You’ve seen the sleek, shiny, and effortlessly straight hair that walks out of salons. You’ve probably even tried to recreate that look at home, but your results just don’t seem to match. The question on everyone’s mind is: what hair straightener do hairdressers use?
The truth is, there’s no single magic straightener that all hairdressers swear by. But there are certain features and brands that are highly favored in the professional world.
Why Professional Hair Straighteners Are Different
Professional hairdressers use tools that are designed for durability, performance, and versatility. They’re built to handle the demands of frequent use and to achieve a wide range of styles. Here’s a breakdown of what sets them apart:
- High-Quality Materials: Professional hair straighteners are often made with high-quality materials like ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium plates. These materials distribute heat evenly, prevent damage, and minimize frizz.
- Precise Temperature Control: Professional straighteners offer a wide range of temperature settings, allowing stylists to customize the heat based on hair type and desired results.
- Durable Construction: Professional straighteners are built to last, with sturdy construction and durable components. They can withstand heavy use and repeated cleaning.
- Ergonomic Design: Professional straighteners are designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. They have ergonomic handles and balanced weight distribution, making them comfortable to hold even during extended use.
- Advanced Features: Some professional straighteners come with advanced features like digital displays, automatic shut-off, swivel cords, and adjustable plate widths. These features enhance the user experience and ensure safe and efficient styling.
The Top Brands Hairdressers Trust
While there are many great hair straighteners on the market, certain brands stand out as favorites among hairdressers. Here are a few of the most popular:
- GHD: GHD is renowned for its high-quality, professional-grade hair straighteners. Their products are known for their even heat distribution, sleek design, and ability to create smooth, frizz-free styles.
- Hot Tools: Hot Tools is another popular choice among hairdressers. They offer a wide range of hair styling tools, including straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers, all designed for professional use.
- Babyliss Pro: Babyliss Pro is a brand known for its innovative features and high-performance hair styling tools. Their straighteners often feature advanced technologies like titanium plates, adjustable temperature settings, and ergonomic designs.
- T3: T3 is a relatively new brand that has quickly gained popularity among hairdressers. Their straighteners are known for their sleek design, advanced technology, and ability to create smooth, healthy-looking styles.
Choosing the Right Straightener for You
While professional hair straighteners are fantastic tools, they’re not necessarily the best choice for everyone. If you’re a casual user, a more affordable straightener with basic features may be sufficient.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hair straightener:
- Hair Type: If you have fine hair, you’ll need a straightener with lower heat settings. If you have thick or coarse hair, you’ll need a straightener with higher heat settings.
- Frequency of Use: If you only use a straightener occasionally, a basic model may be sufficient. If you use it frequently, a professional-grade straightener with advanced features may be worth the investment.
- Budget: Professional hair straighteners can be expensive, but they’re often worth the investment in terms of performance and longevity.
Beyond the Straightener: Tips for Salon-Worthy Results
Even with the best hair straightener, you need to use the right techniques to achieve salon-worthy results. Here are a few tips:
- Prepare Your Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections to ensure even heat distribution.
- Use the Right Technique: Glide the straightener slowly and evenly through each section of hair. Avoid pulling or tugging on your hair.
- Don’t Overdo It: Don’t pass the straightener over the same section of hair multiple times. This can lead to damage and breakage.
- Finish with a Shine Spray: A shine spray can help to add a final touch of polish to your hair.
The Final Word: Investing in Your Hair
Investing in a high-quality hair straightener is a smart choice for anyone who wants to achieve salon-worthy results at home. By choosing the right straightener and using the proper techniques, you can create smooth, sleek, and healthy-looking hair, no matter your hair type.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the average price range for professional hair straighteners?
A: Professional hair straighteners can range in price from around $100 to $300 or more, depending on the brand, features, and technology.
Q: Can I use a professional hair straightener on my natural hair?
A: Yes, professional hair straighteners are designed to be safe for all hair types, including natural hair. However, it’s important to choose the right temperature setting and use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Q: How often should I replace my hair straightener?
A: The lifespan of a hair straightener depends on the quality of the product and how often you use it. Most professional hair straighteners can last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
Q: Are professional hair straighteners worth the investment?
A: For frequent users who want to achieve salon-worthy results at home, professional hair straighteners are definitely worth the investment. They offer superior performance, durability, and technology compared to basic models.