How to choose a hair straightener: a complete guide
The straightener is one of the most widely used tools for styling: it serves to smooth, tame frizz, but also to create waves and movement. Choosing the right one, however, is not so straightforward: plate materials, temperatures, steam or infrared technologies, width... In this guide, we take a look at what you really need to consider before purchasing and how to use it in the most hair-friendly way.
Plate materials
The surface that comes into contact with your hair makes a big difference, both in heat distribution and in how smoothly it glides.
Ceramic
This is the most common material. It distributes heat evenly and glides well through the hair. It is a balanced choice for most people, particularly for fine, normal, or sensitized hair.
Tourmaline
Often found as a coating over ceramic. Tourmaline is a mineral associated with the emission of negative ions, which help reduce static electricity and frizz for a shinier result. It is suitable for those with frizz-prone hair. An example is the Retro.Upgrade Wet&Dry in tourmaline.
Titanium
Titanium heats up quickly and maintains high temperatures in a stable manner. It is highly appreciated by professionals and by those with thick, full-bodied, or hard-to-straighten hair. Precisely because it is very efficient, it should be used with care on fine or damaged hair. Among the titanium straighteners, you will find the Ultron Irai and the Gamma+ Extra Pro Nano Titanium.
The right temperature for your hair type
A straightener with adjustable temperature is essential: it allows you to use only the heat you need. As a general guide:
- Fine, bleached, or fragile hair: low temperatures, roughly around 150-170 °C.
- Normal hair: medium temperatures, roughly 170-190 °C.
- Thick, very curly, or resistant hair: higher temperatures, roughly above 190 °C.
The golden rule is to start from the lowest temperature and increase it if necessary. It is better to do an extra pass at a moderate temperature than a single one at maximum temperature. Straighteners with a digital display make it easier to find the right setting every time.
Steam and infrared straighteners
Some high-end straighteners integrate additional technologies:
- Steam: a water tank releases steam during the pass. The goal is to achieve a straight style with less stress on the hair and a softer appearance.
- Infrared: infrared light helps to heat the hair more uniformly, even inside the strand.
Often the two technologies are found together, as in the Gamma+ Styler Vapor Infrared and the Move Rose Infrared & Steam. If you use a steam straightener like a Steampod, there are dedicated treatments such as the L'Oréal SteamPod Smoothing Treatment 3 in 1.
Straightener width
This is an often underestimated aspect, but it changes a lot in daily use.
- Narrow straighteners (about 2-2.5 cm): perfect for short hair, bangs, areas near the roots, and for creating waves and curls. An example is the 25 mm Ultron Kimba.
- Wide straighteners (from 3.5 cm upwards): ideal for long and thick hair, because they work on larger sections and save time. Such as the Move Evolution T Pro XL.
If you have medium-length hair and want to both straighten and create waves, a medium or narrow width straightener is the most versatile.
Heat protectant, always
Whatever straightener you choose, a heat protectant is not optional. It creates a protective film that helps limit heat damage, reduces dehydration, and often improves glide and shine. Apply it to all lengths before styling, comb to distribute it well, and let it dry. A good option is the K18 HeatBounce, a heat protectant with conditioning action.
Another important rule: use the straightener on completely dry hair, unless the model is specifically designed for damp hair as well. Running a straightener over wet hair puts it under unnecessary stress.
Cordless straighteners for touch-ups
Cordless straighteners, powered by a battery, are very convenient to carry in your bag or while traveling. They are usually smaller and reach lower temperatures: they do not replace a professional straightener for a full style, but they are perfect for touching up bangs and strands during the day. The Gamma+ Donna+ Keratin & Xceed Cordless set combines a home straightener and a cordless one.
Maintenance: how to make your straightener last
- Clean the plates while cool and unplugged, with a soft, slightly damp cloth, to remove product residue.
- Avoid abrasive sponges and aggressive detergents that can ruin the coating.
- Do not wrap the cord tightly around the straightener: over time it will get damaged. A swivel cord helps.
- Let it cool down on a heat-resistant surface before storing it.
- For steam straighteners, follow the manufacturer's instructions on the type of water to use and on cleaning the tank.
Which one to choose?
- Fine or bleached hair: ceramic or ceramic and tourmaline straightener, with adjustable temperature starting from low values.
- Thick, long, or very frizzy hair: titanium straightener with wide plates.
- You want maximum respect for your hair: steam and infrared models.
- You only need touch-ups on the go: a cordless one.
You can compare the models in the Move straighteners collection. If your hair is already tried by heat and treatments, read our guide to damaged hair; if, on the other hand, you have curly hair and want to enhance it without a straightener, discover our complete routine for curly hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a straightener damage hair?
Heat, if used excessively, can dry out and weaken hair. With adequate temperature, a heat protectant, and not using it daily, the risk is greatly reduced.
Can I use a straightener every day?
Better not to. If you need it often, lower the temperature, always use a heat protectant, and try to make the style last for several days.
Can you also make curls with a straightener?
Yes, especially with narrow straighteners with rounded edges, by rotating the straightener as you slide it along the section of hair.
How often should the straightener be cleaned?
It is good practice to clean it often, even after every use if you use many styling products, always while cool.
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