Maintaining your Shark Flexstyle hair styler is crucial for its longevity and performance. A clean tool is a happy tool, and a happy tool delivers consistently beautiful styles. This guide will walk you through the best practices for cleaning your Shark Flexstyle, ensuring it remains a reliable part of your hair care routine.
Understanding Your Shark Flexstyle's Components
Before diving into the cleaning process, let's identify the key parts of your Shark Flexstyle that require attention:
- The Styling Plates/Barrels: These are the most crucial components needing regular cleaning. Hair product buildup, dirt, and oils accumulate here, impacting styling effectiveness.
- The Air Intake Vents: These vents ensure proper airflow and cooling. Blocking these vents with dust and hair can affect the performance and lifespan of your styler.
- The Exterior Housing: While less critical than the internal components, the exterior still accumulates dust and dirt over time. Cleaning it will maintain its overall appearance.
Cleaning Your Shark Flexstyle: Step-by-Step Instructions
Important Note: Always unplug your Shark Flexstyle and allow it to completely cool before attempting any cleaning.
1. Cleaning the Styling Plates/Barrels:
- Power Down and Cool: Ensure the styler is unplugged and completely cool to the touch. Hot plates can cause burns.
- Use a Soft Cloth: Once cool, gently wipe down the plates/barrels with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths or scouring pads.
- Tackle Stubborn Residue: For stubborn hair product buildup, dampen the cloth with a gentle cleaning solution (like a small amount of dish soap mixed with water). Wipe thoroughly and then rinse the cloth to wipe again with clean water.
- Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry the plates/barrels completely with a clean, dry cloth before storing.
2. Cleaning the Air Intake Vents:
- Use Compressed Air: Compressed air is the most effective way to remove hair and dust from the air intake vents. Hold the can upright and carefully spray short bursts into the vents.
- Gentle Brushing: A soft-bristled brush can be used to gently loosen and remove any remaining debris. Avoid poking sharp objects into the vents.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Don't use excessive moisture near the vents, as it could damage the internal components.
3. Cleaning the Exterior Housing:
- Wipe Down Regularly: Simply wipe down the exterior housing with a soft, damp cloth as needed to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the styler's finish.
Frequency of Cleaning:
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your Shark Flexstyle. However, it's a good idea to:
- Clean the plates/barrels after each use: This will help prevent buildup and maintain optimal styling results.
- Clean the air intake vents and exterior housing weekly or as needed: This will help to ensure the longevity of your Shark Flexstyle.
Tips for Maintaining Your Shark Flexstyle:
- Proper Storage: Store your Shark Flexstyle in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Heat Protectant: Use a heat protectant spray on your hair before styling to minimize product buildup on the plates/barrels.
- Check the Manual: Refer to your Shark Flexstyle user manual for specific cleaning instructions and recommendations.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your Shark Flexstyle stays clean, functional, and delivers consistently stylish results for years to come. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your styler in top condition!
