Lifespan of Hair Straightener: Signs You Need a New One

 When did you buy your hair straightener? Like every other tool, even your hair straightener has a shelf life. Over time, wear and tear can affect its performance, potentially causing damage to your hair.

It’s essential to notice your straightener’s condition to assess its lifespan. If you are wondering how we have got you covered. In this post, we’ll highlight the 5 signs indicating that your straightener needs replacing. Keep reading until the end to learn 4 tips that can help you extend the lifespan of your straightener and keep it performing like new.

Understanding the lifespan of a straightener

There’s no straightforward answer to the lifespan of a straightener. The functional age of a flat iron varies depending on various factors, including your styling routine, tool quality, storage habits, and more. However, per our experts, a straightener can last 3 to 5 years or more if high-quality and maintained well. At the same time, low-quality or basic ceramic-coated hair straighteners might not last up to 3 years. 

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Signs You need to replace your hair straightener

Want to know if your straightener has reached the last stage of its usefulness? Here are 5 common signs that indicate you need to replace your straightener: 

• Visible damage on the plate 

After regular use, your straightener may develop scratches and tiny dent marks on the plates. It’s a high sign that you need to replace it. Using such a hair straightener can damage hair, including hot spots and dryness. Besides, these dents might also build up product and dirt residue, which can burn and impact hair’s overall health while styling.

• Takes a longer time to heat and style hair

If your hair straightener takes longer to reach the necessary heat for styling, it’s a clear sign that your tool isn’t functioning correctly. Often, out-of-date flat irons struggle to maintain a consistent temperature, fluctuating and making the styling process frustrating and inefficient. This inconsistency forces you to reapply heat on the same sections, increasing the risk of hair damage.

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• Weird smell during use

If your straightener releases a weird smell when straightening your hair, there might be something wrong with the internal wiring of the device. People often describe this smell as burning plastic or fishy. It’s wise not to use the tool in such conditions, as damage to internal wiring can overheat your tool, leading to heat damage. Besides, it might also heat the external body of the tool.

• Uneven heat distribution

Older flat irons often struggle to distribute heat evenly on the plates. If you experience uneven straightening with cold spots even after repeated passes, it’s a sign you need to re-check your tool. Uneven heat distribution can damage your hair cuticle and keratin structure, leading to weak and brittle hair. 

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• Strange noise and damaged wire

If you ever encounter a strange noise or damaged wire in your hair straightener, it is a serious sign to replace the tool. Unusual sounds from your flat iron indicate internal malfunction, while damaged wire poses electrical shocks or fire risks. Using a tool in this condition can harm your hair and your safety.   

Tips to extend the life of your hair straightener

Although you can’t renew your old straightener, you can adopt better styling habits to increase lifespan. Here are 4 tips to extend the life of your favourite tool: 

• Invest in a durable straightener 

Low-quality hair straighteners wear out quickly, making them less reliable over time. Invest in a durable option like Artisto’s Eligna to enjoy advanced features and long-lasting performance. 

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Equipped with titanium 3D floating plates, this straightener resists chipping and delivers a sleek, polished look. Further, the advanced features like auto shut-off and overheat protection prevent malfunctioning and increase the tool’s lifespan. 

• Store and clean properly:

Always store your hair straightener in a dry place once it cools to room temperature. Invest in an organizer if needed. Besides, ensure you clean the tool plates regularly to avoid product and dirt build-up.  

• Use in the right temperature

Adjust the temperature of your tool based on your hair type. Using a hair straightener at the wrong temperature can damage your hair and impact the tool’s lifespan. Using a temperature that is too low may require multiple passes, causing unnecessary strain on the plates and leading to wear and tear over time. On the other hand, excessively high temperatures can overheat the tool, risking damage to your hair and the straightener.

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• Avoid over-heating 

Ensure you always turn off the straightener when it is not in use. Leaving your straightener on without use can lead to overheating, which can significantly impact the tool’s performance and lifespan. Timely turning your tool off can prevent internal damage and extend its lifespan.

Read more: Tips for Maintaining Your Hair Styling Tools for Longevity

Conclusion

The average lifespan of a hair straightener can be 2 to 5 years or more. But the actual number depends on various factors, including your hairstyling routine, storing habits, and the straightener quality. 

Here, we discussed 5 signs that indicate you need a new straightener. If you notice these signs, immediately replace your tool and invest in Artisto’s durable straighteners. Our tools offer durability and advanced features that ease your styling process. 

FAQ

1. How often should I replace my hair straightener?

A: It's wise to replace your hair straightener when you notice scratches, dents on the plates, or performance issues like uneven or late heating.  

2. What are the best practices for cleaning straightener plates?

A: Use a damp cloth and wipe the plates after cooling. Avoid harsh chemicals to maintain the coating. However, you can use alcohol if needed. 

3. Is it worth investing in a professional-grade straightener?

A: Professional-grade straighteners offer better performance, advanced features, and longer lifespan, making them worth the investment.