Straighteners are a piece of electrical equipment that you heat up and move through sections of your hair to make it straight.
Hair straighteners, sometimes called flat irons, are popular styling tools used to alter the texture of hair, typically from curly or wavy to straight. They achieve this by using heated plates that press sections of hair, temporarily disrupting the hydrogen bonds responsible for the hair's natural shape.
How Hair Straighteners Work:
- Heat Application: Straighteners have two heated plates, typically made of ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium.
- Hair Compression: When a section of hair is placed between the heated plates, the heat softens the hair cuticle, making it more pliable.
- Temporary Bond Disruption: The heat and pressure disrupt the hydrogen bonds in the hair shaft, which are responsible for the natural curl or wave. As the hair cools in the new position, these bonds reform, holding the hair straight until it is exposed to moisture again.
- Straightening Action: By clamping and smoothly gliding the straightener down a section of hair, you apply consistent heat and pressure, forcing it to take a straighter form.
Types of Hair Straighteners:
Here are some common types of hair straighteners available:
- Ceramic: These are a popular choice because they distribute heat evenly and are suitable for most hair types.
- Tourmaline: These straighteners generate negative ions which help reduce frizz and static, resulting in smoother hair.
- Titanium: Titanium straighteners heat up quickly and are good for thick and coarse hair.
- Wet-to-Dry: These are designed to straighten damp or slightly wet hair, though it's often recommended to dry hair completely before straightening.
- Cordless: These run on battery power, offering portability, but may have shorter battery life.
Tips for Using Straighteners:
- Always apply a heat protectant spray before straightening to minimize damage.
- Start with clean, dry hair to avoid steaming and potential damage.
- Use a temperature setting appropriate for your hair type: lower heat for fine or thin hair, higher heat for thicker or coarser hair.
- Divide hair into small, manageable sections.
- Avoid holding the straightener on one spot for too long.
- Clean the plates regularly to remove product buildup.
