How to choose a hair straightener: basic criteria and tips for choosing

The ease of styling and damage prevention of your hair can be greatly influenced by the type of hair straightener you select. It can be confusing to choose the best option for your needs when there are so many available. The good news is that you can find a tool that works for your hair type and styling preferences by concentrating on a few essential factors.

It’s crucial to take the device’s size, temperature settings, and plate material into account when looking for a hair straightener. The effectiveness of the straightener and its gentleness towards your hair can be affected by each of these characteristics. For instance, titanium plates heat up more quickly and can handle thicker hair types, but ceramic plates are renowned for their uniform heat distribution.

It’s important to consider not only the technical aspects but also the frequency of use and desired outcomes of the straightener. While some may prioritize finding a model that minimizes heat damage, others may prefer a multipurpose tool that can be used to curl as well as straighten hair.

Criteria Tips for Choosing
Plate Material Ceramic plates are gentle on hair, while titanium heats faster and more evenly. Choose based on your hair type.
Temperature Control Opt for an adjustable temperature to avoid damaging fine or thick hair with too much heat.
Plate Size For short hair, choose narrow plates. For longer or thicker hair, wider plates are more efficient.
Heat-up Time If you"re always in a rush, choose a model with a quick heat-up time.
Auto Shut-Off Look for a straightener with an automatic shut-off feature for safety.
Cord Length A longer, swivel cord offers better mobility while styling.

The principle of work

Girls who have curly hair are aware that when it’s rainy outside and they wash their heads, the naturally curly strands start to spin even more. This phenomenon is related to the iron’s rectifier principle of operation.

The tool works by applying heat to hair rods to help them lose excess moisture. The tool functions similarly to a curling iron or thermogram if you need to create gorgeous curls: it uses a high temperature to fix the curls in place.

Clamping the strands between the plate iron is necessary when modeling any style.

Types and choice

You can select the tool that has the least amount of force on the hair by taking into account a few fundamental factors.

The substance used to make the work surfaces (plates). the most crucial factor. establishes the level of hair rod exposure. Devices with this kind of internal coating are now available:

  • metal – The most dangerous for hair. It can heat up unevenly, destroying the structure of the strands. The only advantage is the low cost of such a device;
  • ceramics is one of the most popular materials. It is an independent coating or a base for other materials (tourmaline, titanium). It heats up well and maintains the desired temperature, glides easily over the hair. But it is more expensive than metal, and styling products leave marks on the ceramic surface that need to be wiped off immediately after using the iron;
  • titanium is often applied to ceramics, which is why such an iron is called titanium-ceramic. This layer makes the plates smooth, providing quick sliding, therefore minimizing the risk of overheating. Among the disadvantages is the price of the tool;
  • teflon is also not a cheap coating. It gently affects the curls, glides well over them, preventing tangling. Unlike ceramic, it does not provoke adhesion. Cons: over time, the Teflon coating wears off, and the iron begins to have a more aggressive effect on the hair;
  • marble — these irons are expensive and have a gentle effect on the structure of the hair shafts. They are often called two-part. The surface of each side consists of two parallel plates: ceramic and marble. The first material heats the strands, the second immediately cools, reducing the harmful effects of high temperatures;
  • tourmaline (or ion-ceramic coating) is the most modern option. Heats up evenly, glides well, removes static effect. Helps hair retain moisture, so it practically does not damage its structure;
  • there are devices with jadeite plates, but this is more the sphere of professional hairdressing;
  • another option is silver coating — significantly increases the cost of the tool, so it is not so popular.

The dimensions of the dishes. They can range in width from less than 3 centimeters to more than that. The width of the surface should increase with the length and thickness of the curls.

Narrow-plated tools work well for coiling threads. They are also practical for straightening bangs.

Form and technique of plate attachment. Models with rounded and straight edges are produced by manufacturers.

There are devices with floating or rigidly fixed working surfaces according to the type of fastening. The latter slide along the curl and lower and rise smoothly because they are connected to the body with rubber bands or springs. These devices are the best choice because they are easier to use, even though they are not often available for purchase.

Take note! It is preferable to purchase curling irons with rounded plates. The curls will be smooth and help prevent creases.

Space between the two plates. The strands are pressed firmly and the heat is evenly distributed over them if there is no gap. The hair may heat up more quickly if there is little space between the iron’s sides, necessitating repeating the process.

