Are you looking to buy a new hair straightener but don’t know where to start? You aren’t alone! Finding the perfect hair straightener can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget or are looking for the perfect tool to give you smooth and frizz-free hair. With many options on the market, it’s easy to be overwhelmed and unsure which is right for you. Let our buying guide help you narrow your choices and find the perfect straightener.
What to consider when buying a hair straightener
When buying your hair straightener, there are several features you need to consider, including its shape, plate width, and material. Learning more about these features of a straightener and its role will help you narrow your choice and find the right option. Below, we have outlined the main features you need to consider.
Consider the shape
First, you will want to consider the shape of the straightener. Although most straighteners are flat, some differences in their shape impact their performance. Straighteners with rounded plates and rounded outer edges make it easier for you to use them as a curler, helping you achieve the perfect waves without powering up another tool. The versatility makes it a good option if you travel often and only want to take one styling tool with you.
Alternatively, straighteners with sharp edges aren’t as adaptable but are a good choice if you want poker-straight hair.
Consider plate width
The width of the plates on the straighter are also important to consider. Straighteners with wider plates are the perfect option for anyone with longer or thicker hair. With wider plates, you can gather more hair and heat it in fewer passes, reducing how long your hair is exposed to heat. With less heat, you can reduce hair damage and ensure healthier hair. Wider plates can also help you speed up the process of straightening your hair, allowing you to style it quickly.
- Narrow plates are also available and are a good option for anyone with short, fine, or overprocessed hair.
- With narrow plates, less heat is applied to your hair, preventing damage.
- We recommend using a heat protectant before straightening your hair for all hair types to protect it as much as possible.
- Narrow plates are also handy if you travel a lot, as the straighteners will take up less space in your bag.
Consider the plate material
It isn’t just the plate size you need to consider, but also its material, too. Straightener plates are made with a variety of materials, all of which have different hair types and needs they are better suited to, listed below:
Titanium
Titanium plates heat up quickly and apply higher temperatures in the evening, making them a good option for curly and coarse hair. Titanium plate straighteners tend to be fairly light, making them easy for anyone to use and handle.
Ceramic
Ceramic plates are a popular option and are designed to provide even heat for most hair textures. They keep the heat at an optimal styling temperature, making it easy to get the same results on all pieces of your hair. Some brands now create their straighteners with ceramic-coated plates, which are typically offered at a lower price. We recommend avoiding these as the ceramic wears down over time, leaving you with uneven heat distribution.
Consider the temperature
- You also want to consider the temperatures offered by the straighteners.
- You want one that comes with several heat options, ideally allowing you to find the right temperature to straighten your hair successfully.
- Adjustable heat settings will be labelled on straighteners, and you want ones that allow you to style your hair on the lowest setting, without worrying about poor results.
- Styling on a lower heat helps to reduce damage while still providing excellent results.
Look for additional features
Most hair straighteners will come with additional features you should consider. These can include an automatic shut-off function that turns the straighteners off after a period of inactivity. Not only does this save on unnecessary energy bills, but it ensures your safety if you forget to turn the straighteners off before leaving your house. An automatic shut-off also stops you from burning your fingers on the sides of the straighteners.
- Other additional features can include frizz protection and added shine technology on the plates, which is a great addition for those with curly or frizzy hair.
- You can also find hair straighteners with fast heat-up times that make it quicker for you to straighten your hair and portable designs that are perfect for on the go.
Find your hair straightener today
When looking for your new hair straightener, consider the features we have outlined above to help you narrow your search. You can also use these features to compare hair straighteners and find the perfect straightener for your hair.