Hi everyone!....I'm in the process of looking for a good hair straightener and I was hoping for some suggestions. The one that I've been using has got metal plates...I'm thinking of getting a good ceramic plate one that works well for thick hair. A friend of mine uses a Marcos hair straightener and she says that it's excellent but I would really appreciate some more opinions before I make a purchase. :)

Buy a GHD :)

GHD is good (& exy!) but if you have thick hair I would get one with wider plates. Yes the ceremic ones are better as they reduce frizz. I have thick hair & lots of it. The only way I can get super sleek hair is to blow dry it really straight on day one then go over it with the straightener the next day after it has calmed down a bit. Even in the salon it takes 1 or 2 hairdressers up to an hour to straighten my hair. :o

I have a Muster & its good. They have quite wide ceremic plates so you can do bigger hair sections so its faster.

GHD is good (& exy!) but if you have thick hair I would get one with wider plates. Yes the ceremic ones are better as they reduce frizz. I have thick hair & lots of it. The only way I can get super sleek hair is to blow dry it really straight on day one then go over it with the straightener the next day after it has calmed down a bit. Even in the salon it takes 1 or 2 hairdressers up to an hour to straighten my hair. :o

I have a Muster & its good. They have quite wide ceremic plates so you can do bigger hair sections so its faster.

Yep the GHD can be exspensive (I was lucky enough to get mine for free). I do exactly the same thing as Medusa. I dont have curly hair, but it is wavy and there is lots of it. I have the GHD with the smaller plates, and with my wavy hair find it easy to manage. My hair is just past my shoulders, so if you have longer hair best to go with the larger plates.

GG I agree with the other gals, go GHD if you can afford it but if not go for something else with wide, ceramic plates. The right hair product will also make a lot of difference - there are many great straightening balms/sprays around, the others might have some good suggestions...?

My hair's wavy but seems to straighten out ok with a quick blow-dry first, then straightening over the top layers.

Hi everyone!....I'm in the process of looking for a good hair straightener and I was hoping for some suggestions. The one that I've been using has got metal plates...I'm thinking of getting a good ceramic plate one that works well for thick hair. A friend of mine uses a Marcos hair straightener and she says that it's excellent but I would really appreciate some more opinions before I make a purchase. :)

Hi glamour girl. I have a Marcos straightener and it's great for thicker hair (btw, my hair is really thick!) beacuse it does have wider plates....they're larger than an inch. It was expensive but so worth it. I have had ghd in the past and having used both I can confidently say Marcos is better as your friend said :yellow:

I use my straightener about once or twice a week. My hair is really long and I just love that sleek effect even if I am just wearing hair up in a pony tail (otherwise it's a real bush!). I let my hair dry naturally then use straightener either later that day or next morning. I am guilty of still using the Muster with the stainless steel plates. I find the heat produced on them and speed of use superior. I do protect my hair first with a straightening balm/heat protector.

I'd like to know of a good one too....I don't straighten all the time (in fact really only when I go out), and I have a short angle bob so I only need it for the frontish area (hence it only needs to be small with little plates). A wet-to-dry one would be great (anything to avoid blowrying) but if it has to be used on dry hair that's no biggie. Any suggestions, preferably for under $100?

Also, what are everyone's favourite straightening lotions/balms? Do you use these products before you straighten, or after?

I'd like to know of a good one too....I don't straighten all the time (in fact really only when I go out), and I have a short angle bob so I only need it for the frontish area (hence it only needs to be small with little plates). A wet-to-dry one would be great (anything to avoid blowrying) but if it has to be used on dry hair that's no biggie. Any suggestions, preferably for under $100?

Also, what are everyone's favourite straightening lotions/balms? Do you use these products before you straighten, or after?

Hairhouse warehouse has an enormous range of straighteners and hairdressers on hand to give advice. Bestie got one for $109 the other day and it is a no-name equivalent of the more expensive ones. Came with a bottle of Cristalli fluid (worth $24) as a bonus.

Avoid the wet to dry ones, so not effective. I have a brand new Remington one, used once!

SO many straighteners/heat protectors on the market from supermarket brands to salon types. Check instructions, usually used on wet hair, but the serum types can be used after to calm any frizz and to add a bit of gloss.

