Tools For Pressing Hair
A pressing comb is sometimes called a hot comb or a straightening comb. A pressing comb looks like the images below. Most pressing combs are metal, but there is one manufacturer that makes a ceramic coated pressing comb.
Choosing a pressing comb: When buying a pressing comb, look for one that is electric and that has an adjustable temperature gauge so that you can regulate the temperature. Or if you get a stove-top model, instead of using the kitchen stove to heat your pressing comb, get a ceramic heater stove that is made for pressing combs, and lets you regulate the temperature.
Andis 38300 High Heat Press Comb
A flat iron
can also be used to straighten hair. A flat iron consists of two flat
plates that are heated and then clamped together on a
section of hair and pulled along the length of the
hair to straighten it. The plates can be metal, coated
ceramic plates (metal covered with ceramic) or true
ceramic plates. Ceramic flat irons are popular
because the ceramic plates hold a negative electrical
charge (sometimes referred to as "negative ions").
This negative charge on the flat iron plates
counteracts the positive charge on hair to make the
hair lay flat.
Solia Professional Ceramic Ion Flat Iron
(1-3/4)
Choosing a flat
iron: When buying a flat iron look for one that has an
adjustable temperature gauge so that you can regulate
the temperature, and that has ceramic, ceramic
touralamine, or ceramic coated titanium plates. Top
quality flat irons will have one of these three types
of plates, but these usually cost quite a bit. If you
are not sure that a flat iron is what you want, you
can always try a less expensive flat iron, and then
purchase a more expensive one if you decide that is
what you want.
A blow dryer can help speed up the time
it takes for your hair to dry. If you use one with a comb
attachment, or if you comb through your hair while you
are using the blow dryer, this will help detangle
your hair, and smooth it out a little, making it
easier to press. However, as with all hair tools, blow
dryers need to be used carefully. If you use one, use
it on hair that is damp, not dry. This will lessen the
amount of time it takes to use the blow dryer, and you will be able to
use the lowest heat setting on it, also minimizing the
amount of heat on your hair. Also, don't rip through
your hair with the blow dryer. Detangle your hair
first with a regular comb, and then use the blow dryer
(gently) on it.
Revlon Amber Waves RV670AW 1875 Watt Ionic Styler
Dryer
Choosing a blow dryer: Like other tools, blow dryers can range in price from very cheap, to ridiculously expensive. I prefer a blow dryer with a comb attachment and with variable heat settings.