Choosing a hair straightener can be challenging for many people, especially if it has been years since your last straightener. Technology has evolved so much in recent years, meaning hair straighteners are more powerful and varied than ever before. To help you decide what hair straightener is right for you, we have detailed the factors and features you need to consider.
When choosing the right hair straightener, you need to consider your hair type, how long your hair is, and what you want from your straighter. Doing so lets you narrow your choice and find the perfect straightener to suit your hair type and needs.
Consider your hair type
First, we recommend considering your hair type to help you find the right straighter. Different hair types will be better suited to different straighteners, ensuring enough heat and power to create straight hair, regardless of how wavy your hair is.
For curly hair, you will want a straightener designed to move over your curls without causing any damage to your hair. Straighteners like the GHD Chronos can be a good option, as the HD motion-responsive technology adapts to your styling movements, adjusting its power to give you precise heat monitoring. With a temperature of 185 degrees Celsius, you will get shiny and straight hair without worrying about damage.
If you have wavy hair, you can usually find any straightener that will work well. You want one that is suited for all hair types and textures, as it will allow you to style your hair without worrying about any frizz. Any straighter can be used for straight hair, but you can consider options like the GHD Duet Style, which dries and straightens your hair simultaneously, providing volume and creating a salon-style blow-dry effect.
Consider your hair length
You will want to consider your hair length and ensure that the straightener you buy has plates long enough to heat your hair. You don’t want to buy a straightener to find out it cannot support all of your hair. Look at the length of the plates on the straighter to ensure there is space for long or thick hair. You will likely need to section your hair to straighten it, but you still want a good size.
We recommend looking for straighteners with shorter plates or a compact design for shorter hair. These are easier to move through your short hair and give you greater control when straightening.
Consider what you want from your straightener
You should also consider what you want to achieve with your straightener. If the goal is simply to straighten your hair, then you have a wide range of options to choose from. However, if you also want to create waves or curl your hair with the straightener, you will want to look for one with curved edges, which can help you achieve the perfect wave. You might also want to consider a straighter that allows you to dry your hair, creating volume and giving you more flexibility when styling your hair.
Consider any features you want
Many straighteners come with added features to attract buyers, some of which can seem like a gimmick to get your money. However, it’s worth looking at these additional features to see if they benefit you, or think about any additional features you would like when shopping for your new straightener.
A common additional feature is an automatic shut-off function, which turns your straighteners off automatically after a period of inactivity. They might turn off after five or thirty minutes of inactivity, allowing you to style your hair without worrying about the straighteners turning off. An automatic shut-off stops you from burning your fingers on the edges of the straightener and reassures you that your house is safe if you leave without turning your straighteners off.
Other features can include a fast heating up time, allowing you to style your hair quickly, making it perfect for those in a rush. You can also find portable straighteners that you can recharge and ones with built-in shine control and frizz protection. Take some time to consider the additional features and see if there are any that suit your needs.
Find your new hair straightener today
These considerations allow you to narrow your choice and find the perfect straightener for your hair. When you have considered what type of straightener you need, head to GHD to see prices on hair straighteners and find the right option for you.