Hair straighteners: features and choice

Beautiful hairstyle is one of the main components of the image of a modern girl. To make naughty hair smooth and even, the fair sex uses various devices, while tongs for straightening curls are especially popular with them. This device allows you to speed up the hair styling process. It is presented on the market in a huge assortment of models, each of which is distinguished by functionality and design features.

Hair straighteners are a unique tool designed to smooth strands. Its principle of action is aimed at ridding the hair of excess moisture, which often hides deep in the layers and can change the structure of curls depending on weather conditions. Thanks to heating, water molecules evaporate, wavy strands acquire a beautiful even appearance.

The main elements in this device are tongs with heated flat plates and a regulator responsible for heating and maintaining a certain temperature level. The width of the plates can be different and depends on the technical characteristics of the device. As for the thermostat, it is built into the handle of the device and in many models has a protective function against overheating.

Smoothing curls largely depends on the principle of the tool. So, forceps with dry exposure are the most effective, but they aggressively affect the hair. The high temperature of the plates makes it possible to easily align the strands in one approach, since moisture curling the strands leaves their rods instantly.Electric tongs align the locks not with plates, but with special metal teeth, which must be well heated before laying.

Tongs for aligning strands are available in various types, each of which differs in the principle of operation, has its pros and cons. Distinguish between simple and professional models, while the latter type is intended for both straightening and curling. Depending on the mechanism of action on curls, devices are divided into three main types.

Simple forceps are the most popular. Their design consists of special plates made of metal. They heat up quickly, so they can burn hair. To protect the strands from damage, experts recommend purchasing devices with plates with anodized or tourmaline coating. They have a softer effect and smooth the hair well.

Simple forceps, on the plates of which a ceramic layer is applied, have proven themselves perfectly. This device is small and evenly straightens the strands along their entire length, it is suitable even on strands of medium length. The main advantages of simple rectifiers include the following:

• convenient and easy to use design;
• fast hairstyle creation process due to high plate heating;
• a huge selection of modifications with various types of plates;
• long leveling effect, which is observed up to 3-4 days;
• the presence of a temperature controller that allows you to choose the appropriate temperature regime.

In addition, some modifications of such irons are available with an ionization function, which provides curls with additional care. As for the shortcomings, then Simple forceps are not recommended for use on wet locks. They often damage hair. And also products with a protective coating are expensive.

Steam ladies straighteners are in great demand. Steam mini-devices allow gentle styling, as their plates heat up to a low temperature. They are great for daily use. You can choose any operating mode for these models, steam gives the strands a chic look (they become smooth and shiny).

Multifunction devices such as multi-stylers are also commercially available. This is a modern curling iron, the kit of which includes many different nozzles, the iron itself and a round comb. The main element of the design is the handle, it is on it that all nozzles are worn. The advantages of the device include the following:

• uniform but accelerated heating of the plates;
• the possibility of widespread use due to the variety of useful nozzles;
• protection of plates with modern ceramic coating.

In addition, manufacturers often supplement rectifiers of this type with a travel bag and a cooling mat. The disadvantages of the device are the lack of a temperature controller and a rather high price.

The most budget option is considered a 2-in-1 curling iron, which is also often called comb-rectifier. Externally, the device resembles a conventional massage comb, but it is equipped with a heater, under the influence of which the hair is not only combed, but also straightened. Thanks to the constant use of these irons, curls acquire a well-groomed appearance. The advantages of the device include - compact size, long life and the ability to smooth hair from roots to ends. The disadvantage is the device does not cope with thick and wavy strands.

Household devices for smoothing hair are available for both domestic (home) and professional use in beauty salons. The latter options are much more expensive than simple ones, and they also act less aggressively on the hair. Cheaper models provide an excellent styling result, but since they can “burn” hair, it is recommended to purchase them for infrequent use.

This is a budget type of flat, with good characteristics. The forceps plates are protected from overheating by ceramic coating and can operate at a maximum temperature of + 180ºС. The power of the tool is 25 W, the dimensions of the plates are 26x87 mm.

It is an inexpensive version of the rectifier, which, in addition to multifunctionality, has a beautiful design and ceramic coating of heating elements. As for the minuses, such a curling iron has insufficient length.

These are quality tongs that are sold at an affordable price. This model can be used both at home and by professional craftsmen in salons. It is equipped with overheat protection, 5 operating modes and can heat plates to a temperature of + 230ºС. In addition, the package includes an ionization function, an LCD display and a convenient portable case. There are no cons.

Provides fast and high-quality hair alignment. This device is great for daily use, as it has a temperature regulator and a protective coating. In addition, the model is equipped with a convenient display and can be used for curling strands. The device has no drawbacks, except for its high cost.

It is considered one of the best models, because it ideally combines quality with price. The plates of the device are heated to + 210ºС, their length is 10 cm, width - 28 mm. The plates are coated with a tourmaline layer, which protects the hair from damage during styling. The design is complemented by a long cord (1.8 m) and a convenient indicator light. The only drawback of the model is the lack of an ionization function.

