Hair Straightening Myths Busted

When it comes to beauty, there are few looks that stand the test of time more than sleek, shiny straight hair. And since we’re such great fans of the look, it comes as no surprise we’re prone to taking to the straightener more than we probably should.

But heat styling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing healthy hair. In fact, these days there are tools that actually help to ensure we maintain healthy hair, and increase the overall appearance of our hair from lack of shine, dryness and frizz.

So let’s not let a few shudder-worthy memories of the singed hair of our teenage past stop us from enjoying regular heat styling. Here, we debunk some of the more common myths associated with hair straightening, once and for all!

Steam is a no-no

Believe it or not, straighteners have come a long way since the one you might have used years ago. These days, they’re far more technologically advanced and actually help to protect your hair while you style. Even though you might associate appliances that steam as something to cause alarm, the steam you see when you straighten your hair is actually a good sign - at least when using the VS Sassoon Goddess Ultimate.

You see, steam-producing straighteners provide moisture to the hair, so are far less likely to dry it out. The VS Sassoon Goddess Ultimate is specifically designed to utilise the benefits of steam to open up the hair cuticles and infuse them with moisture, before sealing the hair and protecting it right to the ends, making it especially effective for those with drier hair.

Hair loses shine

It’s a common misconception that regular straightening strips the hair of shine, thanks to high temperatures, tension and excess clamping. But the truth is, the proof is in the product. Admittedly, if your iron is the age of a dinosaur, chances are that lack of shine and frizz might be a problem, since the plates are unlikely to feature ceramic coating or ionic technology.

They cause excess frizz

There are a lot of rumours running rife around the mill that straighteners actually cause additional frizz through heat, which eliminates moisture in the hair and subsequently, dries it up. In truth, there may be straighteners which do cause this effect, but straighteners such as the VS Sassoon Goddess Ultimate actually make the hair more resistant to humidity and frizz. By using steam, the straightener relaxes, hydrates and nourishes the cuticle for a smooth and polished finish, meaning no more bad hair days; just healthy, smooth, sleek and glossy locks.

Did you know the truth behind these myths or have you heard any others? Tell us in the comments below!

79 Member Comments

preciousia 6 May 2016 8:39 PM

Buy a GHD and get a Good Hair DAY :D

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freaky 6 Apr 2016 2:57 AM

Ive damaged my hair from straightening but last did it years ago> Yes straighteners have come a long way since then!

itslinda 5 Apr 2016 8:35 PM

Great article

Beckky 5 Apr 2016 3:52 PM

I used to straighten my hair all the time and it did a lot of damage to my hair. I've embraced my waves.

Jody1969 4 Apr 2016 4:08 PM

Hmmm how old to qualify as a dinosaur? My GHD has ceramic plates but it's about 12 years old now so I wonder?

Shop A Everyday 3 Apr 2016 8:57 PM

Looks like it would do a wonderful job and protect your hair

Coconut Jayne 2 Apr 2016 10:21 AM

I have really wavy, out-of-control hair so I tend to use my straightener daily (or sometime more!) so it's great to hear my fear mythified!!

Elefante 1 Apr 2016 1:21 PM

I have found products really help create a good base that resists damage, I recently started using the eco range and my hair has been holding up alot better even with styling.

Wendy368 31 Mar 2016 9:42 PM

I get my hair chemically straightened which sure saves a lot of time since I never have to worry about hair being out of place hehe

Beautybabe140194 30 Mar 2016 3:30 PM

My straightener does not steam my hair. Did not know that steaming is good and adds moisture to the hair.

Rose_P 30 Mar 2016 2:57 PM

I love my GHD, but I try to limit use of it, and I always use a heat protectant.

aeemarie 30 Mar 2016 1:50 PM

If I didn't straighten my hair it would be a disaster HAHA

annieleex 30 Mar 2016 1:19 PM

I never seem to have a problem with frizz when I straighten my hair

lcampi10 30 Mar 2016 10:59 AM

Well, this has definitely debunked some things for me. I personally very rarely use a straightener, partially because my hair is naturally straight and partially because I had fears of damaging my hair. This clears some things up for me.

Wendy1965 30 Mar 2016 10:57 AM

Very interesting. Would love to try this new straightner

Nas007 30 Mar 2016 10:16 AM

Great article. At least i can feel less guilty when straightening my hair.

sunjeanie 30 Mar 2016 9:38 AM

I don't think the steam would make a major difference. I just straighten my hair for special occasions. No matter how good your straightener is, it's still doing damage.

Stensen 30 Mar 2016 1:18 AM

I get that steam is from water, and water is moisturising. But water is water, steam is steam. I'm sceptical with stea moisturising hair until I try the product for myself. On top of that, steam from a hot shower does the exact opposite of keeping my coarse and unruly hair sleek. Sorry!

misfortune8 30 Mar 2016 1:03 AM

This sounds interesting. My hair was dead straight as a teen in the 80s when everyone (me included) were perming their hair. Now my hair has developed a wave, just when everyone is straightening their hair! I mostly can't be bothered, but I like the sound of this straightener. It's very tempting.

Sootyhere 31 Dec 2020 3:54 PM

that brings back memories of having a perm.

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Petal 17 Apr 2016 11:31 PM

I'm also of the age when I remember almost everyone had their hair permed (including myself).

Temporary Princess 29 Mar 2016 10:44 PM

I would love to try this new hair straightener!

Chicklet 29 Mar 2016 9:22 PM

I was literally born with dead straight hair, so I don't need to worry about straightening too much.

Ellelily 29 Mar 2016 9:01 PM

Thanks for this information as I was wondering alot about some of these issues.

Marza 29 Mar 2016 8:58 PM

now this a good iron

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