Hair Straightener & Curling Iron
Whether you want to flatten your hair with a straightener or add some extra curls with a curling iron, this buying guide will give you all the help you need to find the right hair styler.
Which Hair Styling Accessory is right for you?
Hair straighteners and curling irons are essential tools for achieving different hairstyles. Choosing the right hair curler or straightening iron depends on several factors, primarily your hair type, desired style, and personal preferences. Choosing the right tool depends on your desired hairstyle and hair type, ensuring you achieve the look you want with precision and ease. Consider the heat settings, ease of use, and additional features like auto shut-off or digital displays when selecting the right tool for you.
Hair Straightener
Hair straighteners, also known as flat irons, are versatile tools designed to transform curly or wavy hair into smooth, straight styles. They work by pressing heated plates against sections of hair, effectively flattening and smoothing the strands. Hair straighteners come in various plate widths to accommodate different hair lengths and textures, offering flexibility in styling options. They are equipped with adjustable heat settings to cater to various hair types, from fine to thick and coarse hair. Using a heat protectant spray or serum before straightening helps minimize heat damage and ensures a sleek finish. Hair straighteners are indispensable for achieving a polished and streamlined look, making them a staple in many hair care routines for both daily styling and special occasions.
Curling Iron
Curling irons are essential tools for creating a variety of curly and wavy hairstyles. These devices feature a heated barrel that heats up to curl hair when wrapped around it. Curling irons come in different barrel sizes, which dictate the size and type of curl produced, from tight coils to loose waves. They are versatile tools suitable for all hair types, providing flexibility in styling options for both short and long hair. Using a heat protectant spray or serum before curling helps minimize heat damage and ensures the curls last longer. Curling irons are favored for their ability to add volume, texture, and bounce to hair, making them a go-to choice for achieving glamorous and textured looks effortlessly.
“Curling and styling your hair at home has never been easier. Achieve stunning, frizz-free results with the latest haircare tools.
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- Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances.
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Width
Depending on your hair type, you may need to consider the width of the plates on your straightener.
Slim plates - Usually between 2.5cm and 3cm, these are most suited to short hair.
Medium plates - Typically between 3cm and 4cm, you can use these for short and medium-length hair.
Wide plates - If you have long, thick hair then plates around 6cm may be the best option for you.
Curling irons - With curling irons, the barrel size is measured. These can range from three-eighths of an inch up to two inches.
For most people, a barrel of between one and 1.5 inches is preferred for mid-length and longer curls.
Wattage
The wattage of an appliance often gives you a good idea of how powerful it is, with additional power giving you added flexibility. However, with hair straightener and curling irons you may first want to consider your hair type. There is no point in buying products that are extremely powerful if you only use the lower settings.
Temperature settings
Higher temperature settings usually mean you can get your hair straightened or ironed out more quickly and to greater effect. This does not mean all temperature settings will be suitable for your hair though, particularly if you have very thin or delicate hair. In these cases, you could risk damaging your hair if you spend too much time on the hottest settings. The more settings available, the more flexibility you have, with some models even coming with digital displays for accuracy.
Other features
Wet to straight: This feature works on towel-dried hair, so you don’t have to use a hairdryer. The steam hydration can be better for your hair too
Automatic shut-off: Turns your straightener or curling irons off after a given time, just in case you forget and burn a hole in something!
Ionic straightening: Locks in moisture and removes any static to prevent frizz
Worldwide voltage: Great for travellers and are mains powered for optimal performance
Far infrared heat: Heats hair from the inside, which is less likely to cause damage
Swivel cord: Prevents wire tangling while in use
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Hair Straightener And Curling Iron Glossary
We’ll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.
Ceramic Plates Plates on the straightener made from ceramic material that distribute heat evenly and minimize damage.
Tourmaline Plates Plates coated with tourmaline, a semi-precious mineral, which generates negative ions to reduce frizz and add shine.
Ionic Technology Emits negative ions to break down water molecules on the hair, reducing frizz and static.
Straightening Comb A heated comb attachment or standalone tool used to straighten hair without clamping like a flat iron.
Heat Protectant A product applied to hair before using heat tools to minimize damage from heat styling.
Keratin Treatment A smoothing treatment that uses keratin (a protein naturally found in hair) to relax curls and frizz.
Blowout A professional hair styling technique using a blow dryer and round brush to achieve smooth, voluminous hair.
Frizz Unruly hair caused by humidity or dryness, often minimized by straightening treatments.
Heat Protectant A product applied to hair before using heat tools to minimize damage from heat styling.
Heat Protectant A product applied to hair before using heat tools to minimize damage from heat styling.
Keratin Treatment A smoothing treatment that uses keratin (a protein naturally found in hair) to relax curls and frizz.
Barrel Size Refers to the diameter of the curling iron barrel, influencing the size of curls or waves produced.
Curling Wand A clipless curling iron with a tapered or uniform barrel, used by wrapping hair manually around it for curls or waves.
Diffuser Attachment A tool attached to a blow dryer to disperse airflow, enhancing natural curls without frizz.
Pomade A product applied to hair before using heat tools to minimize damage from heat styling.
Flexi Rods A Flexible rods used for heatless curls by wrapping sections of damp hair around them.
FAQs
To achieve curls, start by placing your flat iron close to the scalp, turning it halfway backwards, and smoothly gliding it downwards along the hair. For flicks, position the flat iron midway down the hair section, make a half-turn backwards with the iron, and glide it along the hair.
Section your hair, and hold the wand to each section for three to four seconds, curling the hair away from the face. Don't forget to use a heat protectant and hairspray to make your hair look better longer.
Straitening works best of freshly washed hair. Divide your hair into sections and set the straightener to the correct temperature for your hair type. Straighten with hair strands 2 - 5cm wide and half a cm thick and hold the hair taut. Begin close to the roots and run through a couple times if needed.
To clean your hair straightener first make sure it is turned off, unplugged and completely cool. Then use a damp cloth and gently wipe the hair straightener, avoiding getting water droplets in the device. Depending on use, hair straighteners can be cleaned every two to four weeks.