Voltage:
If you are travelling overseas you'll need to make sure that your mini hair straighteners will meet voltage needs of the foreign country you are visiting. Some products may only have the correct requirements for the country you originally purchased it in. Others are designed with a switch to alternate the voltage. Still others can be found with universal voltage for the most convenient means of travelling with your hair straightener to many countries with little worry being placed on correct voltage systems.
Plate material:
Hair straighteners come with a variety of plates in various metals or in ceramic. A titanium plate resists corrosion caused by hair styling products, and typically distributes the heat more evenly. Ceramic plates are a favorite both for the affordability and because they are thought to cause less damage to hair. The most affordable option is gold-tone plating, which works well for quick straightening, or low maintenance requirements.
Plate design:
The plates themselves can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The thinner the plate is in width, the smaller the amount of hair that can be straightened at one time. However, thinner plates make a great alternative to curling irons, and will easily give you beautiful curls in one product.
Ionic technology:
Some hair straighteners now feature negative ion, or T-ion charge. The benefit of ionic technology in hair straighteners directly relates to the health of your hair. The ionic charge helps to prevent frizz, smooth naturally occurring frizz, and also helps to protect against split ends. It also tends to produce softer, silkier feeling hair. Essentially the ionic charge helps to prevent damage caused to hair through the use of high heat