Here's How to Minimize Hot Tool Damage

Knowing your hair type is key, too. "If you have damaged hair or bleached hair, always start at 300 degrees," says celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh. "You can only go to max heat if you have healthy hair."

It's also important to remember that a tool that works wonders on your friend's thick, curly hair may not work well for you if you're on the fine side. Many hot tools will specify what hair they work best for. "In general, a ceramic base is most common and does a good job of spreading heat evenly throughout the hair," says Hershberger. "For thicker hair, a tourmaline base works well since they emit negative ions that minimize frizz and make it possible to straighten hair with less heat."

No matter what heat tool you use, make sure your hair is completely dry before you start. "Using hot tools on wet or damp hair not only causes hair to crease due to residual moisture in the strands, it essentially steams hair causing irreparable damage," says Hershberger.

To cut down on drying time, microfiber hair towels like the Turbie Twist Microfiber Hair Towel, $15.99, or Coco & Eve's Microfibre Hair Towel Wrap, $24.90, can help by removing more water than an ordinary towel. Using cool air along with hot air when blowdrying is another way to safely dry hair, though it will take longer.

Image via Imaxtree