The A-Z of Hair Straightening
By Mary Elise Chavez
Posted August 10th, 2006
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After countless email requests and questions received from our readers, we decided to tackle your questions on a topic nearly every woman can relate to: Hair Straightening. While many women don't want to undergo the cost or commitment of thermal reconditioning, straightening irons stand tall as their product of choice.
The primary question: How do I get sleek, shiny, frizz-free straight hair quickly and without frying my already dried out locks?
Remember, if your locks are already dry and prone to breakage, you need to keep these three tips in mind.
1) Save your hair. Wash hair 2-3 times a week, depending on how oily your scalp is. Washing less will help retain the natural moisture through your hair follicles, rather than stripping it of it.
2) Use the correct Shampoo & Conditioner for your hair type. Whether your hair is colored, dry, tangled, frizzy, or out-of-control, you must use the correct products for your hair type. If dry, use a moisture-infusing shampoo and reconstructive hair mask twice a week, for 3-5 minutes each time. Using the correct products will help strengthen your hair, and give you more styling freedom.
3) Use a heat protective leave-in conditioner. After hair is towel-dried, lightly spritz with a heat protective leave-in conditioner (Aveda's Brilliant Damage Control is fabulous) to prep hair for styling.
THE RESULTS
Below we have gathered and tested the ten best straightening products available just for you.
| # | Make/Model |
Cost |
What We Thought |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Sedu (1-1/2 in.) |
$125 |
No hair pulling, snagging, or breaking. Cuts straightening time in half. Anti-Frizz. Better for long hair. |
2 |
Chi |
$95 |
Light-weight, ergonomical design. |
3 |
Solia (1-1/4 in.) |
$88 |
Works on either damp or dry hair. Sturdy design. Better for short hair. |
4 |
GHD |
$190 |
The best-selling iron in the UK, is quickly making its way to the U.S. Market. |
5 |
Sedu (1 in.) |
$118 |
No hair pulling, snagging, or breaking. Cuts straightening time in half. Anti-Frizz. Better for short hair. |
6 |
HAI |
$80 |
Light-weight, ergonomical design. Easy to use and store, best for travel. |
7 |
Bion Digital |
$190 |
Scratch-resistant surface, durable., ergonomical design. |
8 |
Solia (1-3/4 in) |
$98 |
Works on either damp or dry hair. Sturdy design. Better for long hair. |
9 |
Solia (1 in.) |
$85 |
Works on either damp or dry hair. Sturdy design. |
10 |
Kenta |
$130 |
Traditional marcel design (scissors design). Good for crimping also. |
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