STACK #241 November 2024

THE HAIR NECESSITIES continued

TECH FEATURE

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Isn’t it ionic… Hair dryers boasting ‘ion’ tech use negative ions to counteract the positive ions present in dry or damaged hair, and neutralise static for smoother, shinier hair with reduced frizz and flyaways. Ion tech also helps to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and preventing heat damage during styling procedures like blow-drying. Ultimately it improves your hair’s manageability by transforming its texture, making it more resilient to environmental stressors while maintaining a super-sleek and polished appearance.

STRAIGHTENERS

A hair straightener is another versatile tool to add to your haircare inventory. As well as doing exactly what it says on the box, a straightener can also be used to create curls and prevent frizz, depending on your hair type and the model. A good straightener should leave hair looking professionally styled and healthy, and free of any heat damage. How do they work? Hair straighteners change the structure of the hair, modifying the positive hydrogen bonds that determine its natural shape. When heated, these bonds are temporarily rearranged, thus straightening the hair.

TOP PICK

Dyson AirStrait Straightener Dyson’s latest styling sensation is both a dryer and straightener in one, cutting down your haircare routine – and time in front of the mirror – by around 25%. Dual drying modes allow you to straighten from wet to dry, and the powerful airflow reduces frizz, prevents breakage, and protects colour and natural shine. There's also a root drying mode to pre-dry hair and create volume from the bottom up. Unlike most straighteners, the AirStrait has no hot plates, which means no dry or damaged locks. And an auto pause function will shut off the airflow when it’s time to take a break.

Plate up Plate sizes in straighteners are variable, so it pays to check that you have the right width for the job. A 25mm plate applies less heat and adds volume to short- and medium length hair, as well as curling and waving all lengths, while a wider 30-40mm plate suits medium to long hair. Surfaces are also important – ceramic and tourmaline plates emit negative ions to keep your hair hydrated and shiny and are generally better for fine hair, while titanium ones heat faster and are best for thick and coarse locks. Floating plates adjust pressure on your hair, protecting the shaft and preventing split ends, while plates with slightly rounded edges are more versatile should you wish to curl up. And models with squared-off edges are good for a dead straight look. There are also straighteners that don’t use hot plates at all, like the new Dyson AirStrait. Instead, high-pressure airflow is used to straighten hair as it dries, directing precisely heated air evenly as you style to protect against damage.

Hot stuff Just like hair dryers, multiple temperature settings are recommended when investing in a straightener, as well as a fast heat-up time. Thick, curly, or coarse locks generally require high heat to straighten them, whereas thin, fine and fragile hair will benefit from the lowest setting possible. Some straighteners have a ceramic element for super-fast heat recovery, enabling continuous use without losing heat from the plate surface.

64 NOVEMBER 2024

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