Make sure the gap size of the tool you purchase is no greater than 1 millimeter for plates that are fixed rigidly and 2 millimeters for plates that are floating.

Indicators of temperature. Most irons have a lower heating limit of approximately 100 °C and an upper heating limit that varies from 150 to 230 °C. High temperatures are necessary to process thick and dense curls, while 130–150 °C is the ideal range for weak, soft, and thin curls. For curling, 180 ° C is usually sufficient.

Some models—which are meant for professionals—heat up to the maximum temperature rapidly. For amateur devices, the fastest indication takes 5–10 seconds, while the slowest takes roughly a minute. If you want to curl your hair quickly, go for irons that have an average time of between 10 and 30 seconds.

A thermostat is an essential feature of any gadget of this kind. If it is missing, the device will "by default" heat up to the highest setting, which might not be necessary for you and could even be harmful if you have weak, thin, or colored hair.

Strength. typically begins at 25 watts. Investing in a strong tool is preferable for regular curls because the temperature should be higher during winding up than it is during straightening.

Additional nozzles. It can be a comb to untangle hair or a pair of forceps, spiral, or nozzle-pitch that works well for twisting.

Other helpful information and choices that improve the comfort of ironing:

  • Ionization function. Relieves static tension, makes the hair obedient, shiny;
  • cord that rotates. Does not get confused during operation;
  • a heat -resistant handbag where you can put a not -so -cooled device.

Suggestions. It is best to purchase a more expensive professional iron if you plan to use it frequently. Excellent amateur instrument that can be used in a variety of situations.

Pros and cons of use

Advantages:

  • the ability to create a beautiful hairstyle at home, at any time;
  • high curling speed. You can curl your hair in 15-20 minutes;
  • the iron smooths the strands, giving them extra shine;
  • suitable for hair of any length as a curling tool.

Drawbacks:

  • any, even the highest quality and most expensive iron, spoils the structure of the curls. It is a matter of time and frequency of use of the device;
  • the result is short-lived;
  • there is a risk of overheating and burning your hair, especially if you miscalculate the temperature, hold the strand between the plates for a long time or buy an iron without a thermostat;
  • high cost, if we are talking about a good, high-quality tool;
  • to do a neat curl, you will have to practice. Preferably with a cold device. You can first watch a training video.

A tiny, portable mini-iron is something you can purchase for frequent business travels.

Review of hair curling irons

Every model on the list has received a lot of favorable feedback from customers. However, the rating itself is arranged alphabetically rather than according to the concepts of "better" or "worse." There are instruments in it for curling strands.

Babyliss ST327E

  • coating — Diamond Ceramic, applied to the metal surface;
  • maximum temperature — 235 °C;
  • 6 thermoregulation modes;
  • can be used on damp hair;
  • long rotating cord;
  • one of the plates is floating;
  • automatic shutdown after an hour of operation;
  • cost — about 2700 rubles.

Bosch Classic Coiffeur PHS7961

  • coating — tourmaline-ceramic;
  • maximum temperature — 200 °C;
  • 5 thermoregulation modes;
  • floating plates;
  • ionization function;
  • long cord that rotates;
  • warm-up time — 25 seconds;
  • cost — about 3500 rubles.

Philips HP8344

  • coating — tourmaline;
  • maximum temperature – 230 °C;
  • ionization function;
  • temperature adjustment option;
  • there is a button lock option;
  • cost — around 2800 rubles.

Remington Keratin Therapy Pro S8590

  • coating — ceramic with keratin;
  • maximum temperature — 230 °C;
  • 5 thermoregulation modes;
  • elongated floating plates with rounded edges;
  • overheating protection sensor;
  • automatic shutdown after an hour of operation;
  • heating time — 15 seconds;
  • cost — from 4500 to 5900 rubles.

Rowenta SF3132

  • coating — tourmaline with keratin;
  • maximum temperature — 230 °C;
  • 11 temperature modes;
  • one of the plates is floating;
  • heating time — 30 seconds;
  • ionization function;
  • long rotating cord;
  • cost — about 2300 rubles.

Devices from Moser, Parlux, Harizma, and GA are also well-known.MA.