Ozkat beware of wet-to-dry! This can really ruin your hair, no matter what the promos say. Even the best irons can be very damaging to wet and even slightly damp hair, and can encourage the dreaded split ends...

Tigi Control Freak XX Straight is excellent and so is the KMS Flat Out range (in fact KMS generally has great styling products). For a nice straight blow-dry and heat protection try Redken Satinwear Ultimate Blow-dry Lotion.

My suggestion is to save up your money & get a ghd.
It's the Ferrari of hair straigtheners. I know it's a tad exy, but you'll never look back.

I've tried a number of cheaper ones in the past but once I got my ghd, I've never looked back. I love it! :encore:

I blow dry my hair, then use the ghd to get a nice sleek look.
Oh, & make sure you buy a heat protectant too. I use mine before straightening. I use ghd heat protectant. There a many out there, so choose one according to your hair type.

Good luck :waving:

Hi glamour girl. I have a Marcos straightener and it's great for thicker hair (btw, my hair is really thick!) beacuse it does have wider plates....they're larger than an inch. It was expensive but so worth it. I have had ghd in the past and having used both I can confidently say Marcos is better as your friend said :yellow:

Hi everyone, thanks so much for all the info!! I will check them all out now.

Pussy cat, do you know where I can get more details about Marcos ?

they have a website...

marcos-style.com

Hope this helps! :)

I had quite an alarming dream last night that I was straightening my hair :eek: (I never do this). I believe this thread is to blame. :whistle:

ha. lol!....i will do some research on the net & see what i come up with

Well gals, as of yesterday I have my very own ghd and oh boy, I'm in lurve! Agree with BKK, it's the Ferrari of hair straighteners.

Tried it out this morning and my hair is straight, smooth and sleek. Took about 10 seconds to heat up and about five minutes for totally straight hair. Incredible. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt the curl/flick my hairdresser showed me when I wasn't paying attention. Could be a disaster but I have complete trust in my new toy...

The upshot is - it's worth every cent.

Im so glad you love the GHD RBB :) I think they are a god-send. I have also found that they are quiet durable, as I dropped mine on the bathroom tiles this morning and it still works perfectly fine !

I am a GHD girl. Once you have used one you will never turn back.

I ended up buying the Marcos straightener. It is so fantastic!...I have been using it every few days a i know straighteners can damage your hair. I picked it up off Ebay for $149 So cheap for the quality. This is a really professional product. No more worring about frizz for winter for me. Hey also FYI their website has some excellent tips on creating a lot of the latest celebrity looks. Thanks so much PC!.

OMG!

Has anyone else heard about the new GHD with Ionic straightening technology?! :glee: :glee:

I happened to see some of Sunrise (i think!) yesterday morning (had the day off so not a normal thing to do!) and they were showing it and saying how it's just as good but the ion's help lock in the natural moisture/oil in the hair so it's not as drying... of course I now want one! :rollthoseeyes:

Alas, my Wahl straightener has not yet died and is still just as good as any other...

Yep, I heard they had a new one coming out...that's why I got mine so cheap! I think the new ones are pretty exxy but they sure sound good

I ended up buying the Marcos straightener. It is so fantastic!...I have been using it every few days a i know straighteners can damage your hair. I picked it up off Ebay for $149 So cheap for the quality. This is a really professional product. No more worring about frizz for winter for me. Hey also FYI their website has some excellent tips on creating a lot of the latest celebrity looks. Thanks so much PC!.

I was looking at one of these straightners on ebay but i was a bit unsure about buying one from there. So is all good?

Get a Marcos. IMO it's the best out there! I was recently looking for a straightener and did my research and found out that GHD aren't even 100% ceramic! even though they say they are, they're coated metal. So after asking around what everyone else was using and what salons recommended it seemed like every1 knew about Marcos and how good it was except for me. Now I can't live without it!

