Hair straighteners have become an essential tool in the world of hair styling. They not only help straighten hair, but also add shine, control frizz and tame flyaways. With the wide range of hair straighteners available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your hair type. In this blog post, we will be discussing the top rated hair straighteners for achieving smooth hair and how to use them effectively.
Importance of using hair straighteners
Straightening your hair has many benefits, especially for those with naturally curly or wavy hair. It can transform your look from drab to fab, making you feel more confident and put-together. Here are some reasons why using a hair straightener is important:
- Saves time: Straightening your hair can save you a lot of time, especially if you have thick or curly hair that takes longer to dry naturally. With a good hair straightener, you can achieve smooth, straight hair in just a few minutes.
- Versatility: Hair straighteners can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, from sleek straight hair to loose curls. This versatility makes it a must-have tool for anyone who loves experimenting with their hair.
- Reduces damage: Hair straighteners with ceramic or tourmaline plates emit negative ions that seal the cuticle and lock in moisture, reducing breakage and damage to the hair. This is especially beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair.
Factors to consider when choosing a hair straightener
Before diving into the top rated hair straighteners, it’s important to understand the factors that should be considered when choosing one. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Plate material
The material of the plates is crucial as it determines how well the straightener will work on your hair. The most common materials used for hair straightener plates are ceramic, tourmaline, titanium and metal.
- Ceramic: Ceramic plates heat up evenly and maintain a consistent temperature, making them ideal for those with fine or damaged hair. They also emit negative ions that help reduce frizz and add shine to the hair.
- Tourmaline: Tourmaline plates are infused with crushed gemstones that emit even more negative ions than ceramic plates, making them perfect for achieving smooth, frizz-free hair. They are also less damaging to the hair compared to other materials.
- Titanium: Titanium plates heat up quickly and can reach high temperatures, making them ideal for thick or coarse hair. They are also lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice among professionals.
- Metal: Metal plates are the least expensive option, but they can cause damage to the hair due to uneven heating and hotspots. They are best avoided, especially for those with fine or damaged hair.
Plate size
The size of the plates determines how much hair you can straighten at once. For short or thin hair, a narrow plate size (around 1 inch) would work best, while thicker or longer hair may require wider plates (up to 2 inches).
Heat settings
Having adjustable heat settings is important as different hair types require different temperatures to achieve the desired results. Fine or damaged hair should be exposed to lower heat, while thick or coarse hair may need higher temperatures for effective straightening. It’s recommended to choose a hair straightener with a range of heat settings to cater to different hair types.
Additional features
Some hair straighteners come with additional features such as steam, infrared heating, or ionic technology. While these may add to the cost, they can also provide added benefits such as extra hydration or smoother results.
Top rated hair straighteners on the market
Now that we understand the importance of using a hair straightener and the factors to consider when choosing one, let’s take a look at some of the top rated hair straighteners available on the market today.
1. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron is a popular choice among professionals and is known for its effective performance on all hair types. It features ultra-smooth titanium plates that heat up quickly and evenly, allowing for smooth and effortless straightening. With 50 heat settings and a maximum temperature of 450°F, it can cater to all hair types and textures. The slim design makes it perfect for creating sleek, straight styles as well as curls and waves.
2. HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener
The HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It has tourmaline-infused ceramic plates that emit negative ions, reducing frizz and adding shine to the hair. The adjustable heat settings (up to 450°F) make it suitable for all hair types. It also comes with a heat-resistant glove, travel pouch and argan oil hair treatment for added value.
3. GHD Platinum+ Professional Performance Styler
The GHD Platinum+ Professional Performance Styler is a high-end hair straightener that boasts advanced technology for smooth and healthy-looking hair. It has ultra-zone predictive technology that monitors the heat of the plates and adjusts them accordingly to prevent hair damage. The floating plates allow for effortless gliding through the hair, and the rounded barrel makes it perfect for creating curls and waves. It also has a sleep mode feature for safety and automatic shut-off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
4. CHI Original 1-inch Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
The CHI Original 1-inch Ceramic Hairstyling Iron has been a staple in the hair industry for years and is loved by both professionals and consumers alike. It has ceramic plates that emit negative ions, reducing frizz and static and leaving the hair smooth and shiny. It also has adjustable temperature settings (up to 392°F) and a swivel cord for easy maneuvering.
5. Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener
The Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener is a revolutionary product in the world of hair straighteners. It features flexible plates that can shape to the hair for even heat distribution and less damage. The plates are made of manganese copper alloy, which provides precise heat control and helps reduce breakage. It also has three heat settings (330°F, 365°F, 410°F) and can be used cordless for up to 30 minutes.
Benefits of using a hair straightener
Using a hair straightener not only helps achieve smooth, sleek hair but also comes with many other benefits. Here are some advantages of using a hair straightener:
- Reduces frizz: The negative ions emitted by hair straighteners help seal the cuticle and reduce frizz, resulting in smoother hair.
- Adds shine: Straightening the hair can make it appear shinier as the flat surface of the hair reflects more light.
- Creates volume: By using a hair straightener to create subtle bends or waves, you can add volume and texture to your hair.
- Versatile styling: As mentioned earlier, hair straighteners can be used to create various styles, from straight hair to loose curls, giving you the freedom to switch up your look whenever you want.
- Saves money on salon visits: With a good hair straightener, you can achieve salon-like results at home, saving you money on regular salon visits.
Tips for achieving smooth hair with a hair straightener
Now that you know about the top rated hair straighteners and their benefits, here are some tips for using them effectively to achieve smooth, sleek hair:
- Start with clean, dry hair: It’s important to start with clean, dry hair before using a hair straightener. Using it on wet or damp hair can cause damage and uneven results.
- Use heat protectant: Applying a heat protectant spray or serum before using a hair straightener can help reduce damage and protect your hair from high heat.
- Section your hair: Sectioning your hair is key to achieving a sleek, straight look. This allows you to work on smaller sections at a time, ensuring that each section is straightened properly.
- Don’t use too much heat: It may be tempting to turn up the heat to achieve faster results, but using excessive heat can cause damage to the hair. Start with lower heat settings and gradually increase if needed.
- Use the right technique: When using a hair straightener, make sure to hold it firmly and glide it down the hair in one smooth motion. Going over the same section repeatedly can cause damage and create an unnatural look.
Conclusion
Achieving smooth, sleek hair has never been easier with the wide range of hair straighteners available in the market. By considering factors such as plate material, size, and heat settings, you can choose the right hair straightener for your hair type. With the right technique and proper care, a hair straightener can transform your hair and give you the confidence to rock any hairstyle. So why wait? Invest in a good hair straightener and enjoy the benefits of smooth, frizz-free hair every day.
