Strightener_artero

Choosing a hair straightener is a complicated matter. Apart from needing to be gentle on your hair to prevent damage, this tool must also suit your hair type. There are tons of options on the market, but do you know how to choose the right one? In this article, we’ll share some tips to make this process as plain and simple as possible for you. Keep reading to find out more! 

Tips for choosing the right hair straightener for you

Just a few years ago, hair straighteners were exclusively used in hairdressers. Now, these appliances can be found in a multitude of homes and have become almost impossible to live without. Whether your hair is wild and unruly or if you just prefer silky straight hair, these are the features you must pay attention to in order to find your perfect flat iron.

Adjustable temperature

This is one of the most essential features. To understand this better, you need to know that the keratin your hair is made up of contains chains of amino acids that create bonds. When we apply heat to our hair, these bonds break and then re-bond to form the shape you are styling them in.

What happens is that the temperature at which these bonds break mainly depends on your hair type. Make sure the appliance you choose includes the option to adjust the temperature so you can adapt it to your needs. For hair that is fine, artificially colored or damaged, temperatures between 160 and 180 °C are sufficient. For thicker, more unruly hair, you may want to go for temperatures higher than 200 °C.

Plate material

When we say plate, we are referring to the part that heats up to allow your hair to be styled. These plates can be made of different materials that will influence the final result. The most common are the following:

  • Ceramic. This is definitely the most common material used in these appliances. The smooth surface allows even heat distribution. It also protects your hair, allows styling, enhances shine and eliminates that pesky frizz. That being said, you must keep in mind that ceramic plates as a whole are more fragile, so you need to handle them more carefully.
  • Titanium. Flat irons made from this metal, like the Artero Zenit Titanium Classic, are more durable than ceramic ones. They are also quite light and heat up more quickly. After all, as they are made of metal, they conduct heat better. Lastly, they are loaded with negative ions, which reduce frizz and protect your hair cuticles. For these reasons, this is a fantastic option for people with thick, curly hair.

Plate width

Width can vary from one model to the next. However, don’t assume these variations are random, as the width determines how a straightener should be used:

  • Wide: Straighteners with a width of around 5 cm. Perfect for straightening curly or thick hair in particular.
  • Medium: These are the most popular and have a width of between 2 and 2.5 cm. Perfect for taming normal to fine hair.
  • Narrow: These have a width of 1.27 cm and are recommended for short hair. They are also useful for styling your bangs or creating curls.

Other important characteristics

Apart from the above, there are also other elements you must take into consideration before making your decision:

  1. Curved edges. If you’d like to reduce your number of hair care tools, we recommend choosing a model with curved edges. This will allow you to curl your hair as well as straighten.
  2. Heat-resistant tip. Make sure not to forget about this feature. Details like this, i.e., an area at the top that doesn’t heat up, allow you to handle the straightener more easily and securely.
  3. Cable length. Being able to move freely is key for handling this tool comfortably. Make sure the length is adequate and that it comes with a 360° swivel function, like the ZigZag Mini Artero XS Styler.
  4. Safety features. As it is an electrical appliance, it should include some kind of mechanism for automatic shutoff. This isn’t just to avoid any accidents, it’s also useful to ensure the plates don’t overheat so they last longer.

If you follow the tips we’ve given you throughout the article, we’re sure you’ll find it super easy to choose the perfect hair straightener. Remember: at Artero, we are specialists in haircare. Visit our website and discover all of our products!