Hair straighteners (also known as flat irons), are a popular styling tool used to straighten and smooth out frizzy or curly hair. They use heat to relax the hair's natural curls and can create a variety of looks, from sleek and straight to waves and curls. In this article, we'll explore how to choose the best hair straightener for your needs. We’ll deep dive into the different types of hair straighteners available on the market, their features, and which product will best benefit your type of hair.
Types of Hair Straighteners
There are three main types of hair straighteners: ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium.
- Ceramic straighteners are the most common hair straightener and help reduce frizz and static. They are gentle and suitable for all hair types, but they may not heat up as quickly as other types of straighteners.
- Tourmaline straighteners help to reduce frizz, and additionally add shine, and protect the hair from damage. They are a good choice for people with thick, curly hair, as they can heat up quickly and straighten hair effectively.
- Titanium straighteners are lightweight and strong. They heat up quickly and can reach very high temperatures, making them ideal for thick and coarse hair. However, use caution, as they can be damaging to fine or damaged hair, so we recommend to use a heat protectant spray and be careful not to overheat your hair.
Hair Straightener Plates
The size and shape of the plates will affect how well the straightener can style your hair. If you rock long hair, a hair straightener with wide plates would be best suited to you. Narrow plates are better suited for short hair or creating curls. If you like to be playful with your hair, some straighteners have curved plates, which can be useful for adding volume and creating waves.
Hair Straightener Heat Settings
The heat settings are another important factor. Most hair straighteners have adjustable heat settings, so you can choose the temperature that works best for your hair type and style. Fine or damaged hair may require a lower heat setting, while thick or curly hair may need a higher heat setting. It's important to use the lowest heat setting possible to avoid damaging your hair.
Other Features of a Hair Straightener
Other product features to look for in some hair straighteners include a type of cord like a swivel cord, for ease of use and to reduce headache; and a built-in ion generator, which can help to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair. Automatic shut-off is another key feature, turning off the hair straightener after it hasn’t been used for a certain period of time to prevent accidents.
It's also important to choose a hair straightener with good quality plates. Poor quality plates can snag or pull on your hair, causing damage. Look for straighteners with smooth, floating plates, which can glide through your hair easily and minimise damage.
The Silver Bullet Keratin 230 Titanium Straightener 25mm
Take your hair to the next level with “The Silver Bullet Keratin 230 Titanium Straightener 25mm”. It’s perfect for hair that can be tough to straighten. The friction free 25mm titanium floating plates and adjustable temperature up to 230°C make it easy for smooth styling, helping to create curls, flicks or waves effortlessly. The product package also includes mat, clips, comb and brush along with a 2-year warranty.
How to use a hair straightener
Start by giving your hair a good wash and dry well. For thick or curly hair, you may want to use a heat protectant spray or leave-in conditioner to help protect your hair from the heat and risk causing damage.
Divide your hair into sections, and use a comb or brush to straighten each section, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure to hold the straightener horizontally, and use a slow, steady motion to avoid damaging your hair.
Important, be patient and take your time! Don't try to straighten your hair too quickly, as this can cause damage. Instead, take small sections of hair and work your way through your entire head. If you have thick or curly hair, you may need to go over each section several times to get the desired outcome.