Hi GoldAussieGirl, I absolutely LOVE IT!!!!...it is the best thing i have bought in ages!. It was so worth it..and so much cheaper than from the website....although i was on the site recently and they are still on sale. Let me know how you go!. ;-)

ghd is the best. EVER. I love mine! but if you dont wanna waste that much a remington slimline ceramic straightener is pretty good...i also have one but if you really want a good hair straightener n u straighten in almost every day then a ghd is soooo worth it!

When i can afford it i will deffinately be getting a Marcos straightener i have heard nothing but raves about these. All have said that they are better quality and better results than the GHD's yet are cheaper so you cant go wrong.

And besides the ladies at GHD were rude when i rang their head office and werent helpful at all so that put me off too....

Do any of you adorables use your straightner as a curler as well? Im not sure whether to buy a new straightner which you can curl with (big and small curls) or a separate curler???:confused:
L'oreal have pretty good heat protecting and straightening balms, especially their kiwi range for coloured hair. :typing: Hmmm maybe time to try a new product for styling too!!! :penguin:

Yep, I use my ghd to curl as well Serena. It's brilliant.

At one point had considered buying one of those large-barrelled curling irons but I get the same result with velcro rollers.

I have hot rollers which give great volume, but the curls can be very unpredictable as the rollers differ in sizes... do you use velcro rollers that are all the same size RB? I'm guessing then that with your iron you mainly acieve smaller curls then big ones?

Yep, I use the same size velcro rollers. I have a set of bigger ones just for volume and a bit of a flick, and smaller ones for proper curls. Prefer velcro to hot, you can just pop them in while doing makeup, other stuff around the house and then (after blast with hairdryer) take them out and voila!

I do use the ghd for different sized curls - it creates a soft wave (rather than big curls) if you use larger sections of hair (ie. a beachy hair effect), ringlet-style with smaller sections. Still getting the hang of it - it's pretty versatile. Though yes, I think if you want big boucy curls, rollers are going to do a better job for you...

OK so I have just got back into straightening my hair after a long hiatus. I need info!!!

What is everyone's HG heat protecting product and straightening/relaxing product? Is there such a thing as an all-in-one product that both protects and aids in straightening and smoothing? And if so, where would one obtain this magical elixer?

Nivea (yes Nivea) is launching a range of hair straightening products to minimise the use of straightening irons.

http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/news/printNewsBis.asp?id=78301

Nivea has had a hair range for YEARS in europe. I get little samples in some magazines I buy. They actually look quite good. Wish i could try all their stuff to see what its like. Maybe next year though !:penguin:

OK so I have just got back into straightening my hair after a long hiatus. I need info!!!

What is everyone's HG heat protecting product and straightening/relaxing product? Is there such a thing as an all-in-one product that both protects and aids in straightening and smoothing? And if so, where would one obtain this magical elixer?

Well I use a spray-in leave in conditioner while my hair is still wet (before combing) and then I use a heat protecter/smoothing balm that I picked up from the hairdresser. After straightening I then run some silkening serum through the ends to tame any flyaways and give some extra shine.

I think if you hit somewhere like price attack they'll have a protector/smoothing balm etc that you can get - most of them have more than one use these days. I can even use my balm on my hair damp and let it dry naturally and it helps enhance my natural curls...

Hi ozkat :) I think you'd really like the tigi smooth and shine*. It actually says on the front that its iron safe and heat safe, so great for all heat styling, but still a smoothing lotion type thingy. Its very nice and doesnt weigh down the hair too much either:typing:

Do any of you adorables use your straightner as a curler as well? Im not sure whether to buy a new straightner which you can curl with (big and small curls) or a separate curler???:confused:
L'oreal have pretty good heat protecting and straightening balms, especially their kiwi range for coloured hair. :typing: Hmmm maybe time to try a new product for styling too!!! :penguin:

Hi Serena, i curl my hair with my straightener. You can either curl it like you curl a ribbon, i.e wind the hair round as you pull the straightener through th length of the hair or sometimes i twirl myhair round my finger and then clamp it between the plates.

Hi Serena, i curl my hair with my straightener. You can either curl it like you curl a ribbon, i.e wind the hair round as you pull the straightener through th length of the hair or sometimes i twirl myhair round my finger and then clamp it between the plates.

