Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the best straightener of them all? If only it were that simple, the reality is that you'll have to decide which the best straightener is by yourself! Luckily, professional hair stylists and many experienced users can give you a hand at deciding between the many varieties of straighteners available on the hair styling tool market.
But the best straightener isn't limited to one device since everyone has different hair types and preferences.
So in the end the real question becomes: Which is the best straightener for you? And luckily this question can be answered with the following aspects: Best plate: Ceramic straighteners have smooth (100% pure) plates which heat up equally and will straighten or style any hair type with the same brilliant results.
Like all of the safe heating materials used nowadays, ceramic works with ionic and infrared technologies to eliminate frizz and seal the cuticles to lock in moisture and protect the hair from heat damage.
Ionic technology is what creates such a smooth and silky effect in so little time thanks to its negative ions that speed up the straightening process and neutralize all traces of frizz for a long lasting style whereas far infrared heating gently retains natural moisture and creates a smooth and silky surface which will give your hair a healthy and replenished appearance.
Titanium is an excellent heating material for straightening wild, coarse and thick hair due to its hard as steel but smooth as glass surface.
It's also extremely durable and very easy to use as it's so light in weight.
As titanium is heat resistant, it can reach temperatures up to 450°F in extra quick time to straighten your hair in a flash! Tourmaline straighteners are known for their gentle heating and overwhelming amount of negative ions which ensure the smoothest, healthiest and most vibrant looking hair, making it ideal for frizzy, curly, thick and untamable hair types.
Tourmaline is also known as the safest plate around because of its protective qualities making it especially recommended for those with dry, damaged or color treated hair.
You'll find that many straighteners combine ceramic and tourmaline which is ideal for any hair type and any purpose for outstanding results in less time and with a long lasting effect.
Right size: Girls with long, thick, curly or wavy hair should always opt for wider plates (1 ½" to 3") as the whole point of using a straightener is to speed up the hair grooming process and a thin iron would take longer to get through all that hair.
On the other hand, short, fine and naturally straight hair should stick to thin irons (¾" to 1") to work swiftly, plus thin irons are especially useful for quick touchups and to create styles other than straight.
Adjustable heat: If you really want the best straightener for your hair then choose one that lets you turn the heat down to protect your locks from heat damage.
Straighteners with fixed heats are usually set at high temperatures that if used on a daily basis will leave you with dry and frazzled locks, so you might want to stick to straighteners with a variable heat setting.
Well designed: In order for a hair straightener to be the best it must be ergonomic, lightweight and preferably slim.
The handles should accommodate your hand almost perfectly for a comfortable hold and a good grip while you style, allowing you to get the job done quickly and avoiding wrist or hand fatigue.
Plus, make sure that the controls are in easy to reach places for maximum comfort while you use it.
Extensive warranty: Every good straightener is so sure of its consistent performance and functionality that it'll come with a hefty warranty that surpasses the 1 year limit.
Usually, straighteners with only 1 year guarantee last right after the year ends, so do your best to choose one with a warranty longer than just a year.
Hopefully, these suggestions have helped you decide on the kind of straightener you want and narrowed down your list of options.
There aren't many straighteners with pure plates so just by looking for your preferred plate type your search will be significantly reduced.
If you still haven't made up your mind, you can always consult with a pro or read reviews on specific brands to get a more precise idea on which one to choose.