• metal
• ceramic
• ion-ceramic
• tourmaline

Metal irons, even with rare use, cause serious damage to the hair. Their coating burns hair, makes it dull, brittle and split, so if you have a choice, it is better not to use this type of straightener at all.

Irons with a ceramic coating have uniform and stable thermal conductivity, thanks to which such an iron easily smoothes hair without damaging its scales.

At the moment, this is the most popular and affordable type of rectifier, the only drawback of which is prolonged heating.

If you can afford the expense, be sure to get a professional ionic ceramic or tourmaline iron. These straighteners do no harm to hair and even significantly improve its appearance. The charged ions of such coatings have a regenerating effect on the stratum corneum, which allows them to shine very beautifully.

How to straighten your hair correctly

Before straightening, wash your hair and apply a care or heat protectant to clean hair and blow dry using a brush. Start straightening your hair with an iron from the back of your head, after dividing the strands into small layers.

How to straighten your hair: step by step instructions

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Do not hold the iron for a long time in one place, its temperature is enough to straighten hair in one smooth pass

Having pinned your hair, remove thin strands from the bun and move the iron from the very roots to the ends of the hair. Straightening all the strands of the back of the head, process the crown, style the straightened hair well, comb it and secure it with varnish.

Remember that damaged, thin and bleached hair should be straightened at low temperatures (no more than 150 degrees), while unruly and coarse hair needs a higher heat exposure (up to 180 degrees).

Ironing rules

For slightly frizzy or wavy hair, you can do without applying one styling with thermal protection. The frequency and amount of application of the protective product depends on the stiffness of the hair and the "toughness" of the curl - in such cases, the care products must be applied before straightening the hair, after drying it with a hairdryer.

If you want smooth and voluminous hair, use the iron only on the hair that covers the hair and also on the ends. Straightened strands will create beautiful volume on the lower layers, while hair straightened with a straightener will have a glossy smoothness on top.

Straighten only clean hair, as the residues of styling products and sebum under the influence of temperature "caked" and hardened

Never use one ironing temperature range for the entire head. The hair on the front may differ from the hair on the back of the head with stiffer curls that can only be straightened at high temperatures.

The main rule of using an iron is not to straighten your hair more than twice a week, even if your model is equipped with gentle plates and a protective spray. To prevent sectioning of the ends, cut them regularly by a good hairdresser.

Choosing the right thermal protective care

When using an iron, the hair must be protected from high temperatures using special care products. To date, a huge number of balms, mousses, sprays and gels are presented with an active formula that preserves healthy shine and beauty of hair after aggressive straightening with a hot method.

When choosing a heat protectant for hair, give preference to brands that include detailed instructions for its use in the packaging.

Good heat protectants include nutrients, proteins, vitamins and plant extracts to lock in moisture in your hair and protect it from drying out. For example, Lanza Thermal Defense Heat Styler has an ultraviolet filter that saves hair from the effects of heat, and Iron Smoother Matrix provides hair protection even at temperatures up to 230 degrees, while perfectly smoothing the strands.

Balm Lisse hair smoothing balm Revlon professional will protect the hair structure from heat exposure, and also reduce the effects of friction when using brushing. Osis Flatliner flattening iron serum Schwarzkopf professional perfectly protects hair at temperatures up to 200 degrees and can be used with a wide variety of hair textures.

Ways and means for self-straightening hair

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A woman has only one problem: if her hair is straight, then you need to curl it, if, on the contrary, it is wavy, then you need to straighten it. Well, seriously speaking, this year straight long hair took the leading place among the mass of different hairstyles.

Ironing choice

In fact, perfectly straight hair is naturally found in a fairly small number of the female population. They, of course, were lucky, and everyone else will be helped to cope with the problem of a hair straightening iron.

Initially, in order not to damage your hair, you need to choose the right device. They differ from each other by the coating of the plates, the size of the plates, the temperature regime, and the power.

