1. Temperature Control
Considering that everyone’s hair quality is different, thick and hard hair needs to be heated to high temperature, while fine and soft hair will be damaged by high temperature, try to buy one that can be adjusted, the more temperature adjustment gears the better. The temperature adjustable flat iron lets you choose the exact temperature so you don’t get too much heat that can damage your hair.
2. Material
For fine, limp hair, choose for ceramic plates.
Ceramic plates are great for detangling hair and reducing frizz. Ceramic retains heat well, so ceramic plates can reach high temperatures. Ceramic plates also promote even heat distribution. Available with ceramic plates, ceramic coated or tourmaline plates. Tourmaline is actually a gemstone, but when coated with an iron plate, it acts like ceramic.
If you have coarse hair, consider titanium plates.
Titanium plates heat up faster than ceramic plates and hold more heat at a constant temperature.
Titanium is a lightweight metal that also has an ionic charge that helps you get your hair looking smooth quickly without clipping the same section multiple times.
High temperatures make titanium plates popular, but they may not be the best choice for people whose hair is prone to graying and yellowing.
3. Size
Hair straighteners come in a variety of sizes and widths.
Small, thin hair straighteners are great hair care styling tools for men and women with short hair, they’re also great for styling bangs, and they’re also easy to carry around.
Large, wide straightening plates cover more surface area and are a great option for those with long or thick hair.
4. Function
Hair straighteners have several functions.
If you have naturally curly hair, you may appreciate a straightener with a built-in comb or a steam function that styles your hair.
Cordless straighteners are great for those with complex styling needs, while instant heat straighteners are perfect for those who don’t have much time to get ready in the morning.
* The plate is made of “titanium gold” or “ceramic” with good thermal conductivity.
The part of the hair straightener plate is the part that is in direct contact with our hair. The most common materials on the market are ceramic, stainless steel, titanium, etc. The material of the plate determines the thermal conductivity of our machine and the degree of damage to the hair.
It is recommended to choose ceramic and titanium because these two materials have very good thermal conductivity and the surface of the material is very smooth, which not only shortens the heating time of the plate, but also does not cause excessive damage to our hair.
* Maximum temperature of at least 180 degrees Celsius
Why is the maximum temperature kept at a minimum of 180 degrees Celsius?
Because the protein in the hair needs to be heated to deform, the minimum temperature to be reached must be 160 degrees Celsius.
In fact, the iron is heated to 180 degrees Celsius. When the iron is in contact with the hair, it can only transfer a temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius. Therefore, after cutting the hair, stay for a few seconds and heat the hair to 160 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius.
* Floating plate to hold the hair securely
When we buy hair straighteners, we can see if there are words such as damping treatment, floating plate, buffer plate, etc. in the product description. With such a plate attached, it acts like a spring when clamping the hair. Or it sinks down like a mat, like some thinner hairs that are easier to catch.