How to Clean Hot Tools with Hair Relaxer

Hey there! I wanted to share a little trick I recently discovered on how to clean your hot tools using hair relaxer. It’s a random tip, but it can make a world of difference in keeping your flat iron and hot comb squeaky clean. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the process and even give you a demo so you can see how it’s done. I’ll also share some inspiration and shout out other creators who contributed to this idea. So grab your hot tools, relaxer, and let’s dive in!

Introduction

The Benefits of Cleaning Hot Tools with Hair Relaxer

Cleaning your hot tools with hair relaxer offers several benefits that make it a fantastic cleaning method. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:

Efficiently removes gunk and buildup

Over time, hot tools like flat irons and hot combs accumulate residue, gunk, and product buildup. This buildup not only affects their performance but can also transfer onto your hair, leaving it dull and sticky. However, using hair relaxer as a cleaning agent can effectively remove all that unwanted gunk, leaving your hot tools clean and ready for use.

Restores the functionality of hot tools

As the gunk and residue build up on your hot tools, their heat distribution and overall functionality can be compromised. By cleaning them with hair relaxer, you can remove this buildup and restore the tools to their optimal functioning state. This ensures that your hot tools work efficiently and give you the best results every time you use them.

Understanding the Process

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of using hair relaxer to clean hot tools, let’s dive into the process itself. Cleaning hot tools with hair relaxer is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Here’s how you can do it:

Wait for the hot tools to warm up

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to make sure that your hot tools, such as flat irons or hot combs, are fully heated and ready for use. This helps in loosening any residue or gunk present on the tools, making it easier for the hair relaxer to remove them.

Mix the hair relaxer

To clean your hot tools effectively, you’ll need hair relaxer. You can either choose to purchase a box of relaxer or opt for a pre-mixed cream relaxer for convenience. If you’re using a powder relaxer, ensure that you mix it according to the instructions provided. Remember to wear gloves during the mixing process to protect your hands from any potential chemical burns.

Let the hot tools cool down

Once your hot tools have been heated, it’s crucial to let them cool down before proceeding with the cleaning process. Trying to clean hot tools can be dangerous, as the hair relaxer can cause splattering or burns. Therefore, exercise patience and allow your hot tools to cool down completely.

Apply the hair relaxer onto the hot tools

When your hot tools have cooled down, it’s time to apply the hair relaxer. Using a brush or your gloved hands, spread the hair relaxer evenly across the surface of the hot tool. Ensure that you cover all areas, especially those with visible buildup. Allow the hair relaxer to sit on the tools for a few minutes to break down the gunk and residue effectively.

Cleaning a Hot Comb

Let’s start with learning how to clean a hot comb using hair relaxer. Follow these steps for a thorough cleaning:

Using the hair relaxer on a hot comb

Apply the hair relaxer to the surface of the hot comb, ensuring that you cover all the teeth and the entire length of the comb. The relaxer will begin to break down the gunk and residue, making it easier to remove.

Removing the gunk with a brush and spray bottle

To remove the loosened gunk and residue, use a brush to scrub the hot comb gently. This will help dislodge any remaining buildup. For stubborn residue, you can also use a spray bottle filled with water to spray and rinse off the excess gunk.

Cleaning a Flat Iron

Cleaning a flat iron is slightly different from cleaning a hot comb. Here’s how you can effectively clean a flat iron using hair relaxer:

Applying the hair relaxer to the flat iron

Apply the hair relaxer to the surface of the flat iron, ensuring that you cover both the plates and the edges. Be cautious during application to prevent any contact with your skin or eyes.

Wiping off the residue with a rag or towel

After allowing the hair relaxer to sit for a few minutes, take a clean rag or towel and gently wipe off the residue from the flat iron. Be careful not to burn yourself, as the hot iron may still be warm to the touch. Repeat the wiping process until all residue is removed.

Safety Precautions

While cleaning your hot tools with hair relaxer can be an effective and affordable method, it’s important to prioritize safety during the process. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

Wear gloves when handling hair relaxer

Hair relaxers contain chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and may cause chemical burns. To protect your hands, always wear gloves when handling hair relaxer. Most relaxer kits come with gloves, but if not, ensure you have a pair of disposable or reusable gloves on hand.

Protect hands with vaseline or a barrier cream

In addition to wearing gloves, it’s advisable to protect your hands further by applying a thin layer of vaseline or barrier cream before handling the hair relaxer. This provides an extra layer of protection against any potential contact with the relaxer, reducing the risk of chemical burns.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes

Hair relaxer is a powerful chemical product designed for hair use only. Avoid any contact with your skin or eyes to prevent potential burns or injuries. If any accidental contact occurs, immediately rinse the affected area with cool water and seek medical assistance if necessary.

Ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning process

Cleaning hot tools with hair relaxer can produce fumes or odors. To ensure your safety and comfort, make sure you clean your hot tools in a well-ventilated area. If possible, open windows or use fans to improve air circulation and prevent the inhalation of any potentially harmful fumes.

Tips and Tricks

To make your hot tool cleaning experience even smoother, here are some useful tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Purchase a pre-mixed cream relaxer for convenience

If you’re not comfortable with mixing a hair relaxer yourself, consider purchasing a pre-mixed cream relaxer. This saves you time and ensures that the relaxer is mixed to the correct consistency, making the cleaning process even easier.

Use a towel or mat to catch any drips or mess

Cleaning hot tools can be messy, with hair relaxer potentially dripping or splattering. To protect your surfaces, place a towel or mat underneath your hot tools during the cleaning process. This will catch any drips or mess, making cleanup much more manageable.

Clean the hot tools regularly to prevent excessive buildup

To maintain the optimal performance of your hot tools, it’s essential to clean them regularly to prevent excessive buildup. Aim to clean your hot tools every few weeks or whenever you notice a significant accumulation of gunk. Regular cleaning will ensure that your hot tools continue to work efficiently and last longer.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Once you’ve cleaned your hot tools with hair relaxer, it’s important to follow a few steps for aftercare and maintenance. Here’s what you should do:

Allow the hot tools to cool down completely

After cleaning your hot tools, allow them to cool down completely before storing or using them again. Hot tools can retain heat for a while, so exercise caution to avoid any accidental burns.

Wipe off any remaining residue

Using a clean rag or towel, wipe off any remaining residue from the hot tools. This will ensure that no leftover hair relaxer or gunk is left behind, keeping your tools clean and ready for future use.

Store the hot tools in a clean and dry area

To maintain the cleanliness of your hot tools, store them in a clean and dry area. Avoid exposing them to moisture or excessive humidity, as this can lead to the growth of mold or damage to the tools’ electrical components.

Conclusion

Cleaning hot tools with hair relaxer is an effective and affordable method to remove gunk and buildup, restore functionality, and save money on specialized cleaning products. By following the simple process and safety precautions outlined in this article, you can easily clean your hot tools and ensure optimal performance and longevity. Remember to wear gloves, protect your hands with vaseline, and maintain proper ventilation during the cleaning process. With regular cleaning and proper aftercare, your hot tools will continue to work like new, giving you fabulous hair every time!

I hope you found this article helpful and feel inspired to try cleaning your hot tools with hair relaxer. Remember, always prioritize safety and follow the instructions provided on your hair relaxer product. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to reach out to me. Happy cleaning and enjoy your perfectly clean hot tools!