You’ve probably seen it a million times in the beauty aisle. That sleek white and teal box promising "86% more shine." It’s the Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil infused straightener, and honestly, it’s one of those cult-classic tools that refuses to die out despite much fancier, $200 competitors hitting the market. But let’s be real for a second. The idea of putting oil inside a ceramic plate sounds a bit like marketing magic, doesn't it? Like, how does the oil even get out? Does it eventually just run out and leave you with a regular old iron?
I’ve spent years looking at hair tech, and the Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil straightener (specifically the S8500 model) is a weird anomaly. It’s cheap. Usually under $40. Yet, professional stylists often keep one in their kit as a backup. There is a specific science at play here involving porous ceramic that most people don't actually understand.
How the Argan Oil Infusion Actually Works
Most people assume there’s a little reservoir of oil somewhere dripping onto their hair. That’s not it. Remington uses a process where the ceramic plates are "infused" with a blend of Moroccan Argan Oil and Vitamin E during the manufacturing process. It’s microscopic. When the plates heat up, they emit these conditioners onto the hair shaft.
Is it a lifetime supply? Not exactly.
The plates are designed to last for the life of the product, which is usually around 4 to 5 years of regular use. But you aren't going to feel grease on your hands when you touch the plates. It's more of a vapor-level transfer. This is why the hair feels "slippery" even if you haven't used a heat protectant spray—though you absolutely still should use one. Seriously, don't skip the spray.
The heat range is actually quite impressive for a "budget" tool. You’re looking at $150^\circ\text{C}$ to $230^\circ\text{C}$. In the US, that's roughly 300°F to 450°F. Most hair shouldn't touch 450. Unless you have extremely thick, coarse, Type 4 hair, stay away from the max setting. You will fry your cuticles, and no amount of infused Argan oil is going to save you from "bubble hair" or split ends caused by excessive heat.
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The Problem With "One Size Fits All" Heat
One thing people get wrong about the Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil iron is the digital display. It’s great that it has one, but the jump between settings can be aggressive.
If you have fine, bleached, or damaged hair, you need to stay at the lower end of the spectrum. The ceramic plates do a decent job of distributing heat, but they aren't as sophisticated as a GHD or a Dyson which checks the temperature 100 times a second. Remington relies on a standard PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater. It gets hot, and it stays hot.
What You See vs. What You Get
- The Plates: They are "floating" plates. This means they have a bit of a spring to them. If you press too hard, they give. This prevents that horrible "crunching" sound where you feel like you're literally snapping your hair off.
- The Shine: It’s visible. It really is. The Argan oil and Vitamin E help lay the hair cuticle flat. When the cuticle is flat, it reflects light. That's all shine is—light reflection.
- The Longevity: The S8500 is a tank. It’s not the prettiest tool, but it tends to last longer than the more expensive digital irons that have "smart" chips which eventually fry.
Why Some Stylists Are Skeptical
If you talk to a high-end salon owner, they might roll their eyes at the Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil line. Their argument is usually that "infused" plates are a gimmick. They prefer to control exactly what oils go onto the hair via topical serums.
They aren't entirely wrong.
If your hair is already oily, adding an Argan-infused tool might make your hair feel weighed down or "piecey" by the end of the day. Argan oil is a relatively heavy oil. It’s a fatty-acid powerhouse, great for moisture, but it can be a bit much for someone with very thin, limp hair.
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However, for the average person styling their hair at home, the "gimmick" actually provides a safety net. It adds a layer of lubrication that helps the iron glide. Friction is the enemy of hair health. If the iron drags, it tears the hair. This tool almost never drags.
Comparing the S8500 to the Newer Models
Remington has tried to iterate on this. They have the "Keratin Protect" and the "Mineral Glow" versions.
Honestly? The original Shine Therapy with Argan oil is still the winner.
The Keratin version feels a bit stiffer on the hair. The Argan oil version focuses on that "silky" finish that most people are actually looking for when they reach for a straightener. Plus, the price point has remained incredibly stable. You’re getting a tool that performs like a mid-range $80 iron for half the price.
Real-World Performance: The 2-Pass Rule
To get the most out of the Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil straightener, you have to follow the 2-pass rule. If you have to run the iron over the same section of hair more than twice, your heat is too low or your section is too big.
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- Prep: Wash with a clarifying shampoo if you use a lot of product. Argan oil plates on top of old hairspray equals a sticky mess.
- Sectioning: Keep sections about an inch wide.
- The Glide: Move slow. A slow, steady pass is much better than five fast, jerky ones.
- Cool Down: Let the hair "set" before you brush it out. If you brush it while it's still hot, you lose that flat, shiny cuticle alignment.
One weird thing I’ve noticed is the smell. When it's brand new, there's a slight "sweet" scent when it heats up. That’s the oil infusion. It fades after about ten uses. It’s not a burning smell, so don't panic if you notice it.
The Maintenance Factor
You have to clean these plates. Because they are infused and because you’re likely using a heat protectant, you will get "product buildup" on the edges of the teal plates.
Don't use water.
When the iron is completely cool and unplugged, use a soft cloth with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to wipe the plates. If you let the buildup stay there, it creates friction. Friction leads to snagging. Snagging leads to breakage.
The cord is a swivel cord, which is standard now, but still worth mentioning because it prevents the internal wiring from snapping—a common death sentence for cheap hair tools.
Actionable Steps for Better Results
If you’re going to use the Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil straightener, do these three things to make sure you aren't actually killing your hair in exchange for that temporary shine:
- Check your porosity: If your hair absorbs water instantly, it’s high porosity. Use a lower heat setting (around 340°F). The Argan oil will help "seal" those gaps in your cuticle.
- The "Snooze" Feature: This iron has an auto-shutoff after 60 minutes. It’s a lifesaver, but don't rely on it. Always unplug. The heating elements in budget irons can be finicky over years of use.
- Match your serum: Since the plates use Argan oil, use an Argan-based finishing serum (just a tiny drop!) after you’re done. It reinforces the effect of the plates and keeps the frizz away in high humidity.
The reality is that you don't need to spend a paycheck to get decent hair. This tool is proof of that. It isn't perfect, and it isn't a "medical grade" hair treatment, but for getting rid of frizz and adding a glossy finish on a Tuesday morning, it’s hard to beat. Just respect the heat settings and keep the plates clean.