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Best Hair Straighteners for 2020

Sheetal Mandora
Wondering which is the best hair straightener for 2020? Before buying, understand what are the different types of hair straighteners, the plate sizes, and how you can select one that suits your hair type.
Of course, not every woman on this planet has similar hair. The texture, length, color, volume and type is unique. And on top of that, when you add styling into the mix, it feels like you're dealing with too much.
Out of all the hair care products available in market, there is one method which guarantees silky, smooth hair every time. What is it? Hair straighteners. And that's what is described ahead- finding the best straightener that suits your hair texture and type.

Different Plate Materials for Straighteners

If you have been scouting beauty stores, then you are aware of the vast range of straighteners which are available. With different plate sizes, shapes of the flat irons, material of the plates, and prices, no wonder the decision to find the best flat iron is so tough.
So how can someone get the right straightener for their hair type? A good way to tackle this is by understanding what these straighteners offer and how they can be most useful to you. Hence, before investing in a flat iron, know what are the different plate materials available. Here's an easy breakdown on the various plates available in the market today.

Basic Iron Plated Hair Straightener

These irons have metal plates and have limited or sometimes no additional settings included. These are often known as "no frills" models which aim to get your hair straight and nothing more.
A major issue with these irons is that their heat settings are not controlled and can burn your hair, if not used properly. So my advice to you is - try to stay away from such straightening irons. If you have dry or frizzy hair, you don't want to dry them even more.

Ceramic Iron Plated Hair Straightener

These irons have ceramic plates (a popular choice) that come in range of prices. It gives equal heat distribution and has lesser chances of burning your hair. Ceramic irons have ceramic heaters in them which help in producing negative ions. This helps in keeping your hair shaft smooth and closes the hair follicles.

Titanium Iron Plated Hair Straightener

These irons are supposedly strong and durable to use for an extended period of time. With even heat distribution, it helps straighten curls and waves easily; that too in a very short amount of time. Less amount of time used while straightening hair means, you use less electricity; a win-win solution.

Tourmaline Iron Plated Hair Straightener

These irons are used for styling, straightening, and managing hair the right way. Most models heat up really fast, don't damage hair, and can be used on wet and dry hair. Tourmaline irons make your hair look shiny and healthy.

Ionic Iron Plated Hair Straightener

These irons are made to remove frizz from your hair. They help in giving a beautiful shine to your hair as it locks the moisture in, instead of drying the hair out. These flat irons can be a bit pricey because they are so good. To achieve best results and keep your hair healthy and shiny, these are the best straighteners.

Plate Size, Temperature, and Material Selection

Selecting the right size is the key. It makes a heck of a difference in the way your hair looks, shines, and sets. Apart from the material of the flat iron, the plate size can also make a huge difference to the appearance of your hair. If your hair is just 'O.K.' looking, then spending hours getting ready will go to waste.
When you're searching for salon-like results, you should concentrate more on high quality plates. And depending on the length of your hair and texture, choosing the right flat iron for you is essential. Read ahead to get things a bit clearer.

Straightener Plate Size For Short Hair

When it comes to short hair, here are the plate sizes you should look for.
  • For fine hair any size would do
  • For medium or wavy hair the size should be ½" - 1¼"
  • For coarse or curly hair the size should be 1" – 1½"

Straightener Plate Size for Shoulder Length Hair

When it comes to shoulder length hair, here are the plate sizes you should pick.
  • For fine hair any size would do
  • For medium or wavy hair the size should be 1" - 1½"
  • For coarse or curly hair the size should be 1" – 2"

Straightener Plate Size For Below Shoulder Length Hair

When it comes to below shoulder length hair, here are the plate sizes you should go for.
  • For fine hair any size would do
  • For medium or wavy hair the size should be 1¼" - 2"
  • For coarse or curly hair the size should be 1½" – 2"

Straightener Temperature Recommendations for All Types of Hair

There is a fraction of difference between the right and the wrong temperature for straighteners. A right temperature can set the look and a wrong temperature can make you look less than desirable.
Here are the best temperatures for the different types of hair.
  • For fine hair the temperature should be 300°F-380°F
  • For medium or wavy hair the temperature should be 360°F - 380°F
  • For coarse and curly hair the temperature should be 380°F – 400°F

Straightener Plate Material Recommendations for All Types of Hair

If you choose the right material it helps you get the right temperature, and once you have the right temperature you have the right set.
Here are the recommendations of the right material for the right hair.
  • For fine hair the plate material should be tourmaline or ionic
  • For medium or wavy hair the plate material should be ceramic, tourmaline, titanium, or ionic
  • For coarse or curly hair the plate material should be tourmaline, titanium, or ionic

Choosing the Right Straightener

It doesn't matter if your friend, sister, or colleague has the most expensive or best straightener. What matters is which straightener will suit you. You can't just randomly walk into a store and buy one. Of course, there are certain brands that are above others.
A few of the most popular brands (in no particular order) are CHI, BaByliss, GHD, Remington, Croc, HSI, Infiniti, Philips and a few more. However, this doesn't mean that any straightener will be ideal. You have to check the technology it uses and all the minor details discussed previously.

Guidelines to Choose the Right Straightener

Here are the things you should look before buying a straightener
  • The plate size that suits your hair.
  • The necessary temperature.
  • The plate material.
  • The iron wattage.
  • The heating system used.

Hair Straighteners to Pick From

Every brand/product has its own benefits and drawbacks. They can either make or break your style. So when you are out shopping, these factors are to be kept in mind, because they can make a huge difference between purchasing the perfect iron and an O.K. flat iron. So how can someone find the right iron for their hair type and length? Simple. Just read on.

Hair Straighteners For Short Hair

Here are the best hair straighteners for short fine hair.
  • Remington S9500PP
  • Infiniti Pro by Conair
  • HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron 1 inch
  • Karmin G3 Salon Professional Ceramic Flat Iron

Hair Straighteners for Shoulder Length Hair

Here are the best hair straighteners for shoulder length hair
  • BaBylissPRO Porcelain
  • RUSK Engineering CTC
  • BaBylissPRO Nano
  • Croc Classic Nano
  • HSI Professional 1 Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair
  • CHI Original Pro

Hair Straighteners for Long Hair

Here are the best hair straighteners for long hair.
  • BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron
  • FHI Professional
  • Paul Mitchell Neuro Smooth Flat Iron
  • KIPOZI Professional Wide Plate Titanium Flat Iron
This was all about the best hair straighteners for thick, normal, fine, wavy, and frizzy hair. Hopefully that when you go out shopping, you won't be as confused as before, and can make the right decision in protecting and styling your hair with flat irons.