Let's start by covering the plates:

1. Metallic coating - suitable only for owners of hair that is already straight from the beginning, and you just need to give it a little smoothness and shine. Since the metal coating is the most inexpensive material, the quality, respectively, leaves much to be desired. Metal does not conduct heat evenly, and you can inadvertently burn your hair, which will cause it to break and split. Therefore, you cannot use an iron with metal plates on a daily basis.
2. Ceramic coating is an average material in terms of cost and quality. Ceramic does not damage the hair structure and protects the hair from overheating.
3. Tourmaline coating - this coating is applied over the ceramics and, in addition to its straightening properties, has in its arsenal also caring properties, such as, for example, gluing hair scales, which reduces their fragility.
4. Gold plating is an innovation in the hairdressing industry. Thanks to ceramics and gold plates, the iron seals the hair cuticle and, keeping the natural moisture inside the hair, repels unnecessary moisture from the outside. The cost of this iron is astronomical, but worth it.

The ironing plates must be even and smooth, without sharp corners and any cracks, so as not to damage or tear the hair. The size of the ironing plates is also very important. The longer and thicker your hair, the wider the plate should be, otherwise you can get tired very quickly, straightening your hair with thin strands, and it will take much more time.

But here, too, there are nuances, if an iron is bought not only for straightening hair, but also for curling, then the plates should be of medium width or narrow, since it is impossible to curl the hair wide. The ideal size in this case is 2.5 cm. It will be more convenient if the cord rotates on the iron, then you do not have to constantly unravel it by hand.

The temperature regulator on the iron is especially important to monitor the heating of the appliance and prevent excessive overheating. By default, all irons without a temperature regulator are set to 220 degrees - this is very unfavorable for hair, especially dry or damaged by perm and dyes. It is better to set the minimum temperature and straighten your hair slowly. Spend more time, but your hair will be more intact. The most optimal temperature is 90-110 degrees.

To keep your hair in good condition after straightening, you need to take care of the iron. Since there is thermal protection on the hair at the time of styling, a sticky coating remains on the ironing plates, which leads to roughness of the same plates.

Over time, the sticky coating will build up layer by layer, the plates will no longer be smooth and will damage the hair with friction. Therefore, after using the iron to straighten hair, wipe its plates with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in slightly soapy water. Never scrub or scratch the ironing plates.

Secrets of correct straightening:

1. You need to thoroughly wash and dry your hair, preferably in a natural way, so as not to injure your hair with a hairdryer. Do not use an iron on damp or wet hair, as this will inevitably damage the hair. Only clean hair can be styled with an iron, otherwise all sebum under the influence of high temperature will turn into a solid mask on the hair. You can dry your hair with a hairdryer, preferably with a brushing - it will be easier to straighten it with an iron.
2. Then apply thermal protection products to the hair. They come in different types: oils and two-phase oils (Brelil), sprays and two-phase sprays (Gamma, Estel, Schwarzkopf), as well as foams, wax, spray-shine - depending on the result of the effort. Without such products, the hair loses its natural moisture and, as a result, becomes dry and brittle. But do not get carried away, if you overdo it with styling, the hair after straightening will look frankly dirty.
3. Divide your hair with a barrette or crab into three equal parts: two at the sides and one at the back. It is necessary to start straightening from the occipital. Take a small strand and fix it in the iron as close to the roots as possible, slowly slide down to the ends. Do not stay long in one area and especially at the ends, this leads to overheating and dryness of the hair. Straighten all of your hair, strand by strand. If there are bangs, straighten them last.
4. Next, you need to comb your hair with a comb with rare teeth and sprinkle the hair with hairspray to fix the hairstyle.

Details

How to choose a straightening iron

Despite the name, the iron is used not only to straighten hair, but also to curl it. The ability to curl and straighten strands makes it a truly versatile device, because with the help of an iron, you can easily create many different hairstyles.

Coating and plate material

When choosing an iron for hair straightening, first of all, you need to pay attention to the coating of its plates. The glide of the hair, the rate of heating and the level of damage done to the hair depends on it.

Metallic

Apart from the low price, these irons have no other advantages. The metal heats up strongly, but unevenly. As a result, some of the hair is burnt.

