For several years now, hair straighteners have revolutionized our styling habits. Practical, easy to use, and accessible to all, they allow you to change your look and achieve smooth, ultra-straight hair very easily. However, it can be difficult to find your way and, above all, to make your choice from the large number of models available on the market.
So, we're giving you all the keys to finding THE straightener that will perfectly suit your hair type and your expectations.
Plate size
An important criterion in the quest for the perfect straightener is its size. Here's a small guide to follow to avoid making a mistake:
- Mini straightener: ideal for very short cuts or bangs
- Straightener with narrow plates (approx. 2.5cm): suitable for bob cuts and fine hair
- Standard plate straightener (approx. 3cm): perfect for medium-length and "normal" hair
- Medium plate straightener (approx. 4cm): appropriate for thick, curly hair that reaches below the shoulders.
- Wide plate straightener (approx. 5cm): the most suitable straightener for very thick/kinky hair or very long hair.
The coating
The coating of your straightener will also depend on your hair type. If your hair is more or less damaged or tends to dry out, opt for a ceramic straightener that will diffuse heat evenly. This will help prevent any significant damage to the hair fiber. Moreover, it will glide optimally over the hair without snagging.
Tourmaline, on the other hand, will eliminate static electricity and effectively combat frizz and unruly strands, leaving hair at its peak shine. This semi-precious stone coating is particularly suitable for sensitive, color-treated, and damaged hair.
Finally, opt for a titanium straightener if your hair has no particular tendencies. Resistant and known for its longevity, titanium guarantees continuous heat diffusion. In addition, titanium plates generally heat up faster. Be careful, however, this type of coating is not suitable for color-treated hair.
The heat source
The heat diffused by your hair straightener can be generated by several processes:
- Ionic technology: thanks to the emission of negative ions, the phenomenon of static electricity is controlled. In addition, this system also helps combat hair dryness and enhances the effects of hair care products.
- Infrared: this treatment ensures the diffusion of gentler heat within the hair, thus preserving its outer layer. Hair visibly gains suppleness and shine.
- Steam: the steam straightening system respects the hair's natural hydration level and, above all, prevents thermal shock during straightening.
Various features
A hair straightener can also have several options, thus facilitating the straightening process.
"Wet & Dry" Option
While standard straighteners should only be used on dry hair, there are other models that allow this action to be performed on damp hair.
Integrated comb
The straightening comb is a significant asset for those who want straight hair in no time. It detangles hair as the straightener passes, thus reinforcing its action.
Cord length
This is a small detail but an important one! Indeed, the longer the cord, the more freedom of movement you will have, allowing you to reach the back of your head. Also, consider choosing a swivel cord for even more freedom.
Floating plates
Increasingly used, floating plates are removable plates that adapt to the movement of the straightener. More flexible, they guarantee optimal adhesion with the thickness of the straightened strand.
Rounded ends
Not everyone knows this, but plates with rounded ends will allow you to create waves and curls more easily than with a standard straightener.
Examples of straighteners
To best guide you in choosing your straightener, we have selected several hair straighteners for you.
The Steampod 4.0 steam straightener-curler
3 years after the release of the Steampod 3.0, the L'Oréal Professionnel brand, in collaboration with Rowenta, is releasing its revolution in hair straighteners. This is a straightener with which you must use a hair care product, which the steam will penetrate deep into the hair. The hair will thus not only be perfectly smooth, but also protected and cared for. But the biggest plus of this Steampod 4.0 straightener is that it has 2 external plates to easily create curls that will hold perfectly over time.
You can find our article on the difference between Steampod 3.0 and Steampod 4.0 HERE.
The revolutionary Steampod 4.0
The INFRA STYLER Infrared straightener
The Beautélive brand offers this infrared straightener. Its particularity is to keep the hair's natural hydration intact. You can adjust it from 100°C to 230°C, making it suitable for fine, dry, and sensitized hair as well as thick hair. The plates are floating, and it has a rounded shape to easily create curls. The INFRA STYLER is therefore designed to be less aggressive on the hair and leave it soft and silky.
The INFRA STYLER infrared wave straightener
The WIDE STYLER straightener with its extra-wide plates
For this hair straightener, the Beautélive brand once again delivers something that is highly sought after: extra-wide plates. Indeed, there is a strong demand for this style of plates from women with long and thick hair. With these plates, the time it takes to straighten hair will be greatly reduced. The plates are made of titanium, and you can select the temperature from 80°C to 250°C.
The WIDE STYLER straightener and its extra-wide plates
This selection is, of course, not exhaustive. Feel free to leave a comment to let us know which straightener you chose.
