6 Shiny-Hair Saboteurs

Photo by: David Cook

The saboteur: Tepid tools.

Lowering the temperature on your iron may seem like a prudent-even praiseworthy-move. In truth, it's not such a hot idea. "Low settings won't get the job done in one pass," says hairstylist Robert Vasquez of the Garren New York salon. "Ironing the same piece over and over is murder on hair."

The savior: Higher heat.

"The key is to find the right temperature for your hair type," says Lewellyn. A ... more 

Photo by: David Cook

The saboteur: Tepid tools.

Lowering the temperature on your iron may seem like a prudent-even praiseworthy-move. In truth, it's not such a hot idea. "Low settings won't get the job done in one pass," says hairstylist Robert Vasquez of the Garren New York salon. "Ironing the same piece over and over is murder on hair."

The savior: Higher heat.

"The key is to find the right temperature for your hair type," says Lewellyn. A 425-degree setting will straighten thick, coarse strands-and singe fine ones, which only need 300 to 325 degrees. "Play with a few settings to figure out which is the lowest one you can get away with," says Lewellyn.

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