My Daughter Wants a Hair Straightener for Christmas

Hi E.

I remeber when I was 12 I was already curling my hair (you know that Farra Faucett look feathered all over) anyway they are as safe as a curling iron and they usually have shut off switches that automatically turn off after so much time. I would get one for my daughter. I would just read instructions and go over with her so she knows not to leave it on her hair to long. Good Luck!
K.

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both my girls have them 15/12 & yes they will probably burn them self at some point (but we all have done that at some point) as long as you show her the proper way it will be ok.. they don't leave them in there hair like curling irons they just run over them so it shouldn't hurt her hair (just remind her she can't do it if her hair is wet).. The one's with ceramic plates are better but the outside gets hotter then the other's so to start I would get her one that the outside isn't ceramic till she gets better at it..

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Hi E.- I chuckled when I saw your post because it brought back a Christmas memory for me. When I was in Junior high (so less than 12 years old) I wanted to wear my hair straight for a little while since I had a perm. Back then, hair straighteners were hard to come by so I flipped my hair over onto an ironing board and literally flat ironed it with a real iron. It worked the same but impossible to get to every part of your hair :) Could you imagine what that burn would have been like right around the holidays? My parents would have killed me :)

My two cents:
1. Yes, I think she is old enough. I am a former middle school teacher and this is pretty common at that age.
2. I agree with other posters that the Chi brand of straighteners is the best. $100+ at the beauty stores. I am using a cheapy one from Target for the past 2 years and it is hard of my hair and not nearly as effective. My hair dresser lets me use his Chi and the difference is amazing. The Chi brand is actually on my xmas list for this year!!!
3. I have been told by a number of stylists that the Chi's at Costco are fakes. Their is a large explanation as to why but I won't get into it as I am not 100% if this is fact.
4. Could you start her out with a less expensive brand and have her save money by doing chores etc... to buy the better one within a year?
5. I would definitely get some help with the salespeople at the beauty stores to buy some thermal products to go with it to protect her hair. There are really good ones out there.

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I have a 15 yr old who has been straightening hers for 2-3 yrs. It is extremely damaging to the hair. But they all do it. She will also probably give herself a few burns that look like hickeys when she is in a hurry!!! Dont let everyone freak you out with horror stories of it ewill never be the same. So shell need to do an extra conditioning treatment more often. I have as well done mine. Mine is fine, little dry add some thermacare products after a wash befor eshe straightens.Good luck

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Hi E.,

Are you talking about the kind like a curling iron? I think a 12 year old is ready--I know I used a regular curling iron from the time I was about 10. If she burns herself (and who hasn't if they've used one) she will learn a valuable lesson about being careful and it's doubtful she will truly harm herself. Trust her and go for it!

E.

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If you can afford it, make sure you get a ceramic one. I have had both and "wow" what a difference. MUCH less damage to the hair. They say the ceramic actually brings out the natural oils in your hair. Not sure about that but my hair is definitely healthier since I switched. My hairdresser has been after me to get a ceramic one but they are sooo expensive. I finally splurged on one though and it has been well worth it. I have twelve year old twins and they both use it. It does get very hot and you have to be careful. We got our at a kiosk at the mall and they actually showed the girls (and me) how to use it.
Ours actually does those Shirley Temple curls that are really in right now as well as straightens. I had to go back to learn how to do the curls because I couldn't get the hang of it. They were great.

Good luck! Tweens are so hard to buy for:)

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They are easy to use...much easier than a curling iron. My daughter started using one at age 12. They are also less likely to get burned with a straightener as most of the hot part is covered up.

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they are no more dangerous then a curling iron. I use a flat iron almost everyday. You might want to consider one with ceramic plates.

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There are a couple things you need to consider when getting a flat iron- the length of the hair, thickness, and type of hair (curly, wavy, straight, etc.). I have a Wigo 1.5 inch which is great for my short, thin, & straight hair. It has several different heat settings, which is a really nice feature. Some of the cheaper brands (Conair, Revlon, Remington, etc.) can work as well as the salon brand ones, as long as you get the right one for your hair. I would suggest something with ceramic plates and adjustable heat settings. You can also try places like Ross, TJ Maxx, etc. to get a better brand one at the same price as the lower end ones. I got mine at Ulta on clearance for like $15, but it was originally over $100.

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Hi E.,

I got a very nice ceramic straightener at Wal-Mart. They also have a nice selection at Target.