Rules of use

  1. Wash your hair with conditioner. You can additionally apply a moisturizing mask to your hair.
  2. Dry your hair naturally, but not completely.
  3. Treat slightly damp curls with a heat protectant, carefully distributing it along the entire length with a wide-toothed comb. If it is a spray, spray it at a distance of 20-30 centimeters from the head.
  4. Dry your hair completely with a hairdryer.
  5. Divide all your hair into narrow strands.

Crucial! Using mousse, foam, or gel will cause the hair shafts to become "glued." Using hairspray to fix your hair at the end is preferable. Visit our website to learn more about the products we offer for making and fixing curls.

The next steps will vary depending on the type of curls you desire.

To get big curls:

  1. Clamp a strand, stepping back a little from the root zone.
  2. Turn the device completely.
  3. Smoothly move it along the entire length of the curl.
  4. Wait for it to cool, repeat with the remaining strands.

Use this to create small to medium waves:

  1. Braid all the strands into pigtails. Do not make them too thick.
  2. Heat each one with an iron one by one, moving from top to bottom.
  3. Undo the braids, style and fix with hairspray.

Use this technique to make medium-sized elastic curls:

  1. Twist a strand into a tourniquet.
  2. Warm it up with a straightening iron along the entire length.
  3. Straighten it out, repeat the same procedure with the remaining strands.

The tourniquets can be heated with the tool after being twisted into "snails" and wrapped in foil. This is what a lot of licensed hairdressers do.

A few things to think about when selecting a hair straightener are the type of hair you have, the material of the plate, and the heat settings. For flawless results, ceramic or titanium plates work well, and temperature settings that can be adjusted will help keep your hair healthy. Take into account the length and thickness of your hair when choosing the straightener size. Lastly, for convenience and safety, search for features like auto-shutoff and quick heat-up times.

Precautions

  • Make sure that your scalp and hands do not come into contact with the hot surface, otherwise you may get burned.
  • Do not leave the device turned on after curling your hair.
  • Do not place the straightening iron on surfaces that may catch fire or melt from high temperatures.
  • Keep the device away from children. Keep it out of their reach.
  • Spray hairsprays and sprays away from the heated device.
  • Make sure that the cord is not twisted, otherwise the heated plates may damage it.
  • Do not take the straightening iron with wet hands.
  • Do not curl damp strands.
  • At least for a while, refrain from styling brittle, damaged hair.

Take Care! A hot tool increases the sensitivity of hair. Avoid using a metal-toothed comb on your hair right after using it, shield your hair from the sun, and don’t wear bulky accessories on your head.

It’s important to choose and use a curling iron carefully, but they can be quite helpful. Don’t cut corners on this purchase, as it will undoubtedly have an impact on your hair. Try to use the tool with heat protection only one or two times per week.

When using heat styling, pay extra attention to your curls and give them extra moisture and nourishment through masks. Your curls will sustain less damage from the iron if you take proper care of them.

Our articles contain a wealth of helpful curling hair tips:

  • how to style curls beautifully, options for stylish hairstyles with curls at home;
  • how to curl short hair, bob;
  • features of curling long hair;
  • how to curl a child"s hair;
  • how to curl artificial hair on hairpins;
  • how to make curls last a long time;
  • how to curl hair without curlers and curling irons.

Your daily styling routine can be significantly changed by selecting the appropriate hair straightener. You can select a tool that is appropriate for your hair type and styling requirements by paying attention to key features like temperature control, size, and plate material.

To avoid mishaps, it’s also critical to take safety features like heat-resistant tips and automated shut-off into account. To make sure you’re getting the best value for your money, take the time to read reviews and compare options.

In the end, the ideal hair straightener is one that maintains the health of your hair and enables you to effortlessly and confidently create the looks you desire.

Video on the topic

How to CORRECTLY choose a hair STRAIGHTENER! 💇🏻‍♀️🤔 Shorts #hairdresser

How to choose a hair straightener

HOW TO CHOOSE A HAIR STRAIGHTENER? WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A HAIR STRAIGHTENER? | IRA MILLER

What hairstyle do you prefer for everyday life?
Share to friends
Anna Lebedeva

Hairdresser-stylist with a special interest in creative haircuts and hairstyles. I am inspired by avant-garde ideas and strive to bring them to life. I am sure that every hairstyle should reflect the uniqueness of the personality and emphasize individual style.

Rate author
Zavitushki.com
Add a comment