Choosing your new hair straightener can feel like an impossible task, especially if it has been years since you purchased a straightener. Technology has changed and the straightener market has evolved, with thousands of options to choose from. To help you narrow your search, we have detailed the 5 factors you should consider when choosing your straightener. We cover everything from your hair type to additional safety features to ensure you find the right straightener.
1. Consider the shape of the straighteners
The shape of the straighteners is an important factor to consider when choosing yours. Most straighteners are flat, but their shape can impact their performance. Straighteners that feature rounded plates and rounded outer edges are perfect for use as a curler, making it easier for you to achieve the perfect waves. If you want a versatile straightener that can be used to create several hairstyles, then rounded edges are a good choice.
Straighteners with sharp edges also have their uses. While they aren’t as adaptable as those with rounded edges, you can create poker straight hair easily with sharp-edged straighteners.
2. Consider the plate width
The width of plates also impacts a straightener’s performance and should be considered. If you have thicker or longer hair, then straighteners with wider plates are a fantastic option, as they allow you to gather more hair and heat it in fewer passes. You can reduce how long your hair is exposed to heat, reducing hair damage and helping you to maintain healthier hair. Wider plates also speed up how long it takes to straighten your hair, allowing you to have it styled and ready for the day in no time.
Narrow plates are a better option for anyone with fine, short, or overprocessed hair. Narrow plates apply less heat to your hair, helping to prevent damage. They also allow you to style smaller sections of your hair, which can be beneficial if you are creating intricate styles. Narrow plates can also be handy if you travel often, as they decrease the size of your straighteners, taking up less space in your bag.
Before using a straightener, we recommend applying a heat protectant to offer protection and prevent your hair from getting damaged.
3. Consider the plate material
The material of your straightener plates should be considered to ensure you make the right purchase for your hair type. Typically, you can choose from the following plate materials:
Ceramic
Ceramic plates are a popular option and offer even heat for most hair textures. Ceramic plates help to keep the heat at an optimal styling temperature, making it easier for you to get the same results on all of your hair. Ceramic-coated plates are also an option, which tend to be a more affordable option. The ceramic coating can wear down over time, causing an uneven heat distribution. It is better to spend more initially and have solid ceramic plates that will last longer.
Titanium
Titanium plates are another popular option. They are light, allowing you to enjoy lightweight straighteners that are easy to handle. Titanium plates heat up quickly and can hold high temperatures evenly, making them a good choice for coarse and curly hair.
4. Consider the temperature
The temperature of your straighteners is also worth considering. Ideally, your straighteners should have several heat options, allowing you to find the perfect temperature for your hair. Adjustable heat settings will be labelled on straighteners, and you want one that allows you to style your hair in the lowest setting without worrying about it not lasting very long.
Styling your hair on the lowest heat helps to reduce damage, keeping your hair healthier for longer.
5. Consider any additional features
Many straighteners will also come with additional features that you should consider when making your purchase. Popular features include an automatic shut-off function that turns your straighteners off after a period of inactivity. This puts your mind at ease if you forget to turn your straighteners off and can help save on high energy bills! An automatic shut-off function also stops you from burning your fingers on the sides of the straighteners, keeping you safe.
Frizz protection and shine technology are often added to straighteners to keep your hair feeling sleek and reduce heat damage. Some straighteners will also offer fast heat-up times, allowing you to begin styling your hair in seconds. The fast heat-up time is a fantastic feature when looking for portable straighteners that can be used on the go.
Find your new hair straighteners today
Considering these factors when choosing your new hair straightener will help you narrow your choices and find the perfect option for your needs. GHD has an impressive range of hair straighteners that feature fast charging times and automatic shut-offs, keeping you safe and allowing you to style your hair with ease. Check out GHD hair straighteners to see which option is right for you.
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