Want to straighten your hair and try out new looks? On this page, we’ll tell you more about hair straighteners, how to use them, and what to look out for when buying one.
A hair straightener is a haircare device that lets you make your hair straight and smooth, and in most cases also create curls or waves. A hair straightener needs a lot of heat, so always make sure your hair is dry before you start styling. Read below to find out what to look out for to choose the right hair straightener for your hair.
When buying a hair straightener, pay attention to the size, the material, and its features. There are straighteners with wide and narrower styling plates, and they also come in different materials. A straightener with a ceramic coating is usually cheaper, but it wears relatively quickly and therefore doesn’t last as long. Straighteners with plates made entirely of ceramic or titanium protect your hair better from heat and last longer, although you’ll generally pay a bit more for them. You can also look at extra features. With most hair straighteners, you can create curls or waves too. Also check what temperature settings it has and what else it offers, such as an automatic shut-off function.
Before buying a hair straightener, it’s sensible to check your hair type. If you have long hair, it makes sense to choose extra-wide styling plates so you can finish styling more quickly. A small styling plate is enough for shorter hair. These straighteners are a bit more precise and can even straighten smaller sections well. Is your hair thin or damaged? Then check whether the straightener can be set to a lower temperature. Do you only use a hair straightener occasionally? Then a model with a ceramic coating may be sufficient. Do you straighten your hair several times a week? Then a straightener with ceramic or titanium plates is a better option. These reduce hair damage and have a longer lifespan. In addition, the heat is released gradually.
It’s important to protect your hair before using a hair straightener. Special haircare products are available for this.
Spray or apply a few drops of heat protectant to your hair and comb or brush it through thoroughly. You can use clips to divide your hair into sections, so you know you’ve covered everything and don’t go over certain strands more than once. Plug the straightener into the socket and set the temperature. A temperature of 185°C is the most common. The available heat settings depend on the model you buy. Do you have fine or damaged hair? Choose a lower temperature. If you have healthy, thick hair, you can set the temperature a bit higher. Then take a section of hair and start straightening at the roots. Be careful not to let the hot straightener touch your scalp. Hold the straightener horizontally and work down slowly. Don’t clamp the straightener too tightly, to help prevent your hair from breaking. Want curls or waves in your hair? Then make twisting movements with the straightener as you work downwards.
When using a hair straightener, bacteria can develop on the device itself. Residue from haircare products can also build up on it. Fortunately, hair straighteners are easy to clean. Just make sure you unplug it before you start cleaning. Also wait until it has fully cooled down so you don’t burn your fingers. Clean the straightener with a damp cloth. Need a deeper clean? Use cotton wool with a little rubbing alcohol.