PS, I hope you take your finger out first!:explode:

just wondering...(sorry if im hijacking the thread :rollthoseeyes:)

does anyone have any tips to prolong the quality of your hair style after its been straightened?

when i straighten my hair, it always goes back to being wavy in the afternoon/evening.

just wondering...(sorry if im hijacking the thread :rollthoseeyes:)

does anyone have any tips to prolong the quality of your hair style after its been straightened?

when i straighten my hair, it always goes back to being wavy in the afternoon/evening.

Hey Emmy

I always find that having a good quality straightner always helps. I dont know what one you own, but I think the quality of the tool has an effect on the end result.
I also find that, if you have the time, is blow-drying your hair straight first and then going over, by sections of your hair, starting from the under layers first, and straightening each section slowly. Make sure you use a heat protection product when you straighten your hair and go easy on any other product you put in your hair before you straighten, as this may weigh your hair down and not hold the style.

xxoo

:)

Hey Emmy

I always find that having a good quality straightner always helps. I dont know what one you own, but I think the quality of the tool has an effect on the end result.
I also find that, if you have the time, is blow-drying your hair straight first and then going over, by sections of your hair, starting from the under layers first, and straightening each section slowly. Make sure you use a heat protection product when you straighten your hair and go easy on any other product you put in your hair before you straighten, as this may weigh your hair down and not hold the style.

xxoo

:)

Thanks heaps :)
I'm using a tresemme heat protecting spray at the moment. I have 2 straighteners - one of which isnt working well and the other i bought for $20 thinking it would do the same thing, but it doesnt heat up well - I will have to invest in a good quality straightener! :chuckle:
I'll go by sections next time with a hair dryer and then straightner - i usually just do the fringe bit by itself and do the rest altogether.
:) thank u

I definitely second doing it in sections. Pin your hair up like they do when they're blowdrying it at the hairdresser, and straighten the layers underneath before the middle ones and then finally the top layers. It gives a much much better effect than just doing it as a whole.

Another good tip to reduce frizz when straightening your hair is to try not touch you hair with your hands use a comb if you can, which can be very hard for those of us who are unco-ordinated:redcheeks:

Thanks heaps :)
I have 2 straighteners - one of which isnt working well and the other i bought for $20 thinking it would do the same thing, but it doesnt heat up well - I will have to invest in a good quality straightener! :chuckle:
:) thank u

One word emmy - GHD. Exspensive, but so worth it ;)

Do GHD's leave your hair looking really shiny and smooth, i used my friends silver buller and it made my hair feel great (cos it seals the cuticle) and really shiny but the plates were a little wide for my liking, does the GHD leave your hair feeling great and looking shiny too?? I just think the design of the GHD would be more user friendly for shorter layers (i have quite a short fringe) and curling.????????

When it comes to Ionic and Tourmaline what should i been looking for in a straightener? what is it that seals the cuticle so that it gies the shiny soft result??? Both maybe??? So confused

OK so I have just got back into straightening my hair after a long hiatus. I need info!!!

What is everyone's HG heat protecting product and straightening/relaxing product? Is there such a thing as an all-in-one product that both protects and aids in straightening and smoothing? And if so, where would one obtain this magical elixer?


Joico silk result straight smoother http://www.joico.com/product/detail.php?CatID=23

PS, I hope you take your finger out first!:explode:


Ah yes! Otherwise i would have 3rd degree burns my now!

Ah yes! Otherwise i would have 3rd degree burns my now!

Ouch! I have burnt my neck before!

I am surprised no one has mentioned this! In one of the Melbourne Sunday papers a couple of weeks ago a little snippet caught my eye. I will copy the article.

"Bad hair days will soon be a thing of the past. For the first time in Australia, a coin-operated hair straightening system is being introduced into clubs, pubs, restaurants, gyms and shopping malls across the country. The new GlideHair unit has a mirror and professional-grade straightening tongs that heat to 220 degrees celcius, making them sterile for every use. In minutes you can transform your frizz into sleek straight hair or curls. GlideHair is being installed in public toilets across Australia and costs $2 per use. To see which venues have installed the system or to recommend a venue where one should be installed, visit www.glidehair.com "

Interesting stuff!

