How to Choose a Hair Straightening Iron
These days, straight hair is the most common or popular stress-free hairstyle you could choose for. It does not matter if you have curly, wavy, dry, short or thin hair, owning a flat iron is a must these days. You may not be a pro at hot tools, but there is always a special occasion you could use your iron to get the best out of your hair. The plus point of straight hair being, it can be so manageable. Well, still do not own a flat iron? Here is how you can choose the best one for your hair:
Your natural hair type:
Thin, fine hair, needless to say, will get super straight faster than thicker hair.You will need lower temperatures to straighten fine hair as higher temperatures could be damaging to fine hair. On the other hand, thick, coarse hair will require a hair-straightening iron that heats up to high temperatures. If you are too particular about heat damage, choose digital irons, which give you exact figures at which they heat up. Thick hair could use upto 300 degrees to get straight. Fine hair could buy irons with lower heat settings or with one simple heat setting.
The length and style of your hair:
Hair straighteners come in slim, portable, wireless sizes and what not these days. Shorter hair could choose smaller thinner irons, which could even style men hairstyles like spikes. These would also be apt for styling bangs, say you need to straighten only your front or side swept bangs to keep them in place and spray them before you leave home, then thin small irons are perfect for you. If you need to straighten longer hair, and layers most of the time, choose large and wide straighteners.Also keep in mind your travel needs. Long hair would need a wider and bigger iron, shorter hair styles would be straightened in no time with a thin and small iron.
The size of the iron:
Wide plates are better suited to thicker and coarse rough hair. Thin plates would not give them the results wanted. For thicker hair, size could vary from one-and-a-half inches to two-inches wide.Wider plates would cover more hair area in lesser time, thereby decreasing the heat damage buy going over and over the hair. Thin plates and narrow plates like half-an-inch to one-inch thick are suitable for thin and fine hair.
The essential heat settings and features:
Finer and thinner hair would need minimal heat settings like 250-300 degrees. For medium length hair with damage, you could choose around 300-350 degrees. Very thick, coarse and curly hair could actually withstand 350-400 degrees to get straight and that too in a longer time.
Features like a comb that is built in at the side of the plates, is always a handy idea, so you do not need to comb through separately. If you are in a hurry in the mornings, or travel a lot, cordless irons are a great idea. Wet to straight irons can be great for people who need to rush to office after a shower. Also, irons that heat up in no time, could be nice for mornings. Choose irons with auto shut off modes always, so there is less danger even if you forget to unplug it. You could also choose several printed irons these days like animal prints.Also, look for irons with covers and heat resistant pouches.
Ceramic,tourmaline, glass, metal or titanium plates:
Look for flat irons that use ceramic, tourmaline or titanium metal plates. These will tighten the hair cuticle while giving shiny hair and also less frizz.These kind of plates will distribute heat evenly and reduce spot heat on the hair and straighten hair evenly.Do not be fooled by tags like teflon “coated” or tourmaline “coated”.
Price point:
I would definitely suggest buying a good hair iron if not a luxury one. Cheaper irons will be damaging to hair and also will not last long.Investing in a good hair iron is always a good idea since it will stay with you for a long time.
How to Clean Your Flat Iron/Hair StraightenerHow to Use A Flat Iron
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amazing post neha 😀 i have long hair but still i prefer thin irons as it helps me reach the most difficult areas with ease 😀
Great Tips Neha. Heating regulators are a must!
Nice post Neha… I would like to add one more point that thin irons are helpful in creating waves or light curls too 🙂
Very helpful post, Neha! I have been looking for a new hair straightener ! 🙂