Know your materials. Irons or wands that have ceramic plates distribute heat evenly and consistently, which cuts down on styling time and damage. Check that it says 100% ceramic on the box. (Ceramic-coated means it’ll eventually wear off.) An iron that also has tourmaline in it will heat up faster and seal hair’s cuticles, so it’s ideal for getting rid of frizz and boosting shine.
FINE HAIR
FLAT IRONS
GLAMPALM Standard Magic Series Iron, R2 700, www.glampalmhair.com
The trick here is not to lose precious body as you straighten, so pick an iron with bevelled edges, which will smooth hair without making it too pin straight.
CURLING IRONS
VIDAL SASSOON Easy Wrap Wand, R399, Clicks
A thinner wand gives fine hair the best curl. Choose a 20 to 35mm clampless barrel, and always hold it vertically to form lush, undone waves.
FOR BEST RESULTS
To avoid frying strands, reduce your iron’s temperature to medium or 150°C. ‘Too much heat makes fine curls droop faster,’ says L’Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak. To preserve volume when using a flat iron, place it on the hair starting at eye level, and then curve it in towards your neck as you slide it down to the ends.
MEDIUM TO THICK HAIR
FLAT IRONS
KARDASHIAN BEAUTY 1’’ Ceramic Hairstyling Iron, R2 795, Zando
Select an iron that you can set to 220°C, which will make thick hair sleek in one pass. This styler’s black-seed-oil-coated ceramic plates promote smoothness and shine.
CURLING IRONS
ghd Curve Creative Curl Wand R2 299, www.ghdhair.com
On your texture, a curler that’s tapered at the tip (always hold it with the tip facing down) will mimic the shape of natural curls and add lift at your crown.
FOR BEST RESULTS
‘Don’t curl your hair all in the same direction – real waves aren’t that uniform,’ says Roszak. ‘Position the iron a few centimetres down from your roots, then wind the pieces at your hairline, away from your face. For the rest of your hair, alternate between wrapping sections towards and away from your face.’
Related: 6 surprising ways you’re ruining your hair
TEXTURED HAIR
FLAT IRONS
TONI&GUY Flawless Finish Straightener R599, Clicks
A narrow iron allows you to get in close to your scalp. Go with one that has tourmaline and use it at the highest temperature an even, polished finish.
CURLING IRONS
GLAMPALM Magic Wand R1 999, www.glampalmhair.com
Whether you’re creating curls or defining the ones you were born with, a ceramic wand will give you a natural look while taming frizz. Try a model that’s cone-shaped for best results.
FOR BEST RESULTS
When straightening textured hair, ‘work in small, 1,5cm sections that are no wider than the iron’s plates,’ says hairstylist Cristina B. ‘Clip up the top layers of your hair; iron each layer 1,5cm piece at a time before letting down the next layer. Repeat until you’ve done your entire head.’
PHOTO: iStock/CentralITAlliance
ALSO READ:
- 5 worst mistakes you make when drying your hair
- 8 home-made hair treatments for every hair type
- 8 tips for gorgeous ethnic hair
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