Straightener

For those who adore straight hair, a straightener is an essential styling tool. Its straightforward operation involves clamping a hair strand between two plates, using high temperature to achieve the desired shape. Surprisingly, a straightener can do more than just straighten; it can also create well-defined curls reminiscent of a curling iron. Proper technique is crucial, and beginners should consider watching instructional videos on platforms like YouTube. It's important to note that not all straighteners are suitable for curling. For a versatile option, opt for a styler with a rounded body to prevent kinks and moderately sized plates, as wider plates may only result in subtle waves instead of bouncy curls.

In addition, there are stylers with a crimping attachment. These are corrugated plates designed to create a zigzag pattern in hair strands. While the trend of crimped hair has faded, the crimping attachment remains relevant for adding root volume when applied selectively. As fashion trends cycle, this attachment may regain popularity as a primary styling tool. Manufacturers offer a variety of attachments with different sizes and patterns, such as smooth, large, and small zigzags, each producing distinct effects. For short hair, opt for a narrower attachment, while for long hair, choose one with larger plates. The width of the attachment determines the size of the hair strand it captures at once.

Stylers with a crimping attachment will make the strands zigzag and create a voluminous hairstyle.

When it comes to straighteners, it's crucial to be mindful of potential damage caused by frequent exposure to high temperatures. Fortunately, manufacturers prioritize not only styling results but also hair health by incorporating quality materials and features for a gentler effect. One key consideration is the plate coating, with traditional metals like aluminum being largely phased out due to their damaging impact on hair. Ceramic is a common choice, known for its smooth surface that avoids hair pulling and even heat distribution, preventing localized overheating. Titanium coatings offer durability and extended device lifespan, while tourmaline introduces ionization, reducing static electricity and preserving natural hair moisture. Often, these coatings are combined, such as adding tourmaline to a ceramic base or blending ceramics with titanium to leverage the benefits of different materials. These materials are not exclusive to straighteners but are also relevant for other styling tools.

The floating plates, which spring back slightly when pressed and thus eliminate heavy pressure on the strand, and the ionization function also take care of the hair health. It saturates the hair with negatively charged ions, making it more manageable, smooth and shiny. In addition, when choosing a straightener, we advise you not to forget about the temperature settings, because each type of hair requires a certain temperature. It is ideal if both low values (120 – 140 degrees) for fine, weakened hair and high values (220 – 230 degrees) for thick and unruly hair are available.

Stylers

Curling iron

Curling irons operate similarly to straighteners, using heated plates, but in this case, the plates are rounded. The current array of curling irons is extensive, with brands offering various shapes and sizes for diverse hairstyles. Timeless classics include round straight and conical curling irons, with or without a clip. Round irons provide consistent curls of the same diameter throughout the length, while conical ones create more natural curls that are wider at the root and taper towards the end. However, note that conical curling irons can be trickier to use as the strand tends to slip down, and although a clip can assist, many conical irons are clip-free.

Let's move on from the classics to more unusual forms. Triple curling irons are distinguished by the presence of not one, but three barrels (and sometimes five) with heaters that clamp the strands together and give it a wave-like shape. Please note that the result is not a spiral curl, but a small wave, which is more suitable for owners of long hair and medium length. Considering the design, such curling irons are quite wide and simply too large for short strands. But they are very simple and easy to use and do not require special skills.

Triple hair curling iron.

Similar, but less common, are double curling irons. Some of them resemble straighteners and have two clamping plates. And some are fork-like, with two separate barrels that make it a challenge to wind a strand on them. In addition, there are oval, spiral and even square curling irons. The first is a regular curling iron, but not with a round heater. It has an oval heater to create unusual curls. Spiral nozzle gives out the same curls, but it is as easy to use as possible and is especially relevant for those users who have not dealt with curling before. Square — devices with a small diameter for lovers of exoticism, which helps to create small afrocurls, but square in shape.

Hair curling irons

The diameter of the curling iron is also important, because the size of the curl depends on it. Models with a diameter of about 10 mm are intended for afrocurls, up to 20 mm for small curls. A diameter of 25 mm is considered the golden mean — it produces the most natural curls. Curling irons with a diameter of 30 mm or more will help create light waves on long hair or add volume to a short hairstyle. In general, the longer the hair, the wider the range of curling iron diameters used.

