Hair Straightening

Hair straightening is a hair styling technique used since the 1890s . This technique involves the flattening and straightening of hair in order to give it a smooth, sleek appearance. The inventor of the first official hair straightener that went on the market was Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield in 1912. Flat irons (otherwise known as hair straighteners) can only temporarily modify the shape and texture of hair, the straightened effect will be reversed by contact with water from washing, rain, humidity, etc.

Flat irons can vary in prices by hundreds of dollars from $50.00 drug store flat irons to $300.00 professional flat irons. The Remington TStudio Pearl Ceramic Straightener is priced at $49. 99, it is equipped with 2” wide pearl ceramic, floating plates. It heats to 450° F in 15 seconds and has an automatic shut off feature. The RUSK® Engineering CTC Technology Professional Str8 Iron is priced at $89.99, it has 1” wide titanium-infused ceramic plate. RUSK claims the product is specially made to eliminate frizz, curls, cowlicks or kinks. The Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium-Plated Straightening Iron is prices at $129.99, this flat iron has extended 1-1/4” wideTitanium plates and a ceramic heater that instantly heats up to 450°F. The GHD Gold Professional Styler is priced at $270.00. It has 1” wide golden ceramic plates and a rounded barrel to easily create curls, waves or flicks. It is equipped with an automatic off switch if not used for 30 minutes.

Your hair texture and type should determine the heat setting you should use while straitening your hair. For fine or damaged hair the heat setting used should be 250°-300°. For medium or average hair a heat setting of 300°-350° should be used. For thick or coarse hair 350°-400° heat should be used. Flat irons are not one-size fits all. The length and thickness of your hair should determine the size of your iron. The right size iron is easier to use and decreases the risk of overheating and