If you use this device more than 3 times a month, you can get thin, brittle and weak hair. Before buying, consider whether to sacrifice hair health.

Ceramic

Irons with ceramic plates are the most popular for home use.

Ceramic plates spoil the hair much less. The cost of ceramic rectifiers is higher than metal ones, but you can use them much more often (2-3 times a week). Irons do not heat up quickly, but they provide uniform heating. To make the device last a long time, wipe off any leftover styling products from its surface.

Two-piece (marble-ceramic)

A feature of marble-ceramic devices is the simultaneous heating and cooling of the strands. The ceramic part, warming up, evens or curls the strands, and the marble cools them. The negative impact on the hair structure is minimized.

Tourmaline

For those looking to overcome static electricity, tourmaline is a godsend. A special mixture of crystals with ceramics smoothes hair scales during straightening. High quality professional irons have such a coating.

Or ionic ceramic. During heating, the surface of the plates emits negative ions. They restore the structure of the hair, making it smooth and silky.

Titanium

Used in professional rectifiers. The titanium plate warms up evenly, and the temperature is high. As a result, there is a risk of burns. It is better not to use a titanium iron without certain skills. The price of the device is high and the coating wears off over time.

Teflon

The effect of Teflon on hair is similar to that of ceramics. The iron glides easily through the hair, gently pulling it out. At the same time, the plates do not collect the remnants of styling products, which simplifies the care of the device.

Tungsten

Expensive but effective coverage. The styling is kept without additional means (mousse, varnish, etc.). Warms up instantly and evenly.

The main advantage of irons coated with a semi-precious mineral is the ability to smooth out damp hair. The strands are well fixed, they are not damaged, and the shine of the hair is enhanced.

Antibacterial silver coating

Another expensive ironing option. The plates have silver microparticles, which not only provide antibacterial protection, but also have a healing effect.

To summarize: if you do not have a lot of money, but want to do styling without severe harm to your hair, then a ceramic iron will be the best iron for you. Ceramic marble and tourmaline coating will also be the best solution.

Ironing plate width

The size of the plates does not directly affect the health of the hair, but is important for the convenience of creating a hairstyle. Pay attention to this when buying an iron.

The width of the plates depends on two factors - the length and thickness of the hair:

• For owners of short haircuts, a narrow device from 2 cm to 2.5 cm is suitable, depending on their density.
• With an average length of the hairstyle (up to the shoulder blades), the width of the plates ranges from 2.5 to 4 cm.
• Long and thin hair can be styled with an iron with a plate width of 5-6 cm, and thick curls falling below the shoulder blades can only be handled with a very wide curling iron (7-8 cm).

Temperature

Modern irons very quickly reach high temperatures (up to 230 ° C). But this does not mean at all that you need to straighten your hair as much as possible.

Regulators

When buying a hair straightening iron, be sure to take care of the presence of a thermostat. What it will be depends on the amount and personal preference.

Mode selection

When choosing the optimal ironing temperature, start from the type and thickness of your hair. A curly unruly head will require higher degrees than fine, dry hair.

You can only find a more accurate level by experience. General criteria for choosing a temperature, depending on the type of hair:

• African hair - 200 ° C;
• Thick and curly - amenable to styling at 190-195 ° C;
• Thick and dense, but moderately wavy - should be stretched or curled at 180-185 ° C;
• For medium - 170-175 ° C is enough;
• Thin - fit at 165 ° C;
• Clarified - it is better not to heat the iron above 155 ° C;
• Weakened thin hair, deprived of strength, should not be styled with a too hot curling iron - 145 ° C is their permissible limit.

Additional selection criteria

Type and shape of plates

Also, when choosing irons, you should pay attention to the type of the shape of the plates. If you are going to straighten your hair, straight plates are perfect. Purchase a curling iron with rounded plates for curling.

An interesting version of irons with floating plates fixed on springs. The plates can be pressed firmly against the hair or passed freely through it. The most effective forceps, between the plates of which there is no gap (the maximum allowable gap is 2mm).