The shape and size of the curl depends on the diameter of the curling iron.

An exclusive category within hair styling tools is represented by automatic curling irons. These devices feature a rotating wand with a heating element, taking on much of the styling process. Users simply need to insert the strand and initiate the process. Concerns about hair getting stuck are valid, especially with budget devices from unfamiliar manufacturers. Quality automatic curling irons, though often more expensive, prioritize safety with a smooth heating element coating for easy strand movement and protective "petals" covering the hot cylinder to prevent burns. For instance, the the Philips Prestige BHB878 includes a smart sensor that halts the device in case of excess hair or incorrect insertion. Its vertical open design facilitates hair access. Most automatic curling irons also provide temperature settings, various rotation directions, and a timer that alerts when it's time to remove the curled strand.

Automatic curling iron Philips Prestige BHB878.

Multi-styler

The most universal device for hair styling is a multi-styler, as it is equipped with different detachable attachments and makes it possible to experiment with hairstyles: curl curls, straighten hair, make crimping and so on. The choice of attachments is quite diverse, so one device can perform the functions of two, five, or even more devices. It can be flat plates for straightening, crimping attachments of different shapes, straight or conical curlers of different diameters, a round brush with or without bristles, a spiral attachment, a triple curling iron and others. As pleasant bonuses, the package can include hair clips, a case for transportation, thermal gloves and other useful little things. In general, the assortment is large, so choose a model depending on your needs. The main thing is that these numerous attachments should be really necessary.

Multi-stylers are often not very expensive, but some manufacturers sacrifice some features to reduce the price. Therefore, we advise you not to forget about the health of the hair, choose a device with a high-quality coating (preferably ceramic, tourmaline or titanium), an ionization function and a wide range of temperature settings.

Multi-styler Rowenta Infinite Looks CF4231 with a large number of attachments.
Multi-stylers

Hair dryer brush

A versatile tool worth considering is the hair dryer brush, combining the functions of a hair dryer and a round brush. This "hybrid" device offers significant time savings by simultaneously drying and styling hair. Some models come with a standard brush, while others feature an automatic rotating nozzle, streamlining the process further. With the rotating brush, you only need to separate the strands individually as the brush itself rotates in the desired direction. Suitable for any hair length, the hair dryer brush can tame unruly bangs, add volume to roots, straighten, and create gentle waves. Many models serve as multi-stylers, including various attachments like round brushes of different diameters, concentrators for regular drying, straight brushes for straightening, and a variety of combs for styling.

The functions of such a device are almost identical to the capabilities of a hair dryer: there are often different modes of temperature and nozzle rotation speed, as well as an ionization function. But do not expect high power: if the hair dryers have this indicator reaches 2000 watts and more, then the hair dryer brush has mainly 1000 watts or even less. Therefore, manufacturers advise first to dry the hair with a regular hair dryer, and then already do styling on wet hair. If there is a concentrator in the set, you can also dry your hair with a hair dryer brush, but it will take longer.

Philips 7000 Series BHA735 hair dryer with different attachments included.

By the way, if we have already recalled at the beginning about curlers, it is worth noting that even now some brands produce electric curlers. This is an improved version - curlers do not need to be heated in boiling water, as in the old days, they are supplemented with a special container with a built-in electric heater. Nevertheless, this is still far from the most convenient method, which it is time to leave in the past. Therefore, if you want to curl your hair — we advise you to stop at a curling iron.

Hair dryer brushes

To summarize, the modern market is rich in a variety of devices for creating hairstyles. The key is to decide what you want to do and start from it. Want a quick hairstyle before work? A hair dryer brush can help. Dreaming of smooth, straight hair? A curling iron will do this. Are you open to experimenting with your hair style? Then a multi-styler with a full set of attachments is the way to go. At the same time, do not forget that hair suffers from high temperatures and frequent use of electrical appliances, so choose devices made of quality materials and with protection features.