Poker straight (SCP Tourmaline Medium Mk 5.3 Hair Straightener)

Member Name: meganstrong123

Product:	SCP Tourmaline Medium Mk 5.3 Hair Straightener
Date:	10/11/09 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything!

Disadvantages: One possible advantage could be that they are only sold online

I have very fine hair which is also quite flyaway, which means that I need a good straightener to hold the shape of my hair, but I cannot use a straightener that fries my thin hair. Most of my friends own the GHD Straighteners and most of the salons that I visit use this same brand. Although these straighteners do exactly what they should, they straighten my hair possibly too much and tend to fry it a little (not to mention the sky high price tag!)

On recently visiting my hairdressing salon, I asked my stylist if she knew of any good brand and reputable straighteners that did a good job of straightening the hair whilst being gentle and not causing excessive heat damage. She recommended the SCP Tourmaline Mk 5.3 straighteners.

- The purchase

These straighteners are only sold online, and I bought mine from www.hairstuffdirect.co.uk. For some, this is a problem as many prefer to buy in store, but given that this site offers free delivery, it doesn't really create too much of a problem. I collected mine from the registered office which luckily for me is situated in my home town, and these straighteners were available for over the counter purchase.

- The price

I bought these straighteners for 34.99. Over the years, I have spent an incredible amount of money trying to find a straightener that suits me and does exactly what I want it to, but have always seemed to opt for the least expensive one. Although there are many similar products that retail for much less than this, there are also many (such as GHDs) that retail for around 3 times this price.

- Added extras

I received a free heat proof mat, a fine tooth bomb and two hair clips to separate the hair before straightening. The same free added extras are made available with every purchase from this website. The heat proof mat doubles as a cover that can be fastened round the straighteners with velcro, so that they can be packed even whilst still hot. The mat does not smell of burning if the straighteners are left on it, and protects surfaces such as carpets and desks alike very well.

- Features

The straighteners have a long, 360 degree non tangle cord which means that you aren't restricted to straightening your hair right by the mains point, and instead can stand up comfortably if necessary, even if the straighteners are plugged in.

There is a dial on these straighteners which allows the heat to be adjusted between 80 degrees and 210 degrees. This makes these straighteners compatible for all hair types as fine hair can be straightened without being frazzled, and thick hair can be straightened without loosing its shape quickly.

The straighteners claim to heat up in under 10 seconds, and they absolutely do. No sooner have you switched on the straighteners (there is an on/off switch on the straighteners so that you can leave them plugged in but not switched on) that they are hot and ready to go. The speed at which they reach the desired temperature makes it quick and easy to style your hair even at the last minute before heading out.

For the safety side of things, these straighteners turn themselves off automatically after 30 minutes. So, even if you head out to work and forget to turn them off, there's nothing to worry about.

- Effect

I have found that these straighteners are incredible at doing what they should. They straighten hair and hold the style as well as GHD straighteners do. I tend to straighten my hair in the morning and it stays poker straight throughout the day and night, and the straightening effect can still be seen the morning after. They do not make my hair greasy or limp as many straighteners do, but instead give it bounce and a light sheen that makes my hair look healthy and full of vitality.

- Verdict

I am incredibly impressed with this product. The straighteners have a wonderful effect on the hair - they straighten well and hold the shape (not end the ends of my hair curl under). They do the same job as many expensive salon brands, but without the ridiculous price tag. This is definitely an investment that I would recommend you make.

Summary: Absolutely no complaints - the best investment I have made in a long time!