Hair Straighteners

Hair Straighteners

A good hairstyle can change the way you look and ultimately make you feel confident about yourself. Well, hairstyles are getting trendy like never before, with new trends being added every year. One thing that remains common over the last few years is straight hair. Most women desire for straight and silky smooth hair. The latest developments and progress in technology have helped women realize this dream by enabling them to completely transform the look of their hair.

A hair straightener is a tool designed to remove curl and waves from the hair, and there are several methods for accomplishing this. A number of companies make straightening irons, while others make chemical hair relaxers; both irons and chemicals are designed to change the structure of the hair. As may seem apparent, this can cause damage to the hair, and many hair professionals recommend using specialized hair products on hair that has been straightened to avoid hurting it too much.

Hair straighteners, also known as flat irons, are used to straighten, curl, and give a wavy look to the hair. It consists of two plates that are heated to a specific temperature to smoothen the hair. When the appropriate amount of heat is generated, and the required pressure is exerted, the straightener flattens kinky hair.

The Different Plates...
The main heating element of a hair straightener is the plate. The plates are generally made of glass, metal, ceramic, titanium, etc. The latest addition to this lot is the use of silver technology.

1 Glass/Metal Plates: The earlier versions of straighteners used glass or metal plates. These are painted to get a uniform finish. However, the biggest disadvantage of these plates is that they heat very slowly and unevenly. This creates hot spots on the surface of the plate, which causes serious damage to hair. The paint also tends to chip or peel off when heated, thus tearing the hair and leaving it damaged. However, these are the cheapest variety in the market.

2. Ceramic Plates: These are the most commonly used hair straighteners. The ceramic ones heat faster than the glass or metal ones. The heating is uniform all over the plate, thus, there are no hot spots created. These plates not only smoothen the hair but also retain its shine. Nowadays, there are straighteners that combine infrared technology with ceramic plates. Such type of plates emit negative ions when heated, which lock the natural oil and moisture in the hair, leaving it shinier and healthier!

3. Tourmaline Plates: Tourmaline is a semi-precious stone that mainly contains aluminum, iron, and magnesium. The stone is smooth in nature, and when used in straighteners, the plates are uniformly heated. This adds extra shine to the hair and also leaves it healthier. Due to the smoothness of the plate, and no hot spot creation, there is lesser hair breakage and frizz. Tourmaline seals the natural oil and moisture in the hair by locking the cuticles of the hair shafts.

4. Titanium Plates: Being a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant chemical element, titanium plates are a good choice for hair straighteners. Like ceramic plates, titanium plates also heat evenly and rather quickly. Thus, there are no damaged spots developed that can harm the hair, leaving the hair shinier and frizz-free. The advantage of these types of plates is the durability factor. These last longer than the others. The natural properties of the hair are not lost, thanks to the generation of infrared.

5. Silver Technology: Also known as nano-silver technology, the straighteners which use this technology are a good buy. Silver has an antibacterial property that has the ability to kill germs on contact. Thus, when silver plates are used, the health of the scalp is improved, and the hair also becomes germ-free. Also, these straighteners heat evenly, leaving no hot spots, and thus giving healthier, shinier, germ-free hair. Due to the emission of negative ions, the hair is frizz-free, and thus, more manageable.

There are different types of straighteners that can help you to achieve the silky smooth look.
1. Ceramic: Ceramic hair straighteners are used for a super, silky smooth look! These straighteners are equipped with ceramic plates. These do not have metal plates. This is why; ceramic straighteners can distribute the heat evenly over the surface area. The heat can be controlled by manipulating the temperature settings of the straighteners. These are also priced more than straighteners with metal plates.

2. Electric: Electric straighteners are available easily and have metal or tourmaline plates to distribute heat evenly through the hair. The kind of electric hair iron you choose would depend upon the kind of metal plates you wish to opt for.

3. Sedu: These always have ceramic or tourmaline plates and heat up faster as compared to other hair straighteners.

4. Steam: These straighteners have unique steam vents that extract the moisture from dry hair. The steam is released through the vents and the process seals the cuticle to prevent moisture from touching the surface. Steam straighteners are not actually recommended for very curly hair.

5. Cordless: As the name suggests, there are obviously cordless and portable. Therefore, it's easier to carry these around and ideal for beauticians on the move.

6. Wet and Dry: Wet and dry hair straighteners have two feature settings to straighten hair when wet or dry. These are also available in portable forms.

Apart from these, hair experts also employ the use of chemicals as straighteners. Here, chemicals are used to change the structure of the hair, especially in cases where hair is artificially permed. The chemicals change the perm and bring the texture back to normal.

Instructions for Using a Hair Straightener
1. First of all, you have to wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo suitable for your hair type. It should be followed by deep conditioning of the hair that can protect the hair from any kind of damage. You can leave the wet hair untouched for air drying. Or else, blow dry the hair with a dryer set at medium temperature. While blow drying the hair, you can run a brush through the hair. This will straighten the curls to some extent. Make sure that the hair is completely dry before you start straightening it.

2. Now, remove all tangles from the hair and divide it into small sections so that you can work upon each section at a time. Those with medium or long hair should make four sections - around the crown, between the ears, at the nape and underside. Those with short hair can have just three small sections - around the crown, between the ears and at the nape. Use hair clips to hold the hair of each of these separated sections.

3. Before you apply the heat, spray a little heat protection spray/serum on the hair. This forms a light protective layer on the hair strands and protects it from the damaging effects of high temperature exposure. Take care that you do not apply too much of this hair care product, as it can make the hair wet.

