Using A Clothes Iron For Hair Straightening: Safe Or Not? (2025)

Using a clothing iron to straighten hair may seem like an urban legend, but it is possible with the proper technique and care. In fact, it was a common practice in the 1960s and 1970s, and celebrities like Cardi B have also used this method to achieve super-sleek results. While it may be effective, especially for thick hair, it is important to exercise caution as a clothing iron can cause excessive damage to hair if used too frequently.

Don't try this at home—use a real straightener instead

Hair straighteners are designed with hair health in mind. They typically have adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to select the optimal heat level for your hair type. This is crucial, as using a temperature that is too high can cause significant damage to your hair. Clothing irons, on the other hand, are not designed with these considerations in mind.

Additionally, hair straighteners are designed to be easy to handle and manoeuvre through your hair. They are typically lightweight, ergonomic, and have features such as swivel cords that make it easy to avoid tangles. Clothing irons, on the other hand, tend to be bulkier and less manoeuvrable, increasing the risk of burns or injury.

Another important consideration is cleanliness. Hair straighteners are designed to be cleaned easily, as it is important to remove any residue from hair products to ensure they don't end up back in your hair or transfer to other surfaces. Clothing irons, on the other hand, are not designed with this same level of cleanliness in mind, and it can be more challenging to remove hair product residue from their surfaces.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to use a clothing iron to straighten your hair in a pinch, it's simply not worth the risk. Hair straighteners are designed specifically for this purpose and offer features that protect your hair and make the process safer and more effective. So, save yourself the potential damage and hassle, and stick to using an actual hair straightener for your hair.

Protect your hair with a heat protectant spray

While it is not recommended to straighten your hair with a clothing iron, if you are going to do it, it is important to protect your hair with a heat protectant spray. Heat protectant sprays are designed to protect your hair from heat damage. They create a barrier between your hair and the heat source, which helps to prevent your hair from becoming fried or scorched.

There are many different heat protectant sprays available on the market. Some popular options include the Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray, the Living Proof Perfect hair Day Heat Styling Spray, and the Bondi Boost Heat Protectant Spray. These products typically have ratings of 4 out of 5 stars or higher and are available at a range of price points.

When choosing a heat protectant spray, it is important to consider your hair type and the specific needs of your hair. For example, if you have dry hair, you may want to look for a product that also provides hydration. If you have coloured hair, you may want to choose a heat protectant spray that also offers UV protection to prevent your colour from fading.

It is also important to follow the instructions on the product carefully and to use only a small amount of product at a time. Applying too much heat protectant spray can make your hair feel greasy or weighed down. So, start with a small amount and increase as needed until you find the right amount for your hair.

Wash hair with a mild shampoo and strong conditioner first

While it is not recommended to straighten your hair with a clothes iron, if you are feeling daring, there are some steps you can take to prepare your hair. Firstly, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and a strong conditioner. This will help to protect your hair from the damage that can be caused by hot appliances. It is important to note that even with the proper preparation and technique, using a clothes iron to straighten your hair can still cause damage, so it is recommended to only use a clothes iron occasionally.

After washing your hair, gently towel-dry your hair until it is just damp. It is important to be gentle with your hair at this stage, as wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Once your hair is damp, you can apply a straightening product to help maintain straightness throughout the day. There are many different straightening products available, such as straightening gels or creams, so you can choose the one that best suits your hair type and needs.

Before you begin straightening your hair, it is crucial to ensure that your clothes iron is clean and free of any residue from hair products. This is important because any residue on the iron can end up baking into your hair, causing damage and making it difficult to achieve the desired straightness. It is also important to note that you should never use a clothes iron directly on your hair, as it can cause frying. Always use a towel or some other form of protection between the iron and your hair.

In addition to using a towel to protect your hair, you can also try using a heat protectant spray. This will help to shield your hair from the high temperatures of the iron and reduce the risk of damage. When you are ready to begin straightening, separate your hair into two segments, clipping one side up and out of the way. Select a small section of the loose hair and place a towel-wrapped palm underneath it. Gently press the clothes iron to the outer surface of the hair, as if clapping your hand. Move the iron and your hand in one long, smooth motion down the length of the hair, including the ends. Repeat this process for the remaining sections of hair, and then for the other side.

While it is possible to straighten your hair with a clothes iron, it is important to remember that this method can cause more damage than using a flat iron or other hair straightening tools designed for hair. Clothes irons are not designed for use on hair and can reach much higher temperatures than hair straighteners. As such, it is important to be very careful when attempting to straighten your hair with a clothes iron and to only use a low heat setting on the iron.

Use a towel as a barrier between the iron and your hair

Using a clothes iron to straighten your hair may seem like an unusual idea, but it is possible with the proper precautions. One of the most important things to remember is to never let the hot iron come into direct contact with your hair, as this can cause serious damage. The best way to avoid this is to use a towel as a protective barrier between the iron and your hair.

• Prepare your hair: Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner to protect it from the heat. Gently towel-dry your hair until it is damp, and then apply a heat protectant spray or straightening gel to help protect your hair and maintain straightness.
• Dry your hair: Use a blow dryer on a medium temperature setting to dry your hair further and help straighten it. Start at the top of your head and move the dryer down the length of your hair, straightening as much as possible while avoiding adding too much body or frizz.
• Section your hair: Separate your hair into two segments, parting it down the middle. Pin one side up and select small sections of the remaining hair to work with.
• Prepare your work area: Place a towel on an ironing board or a flat surface. Sit comfortably in front of the ironing board so you can easily reach your hair.
• Use the iron: Take a small section of hair and place the second towel on top of it. Make sure the towel is wrapped around your palm to protect your hand. With the clothes iron set to a medium-high, non-steam setting, press the iron against the outer surface of the towel-covered hair, as if clapping your hand. In one smooth motion, move the iron and towel down the length of the hair, including the ends. One pass should be sufficient to straighten each section of hair.
• Repeat: Continue straightening small sections of hair, repeating the process until the entire side is complete. Then, move on to the other side, clipping the finished side out of the way.
• Finish and style: Once all sections are straightened, brush your hair to blend the sections together. Your hair should now be sleek and straight!

Remember, it is important to use a towel as a barrier to protect your hair from the direct heat of the clothes iron. This method can be effective for thick or curly hair that may be difficult to straighten with regular styling tools. However, it is recommended to only use this method occasionally to avoid excessive damage to your hair.

Only use a clothes iron on your hair occasionally

While it is possible to straighten your hair with a clothing iron, it is not recommended to make a habit of it. The extreme heat from a clothing iron can cause excessive damage to your hair, so it should only be used occasionally and with caution.

If you are desperate and want to try this method, there are some steps you can take to minimise the risk of damage to your hair. Firstly, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and strong conditioner to protect it from the damage caused by hot appliances. Then, gently towel-dry your hair until it is just damp. Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair to shield it from the high temperatures of the iron. It is also important to ensure your hair is completely clean and free of any products that could stain your clothing.

To straighten your hair, separate it into two segments, clipping one side out of the way. Select a small section of the loose hair and place a towel-wrapped palm underneath it. Press the iron to the outer surface of the hair, as if clapping it with your hand, and move your hand and the iron down the length of the hair in one smooth motion. Repeat this process for the rest of your hair, section by section.

Although it may seem like a quick fix, using a clothing iron on your hair can be very dangerous. It is easy to burn yourself, and the high heat can cause severe damage to your hair. There are many other hair straightening tools on the market that are designed to protect and straighten all hair types, so it is best to use one of these instead.

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