Straightening Iron Review: Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener

Investing on a straightening iron is a good idea if you want to have straight or manageable hair. If you have had your hair relaxed or rebonded, a ceramic straightening iron will be handy when your hair is growing longer and the wavy or curly parts are starting to show. Together with a great anti-frizz, heat protectant, and hair straightening product, you can tame the waves and have that naturally straight hair look.

I read from a few other blogs that Watsons straightening iron is affordable (it costs below a thousand pesos) and that it works well, but when the saleslady at SM Department Store tested one alongside Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener, it didn't heat up quickly. That made me choose Vidal Sassoon's straightening iron even if it cost almost Php1,200.

Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener

Comparing the two products

Two salesladies tested Watsons straightening iron and Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener on my hair. The latter heated up quickly and the temperature was steady, so it did not become scorching hot. It also performed well in straightening the hair even without a heat protectant or an anti-frizz product, while Watsons straightening iron was still taking its time to heat up to reach the right temperature.

Advantages

I like Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener because:

• It comes from a trusted brand in hair care
• It is lightweight
• 
  It has an on/off switch – so even if you leave it plugged into the socket, you can just switch it off and not have to worry about electrical fires. Of course I still recommend that you completely unplug the device.
  
• Its cord swivels
  
• The handle is ergonomic and my hands do not hurt after use
  
  
• There is a power indicator light
  
• It comes with a two-year warranty. Just be sure to keep the receipt.
  
• Multi-voltage – It adjusts automatically to the correct voltage. You may need to use an adapter before plugging it into your home's electrical socket. Don't worry, adapters are cheap and you can buy them in stores like SM Department Store or Landmark Department Store's Hardware Section, Ace Hardware, Handyman, and True Value.

Disadvantages

I did a little reading on Vidal Sassoon's straightening iron and found reviews which mentioned that strands of their hair would get caught on the device when they're running it down their hair. I experienced that myself, but there is a reason why you have to separate your hair in at least 2-inch wide parts before running your flat iron on it. Even the manual of Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener mentioned that you should start with a section of hair that is 2 inches wide and no more than ½ inches thick. That way, stray strands won't get stuck on the sides of the iron plates as you run the flat iron down the lock of your hair.

Yes, it's important to read the manual.

Use a heat protectant

I recommend using a heat protectant/anti-frizz product on your hair before using a straightening iron though. That way, heat-related damage to your strands will be minimal and you can tame the frizz, which can be caused by the heat applied to your hair. I was supposed to buy L'Oreal Paris Studio Line Hot Straight Thermo Straightening Cream, but it did not seem to be available anymore, so I settled for this product:

Special Effects Flat Iron Sheer Silky Smooth Heat Memory Flat Iron Spray

One of the salesladies recommended Special Effects Flat Iron Sheer Silky Smooth Heat Memory Flat Iron Spray. It think it's affordable at Php299.00 compared to the straightening creams and serums of more renowned, high-end brands. The smell is not overwhelming so your nose won't be irritated after use.

Spray the product on the areas where you will run your Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener, but wait for it to dry a little before running your straightening iron on it unless you want to hear your hair sizzle.

Using Vidal Sassoon V Style Compact Straightener with Special Effects Flat Iron Sheer Silky Smooth Heat Memory Flat Iron Spray give you good results. The frizz is tamed and the flat iron's effect on the hair lasts longer, enabling you to have straight hair throughout the day. Special Effects Flat Iron Sheer Silky Smooth Heat Memory Flat Iron Spray is also continues to tame most of the frizz, which is good if you're in the Philippines where the weather can be very humid.