Natural hair is a thing of beauty, but it can also be a challenge to style. If you’re looking for a way to achieve sleek, straight hair without damaging your delicate curls, a good hair straightener is essential.
But with so many different straighteners on the market, how do you choose the best one for your hair type? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- **Your hair texture.** Different hair textures require different types of straighteners. If you have fine hair, you’ll need a straightener with a lower heat setting to avoid over-straightening and damage. If you have thick or coarse hair, you’ll need a straightener with a higher heat setting to get the job done.
- **Your hair length.** The length of your hair will also affect the type of straightener you need. If you have short hair, you can get away with a smaller straightener. If you have long hair, you’ll need a larger straightener to cover more ground.
- **Your budget.** Hair straighteners can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you’re ready to start shopping for the best hair straightener for natural hair. Here are a few of our top picks:
Top 5 Hair Straighteners for Natural Hair
1. **BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightener** ($100)
This is a great all-around straightener that’s suitable for all hair types. It has a titanium plate that heats up evenly, and it comes with a variety of heat settings so that you can customize the heat to your hair type. The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightener also has a floating plate that helps to reduce snagging and breakage.
2. **GHD Platinum+ Styler** ($250)
This is a high-end straightener that’s worth the investment if you have thick or coarse hair. It has a ceramic plate that heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and it comes with a variety of heat settings so that you can customize the heat to your hair type. The GHD Platinum+ Styler also has a unique “tri-zone” technology that helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the hair, which reduces damage.
3. **Dyson Corrale Straightener** ($500)
This is the most expensive straightener on our list, but it’s also the most advanced. It has a unique “flexing plate” that conforms to the shape of your hair, which helps to reduce snagging and breakage. The Dyson Corrale Straightener also has a variety of heat settings so that you can customize the heat to your hair type.
4. **CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Hairstyling Iron** ($150)
This is a great option for people with fine or damaged hair. It has a ceramic plate that heats up evenly, and it comes with a variety of heat settings so that you can customize the heat to your hair type. The CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Hairstyling Iron also has a negative ion generator that helps to reduce frizz and static.
5. **Amika The Confidant 2-Inch Straightener** ($120)
This is a great option for people with thick or coarse hair. It has a titanium plate that heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and it comes with a variety of heat settings so that you can customize the heat to your hair type. The Amika The Confidant 2-Inch Straightener also has a rounded barrel that helps to create smooth, frizz-free hair.
How to Use a Hair Straightener on Natural Hair
Once you’ve chosen the best hair straightener for natural hair, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid damage. Here are a few tips:
- **Start with clean, dry hair.** This will help to prevent the straightener from snagging on your hair and causing breakage.
- **Apply a heat protectant spray.** This will help to protect your hair from the heat of the straightener.
- **Section your hair.** This will make it easier to straighten your hair evenly.
- **Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends.** This will help to prevent your hair from getting too hot and damaged.
- **Don’t hold the straightener on your hair for too long.** This can cause your hair to burn.
- **Let your hair cool down before styling it.** This will help to prevent your hair from getting frizzy.
Benefits of Using a Hair Straightener on Natural Hair
Using a hair straightener on natural hair can provide a number of benefits, including:
- **Sleek, straight hair:** A hair straightener can help you to achieve sleek, straight hair that is free of frizz and tangles.
- **Reduced breakage:** When used correctly, a hair straightener can actually help to reduce breakage by smoothing out the hair shaft and preventing snagging.
- **Improved hair health:** A hair straightener can help to improve the overall health of your hair by removing split ends and reducing frizz.
- **Versatile styling:** A hair straightener can be used to create a variety of different hairstyles, from sleek and straight to loose and wavy.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to achieve sleek, straight hair without damaging your natural curls, a good hair straightener is essential. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the best hair straightener for your hair type and use it correctly to avoid damage. With a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve salon-quality hair straightening at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Can I use a hair straightener on wet hair?**
A: No, you should never use a hair straightener on wet hair. This can cause your hair to sizzle and burn.
**Q: How often should I use a hair straightener?**
A: The frequency with which you should use a hair straightener depends on your hair type and the condition of your hair. If you have healthy hair, you can use a hair straightener once or twice a week. If you have dry or damaged hair, you should use a hair straightener less frequently.
**Q: What is the best way to store a hair straightener?**
A: When not in use, a hair straightener should be stored in a cool, dry place. You should also make sure that the plates are clean and free of any hair products.
**Q: How do I clean a hair straightener?**
A: You can clean a hair straightener by wiping it down with a damp cloth. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the plates.