Irons for keratin hair straightening: what are they and how to use them correctly?

Keratin straightening has been very popular lately. This procedure allows you not only to straighten the curls, but also to give them shine, smoothness, and a well-groomed look. The process is not overly complicated. Therefore, it can be carried out not only in the salon, but also at home. The main thing is to study the technology, as well as purchase special tools and tools. The latter includes an iron.

Professional tongs are a special parting, the main function of which is to level the strands after they have been treated with a keratin composition. The principle of operation of such a device is to evaporate moisture from the hair structure. This process also involves “gluing” the flakes. This allows you to make the strands not only even, but also smooth.

To avoid such consequences it is necessary to timely and correctly subject the strands to heat treatment.

Depending on the coating, there are 8 types of heating plates.

• Ceramic... This option is considered the most popular among consumers due to its pleasant value for money. Such plates always heat up evenly. The disadvantages include the whimsicality of ceramics in the care. The surface must be carefully treated after each use.

• Titanium... This is one of the favorite types of professionals.With such a coating, it is almost impossible to overdry the strands. It also provides easy glide along the entire length of the hair. The main disadvantage is that the coating is easy to damage.

• Silver. This type of coating for heating plates is considered the most expensive. It has a medicinal antibacterial effect.

• Metallic. Professionals do not recommend using this type, especially as an iron for keratin leveling. The plates heat up unevenly, this damages the hair structure. The pluses include only the low price of the product.

• Marble. Such products give a cooling effect. This option is considered one of the most gentle (provided that thermal protection is used).

• Jadeite. Such products are safe for hair. They can be used on wet strands without much harm to them.

• Teflon. The advantage of such models is excellent glide through the hair during operation. At the same time, the keratin composition does not remain on the coating after the completion of the process. The disadvantage is the low strength of the coating. When it wears off, the hair will deteriorate every time you use the appliance.

• Tourmaline. This is a natural material that is in no way inferior in quality to titanium. There is an ionization function that prevents the hair from becoming electrified after use. Such devices do not dry out the hair.

Now you know what are the coverings of the heating plates on the irons. It should be noted that there is another classification - according to the method of regulating the temperature of the heating process. There are 3 types.

• Without heating control function. These models are the most affordable. They always reach their maximum temperature. Such devices spoil the hair structure very much. They are not intended to straighten keratin treated hair.

• With mechanical heating control. This is the best option for home use if you have normal or colored hair. The manufacturer provides several temperature modes that can be changed manually.

• With electronic dial. These models are ideal for keratin hair straightening. You can find the optimal temperature. Some models are equipped with a function of memorizing temperature indicators, which facilitates the styling process.

Today manufacturers offer a huge variety of professional irons. For day-to-day use, the infrared model is best. If you need a keratin straightening forceps, then, when choosing, you should pay attention to some features of the models.

• The maximum heating temperature must be at least 230 ° C.
• A built-in display is required to accurately regulate the heating temperature of the plates.
• The heating plates must be properly coated.
• Additional features are welcome, however the cost of such a model will be more expensive.

For normal or colored hair, the optimum temperature is 210 ° C. If you have bleached or damaged strands, then it is not recommended to heat the device above 180 ° C. Moreover, the temperature must not be exceeded or decreased by more than 5 ° from the optimum mark. Otherwise, you will either dry out your curls, or evaporate insufficient moisture, which will affect the result of the procedure.

It is worth carefully considering the features of 5 top models of professional hair straightening irons for keratin hair straightening. These are the instruments that experts usually use.

This model has the following technical characteristics:

• the maximum heating temperature of the plates is 230 ° C;
• device power - 37 W;
• heating time - 15 seconds;
• plate coating - ceramic-tourmaline;
• thermoregulation - an electronic display with an accurate temperature indicator;
• additional functions: movable plates, auto shut-off, ionization.

By purchasing this premium class iron, you get an appliance with the following characteristics:

• heating temperature of the plates - from 140 ° C to 230 ° C;
• device power - 44 W;
• plate coating - titanium;
• thermoregulation - electronic display with an accurate temperature indicator;
• additional functions: floating heating plates, rotating cord, auto shut-off, 10 temperature settings.

This is a professional forceps ideal for keratin leveling. The model is suitable for all types of hair, has the following technical parameters:

• heating temperature of the plates - from 170 ° C to 230 ° C;
• plate coating - ceramic;
• device power - 40 W;
• heating time - 15 seconds;
• thermoregulation - electronic display with an accurate temperature indicator;
• additional functions: floating heating plates, the presence of 5 temperature modes, the technology of moisturizing the hair using cold steam, a swivel cord.

By purchasing this model, you will receive a professional device with the following parameters:

• heating temperature of the plates - from 100 ° C to 200 ° C;
• device power - 30 W;
• heating time - 30 seconds;
• plate coating - titanium;
• thermoregulation - electronic display with an accurate temperature indicator;
• additional functions: hair ionization, a rotating cord, the presence of attachments for corrugation and volume creation.

This is an excellent professional device for keratin leveling. Its technical characteristics:

• heating temperature of the plates - from 160 ° C to 230 ° C;
• device power - 40 W;
• heating time - 30 seconds;
• the coating of the plates is tourmaline;
• thermoregulation - electronic display with an accurate temperature indicator;
• additional functions: 8 temperature settings, movable plates, rounded curling plates, rotating cord.

Before starting to use the iron for keratin hair straightening, you must make sure that it is completely in good condition.

In addition to the manufacturer's recommendations for the operation of a specific device, there are a number of standard rules for the use of ironing.

First of all, remember the dangers of regular use of tongs. Even the best and most expensive iron can harm both hair and scalp. In addition, when using a professional device, do not forget about some of the nuances.

1. You can use tongs only after you have thoroughly dried your hair with a hairdryer. If the hair is treated with a keratin compound, it is very important to remove excess moisture from the hair. Otherwise, the strands will start curling again. The effect obtained from the procedure will quickly disappear.
2. The strand taken for alignment should be no wider than 3 centimeters. This is the best option. This will allow you to grab all the hairs and heat them evenly.
3. It is necessary to start alignment from the back of the head. You need to drive the iron quickly enough and without delay. Movements should be smooth. This will prevent the hairs from being damaged or pulled out. It is necessary to straighten in the direction from the roots to the tips.
4. The processing of the temporal zone is the most difficult. It may take longer to straighten it. Sometimes experts recommend increasing the temperature of the iron for heat treatment of this particular area of ​​the head.

If you want your straightener not to damage your hair or deteriorate on its own, you need to pay proper attention to its maintenance. So, after each use of the device, it must be wiped clean. This is done with a damp cloth.Hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned with a cotton swab. Particularly whimsical are the models with ceramic coated heating plates.

Usually, after the above steps, the iron becomes clean. If you notice that not all dirt has been removed, then you need to clean the device with an alcohol solution and a piece of soft cloth. After that, you need to make sure that the tongs are completely clean. Finally, wipe the surface of the appliance with a dry and clean cloth.

Do not forget that the hair straightening iron should be stored in a place inaccessible to moisture. It is also necessary to ensure that the plates are not damaged. Using the appliance with a damaged finish can cause serious damage to the curls.

For more information on how to properly straighten your hair with an iron, see the next video.