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Review of electric hair styling tongs Polaris PHS 2112KT

24.08.2024 19:38

In this review, we will share the results of testing and impressions of interaction with the Polaris PHS 2112KT electric hair styling tongs.

This compact and attractive device features dual-layer ceramic coated plates, a lock to keep the plates closed and a swivel for a long power cord. It offers a wide range of temperature settings and includes a built-in ion system, making it ideal for styling a variety of hair types.

Characteristics

ManufacturerPolaris
ModelPHS 2112KT
Typehair straightener
Country of originChina
Guarantee2 years
Service life*3 years
Claimed maximum power45 W
Body colorwhite/black/pink
Body materialplastic
Coating of working platesceramic
Size of the working (heating) surface2.5×10 cm
Control typeelectromechanical
DisplayLCD indicators
Temperature control140—220 °C (5 modes)
Peculiaritiesbuilt-in ion generator, 360° cord rotation, plate lock in closed position, hanging loop, auto power off after 60 minutes
Length of network cable1.8 m
Net weight290 g
Dimensions of the device (W×H×D)28.5×3×3 cm

* Contrary to popular belief, this is not a period after which the device will necessarily break down. However, after this period, the manufacturer ceases to bear any responsibility for its functionality and has the right to refuse to repair it, even for a fee.

Equipment

The Polaris PHS 2112KT packaging is designed in the brand's corporate style and looks attractive. Most of the front side of the small flat box is occupied by a large image of the device. Detailed technical specifications and information about the manufacturer are located on the side edges.

Inside was the device itself in a plastic bag, an operating manual and a warranty card.

Inside was the device itself in a plastic bag, an operating manual and a warranty card.

At first glance

The Polaris PHS 2112KT straightener body is covered with matte, non-marking white plastic. The internal panels are contrastingly highlighted in black, and the working plates, unexpectedly, are pink.

For harmony, the scale with temperature mode indication on the edge of the top panel is also made in pink. All together it looks quite nice.

The styler's appearance is slightly spoiled by visible silver screws in the base and small burrs at the junction of the upper and lower parts of the body. The top panel has the brand logo and the designation of the double ceramic layer of the working plates, although we were unable to confirm this instrumentally. The bottom panel has an easily removable sticker with a barcode and serial number.

The 2.5×10 cm plates have a perfectly smooth surface and rounded edges, which allows you to use the styler not only for straightening, but also for creating curls. The plate mount is standard, there is no shock absorption in this model.

For compact storage, the base has a locking mechanism to keep the plates in the closed position.

When closing, we found a noticeable gap between them. Let's see how this will affect the installation.

There is a small protrusion near the top plate — a built-in ion generator that helps reduce static electricity on the hair.

The power cord is about 180 cm long and is equipped with a swivel mount that allows it to rotate 360°, which prevents it from tangling during use.

The cord is protected from bending by a thick rubber casing. There is a loop on the casing for hanging the device.

The cord is protected from bending by a thick rubber casing. There is a loop on the casing for hanging the device.

Instructions

The operating manual is presented as a 23-page A5 brochure. Information is presented in two languages: Russian and Kazakh.

The content is standard: introduction to the design of the rectifier, a list of safety measures, technical specifications, rules and recommendations for operation.

Control

To use the curling iron, connect it to the mains and hold the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then use the “+” and “-” buttons to select one of five heating levels: 140/160/180/200/220 °C.

The manufacturer's recommendations for choosing a temperature depending on the hair type:

  • 140-160 °C — for fine light hair
  • 160-180 °C — for dense porous hair of medium structure
  • 200-220 °C — for thick dense dark hair

The indicator of the corresponding temperature is illuminated in blue. During heating, the indicator flashes, and when the plates reach the selected temperature, it lights up constantly.

The device saves the last selected mode and starts from it the next time it is turned on. To turn off the device, press and hold the On/Off button again. If the user forgets to do this, the styler will automatically turn off the heating after 60 minutes.

The controls are very simple. The mechanical buttons have a moderate force and do not react to accidental touches. They are conveniently located, which allows you to control the heating with one hand without letting go of the device.

Operation

The curling iron is ready to use immediately after unpacking: just remove the packaging, unwind the cord and plug the device into the power outlet. It is important to remember that you cannot use the device with closed panels or on hair treated with hairspray, gel or mousse, as this can damage the coating of the plates and have a negative effect on the hair. Fixing agents should be applied after styling.

The straightening process is simple: grab a strand of hair slightly smaller than the width of the plates, squeeze them without force and slowly move them from the roots to the ends. When curling, do the same, only turn the curling iron outward or inward.

Styling is quick due to the fact that the panels slide easily along the hair, without catching them or leaving creases. A small gap discovered during inspection did not affect the quality of styling. The strand of hair is well captured by the plates without additional pressure.

If you want to close the panels more tightly, press the heat-insulated ends of the straightener with the fingers of your free hand. They only get a little hot at the maximum temperature, while the plastic of the plates remains hot at temperatures above 160 °C, which can lead to burns. The handle of the device does not heat up at all.

The only downside is the heating of the plastic. Otherwise, the device completely met our expectations. The heating temperature is stable, which ensures quick styling. It took us an average of 15 minutes to straighten thick and slightly curly hair about 45 cm long. The 180 °C and 200 °C modes showed excellent results, but at 180 °C we sometimes had to go over one strand two or three times, while at 200 °C one pass is enough.

The cord is of suitable length and rotates freely, without interfering with work and without tangling. The weight of the device is comfortable, and the hand does not get tired during styling.

Care

The instructions recommend wiping the body of the device with a soft damp cloth. Before doing this, make sure that the curling iron is unplugged and completely cooled. Do not immerse the device in water and avoid using chemically aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents.

Our measurements

The straightener heats up to the minimum temperature of 140 °C in 48 seconds, which is a little longer than stated in the advertising materials, but this is not critical. It takes 3.5 minutes to reach the maximum temperature of 220 °C.

The maximum energy consumption recorded with a wattmeter was 220 W. During 15 minutes of operation at 180 °C, the device consumed 0.006 kWh, and at 200 °C — 0.008 kWh, which is quite economical compared to similar models tested earlier. Heating does not occur constantly: the straightener reaches the desired temperature, then cools down by 10-15 degrees, and turns on the heating again. These temperature fluctuations are not noticeable during the styling process and do not affect the result.

The measured temperature of the plates ten minutes after reaching the specified level was as follows:

The set temperature modeHeating in 3 minutes
140 °C100—144 °C
160 °C120—158 °C
180 °C128—177 °C
200 °C160—193 °C
220 °C165—202 °C

We also measured the temperature of the outer surface of the device. After 15 minutes of operation at maximum power (230 °C), the plastic body in the area of ​​the plates heated up to 90-122 °C, the tips heated up to 30-45 °C, and the handle remained at room temperature.

Conclusions

The Polaris PHS 2112KT electric curling iron has proven itself to be a convenient and effective tool for quick and comfortable styling of any type of hair, ensuring its softness, shine, perfect straightness or slight waviness.

During styling, the hair slides easily between the smooth panels, does not get stuck or cling to the styler parts. The clip securely holds the strand. The body in the area of ​​the plates heats up to an unpleasant temperature, but the handle remains cool, and the tips, which can be used for additional compression of the panels with your fingers, are only warm. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the automatic shutdown function after 60 minutes of operation.

Pros:

  • nice appearance
  • five temperature settings
  • ceramic coating of working plates
  • plate lock in closed position and long cord with swivel mount
  • automatic shutdown after 60 minutes

Cons:

  • strong heating of the case in the area of ​​the plates