Do hair straighteners have an expiry date? Here’s how to find out if you need a new pair

WHAT?

By Rebecca Fearn.

We all know that when it comes to makeup and skincare, most things have expiry dates. But can we count on our hair tools to last us absolutely forever? Do even the best hair straighteners have an expiry date, for example? Well, we have some bad news for you...

Hairstylist Jackie Dove revealed to Daily Mail Femail that actually, hair straighteners do not escape expiry dates. She suggested buying a new pair every two to three years, and picked out three key signs to know when your pair has reached its limit:

Scratched plates: While this sounds simple and easy to detect, Jackie told the publication what you should really be looking for is 'lifted plates'. 'If you turn your hair straightener to the side you can generally see the plate lifting.' She continued: 'If they've lifted, your hair is likely to get caught in it.'

Flashing lights: Yep, apparently it's a bad sign if after your straighteners are ready to use (and the light comes on), there should be a constant light with no flashing.

Effectiveness: This sounds like a simple one, but we often ignore it. If you're having to go over the same piece of hair more than once, it probably means your straighteners aren't nearly as good as they were at styling.

This advice however can sound a little frustrating; forking out for a new pair of straighteners every two years?! Luckily, there are ways you can prolong the life of your pair, mainly by taking care of them and always storing them in a heat proof carry case that's useful for travel, too. There are also plenty of at-home cleaning hacks on YouTube to keep your plates as fresh as possible.

It's also good for your straighteners - as well as your hair - to occasionally take a break from using them; try having certain days off.

Source: Daily Mail Femail