use a protector as it acts in the same way to protect the hair as a sheet would if you were ironing a delicate item of clothing.
Finally invest in a good brand that also has a safety cut off. Every year lots of accidents happen if appliances are not turned off, the more reputable brands have a 15 minutes cut off, meaning if the plates are not closed – i.e. used – the unit turns itself off.
Thus provides peace of mind, also I’d suggest a heat resistant is a great idea as a stocking filler and prevents the uncut from damaging any furniture, it also allows the unit to cool down safely.
• Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney
