Hair straightener that won't damage your hair. Do flat irons damage hair? Additional features of hair straighteners
Probably, each of us is familiar with the feeling of comfort and self-confidence when we leave the beauty salon with a neatly and beautifully styled hairstyle. How do you want to see yourself so beautiful every day! There are many styling tools that allow any woman to look amazing without resorting to the services of stylists and hairdressers. One of these devices is a hair straightener or, as it is often called, a “flat iron”. This simple device has become truly multifunctional today, making the choice of ironing more complicated. Today we will try to take into account all the latest innovations and figure out how to choose a hair straightener, And what are the best hair straighteners presented on the modern market.
The principle of operation of a hair straightener
What is an iron for? With it, you can quickly deal with even the most unruly hair, beautifully lay them and give them the desired shape, and such a hairstyle will last for a long time. Your hair will be smooth, shiny, like satin.
Hair Straightener Benefits available: fast, efficient, convenient. But there is also the other side of the coin, because all irons are heated to a high temperature, and this, in turn, is very for the hair: they dry out, split and lose their attractiveness.
Under the influence of high temperature, the straightener frees the hair from excess moisture that is contained in them. Under the hair cuticle is a layer that contains hydrogen compounds and is called the cortex. It is responsible for the waviness of your hair and its ability to curl and form curls. If you are exposed to rain or just fog, then under the influence of moisture these hydrogen compounds become more active, which is why some people have hair that frizzes heavily in rain or snow.
The main task of the rectifier is the release of hair from excess moisture, which makes them naughty and makes them curl. Another remarkable ability is the “welding” of exfoliated hair scales, thanks to which the device revives the hair, as it were, making it more vibrant and shiny.
Plate coating
To choose the right iron First of all, attention should be paid to plate coating. It's not worth saving here. The quality of the coating of the ironing plates will help you reduce the risk of hair damage to a minimum.
To date, rectifiers are produced with such plate coating types:
- metal;
- ceramics;
- tourmaline;
- teflon.
metal plating
We often opt for inexpensive products without thinking about their negative effects. This also applies to rectifiers of this type. They are inexpensive, but do not rush to buy such irons, as these are the most harmful and destructive devices for your hair. It's all about the metal coating of the plates, which is considered the most dangerous for the hair structure. This is due to the uneven heating of the plates, because of this, at some points they overheat greatly, and this leads to the destruction of the hair structure and subsequently to their dehydration, brittleness and split ends.
Irons with such a coating are not suitable for daily use, and it is better not to use them occasionally.
Pros:
Small cost.
Minuses:
Severely damage the hair structure.
ceramic coating
One of the most common plate coatings is ceramic. Unlike metal, ceramics heats up evenly and retains the required temperature well. This iron is easy to use, it quickly and easily glides through the strands without burning the hair. Negative impact in such rectifiers is minimal.
Ceramic plates in some models such rectifiers have in their structure complexes of moisturizers, conditioners and vitamins. Thanks to this, the hair during styling also receives additional care.
But the ceramic coating has their shortcomings. If you additionally use different cosmetical tools for styling, they will strongly stick to the plates. It is easy to deal with this small nuisance: it is enough to wipe the plates with a damp cloth after each use.
Now about the cost. Devices with ceramic plates are much more expensive than their counterparts with metal plates, but we do not advise you to save money - the beauty and health of hair is much more expensive. Also, if you are looking for which iron to choose for permanent use, we advise you to stop on devices of this type.
Pros:
- Maximum hair protection.
- Easy glide.
Minuses:
- Adhesion of cosmetic preparations on the plates.
Teflon coating
Think of your favorite Teflon-coated pan. How everything literally bounces off its surface, and cooking on it is a pleasure! The same principle applies to teflon coated rectifiers. This iron glides easily through the hair without pulling or tangling and prevents hair from sticking to the plate, even if you use different cosmetic preparations before styling. The plates heat up evenly and the risk of damaging the hair is minimal.
If you are soft and Thin hair, then pay attention to devices with such a coating. Such irons are much more expensive, but if the budget allows, then it is better to stop at this option. The main disadvantage of such irons is that over time the Teflon coating is erased, which is not always possible to determine by eye. And, as a result of this, the device ceases to be safe for hair.
Pros:
- Maximum protection.
- Easy glide.
- No sticky effect.
- Ideal for thin soft hair.
Minuses:
- Price.
- Coating durability.
tourmaline coating
The most modern coating material, which releases negative ions when heated, and this contributes to the neutralization of static electricity. Thanks to this property, the hair scales close and retain moisture, so the hair is practically not damaged during styling.
Pros:
- Neutralize static electricity.
- Positively affect the structure of the hair.
- Easily glide through the strands.
- Plates heat up evenly.
- The safest for hair.
Minuses:
- Price.
The best hair straightener in terms of price and quality - a device with ceramic plates.
Ionization
A great feature, which, unfortunately, is not found in all rectifiers. The plates of the device are coated with a special ionic layer, which, when heated, releases a large number of negatively charged ions. They literally envelop each hair, due to which their water balance is restored. Hair revives, becomes more healthy, shiny, obedient, besides it is not electrified.
Temperature regulator
Hair straighteners are two types: with and without thermostat. What is it for, and is it possible to do without it? Let's try to figure it out.
We are all different and have different type hair. For some, they are thick, hard and uncolored, for others, on the contrary, they are thin and soft, well, and some subjected their hair to experiments and often dyed it, and as a result they turned out to be overdried and brittle. To protect your hair as much as possible, you need a different heating mode for each type of hair.
As a rule, the plates are heated up to 100-230°C.
- For dyed, thin and split ends the temperature should not exceed 150 ° C, otherwise you risk severely damaging them.
- For normal and unpainted or colored but hard– up to 180°С.
- For uncolored and coarse hair you can allow temperatures up to 200 ° C and even a little higher. Or you can even take a chance and buy an iron without a thermostat.
The thermostat is located on the handle of the straightener, simple and easy to use. This is usually a two- or three-position switch with which you select the level of heating of the device: minimum, medium and maximum. But there are also more expensive irons with electronic thermostats, in which you can set the temperature to a degree, but you will have to set it up every time you turn on the device.
The conclusion is clear: temperature controller must be, otherwise the iron will heat up to maximum temperatures, and you can ruin your hair badly.
Maximum temperature
It has already been said that the minimum heating temperature of all rectifiers is about 100 ° C, but the maximum different devices ranges from 150 to 230°C. What is the maximum temperature?
The higher the temperature, the faster the straightening and curling of the hair, especially for thick and thick hair. curly hair. But for thin and weakened hair, such a heating temperature will be fatal. The thicker the hair, the higher the temperature needed, and vice versa.
What is the maximum temperature required? On average, 180°C is sufficient. But if you have very thick or coarse hair that is difficult to style, then choose irons heated to 200 ° C and above.
Heating time up to maximum temperature
IN different models rectifiers, this figure ranges from several minutes to seconds. Appliances they can heat up for a long time, but all professional rectifiers heat up very quickly - from 5 to 10 seconds, and some even instantly.
The question immediately arises: what is the optimal heating time of the device? Naturally, the sooner this happens, the better, since situations often occur when you need to put yourself in order very quickly. Choose high-quality irons, the heating time of which is from 10 to 30 seconds. If the device warms up for more than a minute, think carefully about whether it will be convenient for you to wait so long.
Insert width
When choosing an iron, you should pay special attention to the width of the plates, they are different:
- narrow (from 1.5 to 3 cm)
- wide (more than 3 cm).
What affects the width of the rectifier plates? For the length of the ironed strand: the longer and thicker the hair, the wider the plates of the device should be.
The ease of use of the device depends on the type of fastening of the plates. If plates are fixed and are built into the body of the device, the more you squeeze the rectifier handles, the more the plates are compressed. floating plates attached to the body with springs or elastic bands and can rise and fall as they move along the strands. The floating mounting of the plates is much more convenient, but it is quite difficult to find such irons on sale. But, if you are lucky and you have found such a device, take it without hesitation, this is a great choice.
If you are a fan of perfectly straight hair, then choose irons with right angles. If you like to curl the ends of your hair, then stop at the devices with rounded edges.
Gap between plates
The distance between the plates when they are compressed is called the gap. Some models have it, while others don't. If the plates are tightly pressed and no gap, then the heat is evenly distributed over the strand. If there is a distance between the plates, then some hair, falling into the gap, will warm up less and you will have to re-expose them to heat attack, and this is an additional load on the hair.
If you come across an iron with a gap, then pay attention to its size. For rigidly fixed plates, a gap of up to 1 ml is permissible, and for floating plates up to 2 ml (and with strong compression it should disappear altogether).
Additional nozzles
Nozzles are of two types:
- which are installed in addition to the ironing. This is a removable (untangling) comb (combs a strand of hair before styling);
- which are installed instead of the iron (in this case, the iron itself as a nozzle). These are a tongs nozzle (for curling curls), a spiral nozzle, a corrugated nozzle, a brush nozzle.
Pay attention to the removable comb, it is attached to the side of the iron. With its help, a strand of hair falls on the plates combed and not tangled, the heat will be evenly distributed over an even strand, as a result - a perfectly even strand without unnecessary waves and minimal thermal effect on the hair.
Professional iron or household?
Household rectifier from reliable manufacturers- a great option. Such a device can be easily purchased at any store. household appliances, the price will also be affordable. If you have opted for a cheap straightener, then remember that with frequent use of it, you will begin to notice that your hair has become worse looking. In addition, such devices heat up much longer, sometimes, and they do not have enough power to quickly straighten hair.professional. It heats up with lightning speed, the coating of the plates is of high quality, so your hair will be protected as much as possible. The cord on professional flat irons is long enough and swivel so you won't be tied to an outlet and the cord won't get tangled. Also, these devices have additional nozzles and covers with thermal coating, so that you can put an appliance that has not yet cooled down in it. And, ultimately, manufacturing firms producing professional appliances specialize mainly in this group, which means that the goods are produced much better than firms with a wider range of household appliances.
Additional features of hair straighteners
TOP 5 best hair straighteners 2016
Selection tips are best supplemented with real examples. Let's find out what best hair straighteners we are offered by the modern market, and what functions they are equipped with.
Excellent ironing value for money: heats up quickly, does not harm the hair, allows you to adjust the heating temperature very accurately. In addition, with this device you can create curls, and among the additional features - fixing in the closed position, a swivel cord and a loop for hanging. The length of the cord is 1.8 m, thanks to which the hairstyle will be done as conveniently as possible even at a decent distance from the outlet.
A cheap and extremely easy-to-use straightener, which is suitable for those who need an iron only occasionally. But the manufacturer has prepared a lot of pleasant surprises for users. For example, thanks to Jojoba Oil technologies hair during styling is saturated with nourishing oil and becomes shiny and healthy. Floating plates technology allows you to straighten your hair as carefully as possible thanks to the plates on the springs, and with the help of Straight&Curl hair can not only be straightened, but also curled. An ideal option for your money.
This device can safely be called "2 in 1", because thanks to its special design, you can get beautiful waves as easily as perfectly straight hair. The iron can also please us with the presence of floating plates, auto-off and a long 2-meter cord.
This practically professional straightener with high power titanium plates, ionization function and instant heating. The temperature is set to the nearest degree, and the settings can be controlled using the display. Comes with an iron thermally insulated case. The price is appropriate.
Functional iron with
28.01.2015 | 12774
Often men say that women are mysterious creatures who like to complicate things. But in fact, for the fair sex, everything is extremely simple, especially when it comes to hairstyles: we want to curl straight hair, and straighten natural curls. In my opinion, nothing complicated.
Since childhood, I, like a true curly, have dreamed of straight hair that does not resemble a poodle's hairstyle. Although these dogs are very cute and smart, I'm still more attracted to smooth hair.
Also, liquid silk has proven itself well. However, these tools are very different. Each manufacturer makes them according to its own technology. I had a chance to test for myself how really good means(of course, they were not cheap), and an incomprehensible substance that weighed down the hair and made it greasy.
After applying the leave-in product, gently comb your hair with a comb made of natural materials and leave them to dry. If you want to preserve the beauty of your hair, do not use a hair dryer, because in many cases it does even more damage than a flat iron.
Once a week it is good to pamper your hair nourishing masks from natural products. Mix a little olive oil(the amount depends on the length and thickness of the hair), 1 tbsp. honey, 1 egg yolk and a few drops of your favorite essential oil, apply the resulting mass to the hair, wrap your head with polyethylene and a warm towel and hold the mask for 1 hour.
Many women note the colossal effect of the onion mask, but after trying it once, I did not appreciate this remedy because of its persistent smell, which I could not get rid of for more than a month.
But to each his own. Try different masks and find the one that best suits your hair.
By following all these rules, you can straighten your hair with an iron without fear of losing luxurious curls. But still, if possible, try to give your hair a break from frequent exposure to high temperatures.
After all, nature has not in vain rewarded you with curls. Wavy hair is considered by many people to be very attractive, and straight-haired hair does decide on a biowaving procedure. Love your hair both straight and curly!
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In matters of beauty, few things are more admired than long, elegant, radiant straight hair. This style has captivated viewers of the shows of brands such as Ralph Lauren and Chloe, it looks chic both with a dress and with a relaxed look for the weekend. However, it doesn't come easy. Isn't it intimidating to smooth your hair with a straightener heated to a temperature that would be enough to cook pizza! Straightening your hair can become a much more comfortable process if you learn about possible mistakes and learn how to avoid them.
You don't straighten in the shower
To be clear, no shampoo or conditioner can straighten hair. However, such care products help prepare for the process by moisturizing the hair. Take a comb with you into the shower so that the conditioner is evenly distributed. Rinse your hair thoroughly after showering, and then don't twist it with a towel - just pat it gently. Use a soft towel - thick terry cloth can make curls more wavy.
