I want to be direct about something, I’m not someone who spends a lot on hair tools. My old straightener was a basic Nova that I’d been using for three years and it worked fine until it didn’t. The plates started snagging and pulling which was genuinely painful. My friend who does hair styling as a side gig suggested the Philips Kerashine and said she’d seen good results with it on clients. So I picked it up about three months ago. Here’s my honest experience.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The teal color looks much nicer in person than in product photos. It has a matte finish that feels premium without being flashy. The plates close smoothly, the hinge has a firm feel to it, and the whole thing feels solid in hand noticeably more substantial than my old straightener.
The swivel cord is 1.8 meters long which gives you enough freedom to move around without yanking the device. The cord guard at the base where it meets the device is a small but thoughtful detail that cheaper straighteners skip. Safety lock keeps the plates closed when stored which I use every single time because I have a habit of tossing it into a drawer.
The storage hook is useful if you hang it but I mostly just use the safety lock and store it flat. Small extras but they add to the overall experience.
Heating Up and Temperature Control
Heats up in about 60 seconds which is fast enough for a morning routine. The multiple temperature settings are genuinely useful I have medium-thick hair and use a mid-range setting rather than full heat. My sister has finer hair and she visited last month, tried it on a lower setting and was happy with the results without worrying about damage.
What I noticed compared to my old straightener is that the heat feels consistent across the full length of the plate. With the Nova there were sometimes cooler spots near the tip which meant uneven results. This Philips straightens evenly in one pass from root to tip.
The outer body stays cool which matters for longer sessions. I’ve done my full hair in one sitting multiple times and never felt any discomfort holding it.
Straightening Performance Where It Actually Delivers
My hair is naturally wavy with some frizz, especially in humid weather. First time I used the Kerashine I was genuinely surprised by the finish. Single pass through most sections, two passes on the thicker parts at the back, and my hair looked smooth and actually shiny not flat or plasticky the way some straighteners leave it, but naturally shiny.
The keratin-infused plates make a real difference in glide. No pulling, no snagging, the plates just move through the hair smoothly. That alone is worth the upgrade from basic ceramic plates that can tug if your hair is even slightly dry.
Frizz control lasts through the day in normal conditions. On very humid days there’s some comeback by evening but that’s hair and humidity, not a product failure. With a light heat protectant spray before styling the results hold noticeably longer.
Hair Health Over Time
Three months of regular use about four to five times a week and my hair doesn’t feel more damaged than before. The ends aren’t splitting faster than usual, the texture hasn’t become dry or rough. I was using my old straightener equally often and the ends were noticeably rougher by this point in its life.
I can’t say whether that’s entirely the keratin coating or just better overall heat management but the result is the same my hair feels okay for something that gets heat styled regularly. Using a heat protectant helps regardless of which straightener you use.
How It Compares to Vega and Havells
My roommate uses a Vega straightener that cost about ₹800. It heats fast and does the job but she’s mentioned it pulls occasionally and the finish isn’t as smooth. Side by side on her hair with mine the difference in shine is visible. Vega is a perfectly fine budget option but the output isn’t the same.
Havells makes decent straighteners with reasonable build quality. I tried a Havells model at a relative’s place it performed well enough but the plate glide wasn’t as smooth as the Philips and the finish was slightly less refined. For the price difference it’s a reasonable alternative if budget is tight but the Philips does feel like a step above.
Daily Usability Small Things That Matter
The 2.9 cm plate width is practical. Wide enough to do large sections quickly, narrow enough to do the front pieces and shorter layers near the face without being clumsy. Some wider plates make precision work frustrating this one doesn’t.
Weight at 592 grams is noticeable after a long session but not uncomfortable. My arm doesn’t ache after doing my full hair which was occasionally an issue with heavier devices I’ve borrowed.
The plate lock snaps shut satisfyingly and feels secure. I’ve knocked it off the edge of the bathroom shelf once and the plates stayed closed. That kind of small durability detail matters for something you use every day.
Price Honest Assessment
Between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 depending on where you buy and whether there’s a sale on. I paid around ₹1,800 on Amazon. At that price it sits between basic budget straighteners and premium salon-grade tools.
For what you get keratin plates, consistent heat, quality build, 2-year warranty the price feels fair. This isn’t a ₹800 straightener trying to seem expensive. The performance difference is real enough to justify the extra cost over basic options.
Don’t pay above ₹2,500 for the standard model. If a seller quotes more, check Amazon or Flipkart before buying.
Worth Buying?
If you straighten your hair regularly and care about the finish and long-term hair health yes, genuinely. Three months of daily use and I’m still happy with the results every time I use it. The upgrade from a basic straightener is noticeable in both the styling experience and the outcome.
If you straighten occasionally and just need something functional, a cheaper option might be fine. But if this is a daily tool for you the Philips Kerashine earns its price without question.
Philips Kerashine Hair Straightener Full Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Philips |
| Model | BHS738/00 |
| Type | Hair Straightener |
| Plate Size | 2.9 × 9 cm |
| Plate Type | Keratin-Infused Ceramic |
| Cord Length | 180 cm Swivel Cord |
| Colour | Teal |
| Dimensions | 35.4 × 6.3 × 11.2 cm |
| Weight | 592 g |
| Safety Features | Safety Lock, Cord Guard, Storage Hook |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
| Manufacturer | Philips India Ltd |
Questions about hair type suitability or how it handles specific styling needs drop them in the comments and I’ll answer from actual use.
