Hair straighteners: features and selection

Beautiful hairstyle is one of the main components of the image of a modern girl. To make the naughty hair smooth and even, the fair sex use various devices, with the forceps used to straighten the curls, especially popular with them. This device allows you to speed up the process of hair styling. It is presented on the market in a huge range of models, each of which differs in functionality and design features.

Hair straighteners are a unique tool for smoothing strands. Its principle of action is aimed at ridding the hair of excessive moisture, which is often hidden deep in the layers and can change the structure of curls depending on weather conditions. Due to the heating, the water molecules evaporate, wavy strands get a beautiful smooth appearance.

The main elements in this device are forceps with heated flat plates and a regulator responsible for heating and maintaining a certain level of temperature. 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 has in many models a protective function against overheating.

Smoothing curls depends on the principle of operation of the tool. So, dry forceps are the most effective, but they aggressively affect the hair. The high temperature of the plates makes it easy to straighten the strands in one go, as the moisture curling strands comes out of their rods instantly. Electric forceps do not even strand the plates, but special metal teeth, which must be well heated before installation.

Straightening tongs are available in different types, each of which is different in its working principle, has its own pros and cons. Distinguish between simple and professional models, while the latter type is designed for both straightening and curling. Depending on the mechanism of action on curls devices are divided into three main types.

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

Simple tweezers, on whose plates a ceramic layer is applied, have proven to be excellent. This device is small and straightens strands evenly throughout their length, it fits even on strands of medium length. The main advantages of simple rectifiers include the following:

• convenient and easy to use design;
• fast hair styling process due to high plate heat;
• a huge selection of modifications with different types of plates;
• long leveling effect, which is observed up to 3-4 days;
• the presence of a thermostat that allows you to choose the appropriate temperature.

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

Ladies and rectifiers with steam are in great demand. Steam mini-devices allow you to do a gentle styling, as their plates are heated to a low temperature. They are great for daily use. With these models, you can choose any operating mode, the 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 put on it all the nozzles. The advantages of the device include the following:

• uniform, but accelerated heating of the plates;
• possibility of wide use due to a variety of useful attachments;
• protection plates modern ceramic coating.

In addition, manufacturers of this type of rectifiers often complement the travel bag, cooling mat. Disadvantages of the device - the lack of a temperature controller and a rather high price.

The most budget option is considered to be an ironing curling 2 in 1, which is often called comb rectifier. Externally, the device resembles a normal 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, the curls become well-groomed. The advantages of the device include - compact size, long service life and the ability to align the hair from root to tip. The disadvantage is the device does not cope well with thick and wavy strands.

Household hair alignment devices are available for both domestic (home) and professional use in beauty salons. The last options are much more expensive than simple ones, and they also affect the hair less aggressively. Models are cheaper to provide an excellent result of styling, but since they can “burn” hair, they are recommended to be purchased for infrequent use.

This is a budget view of the ploek with good performance. The tongs plates are protected from overheating with a ceramic coating and can operate at a maximum temperature of + 180ºС. The power of the instrument is 25 W, the dimensions of the plates are 26x87 mm.

It is an inexpensive version of a rectifier, which, in addition to multi-functionality, has a beautiful design and a ceramic coating of heating elements. As for the minuses, then this curling is not enough length.

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

Provides fast and high-quality hair alignment.This device is great for everyday use, as it has a temperature controller 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 disadvantages, 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 covered 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 light indicator. The only drawback of the model is the lack of ionization function.

To purchase high-quality forceps for straightening strands, you need to pay attention to the main characteristics of the device, since each model can be different. Therefore, it is important to consider several indicators when shopping.

• The material from which the heating elements are made. Usually, 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, preference should be given to models with a protective coating. They provide health and safety for the strands, preventing them from being straightened.

• The presence of a temperature controller. Many models of devices are able to heat the working surface up to + 240ºС in 10 seconds, but for weak hair a lower temperature is required during styling. Therefore, it is necessary to choose devices with a special regulator mode, 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 effects 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 the heat treatment on the hair, during which negative ions are formed. Due to the presence of such features, strands lose less natural moisture and they do not receive a static charge. The cuticle straightens and the curls acquire a natural sheen.
• Weight of the device. From this indicator depends on the ease of use of the tool, as with a lot of weight will increase the tension of the muscles of the hands. Depending on the design, the flat irons can weigh from 270 to 800 g. Therefore, when buying forceps, you need to take them in 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 for 15 to 40 minutes, therefore it is recommended to give preference to models with light weight.
• Cord length It should be comfortable, a short electric wire will complicate the process of aligning the hair and can cause excessive tension of the muscles of the hands, and too long a cord, on the contrary, will interfere and confuse. The optimal length is 3 m. This indicator should be chosen, 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 get tongs with narrow plates, as wide when styling can cause a lot of inconvenience and cause burns. As for the long head of hair, then it will fit devices with wider thermoplates, they will reduce the time of performance, covering the entire length of the strands.Experts recommend that you choose 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 plates can be rounded and straight.

In addition to all of the above, by purchasing a hair straightener, You must also check with the store about the availability of service and warranty on the product. Of course, buying a quality product, it is quite rarely necessary to contact the service center.

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

• Start straightening curls should be with their trainingthat will provide them not only a beautiful view, but also to preserve health. Curls should be well washed and dried, as curling or smoothing wet spinning wheels is prohibited. Straightening wet curls, you can harm them, because a lot of moisture will evaporate from the depth of the rod. To achieve the perfect shine and smoothness of hair, before they are styled, you can use special conditioners and shampoos, which include herbal-based ingredients. They greatly facilitate the alignment, as they contribute to smoothing the cuticle.
• It is good to apply a foam or mousse before laying on wet curls, after which they are blow-dried. 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 that is devoid of volume. These products contain unique ingredients that give curls density. They should be applied immediately after drying the hair and before laying the curling iron, the composition should dry well. Weak and damaged hair, which is often colored, especially in need of thermal protection. To do this, they should be treated with saturated lotions and creams with a high level of protection. They are applied to pre-washed and dried strands, give time to dry and proceed to leveling.
• Once the strands are ready for heat treatment, begin the process of alignment. The hair should be divided into separate strands, starting from the parietal zone. To the rest of the curls do not interfere, they are fixed with clips. Only the occipital and lateral zones remain free. The hair is pulled in small strands using heated tweezers. At the same time, in the process of straightening, the strands need to be slightly supported, and with the iron to perform uniform movements.
• When the occipital and lateral parts are straightened, proceed to the parietal zone. Each processed strand give time to cool. When the length of the hair, reaching the shoulder line, the ironing should be further walked along the ends. To do this, the curls are divided into a straight parting and with the help of a usual comb, they lift the tips, after which they are dubbed.

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

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

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