In order to effectively modify, straighten, and even curl women's hair, professionals need a tool like a hair straightener. With its help, they can eliminate frizz, excessive fluffiness, straighten even the most unruly strands, or create long-lasting curls. In this article, we will explain how to choose a hair straightener for professional use.

Criteria for Choosing a Hair Straightener

When selecting a hair straightener, you should pay attention to several key parameters that determine the quality of the tool and its ease of use for a professional.

1. Plate Material

The plates of a hair straightener are the most important component, as they directly affect the structure of the hair strands. Therefore, they should be as safe as possible for the hair.

Straightener plates can be made of:

  1. Metal: A budget-friendly but harsh material for hair. Due to its properties, heat is distributed unevenly across the surface, making some strands drier than others. Professionals are advised to avoid these straighteners.
  2. Ceramic: Heats evenly and glides smoothly along the hair, giving it a characteristic shine. However, styling products tend to stick to ceramic plates, making them less convenient for salon use.
  3. Teflon: An affordable coating that does not glide well over hair. It is suitable only for thin, fragile, and soft hair. However, it is not commonly used in salons because Teflon wears out and peels off quickly.
  4. Jadeite: A mid-range coating material that glides easily and evenly processes each strand. It provides a characteristic shine and is suitable even for damp hair.
  5. Tourmaline: Known for its perfect smooth glide. It is resistant to styling products, making hairstyling easier. When heated, tourmaline generates ions that help close the hair cuticle, locking in moisture. Despite its high cost, it is an excellent choice for professionals.
  6. Titanium: A high-tech material that heats up instantly. However, it should only be used by experienced professionals, as improper handling can damage the client’s hair.
  7. Silver: Rarely used due to its high price. It is ideal for brittle, split, and weakened hair, promoting hair health and restoration.
  8. Tungsten: One of the most expensive materials. Tungsten plates heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly. These straighteners are often used without styling products, as they provide strong fixation on their own.

Some straighteners may feature other materials, but for professional use, it is best to choose those that balance quality and price.

2. Plate Shape and Size

To ensure versatility, a straightener should have slightly rounded plate edges. For ease of use, the plates should be slightly smaller than the body of the device.

The width of the plates also matters:

  • 2.5 cm – suitable for short, fine, and not very voluminous hair;
  • 3 cm – optimal for medium-length, moderately thick hair;
  • 4 cm – best for medium-length but very thick hair;
  • 8 cm – ideal for long, voluminous hair.

The size of the plates affects not only compatibility with different hair types but also the comfort of the stylist and their hand fatigue. Narrow plates work well for short hairstyles, while wider plates are better for long, thick hair.

3. Plate Attachment Type

The way plates are attached determines the convenience and ease of use. There are two common types of plate attachment: fixed and floating.

Fixed plates are rigidly attached to the body and do not move. The quality of the styling depends entirely on the professional's skill. They are best for thick, coarse, or unruly hair. Many professional straighteners have fixed plates to give the stylist full control over the pressure applied to the strands.

Floating plates are mounted on special springs or shock absorbers, allowing them to move up and down by about 3 mm. This reduces the effort needed to straighten hair, making the process faster and less tiring for the stylist.

4. Plate Gap

When choosing a straightener, check the gap between the plates when pressed together. If there is a gap, heat distribution will be uneven, requiring additional passes that can cause excessive dryness.

For fixed plates, a small gap of up to 1 mm is acceptable. For floating plates, a gap of about 2 mm is optimal.

5. Temperature Settings

Hair straighteners operate at different temperatures because hair types vary in thickness, porosity, and dryness. A single temperature setting is not suitable for all clients, as excessive heat can cause dryness and breakage.

Professional straighteners usually have a temperature control feature, either with mechanical switches or a digital display.

Recommended temperatures for different hair types:

  • Dry or chemically treated – up to 110°C;
  • Fine or damaged – up to 150°C;
  • Normal – 180°C;
  • Thick – up to 190°C;
  • Very thick – up to 200°C;
  • Thick and curly – up to 210°C.

Straighteners without temperature control always operate at the maximum setting, increasing the risk of over-drying hair. Therefore, adjustable temperature settings are essential.

6. Additional Features

Some features enhance ease of use and hair protection, such as:

  1. Wet hair straightening: Includes a drainage system to release steam safely.
  2. Steam straightening: Uses a water reservoir or keratin-infused products to straighten very dry, thin, or brittle hair.
  3. Auto shut-off: Turns off the straightener after a set time, preventing overheating.
  4. Swivel cord: A rotating cord attachment enhances ease of use by preventing tangling.

Attachments are also important if the straightener will be used for curling. Some models include replaceable plates, spiral or brush-like attachments, or crimping tools.

7. Hair Ionization

Professional straighteners with ionization technology generate negative ions that penetrate the hair structure, sealing the cuticle and retaining moisture. This reduces static and frizz while making hair smoother and shinier.

Best Hair Straighteners in Our Collection

If you're looking for a professional hair straightener, check out these options in our store!

HAIR EXPERT Hair Straightener

The HAIR EXPERT straightener is designed for keratin treatments, botox, and nanoplastia.

  • Heats up in less than 10 seconds;
  • Touchscreen controls;
  • Auto-lock for safety;
  • Lightweight for comfort;
  • Adjustable temperature.

Hair Expert Blessing Black

Hair Expert Blessing Black features:

  • Lightweight design;
  • Heats to maximum in under a minute;
  • Even heat distribution;
  • Anti-static effect;
  • Adjustable temperature;
  • Steam vents for moisture control.

Buy a Hair Straightener in Europe

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