Nozzles

Additional attachments may be included with the irons:

• Corrugated nozzle that allows you to create waves on the strands;
• Comb. A very valuable addition. The teeth keep matted hair out under the plates;
• Forceps. Turns the straightener into a curling iron;
• Spiral nozzle. With its help, you can create beautiful curls, comfortable for long hair.

Iron manufacturers

Among manufacturers professional Irons worth noting firms: Ga.Ma, Babyliss, Remington, Valera, Mozer, Harizma, Parlux, etc. All of them are quite expensive (about 2-5 thousand rubles).

A feature of Babyliss devices is a nano-titanium impregnation in the plates, due to which they heat up evenly, straighten well and do not dry out the hair.

Among the Remington curlers there is a model for straightening wet hair.

Ga.Ma irons have earned the love of ordinary users and professionals for their excellent quality. Prices range from 1 to 8 thousand rubles.

Row less expensive devices suitable for home use: Bosch, Philips, Braun, Panasonic, Rowenta, Vitek, Scarlett. Price range - from 600 rubles to 3000.

Differences between professional and home irons:

• Power. Professional appliances heat up faster and work longer;
• Durability;
• The material in specialized devices is of higher quality;
• There is a thermostat in any professional curling iron;
• Automatic shutdown. Household irons do not have a shutdown function;

Hair dryer or iron: which is more harmful?

It is widely believed among ordinary people that an iron burns hair more than a hairdryer, as it touches it. However, the hair dryer spoils the hair structure more, revealing the scales with a jet of air. The straightener (when it comes to high-quality appliances) smoothes the hair by covering the scales.

Golden rules for styling

Taking care of your device

To prevent hair products from accumulating on the irons, it must be wiped clean. To do this, just wipe the slightly warm plates of an iron disconnected from the network with a towel moistened with warm water. In extreme cases, alcohol can be used.

Many people use a hairdryer to dry their hair every day, sometimes we just do not have enough time to wait for the hair to dry naturally. Short hair does not take too long for this procedure, but, unfortunately, the duration of hair drying increases in direct proportion to its length. Long hair dries naturally for a very long time, so in this case, the help of a hair dryer is essential.

A hairdryer, like a flat iron or curling iron, is called a “hot” device that destroys hair. But is it? Should all women who care about hair have to completely stop using it? I do not think.

The main factor in damage to the strands with a hair dryer or iron is high temperature. However, if the heat of the straightener is usually about 200 degrees C (it is not difficult to guess that this temperature is even fatal for the hair), then the temperature of the air flow of the hair dryer is much lower.

If a hair dryer with three temperature levels is very good, then you can choose from 3 temperature modes: hot air (about 90 degrees C), warm (about 60 degrees C) and cool (about 30 degrees C). It is safe to dry your hair in warm and cool mode, temperatures up to 60 degrees C will not damage it. At higher temperatures, moisture evaporates from the hair, which leads to the opening of the scales and the destruction of keratin. As a result, hair becomes dry, weak and brittle.

However, drying your hair daily will not be as damaging as long as you follow the guidelines below.

Principles of Safe Hair Drying

1. Hair is most susceptible to damage when it is wet, so you must handle it very carefully - do not rub wet strands with a towel (lightly wring the hair to remove excess water), it is better not to comb it before drying (comb it before washing and after drying ). When combing wet hair, use a wide-toothed comb.

2. Before drying your hair, use a heat protectant (for example, a spray with aloe vera gel, which helps to keep the hair hydrated). To protect the ends of the hair, which are usually the most damaged, first rub some oil (such as coconut) between your fingers and apply it to the ends, and then, additionally, some silicone serum (silk).

3. Blow dry hair only with warm or cold air flow. Forget about high temperatures.

4 Dry your hair at a medium air flow rate. Strong leads to hair damage.

5. Keep the hair dryer about 20 cm away from the hair, do not hold it in one place, but try to direct the air flow in different directions.

