It seems simple enough. You are lusting after long, sleek shiny, straight hair so why not invest in a hair straightener? Or you already have one in your arsenal but just cannot get the look right so it sits in your drawer gathering dust? Unless you have had first-hand experience of using a hair straightener there are just so many things that can wrong.
It's not for nothing that many hair stylists are very concerned about at home hair straightening techniques - this is not surprising considering that the biggest problem they face every day is heat damage to the hair. After all, you are clamping your hair at temperature that is very close to burning paper (or hair!).
And how do you know which is the best hair straightener to choose? Which one do you need for your hair type? And which material is best to minimise heat damage?
Here's how to avoid all the pitfalls and get great looking hair - with video tutorials to help you along. Plus, we have some bonus tips on how you can multipurpose with a straightener to achieve different styles - no matter your hair type or texture.
5. What Size Straightener Do I Need?
The size depends upon the type and length of hair you have - however styling preferences could mean you have specific needs so none of these are set in stone. A quick guide to the best size: -
127mm mini straightener - Best for pixie cuts and fringes.
254mm straightener - Best for short, fine hair.
318mm straightener - Best for shoulder length, medium thick hair.
381mm straightener - Best for thick, coarse, curly hair longer than the shoulders.
508mm straightener - Best for thick, very long hair. Pro tip: This size does not allow you to reach the root properly so is better for styling rather than straightening.
Our product picks:
TRESemmé Salon Professional 220 C Digital Hair Straightener with frizz and static reduction plates, digital heat control and automatic safety shutoff.
Wahl Cutek Ceramic Professional Hair Straightener with superslim plates and nanosilver technology.
TRESemmé Salon Professional Ceramic Styler 230 with advanced ceramic heating and auto shut off.
Braun Satin Hair 3 ST310 Hair Straightener with ceramic plates and extra width for longer and thicker hair.
Carmen Infinti + one Ehc Professional Straightener, a two in one pack with ionic technology.
ghd Original IV Styler, award winning ceramic styler for all hair types and lengths.
7. Always Use a Heat Protectant Spray or Serum
Look for a protective primer that also helps tame and smooth hair-it'll create a humidity shield, defend hair against high temperatures and make your styling routine easier. Products with protein-rich soybean extract are best for a silky finish. Try to avoid an oil or silicon products as these can weigh the hair down and can quickly cause build up on the straightener. Argan oil can still be effectively used for thicker, coarser hair.
You should apply the protectant while the hair is still wet to avoid it getting clumpy. Gently use a wide toothed comb it spread it evenly through the strands to dramatically reduce the potential frizz factor.
Our product picks: TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray, ghd Style Heat Protect Spray L'Oréal Studio Line Hot & Straight Spray and Argan Oil Heat Defence Leave in Spray.
12. Watch Out for The Sizzle
A little steam is to be expected with moisturised hair but as soon as you hit a sizzle or a nasty smell stop immediately. You could be burning your hair. Evaluate the situation. Is your hair bone dry? If you are absolutely sure it is, it could be product build up on your hair. Unlike curling, you should not apply any products to dry hair before using a straightener (other than your heat protectant). Because the straightener clamps down tight on the hair, there is nowhere for the product to go so it lands up damaging the cuticles.
If you are clear on these two things, then your straightener is too hot. Reduce the temp, wait a while for the straightener to cool down and do over again.
14. How Often Can You Straighten?
If you have wavy, healthy hair, you can straighten every two to four days, as long as you use safe straightening techniques and condition regularly.
If you're moving from chemical straighteners to natural textured hair, try to stick to no more than one straightener treatment every two weeks. You can increase this to once a week or so as your hair becomes healthier.
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