These Helpful Tips Will Change The Way You Straighten Wet-Damp Hair
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry.
When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
Picture the scene: it's Monday morning. You’ve overslept and now you're dashing out the door with wet hair.
Or maybe you've darted home from work for a quick shower before a date and need to style your hair pronto.
Pop quiz: can you use a straightener while your hair is still wet?
The answer is, of course, yes, the hair police won't stop you.
But, while flat irons are safe to use on damp hair, we wouldn’t say they are recommended to be used on wet hair.
Here’s why you just shouldn't straighten wet hair
So here’s the deal: a straightener applies heat directly to the hair at high temperatures. So, when your hair is wet and is at its most fragile, this can become a problem.
Wet hair can quickly heat to scorching temperatures, burning and even breaking your hair.
If you're lucky, you won't destroy your hair the first time. Persistent wet straightening, though, will inevitably damage your hair. This makes tresses harder to manage, producing more frizz and coarsening your hair's texture.
This can nurture a vicious cycle, encouraging you to more frequently and aggressively straighten your hair, producing more and more damage over time.
While it’s not recommended, if you are eager to save time, you can straighten damp hair.
Just remember that if your hair feels cold to the touch, is dripping, or looks darker than it is when it's dry, it's still too wet.
- If you want to find out how to dry hair quickly, check out our guide on the best way to dry your hair.
Our favourite products for smooth and speedy styling
To help speed up the drying process comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb when you get out of the shower or bath. Brushing can break strands, but a comb smooths your hair and removes some excess moisture. We like evo Roy Wide-Tooth Detangling Comb, because it is wooden, anti-static and glides through the hair easily. It’s gentle on your hair and detangles curls easily.
You should use a high-quality conditioner like the VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner each time you wash your hair. It might seem counter-intuitive, but well-moisturised hair dries more quickly because it's not desperately clinging to the moisture from your shower. This formula not only helps to repair damage with an Alpha Keratin 60ku complex, it also contains Baobab seed oil to help the hair to retain moisture and stay silky smooth.
For added moisture benefits, or if your hair is very dry and damaged, try a hair oil. Lighter formulations work best if you want your hair to dry quickly, since these products are easier for your hair to absorb. We recommend the MOROCCANOIL Original Oil Treatment LIGHT because not only does it reduce drying and styling time, it also offers the hair nourishment and protection. It’s also an excellent detangler and smooths frizzy unmanageable hair.
Cut down your blow dry time with the Aveda Speed of Light Blow Dry Accelerator. This multipurpose heat protectant uses naturally derived lactic acid to help seal the cuticle, increase air flow and decrease dry time dramatically. It also contains a coconut derived moisturiser to reduce breakage and a corn derived humectant to provide thermal protection. It’s an extra step but it is certainly one that pays off.
If you want a hair dryer that does the job and does it fast we strongly recommend the very efficient Parlux Power Light 385 Ionic & Ceramic Hairdryer - White. This lightweight tool will help you achieve softer, silkier hair in no time using Ionic and Ceramic technology. It’s an easy to use professional dryer that leaves the hair without frizz or fly aways. It also speeds up dry time and gives an amazing, even result.
Speed up the straightening process with a tool with wide plates like the ghd max hair styler. This straightener has luxurious ceramic plates that heat up in no time and make for a snag free experience. Wider plates mean you can gather up more hair and straighten it in fewer swipes. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to create curls, waves, and flicks. Totally worth the upgrade from your regular tongs.
Millie from our Customer Experience team shares the Top 10 Hair Straighteners:
Get more of the best hair straightener know-how in these handy little guides...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
