Hair Straighteners
Hair straighteners are used to change the structure of hair, using heat. As the name suggests, their main purpose is to straighten hair. If you want to change unruly curls or waves into straight, sleek hair, you should use a hair straightener. Hair straighteners work by breaking down the hydrogen bonds that are found in the hair’s cortex. These bonds make the hair bend and become curly. Once the bonds are broken, the hair loses its natural form. Keep in mind that hair straighteners (like any heated appliance) can weaken and damage hair. It is best to use a hair straightener that has titanium or ceramic/ceramic tourmaline plates as these are kinder to your hair. Do not use metal plates at all. Choose a hair straightener that will suit the kind of hair you have.
If you have thin hair, choose a hair straightener that has an option for adjustable heat. Thin hair requires a low heat and it responds better to such low heat too. Hair straighteners that offer hair negative ion therapy are good as well. Use a straightener that has titanium or ceramic/ceramic tourmaline plates. These plates heat evenly and are good for the hair. If you have coarse or thick hair; choose one that heats to about 450°F. This kind of hair requires high temperatures to make it straight. Normal or wavy hair would require hair straighteners that can heat up to 400°F. Fragile or damaged hair requires straighteners that have solid ceramic, titanium or ceramic tourmaline plates. Ones that offer negative ion therapy work well on damaged dry hair and help to heal it by sealing in the natural moisture in one’s hair.
Before you start using your hair straightener, be sure to use a spray on heat protector. After this, brush out your hair, and bring it into a line. Set the straightener to the correct heat setting and then start out with one section. Start close to your scalp and bring the straightener right to the end of your hair. Continue doing your hair in sections till all has been straightened. The amount of times you use a hair straightener depends on your hair. If you have healthy hair, you might be able to use it more often. If you find that it damages your hair, give straightening a break and use it less frequently from then onwards.
The best hair straightener is one that has the following features: adjustable temperature controls, smooth plates, a fast heat up time and a light weight design.
