BUYERS’ GUIDE

• PLATES are made from a range of material, of which ceramic is the most common. Tourmaline has ionic properties that decrease frizz and lock in moisture. Titanium distributes heat evenly without burning hair and is a good conductor of negative ions. This enhances hair’s hydration, giving you more shine.

• FEATURES: Make sure that the cord is long enough to reach the power point comfortably. Automatic shut-off is useful, and a digital display of temperature settings offers greater accuracy. The more costly models have advanced features like ionic technology, floating plates, moisture protect sensors and more.

• THE SIZE & WIDTH of the plates depend on hair type and length. Narrow plates are best if you have short, fine hair; medium plates are better for short or medium-length hair. Smaller plates offer more versatility and precision to work in close to the roots – they’re also great for curling (less housing to get in the way). Wide plates work best on long, thick hair.

• HIGH HEAT SETTINGS Straighteners with this feature usually perform well, but too much heat is damaging to your hair. If you have fine or damaged hair, opt for a lower heat setting. Those with thicker hair can turn up the heat – once you’ve consulted your hairstylist about the appropriate setting, that is.

• BE SURE TO apply a heat protectant to the hair before using a hair straightener.

✭✭✭✭✭ GHD PLATINUM+ ABOUT R3300; GHDHAIR.COM/ZA ghd is probably the best-known heat styler – and for good reason, if this hair tool is anything to go by. It was undoubtedly the favourite among testers. It distributes heat effectively and is gentle, making it compatible with all hair types. It glided through the hair smoothly, with no snagging, and reached roots well. At an optimum heat of 185°C, it didn't take too many passes to straighten hair, achieving long-lasting, smooth and shiny results. The plates heat up quickly and are wide enough but not too big to manoeuvre. If not in use for 30 minutes, the styler switches to sleep mode, which is a useful safety feature. Some testers with thick hair would have preferred an adjustable temperature setting. VERDICT: Superior performance and results – this styler can cope with just about any hair type. If the hefty price tag is no object, this is a great choice.

✭✭✭✭✭ CLOUD NINE

ABOUT R2900; WWW. CLOUDNINEHAIR.CO.ZA

The Cloud Nine was one of the quickest to straighten hair effectively, producing long-lasting results: smooth, silky hair that wasn't stringy. It heats up quickly and passes through the hair without snagging. Multiple heat settings mean it can be used on various hair types. Heat distribution was even, though testers with thin hair found the maximum setting scalding, while those with thick hair found it very effective. The slim design and lightness of the device make it comfortable to grip and manoeuvre. Testers found it to be brilliant at both straightening and creating rounded curls. The controls are straightforward to operate. Also, the ceramic plates don't open very widely and can't be locked.

VERDICT: A versatile tool that delivers an excellent performance with a smooth, frizz-free finish.

✭✭✭✭ TAURUS SLIMLOOK DIVINE PRO ARGAN IONIC (901174) ABOUT R699,95; CREATIVEHOUSEWARES.CO.ZA These impressive tongs reached maximum temperature quickly and distributed heat impressively. Testers with long hair particularly enjoyed using the styler – the heat is fairly intense on the highest setting, requiring only a few strokes to straighten hair. The slim plates glided easily without snagging, and gripped sections of hair easily, so you can get close to the roots. There is a wide range of temperature settings, the LCD has a clear display and the heat controls are easily accessible. The buttons are quite small and require firm pressing. It's not the lightest model on test. VERDICT: Outstanding in design and performance, this straightener can cope with just about any hair type and provides excellent heat distribution. A practical choice for daily use that's easier on the pocket.

✭✭✭✭ SOLAC OIL SENSE REMEDY (PP7256)

ABOUT R699,95; CREATIVEHOUSEWARES.CO.ZA We enjoyed the comfortable handling of this lightweight straightener that moves smoothly over hair. Most testers found the heat distribution to be even and effective. Thick curly hair didn't require too many passes to achieve sleek, straight hair with long-lasting results. The plates heat up quickly and are a good size to grab a large section of hair; they also lock for safety. This model has many advanced functions such as auto sense control (which adjusts the temperature to protect your hair), ionic anti-frizz technology, a curling setting and an LCD screen. There is a range of temperature options and the controls are well placed and easy to operate. VERDICT: Superb quality for the price. This user-friendly, feature-packed styler delivers a good all-round performance on various hair types.

✭✭✭ REMINGTON PROLUXE (S9100) ABOUT R1049; CLICKS

This attractive straightener is also a quality product. It provides sufficient heat to straighten hair in one go and passes through hair effortlessly without snagging, leaving it smooth and silky. Some testers commented that the plates didn't close completely and failed to grip hair tightly. This model boasts a useful selection of features such as OptiHeat technology (which provides targeted heat to where it's needed most), digital variable heat settings (150°C to 230°C), 10 heat settings, a 10-second instant heat-up feature and an automatic safety shut-off. The Remington offers a comfortable grip and the controls are logically situated, with a clear and legible LCD display.

VERDICT: This product delivers good heat distribution and straightens hair quickly and efficiently.

✭✭✭ PHILIPS MOISTUREPROTECT STRAIGHTENER (HP8372) ABOUT R1699; TAKELOT, DIS-CHEM

The titanium-coated plates warm up quickly and distribute heat evenly; most testers found the tool to be gentle rather than scorching on their tresses. The plates can also lock, are a good size and capture a sufficient section of hair at a time. Testers with thick, curly hair needed a fair few strokes to straighten their hair, and found the results to be relatively good. Most testers, however, found it better suited to short, fine hair and medium-length hair. The styler has various advanced features such as a MoistureProtect sensor to regulate heat. The digital LCD display clearly indicates the temperature, and the heat controls are located on the outside of the plates for easy access, though you can accidentally change the setting while in operation.

VERDICT: A good performer packed with

great features.

✭✭✭ SORBET DRYBAR WIDE STRAIGHTENER (PIA5734) ABOUT R399; CLICKS

The wide plates are good for straightening long hair because you can work with bigger sections, and the flat design means the plates connect well for a snug hold. The styler provides sufficient heat for most hair types. Most testers found the maximum setting relatively hot, which helped to straighten hair fairly quickly; for others, the end results weren't as shiny and smooth as some other models tested. Those with thinner hair experienced some snagging and pulling. The styler is light and handles comfortably, but the wider plates can make it awkward to grasp hair close to the roots. The controls are easy to use, and the digital display allows you to watch the temperature climbing. It wasn't as quick to heat up compared to other models tested. VERDICT: A budget-friendly styling tool that straightens hair well.

✭✭ RUSSELL HOBBS SCARLET CURVY (RHS006)

ABOUT R399; PNP, MAKRO

This styler, which was among the heavier models tested, offers basic functions and was an adequate performer. Most testers found it better suited to short, fine hair and medium-length hair. On the higher of the two heat settings the heat was less intense when compared to other models tested, so it took longer to achieve a sleek look. Some testers found that the styler snagged their hair. The controls are well situated – the temperature control slide is positioned on the handle and doesn't get in the way when operating. There is a power indicator light but no indication as to when the selected temperature has been reached. The model also lacks a plate-locking feature.

VERDICT: This Russell Hobbs styler is a good budget buy and a practical choice. ✤