How to Teach Your Pre-Teen to Use Hair Straighteners Safely: A Guide for Parents

It’s essential to approach introducing pre-teens to styling tools with care, especially when it involves hair straighteners.

Teaching young ones how to use hair straighteners safely can build confidence and help them understand the importance of handling styling tools responsibly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring your pre-teen learns how to use hair straighteners safely and efficiently.

Step1: Explain Why Safety Matters

Let them know why straighteners get very hot and should always be used with care. Remind them that its not just about looking good but staying safe too. Teaching safety early helps avoid burns, hair damage, and accidents may can occur.

Step 2: Prep The Hair

Always use a heat protectant spray before straightening. Show them how to spray it on and brush through so their hair is protected from heat damage. Heat protectants act as a barrier to reduce damage, helping maintain hair health and shine. We would recommend using a Luxury Paddle Brush to detangle the hair beforehand as it is gentle on the scalp and will glide through the hair effortlessly preventing breakage.

Step 3: Get Used To The Tools

Before turning them on, let them hold the straighteners while they're cold. Teach them how to open and close them and explain where the hot plates are so they know to avoid touching those parts.

Step 4: Safety Tips

• Always use straighteners on dry hair.
• Keep the cord away from water.
• Use a heat proof mat or a safe surface to rest them on.
• Unplug them when done.

Step 5: Section and Straighten

• Show them how to divide their hair into sections. 
• Teach them how to glide the straightener smoothly from below the ear to towards ends, starting at medium heat (160-180°)
• Encourage slow and steady movements without holding the straighteners in one spot for too long.

Step 6: Wrap Up Safely

After they finish remind them to unplug the straighteners and let them cool down before putting them away. Double check everything is off before heading out the door!

Letting your pre-teen start using straighteners is a big step, but with clear guidance and some patience, they'll be able to do it safely and confidently before school.

Its all about giving them the skills to be independent while keeping safety as the number one priority.