Many buyers to this day believe that ironing and curling irons are one and the same. In fact, the first device has a wider scope, and allows not only to curl, but also to straighten hair. Wherein best ironing give curls volume at the roots, allowing them to wind in any direction. Consider the main parameters, and what you need to pay attention to to buy a high-quality and efficient device.
Types of hair straighteners
Despite the fact that Slavic women have mostly straight strands, hair straighteners are only becoming more popular. Therefore, it is necessary to pay due attention to safety, and take into account the medical opinion of experts on the choice of hair straighteners. Currently, for the manufacture of heating plates can be used in various materials:
- Metal is the cheapest and ruthless option for healthy hair;
- Ceramics is also a budget solution, the disadvantage of which is the adhesion of cosmetics to the plates. But, there are pluses - uniform heating, sliding, maintaining the required temperature. If you decide to choose a ceramic hair iron, regularly wipe the surface after use;
- Titanium - used by professionals, as the material is fragile. Attracts warming up to high temperatures;
- Teflon is the best choice for soft curls. Such plates are indifferent to styling tools, but slip poorly. The coating is not durable;
- Tourmaline - provides for a soft glide, the use of any means for styling hair. Such models are very expensive, because when heated, negative ions appear that contribute to the preservation of moisture and the health of curls;
- Marble - almost safe for health, due to effective cooling after exposure to high temperatures;
- Jadeite - plates give shine, and suggest interaction even with wet curls;
- Silver - not only does not harm, but also heals curls. The best solution for dry and brittle hair. Space price;
- Tungsten is the most expensive iron, characterized by instantaneous heating and uniform temperature distribution across the plates. They allow you to make a hairstyle without makeup that will last for several days.
Selection of optimal sizes
In addition to materials for the classification of technology, the size and shape of the plates are used. The following types of hair straighteners are distinguished by size:
1. Narrow;
2. Wide.
The sizes of the first option can vary in the range from 1.5 to 3 centimeters. Accordingly, the models are wider - designed for longer braids. Please note that you should choose an iron according to the type of hair. For example, for girls with short haircuts, plates up to 2 cm wide are considered the best option.But, if the hair is thick and heavy - increase the width to 3 cm. For the most lush and long haircuts - from 7 to 8 cm.
Temperature and temperature controller
When choosing an iron for straightening hair, it is also necessary to build on the features of the haircut. Depending on the plate material, the maximum heating temperature range can vary from 100 to 230 ° C. For different types of curls, the optimal rates differ:
- 150 ° С - for smoothing thin and split ends, which are undesirable to injure;
- 180 ° C - for normal (can be painted);
- 200 ° C - for tough, curly strands that are difficult to stack.
Judging by the reviews, it is desirable that the thermostat is on the handle. It can be represented by a multilevel or mechanical switch. The first option is better, since it is easier to control the temperature and avoid injuring the strands.
Hair Ironing Tips
In addition to the main parameters, it is necessary to take into account the heating time to the maximum temperature - for ease of operation. Professional models are ready to work after 5-10 seconds. Household appliances, as a rule, heat up to the required temperature in 1-1.5 minutes. When choosing a hair iron, keep in mind that models with a heating time of 3 minutes or more take up a lot of time. Imagine how inconvenient to operate a low-power device in the morning if you are in a hurry to work. In addition, there are several important aspects that not all sales consultants talk about ...
Type of mounting plates
This parameter is responsible for the ease of use of the device. This must be taken into account when choosing a hair straightener. There are floating and fixed parts. Models characterized by stable fixation or built-in canvases are regulated by physical effort. The stronger you squeeze the handles, the denser the tongs fit on your hair. Models with floating plates are more convenient because they are installed with rubber bands. Special efforts to move them do not have to. Experienced users know that devices with built-in canvases are more common on the market, but when they are used, their hands begin to flow already within the first 10 minutes after switching on.
Plate clearance
It turns out that such an element as the gap between the heating elements also plays a role in the effectiveness of hair alignment. The strands that fall into the gap between the compressed plates are heated unevenly, which is why it is necessary to re-process them. The absence of a gap indicates that the curls will warm up evenly, and you will not suffer as much from the load as when using cheaper models.
Types and purpose of nozzles
Additional nozzles always provide more opportunities for experimentation. When choosing a good ironing, pay attention to the above aspects, and only then the number and variety of additional components. Judging by experts, the most important are the following:
- curling tongs;
- spiral nozzle;
- corrugation;
- brush head.
Removable items and additional modes can be much more. Often several nozzles perform one task. Therefore, do not trust different marketing offers. Keep in mind that many manufacturers often try to compensate for the shortcomings of the main components by a complete set.
We hope this is enough for you to be able to choose a quality product. Good luck.