Most salon and spa professionals know that hot tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blowdryers are essential for delivering any number of top-quality services.
However, it’s easy to forget that these tools of the trade, just like in any other trade, require regular maintenance to ensure they last, function properly, and deliver the results your clients expect.
Failing to take care of our tools can lead to costly replacements, inconsistent results, or even risk becoming safety hazards.
In the following post, we’ll run you through some essential maintenance tips to keep your hot tools in peak working order, help you save money, and ensure you provide a safe, enjoyable experience for all your clients.
Why Tool Maintenance and Quality Matter
Before we dive into the tips, we wanted to take a moment to reiterate why quality and maintenance matter.
Well-maintained tools have the tendency to perform better than ones in states of neglect. If you’re hoping to deliver consistent, high-quality results for your clients, you owe it to yourself (and them) to take care of your tools. .
The same goes for using quality tools and taking the steps to maintain that quality of their usage. Investing in professional-grade hot tools certainly isn’t cheap, mind you, so the last thing you’ll want to do is let them go to waste and run you out of your investment.
Ultimately, by maintaining your hot tools, keeping them clean and stored properly, you reduce the wear and tear that can lead to premature breakdowns, saving you the cost and hassle of replacing them frequently.
Daily Care and Cleaning of Hot Tools
Below are some tips for regularly cleaning and taking care of your hot tools.
Unplug and Cool Down: Always unplug your hot tools and let them cool completely before starting any cleaning. This helps prevent accidents and ensures that you don’t damage the tool’s surfaces or electrical components – nor any of those that might be lying nearby as well!
Cleaning Plates and Barrels: After every use, it’s important to clean the plates or barrels of your tools to remove any product buildup. All sorts of hair products, oils, and dirt can accumulate and interfere with the tool’s performance. It’s often recommended to use a soft, damp cloth or a tool-specific cleaner to wipe down the surfaces. Avoid any harsh chemicals and be sure to check that it’s not plugged in or too hot (like we mentioned above).
Inspecting for Damage: It’s well worth making it a habit to regularly inspect your tools for any visible damage. Check the cords for fraying or cracks and ensure that all parts are intact and functioning properly. If you notice anything beginning to fray, it’s often best to get a backup ready rather than risk it breaking mid-session with a client.
Avoid Tangles: Storing your tools properly is just as important as cleaning them. After letting them cool, avoid winding the cord too tightly around the tool, as this can cause damage to the cord over time. It’s usually better to store them loose, but if you have a lot of tools and cords in one space consider getting a cord organizer or using simple bands to separate their wires and avoid tangling them together.
Monthly and Deep Maintenance
Cleaning and taking care of your hot tools daily is one thing, but there’s also some less frequent but still important habits to blend into your routine.
Deep Cleaning Your Tools: For a more thorough once in a while cleaning, use alcohol-based wipes or a soft cloth with a gentle cleanser to remove product buildup that doesn’t come off with daily cleaning. Pay special attention to the areas near the heating elements and any small nooks where dirt can accumulate. A small brush can also help clean out tight spaces. Always check the manufacturer’s directions for proper cleaning methods.
Checking Electrical Components: Inspect the electrical cords, plugs, and heating elements monthly. Frayed or damaged cords should be replaced immediately, as they can cause electrical shocks or fires. Make sure the plug and cord are secure and free from damage. If it’s anything related to the wall socket, don’t be shy to speak to an electrician and certainly avoid toying with anything electrical on your own.
Sharpening or Replacing Blades (for clippers): If you use clippers or any cutting tools, regular blade sharpening is a must. Dull blades can cause uneven cuts or even pull at the hair which is really no fun for the client if that happens. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for sharpening or replacing blades to ensure smooth, precise performance. Most should give you a sense of how to proceed, or even have replacement blades available when needed.
Knowing When to Replace Your Tools
Unfortunately, even the best tools sometimes wear out over the course of their runs.
While regular maintenance can extend the life of your hot tools, there will eventually come a time when they need to be replaced.
If you notice uneven heating, frayed cords, or damaged surfaces that affect the tool’s performance, it could be time to replace them or send them for repairs.
Of course, as we mentioned earlier, sometimes investing in higher quality tools with a higher upfront cost might be the best way to go – especially if it means you need to replace them less frequently. Doing so can lead to better results and performance and less time lost shopping for replacements down the line.
Wrapping Things Up
Maintaining your salon and spa tools is crucial for delivering consistent results, ensuring client safety, and protecting your investment. By incorporating daily care, proper storage, and regular deep cleaning into your routine, you can extend the life of your tools and keep them working at their best. Following these tips not only helps you avoid costly replacements but also guarantees that your clients leave your salon with the best possible results.
Are you passionate about hairstyling or esthetics? At Modern College, we offer comprehensive training programs for both! Each program is designed to teach you the theoretical and practical skills you need to succeed in the beauty industry. Contact us to learn more!
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