4. You should always use a good quality hair straightening tool. It is not that only women with curly hair opt for hair straightening. Even men are interested in straightening their hair. There are special straighteners that are suitable for short hair. The plate size of these straighteners are smaller and vary in the range of 1.1 cm to 2.4 cm. Turn on the straightener at the highest setting and let it get hot.

5. Remove the clip from the lowermost hair section which is located near the base of the head and start using the hair straightener on it first. Always move the straightener from the hair roots to the tip of the hair. While moving it, do not stop in between. Try to keep each sweep uniform and consistent. If you have short hair, then you have to hold the tip of the hair strands with one hand and use the hair straightener with the other. Work on each of the sections in the same manner. Once you are finished with it, you should run the straightener one more time along the ends of the entire hair.

6. Finally, you can apply a little finishing gel or cream at the tips of the hair. Such products are of great help to hold the hair straight and keep them non-frizzy. Do not use too much of it as it will give a greasy look to the hair. After application of the cream, comb your hair once or run your fingers lightly through it. Now your job is done and it's time to flaunt your new stunning look with soft and smooth hair and get some compliments from others!

During the straitening process, you must be patient. Do not try to complete it in a hurried manner. If done hastily, you may not get the kind of result that you were expecting. Do not use hair straighteners very often as it can have a damaging effect on the hair.

Straighten Hair Naturally

1. Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice
Application of coconut milk and lemon juice is effective, not only in controlling curls, but also in alleviating the problem of dandruff. First, grind a coconut in a blender, and add lemon juice to it. Keep this mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours. After some time, you will observe a layer of creamy foam on the top of the container. Now apply this foam to your hair and keep your head covered with a hot towel for about 45 minutes to an hour. After this, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and let it dry completely. This would not only straighten the curls, but will also add a lustrous shine to your hair.

2. Hot Oil Treatment
There is no need to mention that hot oil treatment moisturizes the hair, as it is a well-known fact. For giving your hair this hot oil treatment, you can use any kind of hair oil, though coconut and olive oil are most frequently used for this purpose. For the hot oil treatment, you need to heat the oil and gently massage your scalp with the warm oil. Then wrap your head with a hot towel and leave it for some time. After this, wash your hair with a mild shampoo, and you will get well-conditioned straight and silky hair, that you will simply love.

3. Milk and Honey
Though milk can be used alone, the addition of a few drops of honey would further enhance its nourishing quality, and work wonders on your hair. This will make it more suitable for curly and dry hair. You can also add some smashed strawberries to this mixture before applying to your hair. Keep it on for at least 1 to 2 hours, and after that, wash it off with a gentle shampoo.

4. Egg and Olive Oil
Olive oil is known for its moisturizing properties, and has been an integral part of regular hair care for a long time. Similarly, egg also provides nourishment to dry and damaged hair. To make a mixture of egg and olive oil, beat two eggs and then add one or two spoons of olive oil. Mix this properly, and using a soft brush, apply the mixture thoroughly on your hair. It is advisable to leave it on for a few hours, after which, it can be shampooed and conditioned in the usual way. The result will be there for you to see.

While it is true that these natural hair straighteners will take some time to make your hair completely straight, continuous and regular application of them would not only straighten the hair through natural means, but also nourish and moisturize it. You will be able to notice a marked difference in your hair quality after a few days of application. Remember that curly and dry hair needs extra protection and care. These natural products will protect your hair from the damages caused by pollution and harsh chemicals, and in the long run, will make your hair healthy and silky soft.

Considerations while Selecting a Hair Straightener
• Look for the lightweight variety. This is useful for people on the move.
• Always think about the plates used for the straighteners. Professionals suggest the use of ceramic plates.
• The straighteners should be chosen bearing in mind the texture of the hair and the length of the hair.
• Look for added attachments if you need to manage various textures of hair. There are many straighteners that come with other accessories such as tongs and crimpers, which can help you to manage the straightening process.
• Look for different settings for the temperature. This will help you to adjust the setting to match the texture of the hair.

Here are a few tips that can help make your straightening experience a pleasant one.
• Use a straightener only on dry hair. This will help retain the moisture in your hair, and make it easier for styling. Using straighteners on wet hair is not advisable.

• Never go till the tips. The tips are the most fragile part of the hair and tend to break with the slightest damage. Thus, take utmost care and don't straighten the tips.

• Use a hair protector before styling your hair. It won't eliminate the damage caused due to the usage of a straightener, but it will surely reduce it.

• Don't be in a hurry while styling. The slower you use the straightener, the faster will the hair straighten.

• Don't use the styler twice at the same spot. Using the straightener at the same place many times will only add extra heat to the hair, making it vulnerable to breaking.

• Maintain a steady temperature and avoid heating over 180° C.

• The size of the straightener also matters. If you have short hair, then using a straightener which has a plate width about 1.5" is advisable. In case you have long hair, then the 2" - 3" wide plates would be better off.

• Don't try to exert more force with styling. This will only leave you with a sore arm. Go slow and exert bearable pressure while straightening.

• Lastly, the cost does matter. Choose a suitable straightener that fits well in your budget.

Myotcstore Related Categories:

Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic Straighteners - 1 ea

Professional Ceramic Straightening Iron, 1 Inch Plates - 1 ea

Conair Ceramic Straightener, Model CS82CSDG, 1 1/2 inch Plates - 1 ea

Giovanni straight fast hair straightening elixir, 6.8 oz

LOreal Paris Smooth Intense Xtreme Straight Creme - 5.1 oz