Hair Straighteners

Hair straighteners, straightening irons, flat irons, hot irons, or most commonly referred to as straighteners, are used to remove curls and ensure the hair is left straight.  This is done by using heat.  Historically used exclusively by females, now are becoming available to men in slimmer versions designed for short hair.

• History
• Description
• Damage
• Avoiding hair damage
• GHDs and alternatives

History

Erica Feldman is believed to have first used heated rods, in 1982, to straighten hair.  The first patented hair straighteners appeared in 1906 using metallic teeth to comb the hair straight, while in 1909 hair straighteners comprising of two heated irons were patented.  Modern hair straighteners like the ones used today were based on Scottish heiress Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield design comprising of two plated irons hinged together.  However these were inaccessible for the majority of working-class households, and it was common in the 60s for women to straighten their hair using a regular household iron.

Description

Straighteners work by heating and pressing the hair resulting in a breakdown of hydrogen bonds in the hair’s cortex, which cause the hair to bend and curl.  Hair usually remains straight for a number of days, or until it becomes wet or moist, as moisture causes the hydrogen bonds to regroup.

Most straighteners are usually ready to use within a minute of switching on, while modern ceramic-plated straighteners can reach their optimal heat in just a few seconds.  The type of plates used is very important when choosing straighteners, as poor quality non-ceramic plating can damage hair.

Damage

Due to the nature of straighteners, hair is unavoidably damaged due to the heat to which it is exposed.  Temperatures can reach over 200C and are required to straighten the hair effectively.  The hair can also be damaged by poor quality plates, which is why it’s important to choose good quality ceramic coated plates.

Avoiding hair damage

1.       Avoid straightening your hair every day.2.       Ensure the straighteners are good quality ceramic plated.3.       Choose straighteners with ionic or infra-red technology (this prevents frizz or split-ends)4.       Buy heat protective sprays, shampoos and conditioners.5.       Use straighteners on dry hair only, unless they have vents to release trapped moisture.

GHDs and alternatives

Ask any woman her favourite hair straighteners, and she will probably say GHDs.  GHDs were the first ceramic hair straighteners and have grown in popularity due to their celebrity status and general word of mouth.  A little know fact is that GHD actually stands for Good Hair Day!