Oh yeah, I saw that, thought 'Wish we could get it in Tassie' :chuckle::chuckle::chuckle: and forgot about it. Brilliant idea though! :clapping:

How interesting LB. I think it'll be really popular (I see some gym catfights coming on, especially in the morning pre-work rush!)

I am surprised no one has mentioned this! In one of the Melbourne Sunday papers a couple of weeks ago a little snippet caught my eye. I will copy the article.

"Bad hair days will soon be a thing of the past. For the first time in Australia, a coin-operated hair straightening system is being introduced into clubs, pubs, restaurants, gyms and shopping malls across the country. The new GlideHair unit has a mirror and professional-grade straightening tongs that heat to 220 degrees celcius, making them sterile for every use. In minutes you can transform your frizz into sleek straight hair or curls. GlideHair is being installed in public toilets across Australia and costs $2 per use. To see which venues have installed the system or to recommend a venue where one should be installed, visit www.glidehair.com "

Interesting stuff!

What a great idea!! I always get caught in drizzle then my fringe goes crazy and my top layer frizzy!!!!

Sorry for jumping on the end of a thread that I havent thoroughly read. Has anyone tried the Silver Bullet range of starighteners?? If so which one?? I have tried a gf's and it was deivne. Just slipped through the hair soo easily no pulling or tugging at all. I am contimplating getting one myself after having a ghd and not being unimpressed but just feeling lke a bit of a change.

Sorry for jumping on the end of a thread that I havent thoroughly read. Has anyone tried the Silver Bullet range of starighteners?? If so which one?? I have tried a gf's and it was deivne. Just slipped through the hair soo easily no pulling or tugging at all. I am contimplating getting one myself after having a ghd and not being unimpressed but just feeling lke a bit of a change.

Hi TBA, The Shaver shop has them http://www.shavershop.com.au/products/cid/92/parent/0/t/products

Checkout some reviews by others http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=2976 (Bullet Extreme) and http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=2977 (Platinum Volumising). Dont buy the Lightening ES 2000, it has been recalled http://choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104840&catId=100563&tid=100008&p=1&title=Test%3a+Hair+straighteners

Good luck!

Hi TBA, The Shaver shop has them http://www.shavershop.com.au/products/cid/92/parent/0/t/products

Checkout some reviews by others http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=2976 (Bullet Extreme) and http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=2977 (Platinum Volumising). Dont buy the Lightening ES 2000, it has been recalled http://choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104840&catId=100563&tid=100008&p=1&title=Test%3a+Hair+straighteners

Good luck!

Thanks Luisa!! Yu always come up with some of the greatst links!! Where ever do you find these little treasures?? :hugs::waving::clapping:

Hi TBA, yes i have tried a gf's also, really nice, made my hair shiny and soft. Only thing is gf's was a slightly wider plate one and i need a slimline for my shortish fringe im sure they have more slimline models.

Hi TBA, yes i have tried a gf's also, really nice, made my hair shiny and soft. Only thing is gf's was a slightly wider plate one and i need a slimline for my shortish fringe im sure they have more slimline models.

Thanks PS. Yes I am pretty sold on them. I have fine hair and the wide plates are too big for my hair too (shoulder length) so I will take your advice and go for the slimmer ones. I think I have seen these in acks with hairdryers before. Might have t seriously start scoping out the shops to fin the best deals :clapping:

TBA, found another stockist for the Silver Bullet. They have this one in Pink too!

http://www.ry.com.au/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=831

Well my trusty Wahl is dying a slow death (and after bathroom fiasco of weekend - see "What did I do today" thread, it's got some chunks out of the ceramic plates from the glass crashing into it! :shakehead:

I haven't used it yet but imagine that my hair might snag a bit in them... SO I think I want a GHD.. the new one with the curved edges.. my hairdresser used it on me on the weekend and I loved how quick it was! Just wish they were a little less expensive than $300... hmmm hello Santa!? :whistle:

GHD will change your life! I loooooooooooooooove mine.