To purchase high-quality tongs for straightening the locks, you need to pay attention to the main characteristics of the device, since each model can have different ones. Therefore, when going for a purchase it is important to consider several indicators.

• The material from which the heating elements are made. Typically, forceps plates are made of metal, but they can also be coated with a marble, Teflon, ceramic or tourmaline layer. Since the material of the plates is in direct contact with the hair, models with a protective coating should be preferred. They provide health and safety for the strands, preventing them from being damaged when straightened.

• The presence of a temperature controller. Many device models are able to heat the work surface to + 240ºС in 10 seconds, but for weak hair requires a lower temperature when styling. Therefore, it is necessary to choose devices with a special mode controller, it will allow you to choose the optimal temperature level depending on the type of strands and the desired effect. Thermostats are electronic and mechanical.The first option is characterized by precise control of the effect on the hair, eliminating unnecessary overheating, and the second requires constant adjustment, which is inconvenient during operation of the device.
• Laser ionization This function provides the neutralization of positively charged particles during thermal exposure of the hair, during which negative ions are formed. Due to the presence of such capabilities, the strands lose their natural moisture less and no static charge appears on them. The cuticle is straightened, and the curls acquire a natural shine.
• The weight of the device. The convenience of using the instrument depends on this indicator, since with heavy weight the muscle tension of the hands will increase. Irons, depending on the design, can weigh from 270 to 800 g. Therefore, buying tongs, you need to take them in your hand and determine whether they will be convenient for use. At the same time, it is important to remember that when laying, you will have to hold the iron in your hand from 15 to 40 minutes, in this regard, it is recommended to give preference to models with light weight.
• Cord length. It should be comfortable, a short electrical wire will complicate the process of smoothing the hair and can cause excessive tension in the muscles of the hands, and too long a cord, on the contrary, will interfere and get confused. The optimal length is 3 m. This indicator should be selected, taking into account the distance of the outlet from the planned installation location.
• The shape and width of the heating plates. For short hair, it is best to purchase tongs with narrow plates, since wide styling can cause a lot of inconvenience and cause burns. As for the long hair, then devices with wider thermoplates are suitable for it, they will reduce the performance time, covering the entire length of the strand. Experts recommend choosing the width of the plates in this way: for curls up to 12 cm long - from 1.5 to 2 cm, for medium haircuts - up to 2.5 cm, for long curls - 5 cm. The shape of the plate can be rounded and straight.

In addition to all of the above, when acquiring a hair straightener, you must also check with the store about the availability of service and warranty for the goods. Of course, when buying a quality product, you will rarely have to contact a service center.

After the hair straighteners are purchased, you can easily do any type of styling at home. But in order to less damage the hair structure and extend the life of the device, it must be used correctly. If this procedure is done for the first time, then a few simple recommendations will help beginners.

• Start straightening curls with their preparation, which will provide them not only a beautiful view, but also preserve their health. Curls should be washed and dried well, since it is forbidden to curl or iron the wet spinning wheels. By straightening wet curls, you can harm them, since a lot of moisture will evaporate from the depth of the shaft. To achieve perfect shine and smoothness of hair, before styling, you can use special conditioners and shampoos, which include plant-based components. They greatly facilitate alignment, as they contribute to smoothing the cuticle.
• It is good to apply foam or mousse to wet curls before laying, after which they are dried with a hairdryer. This type of thermal protection is suitable for all types of hair. As for the means in the form of light sprays, they are usually used on damaged and thin hair, which are devoid of volume. Such preparations contain unique ingredients that give curls density. They should be applied immediately after drying the hair and before laying with a curling iron, the composition should dry well.Weak and damaged hair, which is often dyed, especially needs thermal protection. To do this, they should be treated with saturated lotions and creams with a high level of protection. They are applied to previously washed and dried strands, give time to dry and begin to level.
• After the strands are ready for heat treatment, the equalization procedure itself begins. Hair should be divided into separate locks, starting from the parietal zone. So that the rest of the curls do not interfere, they are fixed with clamps. Only the occipital and lateral zones remain free. Hair is held in small strands using heated tweezers. At the same time, in the process of straightening the strands need to be slightly supported, and uniform movements should be performed with the iron.
• When the occipital and lateral parts are straightened, proceed to the parietal zone. Each processed strand is given time to cool. With a hair length reaching the shoulder line, an ironing must also go to the ends. To do this, the curls are divided into a straight part and with the help of a conventional comb, they lift the tips, after which they are leveled.

After each procedure of straightening curls, the device must be cleaned, since a contaminating layer may appear on the plates, and it is harmful. The tongs should be cleaned off when fully cooled. It is recommended to wipe the device with a damp cloth previously moistened with soapy water. Do not clean the device with abrasive products.

To date, many representatives of the fair sex have appreciated such a household appliance as forceps for straightening strands. Thanks to this unique device, they have a great opportunity to do their own styling at home. The main advantages of the device girls include convenient use, the ability to create different hairstyles. But most professional models equipped with various functions and additional thermal protection are expensive, so not everyone can afford their purchase.

For how to choose hair straighteners, see the next video.