There are quite a number of choices to make when it comes to your hair. One of the most important things aside from product selection is your choice of tools, one of which is the hair straightener. Some people choose speed, while some others choose safety. However, what's most important is choosing with your hair in mind. Here in the Middle East, you should choose one that would not impact your hair more than the weather already does.
How Do Hair Straighteners Work?
You've probably only heard of ceramic and titanium plates because those are the most utilised materials in straighteners today. A straightener has two smooth, heated plates made of materials that make their performance unique. For example, if you're particular about speed, safety or efficiency, then you must understand these materials and how they deliver.
Besides the choice of plate material, the size of the plate should also matter in your choice. Some plates are narrow and are better suited for short hair, while some have wider plates, like the One Control Titanium Flat Iron, which are great for styling longer hair.
What Are Ceramic Hair Straighteners?
When hair straighteners with ceramic plates came to be, they completely changed the game. Unlike older ones made of aluminium, ceramic straighteners offered a high-quality build and better results. They distribute heat evenly, making it easy to achieve slick, frizz-free styles with only a few passes and less damage.
How Do They Work?
Ceramic plates run on infrared heat technology, which warms up from the inside out. This helps to reduce stress on strands, distributing heat across both plates. This great feature prevents burns or damage, especially for those with fine, thin hair.
What Are Titanium Hair Straighteners?
They are the type that reach high temperatures in a short time. Titanium straighteners are loved for their light yet durable plates that can handle just about anything. If you have thick or coarse hair that refuses to cooperate, this tool is a lifesaver. It reaches high temperatures in seconds and helps to smoothen hair out, no matter how thick it is.
How Do Titanium Straighteners Work?
Titanium straighteners are made of a more durable material than ceramic ones. They don't wear out like ceramic ones do and are best suited for thick hair or curly girlies who hope to smoothen out their curls. You'll find most professionals with a titanium straightener because of its high efficiency and smooth glide of the plates. Even at that, professionals do not recommend titanium straighteners for at-home users because they can dry out the hair if not properly used. If your hair is naturally tough to manage, then a titanium straightener should be your go-to.
Ceramic vs Titanium Hair Straightener: Which Is Better?
Let's skip the speed benefits and focus on what your hair needs for a second. Speed shouldn't override safety, no matter what, so your hair should be of utmost consideration.
Choose a titanium hair straightener over a ceramic hair straightener when you have thick or coarse hair that requires high heat and more control. It should also be a choice if you are a professional. You can also choose ceramic straighteners if you have fine or damaged hair. Ceramic is much safer because it delivers low heat evenly across the plates. The results may not be as sleek as you want, but you'll get there eventually with extra effort.
If you are not looking to use the hair straightener daily, then a titanium straightener comes in handy. It helps you get the work done once without needing to use a straightener during the week again. With a titanium straightener, your hair can stay smooth and soft for days. Ceramic straighteners are for those who like everyday styling. Remember, exposing your hair to hot tools daily also comes with its own side effects.
For those who frequently stay outdoors, travel or stay in air-conditioned places (well, like most UAE residents do), using a straightener that heats up too much, like the titanium straightener, can worsen the situation. If your hair has been keratin-treated or colour-treated, then a ceramic straightener is best to style your hair because it has a softer plate material. It does this without exposing your hair to more damage.
While titanium hair straighteners may cost a little more than ceramic ones, they are more durable and longer-lasting which makes it worth it. Titanium plates can handle high temperatures effortlessly without wearing down. Whereas, the coating on ceramic straighteners can gradually wear off with frequent use.
How to Use the Hair Straightener Safely
Whether you're using a titanium or ceramic straightener, the key is learning to use them without causing damage to your hair. If you reside anywhere in the UAE or the Middle East, you already know the heat is intense. So, keeping your hair hydrated and protected is a important.
Always Use a Heat Protectant
The heat in the UAE is mostly on the extreme, thus a heat protectant like GK Hair's ThermalStyleHer Cream is a non-negotiable. It is helpful in shielding your hair from high heat exuding from the flat iron.
Style Your Hair in Sections
When you divide your hair into small sections, you make it easy to style without going over the same chunk several times. With ceramic, you'll need to do more presses, but with a titanium straightener, one or two presses is enough.
Set at a Lower Temperature
First off, you should never use a straightener without an adjustable heat setting. This helps you be in control of the heat that goes on your hair. Keep it at the lowest effective temperature and work with that. Increase it if there is a need to.
Never Straighten Wet Hair
It might be tempting to straighten your hair when wet to save time, but you should never do so. Straightening wet hair can fry your hair, leading to brittle and split ends. You should blow-dry first if your hair is wet before using the hair straightener.
Do you achieve the best blowout on your own? Read How to Blowout Your Hair at Home in 4 Steps to be a pro.
Keep the Tool Clean
Before you store them, wipe your straightener clean. This simple act prevents product or moisture buildup, which can cause rusting, wearing off or uneven heating while styling.
Hydrate, Nourish and Protect Your Hair
Now that you've straightened your hair, what next? Finish with a lightweight oil serum like GK Hair's Argan Oil Serum to add a bit of shine and keep your strands nourished. On days when you're giving your straightener a break, treat your hair to a hydrating mask. It's the perfect way to lock in moisture and protect against dryness.
What Works in the UAE Weather?
Here comes the big question you are probably asking, too. In places like Dubai or Sharjah, you can use a ceramic straightener to fight frizz or prevent your hair from going flat. However, in summer, regardless of where you are in the UAE, a titanium flat iron is best. Just be sure to wear a heat protectant first if you care about the colour and other treatments your hair has gone through. The cherry on top? D700 Titanium Flat Iron and Easy Control Titanium Flat Iron are selling at a discount!