What about arranging an appointment with a stylist to get a lesson on how to do it correctly as part of the gift?

t

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When I wanted to buy my first hair straightener, I asked my hairdresser which one was the best to buy. Of course, she recommended one that was over $100, which was way out of my price range. I settled on a $40 at Ulta and it works just the same.

While I was at that appt. I asked her to show me how to use it. She taught me how to not singe my hair and how much hair to take, etc. I found the information very useful and for once in my life I was able to recreate the hairstyle from the salon.

So, my suggestion is to take her to a salon and have them show her how to use a straightener. Buy the straightener for her for Christmas and include a coupon to go to the salon. I think this will put your mind at ease!

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E.,
My little sister straightened her hair every morning and her hai is now so brittle and dry it is hard to believe that it is her hair. Her hair will not hold color except for bleaching now and she has to get it professional conditioned. Her hair breaks all of the time and she is always having to get it trimmed to get rid of the split ends (every 2 weeks). Her salon told her that this is all caused by straightening her hair so often (she has been doign it since she was 11 years old... she is now 19 and that the damage is permanent.) I think that in moderation straightening is okay. i use a straightener for special occassions but my hair is basically as straight as it is going to be unlike my sister who had wonderfully curly hair and had to straighten it for over an hour every morning to get it straight. Maybe you could get it for your daughter but set limits on how often it is used and warn her of the dangers. Merry Christmas!

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I think that as long as you get her a good flat iron and product to use she will be okay. I have an ION ceramic flat iron that works so much better then the Revlon one I first bought. I used to think that they were all the same, but they are not. The cheaper ones seem to need more heat than the better quality ones. And ceramic does make a difference. There are also lots of products to help prevent damage to the hair too. The ladies at Sally's have always been very helpful to me. And Ulta has a 20% off coupon in this weeks paper. My niece swears by Chi, and I really like the Hot Tools line of products.

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I had a curling iron by the time I was 12 and yes I did occasionally burn myself (just minor) but I soon learned not to do that again. They are relatively safe and I say go for it. Even if she does something to her hair, it will grow out! It's only hair. Just give her a good conditioner and suppervise the first few times.
Have a great Christmas!

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I think the first step would be to go in to a salon and have a stylist talk to her about the care and use of the flat iron. A really good flat iron gets really hot! That is what you want if you have really curly hair. Some flat irons do not get as hot and can damage the hair because you are trying to straighten the same hair over and over. If you want to get her something for christmas get her a gift card toward the purchase of a flat iron or a visit to the salon. A couple things to think about is that she doesn't want to use the flat iron daily and always use some kind of product to protect the hair from the flat iron. Once flat ironed don't wash for as long as you can go. Good Luck!

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Ceramic is a must! I just got a new Ultra Chi at Ulta they had them on sale for $80 (regularly $160) but the sale is over, sorry! I have heard they have the regular Chi @ Costco for $60 which is a great price as well. I had a Hot Tools flat iron that lasted me several years, but I only use it about once a week tops. I think 12 is an appropriate age for a flat iron.

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No.. Don't do it! It is terrible for the hair, especially if it is really curly. It shouldn't be called a straighter it should really be called a "hair Stretcher" because that is what it does. The hair is yanked tight, ironed, and ultimatley breaks if done too often.
I let my daughter do it 2x a year. I encourage her to have it professionally done or i do it for her. I use a variety of CHI products and pretreat the hair with special conditioning treatment prior to use. At the salon they actually use one with teeth so it hurts her as it is pulled.
My daughther is now 15 1/2 so I fought with her about this when she was 12 and she understands now. (her hair takes over an hour to do right, it is very curly and long). We do it for a special party or picture but that is it.

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My 10 yo daughter has one- and they are very much like a curling iron. If you get one, take her to the salon and ask them to show you and your daughter how to use it before he uses it. I am sure that her friends have one- and they can show you both too. Nothing to worry about- your little girl is getting older...I know- its hard from here on out... with the growing up and wanting more adult things. its ok!

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Long ago I was a hair dresser. She's old enough but the solutions can burn if not used properly. If I were you I'd help her with it. Make sure you put Vasoline around the hairline before you start. The straighteners these days are not so harsh but precautions are a must. I hope that helps.

Holy moly! The girl is 12 years old! She certainly doesn't need $100 flat irons and professional help! Let her be a kid and enjoy doing her own hair! I just have a cheap flat iron/curling iron combo and it works great. I think most of them probably work just fine. And if you have a problem with a cheap one you can always take it back and get a better one.