Hair Straightener


A hair straightener is a hand held salon tool that uses two heated plates to tame curly, coarse, or frizzy hair into being straight. The plates may be constructed of metal or ceramic, and may even include a precious stone called tourmaline in its construct.

Metal Plated Hair Straighteners

Metal plated hair straighteners can be the least expensive, as well as heat up very quickly. At times, the heat may not be evenly distributed through the surface, and can sometimes be too intense for fine or thin hair and cause damage after repeated use. However, it may be ideal for sporadic, occasional use.

Ceramic Plated Hair Straighteners

Ceramic plated hair straighteners are oftentimes more expensive, especially if they include tourmaline in their construct, but usually provide a much more even distribution across the surface and can also cool down quickly. The presence of tourmaline also increases the presence of negative ions for an extra anti-frizz boost, and also allows for the breakdown of water molecules for easier absorption, preventing hair from drying out.

Straightening Hair

Before straightening hair, the locks should be completely blown dry. Some hair straighteners may allow for hair to be damp before being straightened, but it is unnecessary, and oftentimes advised against. The plates heat to a temperature that has been dialed into the handle or base of the straightener. Higher temperatures are required for extra resistant, coarse, or thick hair. Usually, a flat iron is recommended to be set at 180°C for a style that will last. Lower temperatures, however, around 160°C, are recommended for fine, damaged, or bleached hair.

To begin the straightening process, a single 2-inch section of hair is separated from the rest and then placed between the plates of the flat iron near the scalp. The handles of the iron are squeezed together and the iron is pulled gently down the length of the section from scalp to tip. Curls and flips may be added by turning the wrist inward or outward at the end of the section. Depending on the length, thickness, and resistance of hair, the straightening process may take anywhere from ten to thirty minutes.

Straightening curly hair repeatedly over a long period of time can dry it out and cause damage. If a cheaper model is used, metal plates may also snag, pull, or break hair during use, as well as pull all moisture and oil from the follicles. Hair oils can be purchased to protect hair that will be repeatedly straightened and exposed to heat to prevent extensive damage.

By Doug Vanisky           


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