2019-09-01_Fairlady

September2019/Fairlady 113

Testing, testing...

PHOTOGRAPHS: LIZA VAN DEVENTER, GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
All FAIRLADY consumer Test House products are tested in the same manner in which a regular consumer would use these items in order to approximate our readers’ experience as closely as possible. Consumer Test House products are not tested by the SABS, the CSIR or any
other South African scientific testing body unless otherwise stated.

0000

TAURUS SLIMLOOK DIVINE

PRO ARGAN IONIC (901174)

ABOUT R699,95;

CREATIVEHOUSEWARES.CO.ZA

These impressive tongs reached maximum

temperature quickly and distributed

heat impressively. Testers with long hair

particularly enjoyed using the styler – the

heat is fairly intense on the highest setting,

requiring only a few strokes to straighten

hair. The slim plates glided easily without

snagging, and gripped sections of hair

easily, so you can get close to the roots.

There is a wide range of temperature

settings, the LCD has a clear display and

the heat controls are easily accessible. The

buttons are quite small and require firm

pressing. It's not the lightest model on test.

VERDICT: Outstanding in design and

performance,thisstraightenercancope

withjustaboutanyhairtypeandprovides

excellentheatdistributionA practical

000

REMINGTON PROLUXE (S9100)

ABOUT R1 049; CLICKS

This attractive straightener is also a

quality product. It provides sufficient heat

to straighten hair in one go and passes

through hair effortlessly without snagging,

leaving it smooth and silky. Some testers

commented that the plates didn’t close

completely and failed to grip hair tightly.

This model boasts a useful selection of

features such as OptiHeat technology

(which provides targeted heat to where

it’s needed most), digital variable heat

settings (150°C to 230°C), 10 heat settings,

a 10-second instant heat-up feature and

an automatic safety shut-off. The Remington

offers a comfortable grip and the controls

are logically situated, with a clear and

legible LCD display.

VERDICT:Thisproductdelivers good

heatdistributionandstraightens hair

quicklyandefficiently

000

SORBET DRYBAR WIDE

STRAIGHTENER (PIA5734)

ABOUT R399; CLICKS

The wide plates are good for straightening

long hair because you can work with bigger

sections, and the flat design means the

plates connect well for a snug hold. The

styler provides sufficient heat for most hair

types. Most testers found the maximum

setting relatively hot, which helped to

straighten hair fairly quickly; for others, the

end results weren’t as shiny and smooth

as some other models tested. Those with

thinner hair experienced some snagging

and pulling. The styler is light and handles

comfortably, but the wider plates can

make it awkward to grasp hair close to

the roots. The controls are easy to use, and

the digital display allows you to watch the

temperatureclimbing.It wasn’tasquickto

heatupcomparedtoothermodelstested.

VERDICT:A budget-friendlystylingtool

0000

SOLAC OIL SENSE REMEDY

(PP7256)

ABOUT R699,95;

CREATIVEHOUSEWARES.CO.ZA

We enjoyed the comfortable handling of

this lightweight straightener that moves

smoothly over hair. Most testers found the

heat distribution to be even and effective.

Thick curly hair didn’t require too many

passes to achieve sleek, straight hair with

long-lasting results. The plates heat up

quickly and are a good size to grab a large

section of hair; they also lock for safety. This

model has many advanced functions such

as auto sense control (which adjusts the

temperature to protect your hair), ionic

anti-frizz technology, a curling setting

and an LCD screen. There is a range of

temperature options and the controls are

well placed and easy to operate.

VERDICT:Superbqualityfortheprice.

Thisuser-friendly,feature-packedstyler

deliversa goodall-roundperformance

000

PHILIPS MOISTUREPROTECT

STRAIGHTENER (HP8372)

ABOUT R1 699; TAKELOT,

DIS-CHEM

The titanium-coated plates warm up

quickly and distribute heat evenly; most

testers found the tool to be gentle rather

than scorching on their tresses. The plates

can also lock, are a good size and capture

a sufficient section of hair at a time. Testers

with thick, curly hair needed a fair few

strokes to straighten their hair, and found

the results to be relatively good. Most

testers, however, found it better suited to

short, fine hair and medium-length hair. The

styler has various advanced features such as

a MoistureProtect sensor to regulate heat.

The digital LCD display clearly indicates

the temperature, and the heat controls are

located on the outside of the plates for easy

access,thoughyoucanaccidentallychange

thesettingwhileinoperation.

VERDICT:A goodperformerpackedwith

00

RUSSELL HOBBS SCARLET

CURVY (RHS006)

ABOUT R399; PNP, MAKRO

This styler, which was among the heavier

models tested, offers basic functions and

was an adequate performer. Most testers

found it better suited to short, fine hair

and medium-length hair. On the higher

of the two heat settings the heat was less

intense when compared to other models

tested, so it took longer to achieve a sleek

look. Some testers found that the styler

snagged their hair. The controls are well

situated – the temperature control slide

is positioned on the handle and doesn’t

get in the way when operating. There is

a power indicator light but no indication

as to when the selected temperature

has been reached. The model also lacks

a plate-lockingfeature.

VERDICT:ThisRussellHobbs

excellentheatdistribution.Apractical

choicefordaily use that’s easier on

thepocket.

deliversagoodall roundperformance

on various hair types.

quicklyandefficiently. VERDICT:Abudget friendlystylingtool

that straightenshairwell.

VERDICT:Agoodperformerpackedwith

great features.

styleris a goodbudgetbuyand

apracticalchoice.'

HOW WE TESTED: Our testers tried out the straighteners for ease of use, comfort and performance.