I sold my old one. It was one of the originals form waaay back in 2003!! but i miss having one and am thinking of getting another one. GHD always have pack around Christmas. I hope they have ones coming out. I have my tax coming in soon and I waaant ooonne!!! :penguin::penguin::penguin:

My best friend is my hairdresser and she won't let me get a GHD because she doens't want it to damage my hair because of the high temperature. I have a $50 slim hair straightener and well its not cutting the mustard anymore and its just not straightening my wavy at the back, frizzy on the ends thick hair, which is shoulder length.

How do you girls get away with out damaging your hair with your GHD???

My best friend is my hairdresser and she won't let me get a GHD because she doens't want it to damage my hair because of the high temperature. I have a $50 slim hair straightener and well its not cutting the mustard anymore and its just not straightening my wavy at the back, frizzy on the ends thick hair, which is shoulder length.

How do you girls get away with out damaging your hair with your GHD???

I use a GHD and there is really no way to have no damage. It is a very hot thing going on to your hair. I use heat protection spray but that will only go so far to protect your hair. The only thing you can do is make sure that you have regular trims (unlike me, hence my hair is looking FERAL).

My best friend is my hairdresser and she won't let me get a GHD because she doens't want it to damage my hair because of the high temperature. I have a $50 slim hair straightener and well its not cutting the mustard anymore and its just not straightening my wavy at the back, frizzy on the ends thick hair, which is shoulder length.

How do you girls get away with out damaging your hair with your GHD???

PP do you use a heat protection spray EVERY time you straighten? This is SO important. I used to straighten without the heat protector and my hair got fried so quickly. It's also important to use good, nourishing shampoo and conditioner and give your hair moisture and protein treatments. And use a leave-in hair moisturiser/conditioner every time you wash. And try to have a few heat-free days each week.

PP do you use a heat protection spray EVERY time you straighten? This is SO important. I used to straighten without the heat protector and my hair got fried so quickly. It's also important to use good, nourishing shampoo and conditioner and give your hair moisture and protein treatments. And use a leave-in hair moisturiser/conditioner every time you wash. And try to have a few heat-free days each week.

That what i said to her , it will be fine as long as i use the products she will sell me that are heat protectors and conditioner etc.

I'm gonna talk her into getting me one for cost price through her salon. yayayay GHD here i come.

Meh, I have a slim Wahl one, and if I used it every day, it'd fry my hair, I just use it once every little while and we're good.

Mr12 probably uses it more than me :shakehead:

yeh the main thing to do is use heat protection products before using a straightner. I use the vidal sassoon ghd.

I don't want to use it every day but maybe twice a week and on weekends.

My hair is so crazy today its like a high bouffant with messy waves pulled back with a black head band. I need a better straightener asap.

My Wahl is seriously fantastic, even though it's a slim one - my hair t the back can be totally feral (I have a wave at the back, goes in about 10 different directions) and it controls that beautifully.

Now, I am the queen of lazy when it comes to my hair, and I can do it with this, so there's no reason you couldn't. If I am being enthused, I use it maybe 4 times a week, and my hair is fine. I use a heat protectant (no idea what, it's a sample in a clear jar from the salon, had it for ages) and my hair is fine.

I use a GHD and there is really no way to have no damage. It is a very hot thing going on to your hair. I use heat protection spray but that will only go so far to protect your hair. The only thing you can do is make sure that you have regular trims (unlike me, hence my hair is looking FERAL).

SAME - my hair is crying out for a cut. It's in a bob and I know when it's time for a cut because I become "triangle-head" - when the layers have grown out so there is no volume at the top, and it's frizzy and split endsy so it goes out at the bottom. NOT GOOD!

I have actually got a ceramic iron which has tourmaline in it & this is actually helps protect your hair. You get more 'negative ions' produced and this is actually helps reduce damage to your hair, as well as reducing frizziness. I find that my hair is so much smoother and healthier since using this straightening iron. There's different brands on the market - I think T3 is the most popular. My cousin who is a hairdresser bought me a different brand (I can't remember the name lol!), but it does the same job.

SAME - my hair is crying out for a cut. It's in a bob and I know when it's time for a cut because I become "triangle-head" - when the layers have grown out so there is no volume at the top, and it's frizzy and split endsy so it goes out at the bottom. NOT GOOD!

Yep, it is split end central over here.