You are using the hair dryer incorrectly
Using a hair dryer is what harms the hair the most. This is what can prevent you from getting a smooth styling. If you're drying your hair right after a shower, move the blow dryer up and down until it's eighty percent dry. It is important that the air flow always goes down, otherwise individual strands may begin to curl. After that, you can apply the styling product and blow-dry or leave everything to dry naturally. Comb with a brush natural bristles, supplemented with nylon fibers, so the styling will be the most smooth and shiny.
You ignore the steam and hissing sounds
If you see steam or hear a hiss from the iron, stop straightening your hair. They must be absolutely dry. If they are dry, the problem is with the styling product. In any case, there should be no sounds and steam - you can simply boil the product on your hair, which will greatly harm them.
You are not using protective equipment
Styling products can boil, but how to cope without them at all? Opt for protective options that will not only keep your hair warm, but also reduce its tendency to frizz. Most of these products are made without oils and silicone, so they will not weigh down the hair, however, fans of naturalness can also use argan oil.
You turn on the temperature too high
Maximum power is for professional keratin treatments, not for speeding up the process. Thoughtlessly turning on the iron to the maximum, you spoil your hair. It is better to stick to medium power, which will be much safer. 
You don't section your hair
Do not randomly grab strands. The iron will not smooth out too much hair, in addition, the repeated procedure will harm them. It is better to immediately divide the hair into small strands, with each of which you will work separately.
you repeat the movements
Do not run the iron through your hair twice. Just pull the strand and pull the iron down. This will help to achieve the best result without harm to the hair.
You are terminating the process incorrectly
After straightening is complete, you may need some hairspray. But first you have to wait until the hair cools down! If you splash hairspray on hot hair, it will heat up and boil.
Are you using an old flat iron?
All advice is useless if your iron is hopelessly outdated. Modern models have an automatic shut-off function that guarantees hair safety. Older models heat up slowly and distribute heat unevenly, making the process more difficult.
You only straighten long hair
The iron is much more versatile than it seems. If you have short haircut, and you straighten your hair with a hairdryer and a brush, it's time to change the situation - with an iron you will harm your hair much less, in addition, this way you will make the styling smoother and shiny.
Long, elegant and radiant hair is always admired. Few people can boast of such hair, unless you use an iron. But will regular thermal styling lead to dull, dry and brittle hairs? Let's see if the flat iron spoils the hair and how to reduce its negative impact?
Hair straighteners: pros and cons
The iron is the undisputed leader among the many ways to straighten curls. Does flat iron damage hair? Yes, but, nevertheless, it is he who is preferred by many, due to a number of advantages:
The price of the thermal device is quite low, and you can use it for a long time;
You can give smoothness to the styling yourself at any time, there is no need to contact a specialist;
The procedure does not take much time, 20-40 minutes;
If you choose a quality styler, then the negative impact can be avoided.
Of course, it was not without drawbacks:
Frequent use of the device adversely affects the structure of the hairs;
The effect after the next thermo-session does not last long. Rain, high humidity, washing your hair - there will be no trace of smoothness;
Often for alignment especially curly hair you have to use auxiliary cosmetics that worsen appearance hair;
Poor-quality models kill your curls, even if you rarely use them.
Napura's Hair Care products will never let you think about whether flat irons damage your hair or how a flat iron damages your hair. With the help of Italian cosmetics, you will be able to give the strands the desired smoothness, shine, density and attractiveness without the use of thermal devices, as well as provide the necessary daily care.
How to choose a rectifier that will definitely not harm?
Experienced trichologists and hairdressers advise not to save on the purchase of an iron and, when choosing, be guided by the following criteria:
The presence of a thermostat. The higher the temperature, the more damage is done. Try to ensure that the temperature maximum does not exceed 180 ° C, and choose the mode in accordance with the type of hair;
It is important to have a plate made of Teflon or tourmaline, humidification and ionization functions. Such devices heat up evenly, do not harm the hairs, but on the contrary, they heal, making the hair more natural and radiant;
Give preference to well-known manufacturers and avoid fakes.
Ironing rules
Even the highest quality straightener causes minor damage to curls, but even it can be minimized if you follow a few simple rules:
- Do not straighten wet or damp strands, only dry ones.
- Ironing movements should be smooth, without strong tension. Do not keep the device in one place for a long time.
- Spend one strand no more than once.
- Do not use the styler regularly, it will be enough only after washing your hair.
- Buy a special shampoo for damaged hair. It will protect your hair very well. high temperatures and will contribute to their rapid recovery.
- Apply thermal protective cosmetics: spray, balm, mousse, mask, oil, etc. They will prevent the appearance of damage and give the hair a special shine and attractiveness.
