Choosing the best and safest temperature for your hair straightener is not only crucial for creating a smooth and sleek look, it’s also important for maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.
The best temperature for hair straighteners isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Different factors need to be considered, such as your hair type, texture, and condition.
In this guide, we will explore why you must select the right temperature when straightening your hair, and the temperature ranges you should use depending on your hair type, to get a professional look.
Why You Must Use The Best Temperature For Straightening Hair
Using the best temperature for your hair type when straightening your hair is extremely important for multiple reasons.
Preventing long-term thermal damage
Exposing your hair to temperatures that are too high for your hair type can result in long-term thermal damage. Your cuticles can become weakened and brittle, which leads to splits, and loss of hair moisture. Using the correct temperature minimises this risk, preserving your hair's shine.
To get your perfect style
Straightening your hair at the optimal temperature gives you the best chance of achieving your perfect style. Using a temperature setting that’s too low for your hair type may put too much stress on your hair to get it completely straightened, whereas extremely hot temperatures may cause irreversible damage.
Protects colour-treated hair
Hair that’s been dyed or bleached is more susceptible to damage from high temperatures. Using high heats can make the colour fade or become dull.
Protects your scalp
Not only can extremely high temperatures from hair straighteners damage your hair, but they can also irritate or burn your scalp, leaving it dry and flaky. Setting your straightener to a safe temperature encourages healthy hair growth from the roots.
Keeps your hair healthy
Straightening your hair at the best temperature for your hair type maintains your hair’s overall health. By reducing exposure to extreme temperatures, you preserve your hair's natural oils and structure, avoiding issues like split ends and breakage.
The Best Temperature for Straightening Thin or Fine Hair
If you have delicate, thin or fine hair, then the temperature for your hair straighteners should definitely be a low setting, ideally between 130 °C and 160 °C. At this range, you can achieve effective straightening without overheating the strands, which are more prone to breakage.
Bellissima Italia’s Creativity Infrared Straightener has 11 heat levels, ranging from 130° to 230°, giving you the ultimate control over your hair. These innovative infrared straighteners gently heat your hair from within, helping to retain moisture and showcase your natural shine.
The Best Temperature for Straightening Curly or Wavy Hair
Those with naturally curly hair often require slightly higher temperatures to achieve straight strands. Typically, using settings in the range of 170 °C and 190 °C will provide enough heat to smooth out curls without causing excessive damage.
Again, if you’re unsure what temperature will work best for you, start low, and slowly work your way up.
Curly hair is prone to dryness, so always use a heat protectant to shield your strands and lock in moisture. This will help efficiently straighten your curls while keeping your hair healthy and frizz-free.
The Best Temperature for Straightening Thick and Coarse Hair
Those with thick and coarse hair will need extra time and attention when your hair is particularly thick or resistant to styling. Thick hair can handle higher temperatures, which are needed to achieve smooth and lasting results. The optimal range is between 180 °C and 230 °C, depending on the coarseness of the strands.
You should only use the upper end of this range if lower temperatures are not affecting your style.
As higher heat can potentially lead to damage if you do not use hair tools correctly, investing in a straightener with adjustable heat settings and ceramic plates can help protect your strands while delivering sleek, long-lasting styles.
The Best Temperature for Straightening Dyed or Bleached Hair
You should straighten your dyed or bleached hair between 130 °C and 150 °C. Staying within this range helps protect the hair’s integrity while maintaining the vibrancy of the dyed colour.
When straightening dyed or bleached hair, it’s important to use a high-quality heat protectant to shield the hair from potential damage caused by heat styling. Additionally, limit the number of passes with the straightener to avoid overexposing the hair to heat.
The Temperatures Available with Bellissima Italia’s Hair Straighteners
It’s essential to choose the right hair straightener to help you achieve your perfect style.
Our range of hair straighteners all feature precise temperature settings, so you can select the ideal heat for your hair type and desired result. Those with extremely thick hair would benefit from using either our Steam Elixir Straightener or Absolute Wide Hair Straightener, as these go up to 230 °C, while still providing even heat distribution to protect your hair from damage.
Effortlessly create a professional finish from your home with Bellissima Italia hair straighteners. Designed for all hair types and styling preferences.
Hair Straightener Temperature FAQs
Is 200 degrees too hot for hair?
Straightening your hair at 200 °C is typically too hot for most hair types. Unless your hair is exceptionally thick and coarse, you should keep your hair straighteners below 200 °C.
What is the best temperature for flat ironing natural hair?
The best temperature for straightening natural hair that’s wavy is between 160 °C and 180 °C. This temperature range allows you to still effectively straighten your hair, without compromising its natural texture and health.
What temperature should hair straighteners be in the UK?
The optimal temperature for hair straighteners in the UK depends on individual hair types. A good rule of thumb is to always start at a low temperature to help you find the balance between properly straightening your hair, and preventing damage to your cuticles and scalp.
