Automatic Shut-Off Hair Straighteners
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Hair Straighteners: 3 things to consider before buying
Choosing the right hair straighteners depends largely on your hair type. If you have fine or damaged hair, opt for straighteners with adjustable temperature settings to prevent excessive heat damage. For thick or coarse hair, look for models that can reach higher temperatures to effectively straighten your locks. Ceramic plates are ideal for even heat distribution, while titanium plates heat up faster and are more suitable for thick hair.
Modern hair straighteners come with a variety of features designed to enhance user experience and protect your hair. Consider models with ionic technology, which helps reduce frizz and adds shine by neutralizing positive ions in your hair. Another feature to look out for is automatic shut-off, providing peace of mind if you accidentally leave them on. Some straighteners also offer wet-to-dry functionality, allowing you to style damp hair safely.
The size of the plates can significantly impact your styling process. If you're often on-the-go or have short hair, compact straighteners with narrower plates (around 1″) are more convenient and versatile. However, if you have long or thick hair, wider plates (up to 2″) can cover more surface area quickly, reducing styling time. Keep in mind that wider plates may be less maneuverable for creating curls or waves.
FAQ
It’s recommended to straighten your hair when it’s dry. Apply heat protection to protect it from potential damage caused by heat. Divide your hair into sections to make it easier to uniformly straighten on all sides. Set the correct temperature on your straightener – this depends on the length and texture of your hair, as well as the type of straightener you’re using. The manual should have directions on this. Clamp the straightener about an inch below your roots and pull down gently. Be sure not to stop while pulling down as that can damage your hair. Repeat this for all sections and voila, you’ve got sleek straight hair!
Gather a small section of hair, clamp your straightener gently towards the top of the hair section. Pull the straightener down and when you get to the part where you want the curl to begin – twist the straightener about 180 degrees away from your face. Gently pull the straightener all the way down and repeat for each section of your hair. This might take some practice, but is a cheaper alternative to also buying a curling iron.
Your hair type dictates what temperature you should set your straightener to. Thin, damaged and coloured hair should only be straightened at a low setting, below 300 degrees. Average hair can be ironed at 300-380 while thick, coarse and extra curly hair can handle up to 350-400 degrees. Some straighteners only have an auto setting while others allow you to set them to a wide range of temperatures, make sure to check this before you buy.
There are different ways to help your hair stay healthy when using straighteners
- Always use heat protection spray or serum – creating a barrier against damage and protecting your colour.
- Use a straightener with adjustable temperature – it might cost a bit more, but looking after your hair is often worth the price.
- Avoid straightening the same area twice – This limits the damage done to your hair.
- Air dry your hair as often as possible – Try heatless hairstyles as often as you can to give your hair a chance to repair.
- Give your hair extra TLC – Hair masks are a brilliant way to boost your hair’s health, especially if your straightener is a part of your daily routine.
The texture of your hair, your budget and desired style will dictate which straightener is best for you. There are models for different types of hair, varying materials and functions. We tested 13 different straighteners to find out which one we found was best in test.
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