Philips BHS336 Instant Shine Hair Straightener for Women

Philips BHS336 Instant Shine Hair Straightener for Women.

This product is part of Philips' haircare line focused on providing salon-like results at home, with a specific emphasis on shine and hair health.

Key Features at a Glance

• Model: Philips BHS336/05 Instant Shine Straightener

• Type: Hair Straightener / Flat Iron

• Target Audience: Individuals looking for a straightener that smooths and adds shine while aiming to minimize damage.

• Key Technology: ShineLuxe plates (often ceramic or ceramic-coated) designed to smooth the hair cuticle for maximum light reflection and shine.

• Plate Material: Ceramic-coated. Heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly.

• Plate Size: Typically around 30mm (1.2") – a versatile width for straightening and creating waves.

• Temperature Range: Up to 210°C (410°F), with multiple settings in between. This is suitable for most hair types.

• Heat Up Time: Very fast, usually around 30 seconds.

• Special Features: Swivel cord, automatic safety shut-off (after 60 minutes).

Detailed Breakdown

1. Design and Usability

• Plates: The 30mm width is a great standard size. It's narrow enough to get close to the root for straightening but wide enough to create soft waves and curls quickly. The rounded edges of the plates are crucial for creating bends without creases.

• Float Technology: Many Philips straighteners, including this series, feature plates that "float" or pivot slightly. This allows them to adjust to the pressure and angle of your hand, ensuring even contact with every section of hair and reducing snagging.

• Swivel Cord: A must-have feature that prevents the cord from tangling while you style, making the process much smoother.

• Controls: Simple dial or button controls for temperature adjustment. An indicator light shows when it's heated and ready.

2. Performance and Technology: "Instant Shine"

• Ceramic-Coated Plates: Ceramic is known for heating up quickly and distributing heat evenly across the plate surface. This avoids hot spots that can cause sudden damage. It also emits negative ions.

• Ionic Technology: This is the secret behind the "Instant Shine" claim. As the plates heat up, they emit negative ions.

  • How it works: Heat and styling create positive charges (static) on the hair, which cause the cuticle to lift, leading to frizz and a dull appearance.

  • The Result: The negative ions neutralize the positive charges, flattening the hair's cuticle. A smooth cuticle reflects light perfectly, resulting in immediate, noticeable shine and reduced frizz.

• Temperature Settings: The range up to 210°C allows for customization:

  • Fine/Damaged Hair: Lower settings (150-170°C)

  • Normal/Medium Hair: Medium settings (180-190°C)

  • Thick/Coarse Hair: Highest settings (200-210°C)
    This customization helps prevent using excessive heat unnecessarily, protecting your hair.

3. Who Is It Best For?

• Those Prioritizing Shine: If your hair looks dull after styling, this straightener is specifically designed for you.

• People with Frizz-Prone Hair: The ionic technology is highly effective at taming flyaways and smoothing the hair shaft.

• Users with Fine to Medium Hair Texture: The 30mm plates and heat range are perfect for these hair types. It can handle thick hair, but the highest setting may be needed.

• Anyone who wants versatility: The plate size and shape are ideal for not just straightening but also for creating loose curls, waves, and adding volume at the roots.

4. Potential Limitations

• Not for Extreme Coarse/Curly Hair: While it works well, individuals with very thick, resistant, or tightly curled hair might prefer a straightener with wider plates (e.g., 50mm) and a higher maximum temperature (up to 230°C).

• Focus on Shine over Pure Power: Its specialty is healthy-looking, shiny hair. If your only goal is the strongest possible straightening power for extremely resistant hair, a tourmaline or titanium model might be more heavy-duty (though often harsher).

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• Delivers exceptional shine as promised, thanks to ionic technology.

• Even heat distribution from ceramic plates minimizes hot spots and damage.

• Fast heat-up time (~30 seconds).

• Versatile 30mm plates are great for straightening and curling.

• Float technology prevents snagging and ensures even styling.

• Swivel cord for tangle-free use.

• Automatic shut-off for safety and peace of mind.

Cons:

• May not be the most powerful option for extremely thick or coarse hair types.

• Plates are not the widest available, which can make straightening very long, thick hair a slower process compared to wider plates.

Verdict

The Philips BHS336 Instant Shine Straightener is an excellent mid-range styling tool that successfully focuses on hair health and finish. It is not just a straightener; it's a shine-enhancing tool.

It's a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to achieve a smooth, sleek, and salon-shiny look at home without feeling like they are frying their hair. The combination of ionic technology, even ceramic heat, and user-friendly features like a swivel cord and floating plates makes it a reliable and effective everyday styler for a wide range of hair types.