Caring for Straighteners and Curlers: Cords

Many of us have a fair amount of money invested in our hot tools.  Depending on your budget, you might spend anywhere from $10 - $100 or more on a flat iron or curling iron.  So we need to be sure that we are taking care of our beauty investments.  I learned this the hard way.  I'd like to share some of my lessons with you in this two part series on caring for your hot tools. This first segment discusses cords.

DON'T: WRAP CORD AROUND IRON

This is what you should not do to store your cords.  After months of storing your cord this way, the electrical wiring inside can begin to weaken.  This can cause a bad connection, causing your iron to not heat properly which can cause your iron to not get as hot, or worse, to start an electrical fire.




DO: FOLD CORD & USE A CLIP

 There are a few alternate ways to store your cord.  One would be to simply fold the cord neatly and lay it flat.  However, I found that doing this doesn't really help because the cord comes unfolded easily.  Another idea would be to fold the cord and clip it in the center.  I think the cheap hair clips I already have work well.

DO: FOLD CORD AND USE VELCRO

Another idea would be to fold the cord and secure it with a velcro strap.  I was lucky with the flat iron I bought because it came with this handy velcro strap.  If your iron doesn't and you like the idea (also great for computer cords), here is a website where you can buy the velcro straps in fun colors!