Finding the right hair straightener is not as easy as it seems. Every brand boasts about having the best product, but how do you really know that what they’re claiming is really the best for your hair? Yes, some straighteners are better than others, but there are a few things to keep your eye out for. If you’re looking for the right hair straightener to suit your hair type, here is a guide to help you.
Understanding what straightener you need
The first step to finding the right hair straightener for your hair is understanding your hair type. While different hair straighteners are fairly versatile, specific straighteners work better for other hair types. If you have fine hair that’s easily damaged, then you’ll want a hair straightener with variable heat settings and a plate made from a quality material so it disperses the heat well.
If your hair is thicker and prone to being untidy or curly, you’ll want a straightener that can consistently function at high temperatures to smooth down the challenging areas of your hair.
Let’s talk about plate materials
We touched on plate materials above, but why are they so important? It’s no secret that certain materials conduct and manage heat better than others. Ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline are commonly used for the plate or iron on a hair straightener. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks.
For example, ceramic plates are popular because they manage heat and are more affordable. Unfortunately, many lower-range straighteners utilise ceramic-covered plates with a metal centre. These straighteners are inconsistent and often create hotspots, isolating the heat onto specific points of your hair and potentially causing heat damage. So, if you go for a ceramic plate straighter, make sure it’s legitimate.
Titanium plates are popular for their durability, fast heating function, and ability to handle stubborn hair when styling. As a rare material, you can expect titanium-plated straighteners to be more expensive.
Finally, tourmaline straighteners function by releasing negative ions, making them effective for reducing fizz and improving hair’s overall shine and polish while you straighten it.
What size or shape plate do you need?
Size is another consideration when choosing a hair straightener. This is because the size of a straightener influences how it can be used. For example, straighteners with a narrow plate are usually better for precise hairstyles, making them excellent for styling and for use on short hair. Wider plates, on the other hand, are more effective for covering a larger surface area and creating a sleek, straight look.
Ideally, those with long and thick hair should use a wider plate hair straightener. In addition to the size of the plate, you also want to factor in how comfortable the straightener is to hold. Look for one that sits in your hand well, is easy to control, and is lightweight. This should make it easier to use.
Adjustable temperature control is essential
Another core feature you want on a hair straightener is adjustable temperature control. Straighteners that have a set standard temperature could damage your hair. This is because hair doesn’t always respond well to the same temperature. Your hair may respond to a lower temperature, while another individual may have a higher temperature. Likewise, certain hairstyles may require a temperature change.
This is where temperature control helps. It can offer more precision, allowing you to change temperatures when necessary and ensuring that you can protect delicate hair by lowering the temperature if necessary.
Other features to look for
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, here are some additional features that you may want to consider as you search for the right hair straightener:
- Auto shut-off: this feature turns the straightener off automatically after a few minutes, ensuring that if it’s left on by accident, it won’t be a fire hazard
- Fast heat-up: A fast heat-up ensures that the straightener heats up to the right temperature within seconds, saving you time as you straighten your hair
- Rotating cords: If your cord can rotate, this means that you can move the straightener in any direction without the cord limiting your movements
Straightening basics to learn
Apart from choosing the right tools for styling your hair, you must also know how to use them effectively. Here’s a guide to help you use a hair straightener properly:
- Starting by washing your hair and drying it. Professionals recommend allowing your hair to hair dry for a bit so that it doesn’t rapidly lose moisture as you straightener it while wet
- Once you’re ready to start straightening your hair, spray on a layer of heat protectant spray. This adds a barrier of protection to your hair, ensuring that it doesn’t get damaged while you straighten your hair
- Ideally, section your hair into manageable sections by using clips to hold it in place
- Set your straightener to the right temperature
- Starting at the roots of your hair, straighten down to the hands. Try avoiding holding it for too long in one place, as this may damage your hair
Finding the right straightener
Now that you know what to look for in the ideal hair straightener, it’s time to get out there and buy one. If you’re still looking, we recommend GHD’s range of straighteners. World-renowned for their quality and performance, GHD is a brand dedicated to consistency and quality. Here is a helpful page from GHD that will help you compare hair straighteners so you can find which one suits you best.
Final thoughts
Hair straighteners are among the most versatile hairstyling tools a person can buy because of their versatility. You can straighten and curl your hair to a point with a hair straightener. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong one can leave your hair damaged and unhealthy. That’s why ensuring you buy the right hair straightener from the start is important. Consider the steps above to find the right straightener that will last and suit your preferences.