I got this straightener over three months ago as part of my quest to re-create the Joico K-Pak ReconstrRx VaporIron. I’ve been meaning to do a review for a while but got a bit bogged down by other things….sorry. Well I’ve finally done it and as an added bonus, MoHair, who also has the straightener has added her two pence worth too!
Hype: Even thick and coarse hair can be made shiny and sophisticated with Pro 230 Radiance Sleek. This fantastic and powerful straightener has been proven in independent tests to give hair longer-lasting straightness than other leading brands. If you want beautifully sleek, smooth hair all day – and night – long, Pro 230 Radiance Sleek is for you.
Specifications:
- Breakthrough Cera-Heat™ technology uses a supercharged heating system to give longer-lasting salon straightness
- Retractable detangling fins give a professional combing effect for extra-effective straightening
- Three settings for different hair types (high, low and off)
- Ionic steam enhances condition and zaps frizz for a high-shine finish
- Ten temperature settings
- Heats up to 230°C
- 1’’ ceramic-titanium plates for ultimate smoothness
- 3m salon length swivel cord
- Luxury storage pouch and heat protection mat
- Five-year guarantee
Price: Depends on the retailer, I bought mine for £35 whilst MoHair got hers for £40 (on sale!).
Tola’s Reality: I bought this straightener fully intending to use the steam function; in fact I also bought the Joico Vapor fuel specifically for this reason. The reality however is that I have only used the steam function once. This was when I was 16 weeks post relaxer and the steam made my roots puffy. I decided to leave off the steam until after I relaxed. Well that didn’t happen for another eight weeks and in the mean time, I learned to love the straightener steam free.
When I use this straightener I never go past the 4th heat setting which is about 190°C. This is ENOUGH to get my hair sleek and straight but retain thickness and bounce. It wasn’t until I used this straightener that I realised just how much my Ghds were killing my hair. They were just too hot and relaxed hair really doesn’t need that much heat applied to get it straight…that’s why we relax in the first place! When I had a lot of new growth, I used the retractable fins which acted as a guiding comb and kept my hair stretched as I straightened. This was really useful and meant I didn’t have to fiddle about with a small tooth comb.
The shine I get from this straightener is ridiculous and the straightness lasts as long as I want it to. Also, it may sound like a small thing but the 3m length swivel cord has gotten me out of a couple of jams where the distance between the mirror and socket was far. Did I also mention that the luxury pouch and heat protection matt are super cute and useful? In fact I’ve used the pouch as a purse before, it’s that pretty.
I finally used the Steam function three weeks ago and it didn’t in any way enhance the process or results. If anything, I think it might have made my hair a little frizzy. Though I really like this Straightener, the steam function is a big part of it’s draw and I wasn’t impressed, thus BaByliss 2034U Pro 230 Radiance Straightener gets 4 out of 5 fros.
MoHair’s Reality: Same here! I only used the steam function once, in fact I think I’ve lost the water chamber thingy. Steam is not really helpful if you’re natural and you are trying to get straight hair with heat. I too have been using the 4th heat setting, the highest I’ve gone is number 6. I get light, shiny, relaxed looking hair with minimal damage to my curls and coils.
I was attracted to this flat iron because of the rave reviews it got and the fact that it has titanium coated plates. Ceramic is apparently old technology; now they are making irons that are totally titanium and I need to get me one of those!