Mastering the Hair Straightener: Tips for Style and Care

May 03, 2025

The Essentials: Choosing the Best Hair Straightener

A quality straightener makes all the difference. When selecting one, consider:

Plate Material: Ceramic is gentle and ideal for fine hair, while titanium heats quickly for thick, coarse hair
Adjustable Temperature Settings: Protect your client's hair by tailoring heat levels to their hair type
Cordless Options: A cordless hair straightener offers portability and convenience for hairstylists on the go

Straightening Techniques for Sleek and Wavy Looks

Sleek and Straight

Start with clean, dry hair
Apply a heat protectant spray to minimise damage
Section the hair into thin layers for even heat distribution
Glide the straightener smoothly from root to tip

Perfect Waves with a Straightener

Did you know your straightener doubles as a curling tool? Here's how:

Section hair and clamp the straightener at mid-length
Twist the straightener away from the face while gliding it down
Release for soft waves or repeat for tighter curls

Caring for Your Straightener and Hair

Cleaning Your Straightener

Residue from styling products can accumulate over time. Follow these steps:

Turn off and unplug the device
Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the plates
Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth before storing

Maintaining Hair Health

Limit heat styling to 2-3 times per week
Always use heat protection sprays
Deep-condition regularly to restore moisture

Did You Know? Using the best hair straighteners with adjustable settings reduces damage compared to fixed-temperature devices.

Which plate material and temperature is best for each hair type?

Thick hair: Use a straightener with titanium plates as they heat up quickly and maintain a high temperature, meaning it requires fewer passes and minimises potential damage
Thin hair: Ceramic plates, using a low temperature, is best for thin hair as they distribute heat more evenly, preventing hot spots and minimising damage
Straight hair: Use ceramic plates with a lower temperature setting to enhance shine and create polished looks without excessive heat
Wavy hair: Titanium plates work well for wavy hair due to their efficiency, with a wide temperature range to achieve sleekness without flattening natural volume
Curly hair: Opt for ceramic or keratin plates with adjustable heat settings, using a medium to high temperature to smooth curls effectively while reducing frizz
Coily hair: Choose titanium or keratin plates with high heat capacity to handle the tight texture effectively while using a heat protectant to maintain moisture

Which are the best hair straighteners?

BaByliss Pro Advanced Ceramic Hair Straightener		This professional hair straightener features Advanced Ceramic Floating Plates for smooth results, 10 Variable Heat Settings for all hair types, and Programmable Memory for quick access to your preferred settings. With a Safety Switch Cut-Off for peace of mind and a Salon Length Swivel Cord for flexibility, it's ideal for busy salon environments and all hair types.
BaByliss Pro Keratin Lustre Hair Straightener		This pro hair straightener features keratin-infused ceramic plates for smoothness and shine, with advanced ceramic heaters for fast, consistent heat. It offers 10 temperature settings (140°C to 230°C) for all hair types, plus a heat mat with storage and a 3m swivel cord for ease of use.
WAHL Pro Glide Straightener		Features ceramic-coated, keratin-infused plates for smooth styling with minimal damage. Its adjustable heat control (150°C to 210°C) suits all hair types and heats up in 60 seconds. The 3-metre swivel cord offers flexibility, and the heat-resistant cover ensures safe storage. Lower heat settings protect finer textures and extensions while delivering beautiful results.
WAHL Pencil Straightener Ceramic Plates		This straightener locks in moisture, leaving hair shiny and silky. It reaches a maximum temperature of 200°C and heats up in just 60 seconds. Featuring a 3m swivel cord for flexibility and a plate lock safety function, it combines convenience with safety for flawless results.
WAHL Style Collection Styling Iron		The Wahl Style Collection Styling Iron is perfect for quick, stylish looks. It features ultra-fast heat with ceramic-coated plates and a 3-metre cable for flexibility. With three heat settings ranging from 160°C to 210°C, it offers customisable styling for all hair types.
BaByliss Pro Classic Ceramic Straightening Iron		The Babyliss Pro straightener features 5 adjustable heat settings, floating ceramic plates for even heat and a durable design built for professional use. Perfect for all hair types, including coloured and treated hair, it delivers flawless styles while maintaining hair integrity.