Philip Pelusi is a hair stylist at a new salon and art venue in New York City's Meat Packing District.

Q:I use a professional straightening iron every morning. I always set it to the highest temperature. This morning a section of my hair actually darkened! Did I burn my hair?

A: Yes, if your hair has darkened, it's burnt. It will remain discolored until it grows out. Try a color rinse to disguise that piece if you can't hide it. In the meantime, here's how to use your professional straightening iron the right way so it doesn't burn in the future: Start at the back of the head, with the iron at 75 percent of its total heat capacity. The goal is to experiment at a lower temperature so you get a feel for the tool. Once you're ready, turn the iron up -- 90 percent is generally safe unless your hair is very damaged. If you use heat products and see your hair smoking, don't panic. It's not burning. It's steaming because the product you used before ironing is actually protecting your hair.