Top 5 Factors That Determine the Price of a Hair Straightener

What are some of the biggest factors that determine the price of a hair straightener? Continue reading in this article.

Flat irons are among the best tools that you can use for thermal hair styling, giving you a sleek and polished look without much effort. They are fun, versatile, and surprisingly easy to use, making them the go-to hair straightener for any event or occasion. 

However, with so many options on the market, how can you choose the best one for your needs and goals, and why causes the difference in prices between the different options that exist? Are they all equal? (Hint: they are not...)

Whether you are new to the world of hair straightening, or you simply want to make an informed decision before you buy your next tool, understanding what impacts hair straightener pricing is always a good idea. 

So, let's take a look at some of the major factors that determine the price of a hair straightener:

1. Quality of materials

The first and most important factor that determines the price of a hair straightener, as you may have already guessed, is the quality of the material. Not all flat irons are made with the same materials, and some of them can be extremely damaging for the hair.

Low-quality materials

Some low-quality flat iron materials include:

• Aluminum - this material doesn't have the ability to distribute heat evenly, and may lead to hot spots and cause heat damage to the hair. It also loses heat fairly quickly, resulting in inconsistent styling. 
• Coated metal - some low-quality flat irons use coated metal plates, which wears off over time and leads to uneven heating. The coating may also contain chemicals that are harmful to the hair.
• Plastic - one of the worst materials for a flat iron, plastic can melt or warp when exposed to high temperatures, and is quite ineffective for distribution heat - which leads to bad styling results.

High-quality materials

On another hand, high-quality hair straighteners tend to be made from the following materials:

• Ceramic - flat irons with ceramic plates are among the most common options you will find on the market. They distribute heat evenly, offer a smooth gliding surface and have less risk of hot spots.
• Titanium - titanium flat irons are characterized with their ability to reach high and consistent temperatures quickly. They're lightweight and durable, but they can get extremely hot, so they require careful use and temperature control.
• Tourmaline - tourmaline flat irons have plates made from the gemstone tourmaline, characterized by its ability to emit negative ions - up to 6 times more than any other material. This helps to reduce frizz and seals in the moisture of the hair for effortless and seamless hair styling.

Flat irons with tourmaline plates are generally the best option on the market if you are looking for quick and easy hair styling without the damage. 

 

2. Features

Another key factor that determines the price of a hair straightener is the features and functionalities it comes with. Usually, cheaper options available on the market tend to lack key features which are essential for effective and non-damaging heat styling. 

Here are some of the features that you should look for in a good flat iron:

Temperature control settings

This is probably one of the most important features you need in a flat iron because excessive exposure to high temperatures can be extremely damaging for the hair, and some types of hair don't need high temperatures in order to achieve the desired results.

For example, hair that is chemically treated or has a finer texture can be styled at temperatures as low as 200°F (90°C), while thicker and coarse hair needs more heat to achieve the desired results - up to 450°F (230°C) in some cases.

So, straightening hair at the best temperature for your type of hair is essential if you are looking to minimize damage - and you can't control it if your flat iron is lacking this feature in the first place.

Auto-shut off

Auto shut off is a safety feature which is designed to automatically turn off the straightener after a certain period of inactivity - usually, about 60 minutes.

The primary purpose of auto shut off is to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of fire or damage to surfaces in case you accidentally leave the straightener on and unattended.

So, when factoring the price of a hair straightener, don't underestimate the importance of safety!

Infrared technology

When discussing the factors that determine the price of a hair straightener, another factor that should be taken into account is infrared heating. This technology ensures even and efficient heat distribution for styling hair. 

Infrared heating works by emitting infrared rays that penetrate the hair shaft and heat it from the inside out. This can offer several benefits compared to traditional heating methods, including:

• Gentle heating for heat styling without damage
• Reduced frizz by sealing and smoothing the hair cuticle
• Faster styling as the heat penetrates the hair more effectively
• Enhanced shine due to a smoother cuticle with retained moisture
• Longer-lasting results thanks to the even distribution of heat

Digital display

Flat irons with a digital display allow you to monitor the temperature in real time so you know exactly when your hair straightener is ready to use, and ensure that you are not styling your hair at the wrong temperature.

3. Plate size

Another factor that determines the price of a hair straightener is the size of the plate. While it's not always the case, flat irons with larger plates generally tend to be more expensive because they require more materials to be produced.

However, they can cover more hair in a single pass, which can speed up the styling process - which is especially important for people with long or thick hair. 

This increased efficiency can make larger-plate flat irons more desirable, contributing to their higher price.

On another hand, hair straighteners with smaller plates are typically more affordable, and they are used for more intricate styling, such as creating curls, waves, or detailed straightening in shorter hair sections.

NuMe Megastar X - 1.75" Flat Iron

4. Brand reputation

When discussing the price of a hair straightener, brand reputation is definitely a factor that plays a key role in the final pricing. 

Established brands with a reputation for producing high-quality hair straighteners often command higher prices because of the quality of their products, and the experience they have in the industry.

Of course, there is a nuance to that as well - just because a flat iron is more expensive doesn't necessarily mean it has the highest quality. So, make sure to carefully evaluate the relationship price - quality before making your final decision.

For example, NuMe ensures exceptional quality, top-notch technology and innovation in all of our products without the hefty price tag. Founded by Sabrina Maren and recognized as Brand of the Year by the Hollywood Beauty Awards, it proudly serves more than 2 million countries in 52 countries and growing. 

5. Warranty and customer support

Another factor that determines the price of a hair straightener is whether it comes with a warranty and a good customer support. Cheap flat irons often don't have any warranty at all, and many cover just about 30 days after the purchase, which may not be enough if you aren't a frequent user of hair straighteners.

However, other brands ensure that you can have a peace of mind when using your flat iron. For example, NuMe offers a 1-year warranty on all hair styling products, giving you the protection you need.

3 tips when buying a flat iron

If you are in the market for buying a flat iron, on top of considering the factors that determine the price of a hair straightener, we wanted to share a few extra tips that can help you out:

Consider your hair type and texture 

Some flat irons, like the award-winning NuMe Megastar Flat Iron, are suitable for all hair types  - for example, the NuMe Megastar can go as low as 200°F (90°C) for fine hair and up to 450°F (230°C) for thicker hair.

However, not all of them are - so make sure that you buy one that is suitable for your hair type and texture to minimize damage and achieve faster and more effective results.

Consider your hair length

When looking for a hair straightener, consider the length of your hair. Here are our recommendations when choosing the size of the plates:

• Narrow Plates (1/2 inch to 1 inch) - for very short hair
• Medium Plates (1 inch to 1.5 inches) - for short hair
• Medium to Wide Plates (1.25 - 2 inches) - for long hair

Look for a flat iron that minimizes damage

When buying a flat iron, don't underestimate the importance of minimizing damage. We recommend hair straighteners with tourmaline plates, which seal in the moisture of the hair through negative ion conditioning and far infrared technology.

And don't forget to use a thermal heat protectant before you heat style your hair!

FAQ

How much should a hair straightener cost?

The cost of a hair straightener can vary widely based on brand, features, and quality. Basic models start around $20-$50, mid-range with better materials and features range $50-$130, while high-end, professional, or advanced tech models can go beyond $130.

Consider your needs and budget when choosing.

Are expensive hair straighteners better?

Expensive hair straighteners are not necessarily better, because in some cases you are paying for the brand only. However, do stay away from super cheap, low-quality alternatives as they lack key features and can result in hair damage.

Instead, opt for a flat iron with better materials like tourmaline, as well as advanced features like temperature control settings and auto shut off - this will allow for quick, effective and long-lasting styling results without the damage.