Molly-Mae x Beauty Works hair straightener kit
After spending weeks lusting over Molly-Mae’s sleek bob, we were keen to see if we could achieve similar results with this kit that’s been designed by the Islander herself.
An already saturated market, there were high expectations for Beauty Works’s first foray into the world of poker straight locks but as soon as we opened the packaging, we could see how the brand was trying to set itself apart from the rest.
While most straighteners come with little else than the box they’re delivered in, the clue is in the name with this one, as it comes as a kit with everything you need to style your hair, including a stylish pink faux leather storage case, bristle paddle brush and protective glove to shield your hands from any accidents.
As for the tool itself, the straightener is made with a glossy white finish and looks seriously sleek, with a long, thin design that feels lightweight yet sturdy in your hands. But, are the straighteners as technologically impressive as they are good-looking?
In short: yes. The narrow plates are visibly different from other models we’ve used, with a smooth ceramic coating and three infrared bars, which are said to help you create snag-free styles, eliminate frizz and provide enhanced shine. It also includes a dial at the base, which allows you to adjust the temperature (it ranges from 80C to 220C). This is a key feature that makes this tool a great option for all hair types as, while 185C is the optimal styling temperature for most people, lower heat suits fine hair best and thick or coarse tresses may need more heat to be effective.
Read more: 11 best hair vitamins for stronger, healthier and glossier locks
When we first plugged the straightener in, we were surprised to see a small silver cylinder shape at the base of the tool transform into a display screen which showed the plates were increasing in temperature. The dial is simple and satisfying to use as it clicks with every movement to the right or left until you reach your desired level of heat – we opted for 185C, which was swiftly reached in around 30 seconds. However, it’s worth noting that, unlike ghd’s, there is no sound to let you know when the straightener is ready to go.
Our hair is fairly straight to begin with but we struggle to get it looking sleek and glossy, so we decided to aim for that Jennifer Anniston circa Friends vibe with a smooth finish and curled under ends. We didn’t bother to section our tresses and jumped straight in, gliding it through the narrow plates of the straightener. As the infrared heat moved over our strands, they became immediately pin-straight and noticeably less frizzy, while the curled under ends were a breeze to achieve with just one swipe. We also didn’t have to hold the straightener on our hair for long as we moved it down and experienced zero snagging. In fact, our typically dull looking hair even appeared noticeably shinier.
All together, the whole process took about five minutes – a definite plus if you’re the type of the person that runs late or is looking for fuss-free styling. We also loved that the straightener comes with a handy lock feature, which stops the tool from opening or closing and means the plates can cool down safely, and be stored away in the carry case neatly.
Over the last few years, we’ve got into the habit of waving our hair on a daily basis so, perhaps the most impressive thing about this tool is that its sleek styling job might have converted us to the straight side. We’ve worn our hair straight pretty much every day since the tool arrived in the post and, dare we say it, have all but ditched our much-loved ghd’s.
However, fellow wave lovers shouldn’t tune out entirely, as you too are catered for with this handy gadget. When it came to adding texture to our tresses, the straightener’s smooth plates, glossy exterior and narrow design created really effortless-looking curls with lots of shine and staying power. After brushing ours out, they lasted a full two days before we decided to give our locks a wash but, if you can go longer, we’re sure they’d go the distance.