Learn how to choose the best types of flat iron for your hair. From Ionic and tourmaline to titanium hair straighteners, find more about them here.
These easy-to-use hair tools can save us a trip to the salon and transform your hair situation. There are different types of flat irons that are composed of different materials.
If you are noticing that your hair straightening results are not that great, maybe you are not using the straightener that is suitable for you.
It is important to know about these, so you can choose the right one that will style your hair perfectly.
How To Choose The Best Types Of Flat Iron For Your Hair
The major feature of a flat irons is the material of the hair straightener plates. Usually, whether the flat iron plate is tourmaline, ceramic and other materials will determine whether or not it suits your hair. This is how:
Titanium Flat Iron - For Curly, Natural Hair
Titanium hair straighteners are definitely the most effective and easy-to-use hair straighteners. They give you quick results and work on all types of hair.
The best part about titanium hair straighteners is that they conduct heat quickly, which means that there are little to no fluctuations in the temperature when you use them.
A lot of straighteners take some time to heat up and become hot enough to be used. If you are tired of waiting for this, you should go for a titanium flat iron.
These heat up almost immediately and save your time. When you use a titanium flat iron, your hair gets heated from the surface instead of getting heated from the inside out.
Sometimes, you can also find tourmaline-infused titanium flat irons in the market. This is the best option for those with frizzy hair.
When the metal is combined with titanium, it emits negative ions which cancels out the positive ions in the atmosphere. This makes your hair smooth and frizz-free.
You can also style your hair quickly with this one. Titanium flat irons are best suited for those with thick, curly, and stubborn hair that is usually difficult to straighten.
They are also corrosion-resistant so you can use them for a long time.
Ceramic Flat Irons - For Damaged Or Thin Hair
Ceramic is a non-metallic material that hardens up when it is exposed to heat.
Ceramic flat irons are one of the most commonly used flat irons. This is because it heats your hair from the inside out, causing minimal heat damage.
But they only heat up slowly and you will have to wait for a few minutes after turning on the straightener to start styling your hair.
Ceramic Irons are also some of the most affordable hair tools in the market. They are very flexible and usually have a lot of temperature settings.
If your hair has gone through chemical treatments or constant heat styling, it has likely become weak and fragile.
In this case, a ceramic flat iron is your best bet for styling your hair since it does not aggravate the hair damage.
Ceramic flat irons are also best suited for people with fine, soft, and thin hair. The heat is distributed evenly over the ceramic plates and the temperature remains consistent.
The ceramic plates also style your hair quickly which means that there is less exposure to heat. This helps in minimizing heat damage.
Ionic Flat Irons - For Wavy Or Frizzy Hair
If you want healthy-looking shiny hair, an Ionic flat iron will be perfect for you. A lot of people go for cheap flat irons but there are definitely a lot of benefits in investing in a good Ionic flat iron.
An ionic flat iron is the best option if you want to turn your frizzy hair into soft and sleek hair.
There are positive ions in the atmosphere that get absorbed into the hair through water and humidity. An ionic flat iron is best for people who struggle with maintaining their hair in humid weather.
An Ionic flat iron releases negative ions that neutralize the positive ions to seal your style and make your hair smooth and frizz-free. This also helps in bringing down breakage and damage to your hair.
They also help the locking moisture into your hair which contributes to the shine and smoothness. These straighteners are also suitable for people with dry and damaged hair.
Tourmaline Flat Irons - For Thick, Coarse Hair
If you think that your hair looks dull and lifeless, a tourmaline flat iron can really help in adding that much-needed shine to your hair.
Tourmaline flat irons are infused with tourmaline crystals that are infused into other materials like ceramic or titanium.
These flat irons can trap moisture into your hair to bring out that shine and smoothness. They are a little on the pricier side but the investment is worth it.
Other Factors To Consider While Buying Hair Straightener
Consider The Plate Width
The width of the plate is an important factor to consider when choosing a flat iron. The wider the plate, the more hair you can straighten at once, which can save you time. However, if you have short or fine hair, a wider plate may not be the best choice, as it can be difficult to maneuver and may cause damage.
On the other hand, a narrower plate is better for those with short or fine hair, as it allows for more precise styling. However, if you have thick or long hair, a narrower plate may take longer to straighten your hair.
Consider The Shape Of Flat Iron
In addition to the width of the plate, the shape of the flat iron is also important. Flat irons come in a variety of shapes, including straight, rounded, and curved. Straight plates are best for straightening hair, while rounded and curved plates are better for creating curls and waves.
When choosing the shape of your flat iron, consider the type of hairstyle you want to achieve. If you want to create curls and waves, a rounded or curved plate may be the best choice. However, if you want to straighten your hair, a straight plate is the way to go.
Infrared Heating Technology
Flat irons that use infrared heating technology are designed to heat hair from the inside out, which can help to reduce damage and create a smoother, more polished look. This type of technology is particularly useful for people with thick or coarse hair, as it can help to tame frizz and smooth out kinks and curls.
Dual Voltage
If you travel frequently, a flat iron with dual voltage capabilities is a must-have. This type of flat iron can be used in countries with different electrical systems, which means you won't have to worry about finding a converter or adapter when you're on the go. Just be sure to check that the voltage settings are compatible with the countries you'll be visiting.
Negative Ion Technology
Flat irons that use negative ion technology emit negatively charged ions that can help to neutralize the positive ions in your hair. This can help to reduce frizz and static, while also adding shine and softness. Negative ion technology is a popular choice for people with fine or thin hair, as it can help to add volume and body without weighing hair down.
When it comes to choosing the best flat iron for your hair, design and features play a crucial role. In this section, I will discuss some of the most important design and feature considerations to keep in mind when selecting a flat iron.
Ergonomic Design
An ergonomic design is essential for comfortable and efficient use of a flat iron. Look for a model that has a comfortable grip and is lightweight, so you won't experience fatigue or strain during use. A flat iron with a swivel cord is also a great option, as it allows for greater flexibility and ease of use.
Different Temperature Settings
Different hair types require different heat settings, so it's important to choose a flat iron with multiple temperature options. Look for a model that allows you to adjust the temperature to suit your hair type, whether it's fine, thick, curly, or straight. This feature will not only help you achieve the best results but also protect your hair from damage.
Number Of Features And Specifications
When it comes to flat irons, the more features and specifications, the better. Look for models that offer features such as automatic shut-off, digital displays, and quick heat-up times. These features will not only make your styling routine more convenient but also help you achieve the best results.
Price And Value
Price is always a consideration when buying a flat iron, but it's important to remember that the most expensive model isn't always the best. Look for a flat iron that offers the features you need at a price point that fits your budget. Consider the value you're getting for your money, and don't be afraid to invest in a high-quality model that will last you for years to come.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Although there are a lot of flat irons in the market, it is important to use a heat protectant spray or a cream before using any of these tools.
These products can be applied to wet or dry hair before using a flat iron. One can never be completely safe with hair straightening tools and some amount of damage is bound to happen.
When your hair gets exposed to too much heat, it will lead to thinning and breakage. These products will go a long way in protecting your hair and you can see visible results.
Also Read:
Best Flat Irons For Beach Waves
How To Straighten Hair With Flat Iron