Learn about the types of hair straighteners currently on the market
Hair straighteners are one of the most popular hair tools in the beauty market; they have developed into a classic hairstyling staple. There are many factors to consider when shopping for the best hair straightener for your needs, so before you decide to spend money on a new one, it is vital to understand all the different types of hair straightener options available.
How Does the Shape, Size, and Style of a Hair Straightener Affect Your Hair?
Many people assume straighteners or flat irons are simply flat metal plates that press together to smooth and straighten the hair. While this is true, there are more nuances to hair straighteners that make each variety slightly different from each other. Depending on how you want to use your hair straightener, you will need to consider these shape and size differences before making a purchase.
For example, some hair straighteners have slightly rounded edges on each of the metal plates. Hair straighteners with these metal lips on each side are ideal for creating straight hairstyles as well as curled ones. Yes, it is possible to curl your hair with a hair straightener—the technique is made much easier when you select a hair straightener with rounded edges! In this case, you would get twice the styling possibilities from a single tool.
The width of the metal plates is also important to consider before selecting a hair straightener. For example, people with shorter hair would have a difficult time straightening their hair with a tool that had extra wide metal plates. Some hair straighteners are made with metal plates that are two or three inches wide, making them ideal for longer, thicker hair. For people with shorter hair, smaller metal plates make the hair straightener more versatile and easier to use.
How Does the Material of the Metal Plates Affect Your Hair?
Hair straighteners are produced with different varieties of metal plates. Depending on your hair type or needs, you may prefer to select a hair straightener with a certain kind of metal plates.
Titanium straighteners have the ability to heat up quickly while distributing heat more evenly. Typically, titanium irons are pricier than other varieties and are the preferred choice for people with extremely curly, coarse hair.
Ceramic straighteners are also known for distributing heat evenly among hair, but at a more affordable price than titanium models. However, it is important to be careful when shopping for ceramic straighteners because some of them don’t include fully-ceramic plates. Some varieties only have ceramic coated plates, meaning that eventually the ceramic coating will wear down to bare metal, exposing hair to uneven temperatures. While it is fine to use a ceramic coated straightener, you must be alert for any signs of wearing down so the straightener can be replaced.
The third most common type of hair straightener is tourmaline. Tourmaline straighteners are ideal for damaged hair. The plates on this straightener type release more negative than positive ions, causing reduced frizziness while sealing the hair shafts for long-lasting style.
Why Are Some Straighteners Branded as High-Heat?
Some hair straightener brands boast specialized “high heat” settings. This means that the straightener will not only heat up quickly, but also can achieve an extremely high temperature for styling purposes.
It is best to select a straightener with many options for setting the temperature. This allows you to select a lower heat setting while still accomplishing the style you want. Even though hair straighteners can reach extremely hot temperatures, it is best to avoid using them on the highest heat settings to protect delicate hair from heat damage.
How Do I Select the Best Hair Straightener Value for My Money?
Like many other products, it is wise to spend a little extra cash to obtain a high-quality hair straightener. Although this means paying more money up front, choosing to spend a little extra on a quality hair straightener will ensure you have a tool that will work properly for years.
Lower-priced straighteners may seem like a good value, but they can cause more trouble than their low price tags are worth. Low quality straighteners are notorious for snagging hair during use and heating hair unevenly, causing irreversible damage. Inevitably, when these bargain straighteners malfunction and require a replacement purchase, your hair may be more damaged after using an inferior product. Spending a little extra cash to procure a quality styling tool can save your wallet as well as your hair.
Resources — Adore Beauty, Overstock
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