How to choose a hair straightener and not be disappointed

Decide on the type of rectifier

There is a large selection of irons in the market in different price categories. You can buy an inexpensive tool for the home, a universal tool for most situations, or a professional model with a high cost. Here are the options:

1. Standard model in the form of tongs with heated plates. This is the most common type of rectifier. Such devices differ from each other in materials of construction, plate width, power and a set of additional functions.
2. Iron with steam humidification. He straightens hair not only with hot plates, but also with the help of a stream of evaporating water. The liquid pre-filled into the tank is discharged through the holes in the plates. Devices in this category are safer for hair, but will cost more than standard ones.
3. Comb straightener Helps detangle and straighten hair at the same time. This model can also be used to create voluminous hairstyles and curling curls.
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4. Multistyler. This is a set of pen and interchangeable nozzles for it. The kit usually includes a straightener, a comb and a few curling accessories. A high-quality device from this category will definitely not be budgetary, but it will help create many different looks.

Which flat iron to buy

• Hair straightener with steam BaByliss ST395E, from 5,849 rubles →
• Multistyler for hair Rowenta CF4231F0, from 5 688 rubles →
• Comb straightener Philips BHH880, from 4,490 rubles →
• Rectifier BaByliss ST397E, from 4,287 rubles →

Understand the materials of the ironing plate coating

One of the most important design elements of the straightener is the heating plates that come into contact with the hair. They affect the quality, safety and cost of a particular model.

Iron manufacturers use different materials to cover the plates to save money on budget devices or create no-compromise tools for professionals. When choosing a suitable model, it is better not to dwell on very cheap options: they can seriously damage hair. Below is a list of common coverages:

1. Steel plates. They are considered obsolete and are found in the budget segment. They heat up unevenly and without additional protection can ruin your hair.
2. Ceramic coating. Most often used in irons. It is safe for hair, does not spoil their structure. As a result, curls are shiny and smooth. But this material also has a drawback: styling products accumulate on the plates. Therefore, ceramic rectifiers are usually used without additional cosmetic products.
3. Teflon coated. Helps to process curls smoothly and without damage with strong heat. Such plates can be used together with styling products without consequences. This is a good option for neat straightening thin and brittle hair. The service life of such a material, as in other applications, is not very long. When the coating wears out, the device will have to be replaced with a new one in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.
4. titanium plates. They are most often used in professional rectifiers due to their high cost. They heat up evenly and quickly, but if used carelessly at high temperatures or if the coating is damaged, they can ruin the hair. Therefore, such models are better suited for experienced users.
5. Tourmaline finish. Its properties are suitable for thin and curly hair. It affects the strands with negative ions, making them smooth and shiny. To lay curls with such plates, it is not necessary to heat them to a very high temperature.
6. Galvanic plates. They are coated with a metal top layer, as the name implies, using galvanization. Different substances or their combinations can be used to cover the working surface: zinc, copper, nickel, chromium and other options. The plates in such models heat up evenly, provide smooth sliding and do not act aggressively on the hair structure.
7. Sericite mineral coating. Used in premium devices. Plates with such a layer make the hair soft and shiny, while not damaging their structure.

Which flat iron to buy

• The straightener with sericite coated plates Cloud Nine The Original Iron Pro, from 38,720 rubles →
• Rectifier with galvanized coating BaBylissPRO BAB3000EPE, from 13,096 rubles →
• Rectifier with titanium coating GA.MA G‑Style Ion Titanium, from 8,351 rubles →
• Straightener with tourmaline coating GA.MA CP1 Wide Tourmaline 5D Therapy, from 6,999 rubles →
• Philips BHS530/00 ceramic coated rectifier, from 6,969 rubles →
• Rectifier with steel coating Energy EN‑861, from 504 rubles →

Decide on the shape and size of the plates

The shape of the plates for rectifiers can be of two types - flat or rounded. The first option is found in most standard devices. The rounded model is visually similar to a curling iron, more often used for straightening, but also for neat curl curls will fit too.

An important characteristic of a rectifier plate is its width. It affects which hair can be processed, as well as the overall size of the device. This indicator varies from about 1 to 8 cm. Here is how to choose the appropriate plate width:

• Up to 2.5 cm - for short haircuts, the formation of bangs and curls. Usually these are compact models that you can take with you on a trip or business trip.
• 3-5 cm - Suitable for medium length hair. These are the most versatile devices.
• 6-8 cm - such plates will be needed by owners long and thick hair.

Estimate Rectifier Power

This parameter affects the maximum temperature and heating rate. There are models on the market with a power of approximately 20 to 170 watts.

• Low power devices (20-35W) worth using for brittle hair or short haircuts. Heating to the desired temperature for such models occurs within a few minutes.
• Medium power tools (40-60W) suitable for everyday tasks. This power will be enough to quickly process most hairstyles and hair types.
• Devices with high power (from 70 W) and fast heating speed (up to 30 seconds) - these are professional straighteners for experienced users. Their purchase is justified if you are going to regularly do complex hairstyles.

Which flat iron to buy

• Remington S5505 53 W rectifier, 6,990 rubles →
• Rectifier Rowenta SF 6220 with a power of 34 W, 4,223 rubles →
• Philips HP8321 40W rectifier, 3,900 rubles →

Learn about ironing temperatures

Most current hair straighteners allow you to adjust the heating temperature over at least a few fixed levels. Of course, a customizable range from 160 to 230 ° C will be more convenient. This will help to accurately adjust the device for different types of hair.

The lower part of the temperature range up to 170 ° C will be needed for thin hair, up to 190 ° C - for strong healthy curls, and higher temperatures are useful for long and thick hair.

The temperature controller can be mechanical or electronic. Only the second option will allow you to fine-tune the indicator in steps of several degrees. In the case of the first, you can select one of the approximate heating levels using the switch.

Which flat iron to buy

• Dyson Corrale HS03 rectifier with a maximum heating temperature of 210 ° C, 30,839 rubles →
• Rectifier Polaris PHSS 2595TAi with a maximum temperature of 230 ° C, 2,699 rubles →
• Rowenta SF 1515 rectifier with heating up to 200 °C, 2,500 rubles →

Explore additional features

Here's what else you should pay attention to when choosing:

• Ionization function. These straighteners make hair smoother and shinier, and also reduce their static.
• Infrared emitter. Models in which it is present distribute heat more evenly through the hair, which helps to make better and more complex styling.
• Wet hair mode. It is useful in the case when you urgently need to start styling after a shower and at the same time avoid damage. To do this, the device must quickly evaporate moisture and immediately remove it from the surface of the hair.
• Digital control and built-in memory. Such a model can save the last temperature regime. This will allow to save time and do not switch the heating to the desired level each time.
• Overheating protection and auto-off support. The device should stop heating the plates when the temperature reaches a predetermined level. This will protect the hair from damage, and the body from melting and igniting. And if the iron is not used for a long time, then it should automatically turn off.
• Cold blow. It is necessary to fix the hair after straightening.
• floating structure. Plates on springs allow you to compress curls smoothly and control the force of impact. This helps to more accurately process the hair without serious damage.
• Rotating cable mount. Such a wire will last longer, without permanent creases. In addition, it is more convenient to use such a tool: the location of the wire does not interfere with choosing a convenient position for laying.

Please note: prices are valid at the time of publication of the article. Stores can update the cost of goods during the day.