Since you’re using styling products on your hair before you curl it, you need to clean your curling iron to get rid of product build-up. Otherwise, the leftover residue on the iron will prevent it from heating up evenly. That’s what leads to wonky-looking curls.

To clean your iron: Wait until it is completely cool and just wipe it down with a damp towel. If you haven’t cleaned it in a while (or ever), you might want to invest in a hot iron cleaner to remove the gunk — try Sedu Professional Styling Iron Cleaner, $11.30.