The 1970s was when women sported mid-parted, stick-straight locks that fell way past the waist, which one could only get by trusting a friend enough not to toast one's locks as she quite literally ironed it in much the same way we do clothes. Today, we only have ourselves to blame if our hair gets burned because modern-day tools make it unlikely—these hot tongs make sleek locks easier to get than ever.
How to Spot the Difference
There are a million hair irons with a billion labels and functions that all sound useful. Can't tell which one is your match? We'll help you know the difference below.
CERAMIC VS. TOURMALINE
1. Ceramic
Most of these are built on top of metal plates—100-percent ceramic plates are rare and expensive. Unlike metal, ceramic fights the positive-ion-indouced frizz with the negative ions it produces.
VIDAL SASSOON iPink 25mm Tourmaline Ceramic Straightener, P3850, Beauty Bar
2. Tourmaline
While it's diffficult to find a purely ceramic tool, tourmaline-infused ones are the next best thing because they boost negative ions.
W Elite Brazilian Tourmaline Wet and Dry Straightener, P2969, Zalora
CURVED VS. STRAIGHT
1. Curved: It lets you explore the option of flipped out or flipped in ends, or using your flat iron as a curler.
KARDASHIAN BEAUTY 1" Hairstyling Iron, P4950, Beauty Bar
2. Straight: Strictly stick tress—you can use it to curl, but not without the risk of having boxy-edged curls.
BABYLISS Ultra Curl Styler, P5499, Zalora
PORTABLE
For bangs, short hair or if you prefer natural kinks but prefer it ultra-sleek: Your hair could bend out of shape anytime in the day.
VIDAL SASSOON Mini Straightener, P2350, Beauty Bar
*This article originally appeared in Preview Magazine's July 2014 issue.
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