The current trend is towards sleek, straight hair; but with so many styling tools on the market, how do you find the best hair straighteners for you? Hopefully, this article will help you make the right choice.
The first thing to remember, is to buy the best you can possibly afford. This does not mean you need a celebrity budget! However, you do need the same approach as Jennifer Aniston might use. She doesn’t buy cheap tools that damage as they straighten – and neither should you.
To find a good straightener, go to an online specialist supplier – if you compare the prices to those on the high street, you’ll be amazed at what you can get for the same money.
All the best selling hair straighteners have top quality ceramic plates. This means the plates have been coated with several layers of a ceramic compound, before being baked to a hard finish. Heating is even and quick – plus, your arms don’t get tired, as they are very light.
More expensive brands have added technology, such as Tourmaline crystals – this type of styler conditions the hair and prevents frizz. They are particularly good for hair that is damaged or has been treated with highlights. The very best hair straighteners are of this type.
Any ceramic plates will be better than metal alone which, even if it’s gold plated, will always look like sandpaper under the microscope!
The ceramic coating must be thick enough to withstand wear and tear. If it’s too thin it will wear away quickly, exposing the abrasive metal underneath. Your hair is as delicate as your skin, and needs treating the same way.
However, after this it gets confusing. Is a 2” plate better than a 1”? And what the hell is Ionic Technology?
A lot will depend on your hair- the length, texture, curl and condition. For example, narrow plates are better for short hair, and to do flick-outs etc. If your hair is long and curly, then wider is best.
If you want a basic styler, and your hair is long but in good condition, the Farouk Chi Flat Iron might suit you. This was the first ceramic styler on the market, and although it lacks the ionic technology of later brands, the 2” plates are perfect for handling longer curls.
For celeb styling that lasts, the hair needs to be heated to at least 160oC. However, dry heat is very damaging to hair – especially if it’s fine or out of condition. Thick curly hair is equally prone to damage as it needs a very high heat – and lots of it!
To combat this, ceramic hair irons often use infrared, ionic and tourmaline technology. This conditions the hair from the inside, leaving it shiny, natural and free of frizz. Babyliss and GHD Tourmaline/ionic straighteners both rated highly in reviews, and you can buy these ‘pro’ level stylers on this site at very reasonable cost.
Whatever flat iron you buy, it’s essential you protect your hair against heat damage. You need to apply a special thermal protection product to your wet hair before drying in the normal way. (Straighteners are always used dry) Chi has developed an organic range that includes a thermal protection cream and conditioner – very effective, and totally natural.
The best hair straighteners are those that offer maximum styling power with minimum damage – both to your hair and your purse. Hopefully, by coming here you will make the right choice.