6. Dry hair in the direction of growth (ie, closing the hair cuticle and smoothing it). Never direct the air flow the other way around - it opens the hair cuticle and causes damage. Long curls dry well head down (air flow down). This, of course, is more comfortable and, by the way, gives your hair extra volume 😉

7. If you want to style your hair beautifully, start doing it when it is slightly damp (80% dry), but not wet.

8. At the end of drying, use a cold air stream, your hair will be healthy and smooth.

9. Do not dry your hair to the end, it is better to let it remain slightly damp, dry completely naturally (except for the need to quickly leave the house).

10. If you do not burn, try not to dry your hair every day, as this dries it out. Best results when you wash your hair frequently and dry your hair every two days.

Many of you, of course, will still have a dilemma after that: blow-dry your hair or dry your hair naturally.

I will definitely choose a hairdryer, but I will put an emphasis on safety, which will make the procedure non-destructive to the hair. However, it is up to each of us to decide how to dry our hair. Remember that going outside or in the sun with wet hair is not advisable - the sun and wind have a strong effect, causing hair damage.

It is important to remember that the health and beauty of your hair will directly depend on which straightener you choose. It is necessary to focus attention, first of all, on the material from which the plates of the device are made.

Metal plates

The material of the heating surface of the rectifier is the main indicator of the safety of the device for styling. The plates should warm evenly and have a coating that minimizes damage from constant and prolonged heat exposure to the hair. An iron with metal plates does not meet these requirements. The lack of a protective layer, direct exposure to heat and improper temperature distribution destroy the hair structure, which in turn causes split ends and other hair problems. This explains the low cost of such rectifiers.

Ceramic plates

Ceramic ironing plates do much less damage to hair. This material helps to evenly distribute heat over the heating surface and maintains the optimum temperature for straightening. The styling appliance with ceramic plates glides gently through the hair, ensuring good styling as well. Another plus of such rectifiers is a good price-quality ratio.

Plates with different coatings

The application of an additional protective layer on the ceramic plates makes the straightener even safer for the hair and even provide care for it. Thus, the thin tourmaline coating of the plates has a natural ionizing effect that neutralizes static electricity and makes hair smoother and shinier. Jadeite is another semi-precious mineral used in plate coatings. Its main advantage is a very gentle effect on the hair. The straightener with jadeite coated plates can also be used on damp hair. Another material used as a protective coating is titanium. Plates made of this metal allow very fine adjustment of the ironing temperature, and the straightening effect lasts much longer. There are also straighteners coated with silver ions, which can even have a healing effect on the hair. All of these materials are quite expensive, their use increases the price of the rectifier several times.

Additional functionality

Additional functions also play an important role in the safety issue of the rectifier. The correct ironing temperature will help to minimize the harmful effect on the hair. This means that the device must be equipped with temperature controls. Even more modern and convenient devices have digital indicators for visualizing indicators during the laying process. Some devices are able to memorize the settings or independently determine the styling modes for a particular type of hair. When choosing a straightening iron, it is worth paying attention to features such as auto shut-off and rotation of the network cable. And of course, you only need to use an iron in conjunction with special heat-resistant hair cosmetics. This will help make the straightening procedure as gentle as possible.

A straightener is an indispensable item in the arsenal of many girls. It is used not only by owners of curly hair, but also by girls with straight hair to make curls more shiny and straight. Now the choice of rectifiers in the store is very wide, every day more and more new models appear. We'll choose a straightener that won't harm your hair. Follow our step by step instructions.

Instructions

Pay attention to the coating of the plates, because it is on them that the possible effect on the structure of yours depends. A straightener with simple metal plates is much cheaper, but using a straightener will instantly split your hair ends. Make sure the plates are coated with something like ceramic. If you plan to use additional cosmetics when styling your hair, then choose a straightener with a mixed coating, such as ceramics with Teflon or ceramics with tourmaline. This straightener will give your hair a shine and, when used, will provide an easy glide.

Decide on the width of the plate. Wide (over 2.5 cm) are suitable for thick and long hair. Narrow ones (2-2.5 cm) are universal, they are suitable for all types of hair. In addition, with the help of narrow plates, you can easily not only straighten