The increase in usage of hair straighteners (flat irons, hair irons) has meant that we now have an ever
growing selection of straighteners to choose from. However, it seems that more and more of them are becoming increasingly expensive and this article goes some way in exploring what you are getting for your money and more importantly are they worth the high price tag?
Firstly, the price range of flat irons varies quiet considerably with the cheapest one around $10 and the most expensive ones close to $200. Given such a price range it is clear that there is likely to be a significant difference in both quality and performance of these irons. The best way to establish the difference is to first look at the features of the cheapest, most expensive and one from the mid-price range to see if there are any clues to what extra features, if any, you are paying for,
The following are some typical features found on hair straighteners in varying price ranges:
Cheapest ($10-$40)
- Two heat settings: Low for fine, easy-to-style hair and High for hard-to-style hair.
- Goldtone plates.
- Power indicator light
- Ideal for smoothing and straightening curly hair.
- 3/4 inch plates
Mid-range ($40-$80)
- Sapphire ceramic plates are unmatched for equal heat distribution.
- New Infra Red Heat technology seals in hair's moisture and luster.
- Faster heat-up time than conventional coil straightening irons
- Variable temperature settings (140ºF - 410ºF, 60°C - 200°C) for all hair types
- 3/4 - 1.5 inch plates.
Most expensive ($80-$200+)
- Scratch-resistant, durable ceramic or Tourmaline plates.
- 1 - 2 inch plates
- Far-infrared heat and negative ion by tourmaline renew the vitality of your hair: seals the cuticle and eliminates frizz.
- Variable temperature settings
Based on my research there are a number of conclusions to draw about each of the price ranges.
The cheaper flat irons tend to have a smaller plate width, do not have ceramic or Tourmaline plates (which give much better results) and they don't have fine temperature controls i.e. they typically a number of preset temperatures for different hair types. These flat irons tended to be geared towards occasional use and for finer hair rather than for thick or curly hair. They have a shorter life, especially if used every day.
Mid-range flat irons tend to use Ceramic or Tourmaline plates, which were on average at least 1.25 inches in width. Obviously the wider the plates the quicker and easier it will be to straighten your hair. Models in this range can handle all hair types and are made by some of the better-known makers. They also have much better temperature controls which go up to as high as 200°C which is needed for really difficult curly, coarse hair.
The most expensive straighteners were also made using Ceramic plates and more of them did use Tourmaline, which gives even smoother results than ceramic. The plate width on average tends to be wider and the overall constructional quality just that little bit better. The most expensive model, $195, researched is made by one of the top makers and comes highly recommended by the hair industry. It is exceptionally well made, having seen one at my local stylists, but I also suspect just the name alone will add $10-$20 dollars on the price tag.
Overall it all comes down to how much you can afford to spend but I would strongly recommend that you save up the dollars and go for something in the $80-$130 price range. Within this range you will get all the key features you should have in a good flat iron: fine temperature control for different hair types, heats up quickly, fits well in your hand, and has a plate width of at least 1 inch. You will also get a well-made straightener, which will still work for you in a few years time even if you use it once a day.
About the Author
A self confessed hair straightener fan Andrea Simpson has a website devoted to Sedu Flat Irons and other hair straightening related products. |
