Can you use straighteners on wet hair?

Why wet hair and hot plates do not mix

Straightener plates run at around 185 °C on many premium models, and higher on some adjustable irons. Water boils at 100 °C. When hot plates clamp down on wet hair, the water inside and around the strand turns to steam very quickly. That rapid boiling can stress the outer layer of the hair, the cuticle, and leave it rough and prone to breakage.

Wet hair is also weaker and stretchier than dry hair, so pulling it through plates puts it under more strain. And it does not work well: the plates spend their heat drying the hair instead of styling it, so you need several passes.

Note:Never use a corded straightener with wet hands or near running water. Most makers' manuals say to use straighteners on dry hair only; follow the manual for your model.

What about damp hair?

Damp is still wet as far as hot plates are concerned. If you hear sizzling or see steam rising from the plates, your hair is not dry enough. Finish drying with a hair dryer first. A quick rough-dry on a medium setting followed by a smoothing brush section is often enough, and makes the straightening faster.

Wet-to-dry stylers: how they differ

Wet-to-dry stylers are designed for hair straight out of the towel. The Dyson Airstrait, ghd Duet Style and Shark SilkiPro direct jets of heated air between two arms, drying and straightening at the same time. They use air temperatures far below plate temperatures, and Dyson says the Airstrait styles with no heat damage when used as directed.

Some older plate stylers were also sold as wet-to-dry, with vents to release steam. These are less common now that air stylers have arrived.

See wet-to-dry stylers →

How to straighten without damaging hair

Clean plates help too, as product build-up makes them drag. See how to clean straighteners and what temperature should straighteners be.

1. 1

   Dry your hair fully, using a hair dryer on a medium heat.

2. 2

   Apply a heat protector and let it dry before you start.

3. 3

   Section your hair and clip up the rest.

4. 4

   Use the lowest temperature that works for your hair type.

5. 5

   Make one slow, steady pass per section rather than several quick ones.

6. 6

   Let hair cool before brushing or styling further.

Who should consider a wet-to-dry styler?

If you blow-dry and then straighten most days, a wet-to-dry styler can cut that to one step. Dyson says the Airstrait can save up to 8 minutes per style compared with separate drying and straightening. People with fine to medium hair who like a natural straight finish tend to suit them best. If you want a glassy, poker-straight result or plan to curl with the same tool, a plate straightener still does that better. Our is the Dyson Airstrait worth it article goes into more detail.

Curly, thick and textured hair

Curly and afro hair is often the most tempting to straighten from damp, because drying it fully takes time. It is also the hair type that most needs care, as curly strands can be drier and more fragile at the bends. Stretch-drying with a hair dryer and a comb attachment, or on a low setting with a brush, gets hair smooth and fully dry before the straightener touches it. Then use small sections and a single steady pass.

A straightener with good root control and steady heat helps here. Our best straighteners for curly hair guide covers models suited to curly and afro hair, and best straighteners for thick hair covers wide-plate options for length.

Frequently asked questions

Can I straighten my hair when it is damp? Not with ordinary straighteners. Dry it fully first, or use a styler designed for wet hair.

Why does my hair sizzle when I straighten it? Usually because it is still damp, or because product on the hair is heating. Dry fully and let heat protector dry before styling.

Is the Dyson Airstrait safe on wet hair? Yes, it is designed for towel-dried hair. Follow Dyson's instructions for the wet and dry modes.

Do I need heat protector with a wet-to-dry styler? Check the maker's advice. A heat protector is a sensible habit with any heated tool.