straighteners

A hair straightener, also known as a flat iron or straightening iron, is a heated styling tool designed to temporarily alter the shape of hair by smoothing and flattening curls and waves. It works by clamping hair between two heated plates and drawing it along the length of the strand.

Modern straighteners use plates made from ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium, and may include features such as variable temperature controls, digital displays, and multiple heat settings. Plate width varies from about 1 inch for fine or short hair to 2 inches for thick or long hair.

They typically operate at temperatures between roughly 120 and 230 degrees Celsius. For most hair types, a heat protectant should be applied and hair should be dry before use. Sectioning helps achieve even results, and gliding the plates smoothly without pausing helps prevent heat damage.

Use safety precautions to minimize risk: do not touch the hot plates, unplug after use, avoid water exposure, and keep the tool out of reach of children. Regular cleaning removes product buildup and keeps plates close to flat.

While effective for temporary straightening, straighteners can damage hair if used at high temperatures, used too often, or on damaged hair. Alternatives include air-drying and chemical straightening; some devices claim to reduce frizz with infrared or ionic technology. The results depend on hair type and technique.