The best hair straighteners for your strands

Those lucky enough to have found their perfect heat tool match are the fortunate few. For those of us still trying to find hair style Nirvana, there’s hope; the innovative materials heat tools are made from means there’s an ideal partner for everyone’s locks these days. Knowing your hair type – and being honest about how really skilled you are with a straightener – is the key to unlocking the power of its potential.

Ceramic plates for beginners

“Ceramics plates generally offer very even heat distribution”, says Shelen Shaer, co-owner and hairstylist at Tanaz Hair. “The problem, however, is they often chip, causing the hair to snag as it’s pulled through the styler,” she goes on to explain. Don’t be put off by ceramic though; just make sure the entire plate is made from it, recommends Shaer. It’s also the best material to invest in if you have fine, fragile hair. “Ditto tourmaline”, says Shaer. 

The benefits of tourmaline

Hair stylers made with tourmaline - a mineral that has a very high output of iron- are able to infuse hair with wonderful shine. “However, like their ceramic counterparts, they also have a tendency to chip,” says Shaer. She does recommend this type of hair styler for dry, damaged hair as it can help give it a healthy, glossy look again. 

Are you ready for titanium?

If you’re a real pro at heat styling your hair – and, we mean a real wizard with those wands – Shaer suggests you invest in a titanium styler, ideal for getting thick, course hair into shape. “Titanium heats up very quickly and because it’s so hot, you can work quicker on your hair causing slightly less damage,” she explains. But, she adds that you need to be a real expert because use it too slowly and you’ll trigger damage. And the same goes for over-use. 
 

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