Choosing A Hair Straightener

Choosing a hair straightener can be overwhelming when you look at the number of hair straighteners on the market and the myriad features available. This article will highlight the most important features to look for before you take the plunge and part with your hard-earned cash. In Nature straight hair does not occur naturally so poker-straight hair will always look glamorous and exciting so it's worth spending some time and effort.

PRICE:
In general you get what you pay for. Your hair straighteners will quickly become part of your daily beauty routine. You can therefore expect hair straighteners to last 12-24 months as the plates generate intense heat which eventually wears out any special coatings and burns out the heating elements. The best hair straighteners will be guaranteed for 24 months. Yes, this does mean you need to spend more to get the best!

HAIR TYPE:
Thicker or wavy hair will need higher temperature settings but fine hair can be damaged by excessive heat so temperature control is vital. Look for hair straighteners that have at least three heat settings with a minimum temperature of 170.C. Longer hair-styles will need more straightening so a wider plate is required. Choose a plate width of 1.5 inches. For shorter hair-styles where more flexibility and control is required a plate width of 1 inch is preferred. The latest and best hair straighteners can be used for styling techniques such as twisting and curling.

PLATE TYPE:
Nearly all hair straighteners have ceramic plates. These heat up more quickly than traditional alloy plates and are much, much smoother thereby creating less drag on the hair being straightened. Rather than conduct heat like the older alloy plates, ceramic straighteners actually radiate heat into the shaft of the hair. This locks in moisture and natural oils keeping the hair healthy, smooth and shiny.