What Makes a Good Flat Iron
Flat irons were specially designed for women who wish to straighten their frizzy, curly and rebel hair. The result is a straight, shiny and smooth hair. However, not all flat irons deliver such great results. When shopping for a flat iron, you need to take into account several things and mostly important take your time to find the best flat iron that doesn’t damage your hair. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of choosing a good-quality flat iron.
Materials
The most important element that you have to think about when choosing a hair straightener is the type of material. While ceramic is the most popular, there are other different types of plate material, such as tourmaline, titanium and Teflon. You will also find 3 types of ceramic hair plates: ceramic coated, ceramic and solid ceramic. Between all of these kinds of plate materials, ceramic is the most popular choice because it requires less heat so your hair won’t be damaged as much. Furthermore, ceramic plates have a smoother surfaces which allows the hair to glide easily between the plates. Teflon flat irons are more stronger but they can damage the hair more quickly. The most efficient ones are the tourmaline plates because they generate negative ions, resulting in a smooth and healthy hair. On the other hand, titanium plates offer best results when it comes to straightening your hair in a short time. In addition, titanium is the most durable material because it resists corrosion.
Heat
Don’t assume that because a product is more expensive it’s also the most efficient. It isn’t always the case, especially if we’re referring to flat irons. Keep in mind that there are different types of hair, so you need to buy one that will suit your hair. For instance, if you have thick hair you need to use a flat iron that can be set at a higher temperature. On the other hand, if you have thin hair opt for a flat iron that allows you to lower the temperature so you don’t end up burning the ends.
Plate Size
As a general rule, the longer your hair is, the wider the hair plates must be. If you have short to medium hair, 1 inch plates are suitable for your needs. For longer hair, opt for 1.5 inch plates because this way, you will manage to straighten your hair in a much shorter time. If you are not in a rush, you can use 1 inch plates as well. One advantage of using thinner plates is the fact that it allows you to get as close as possible to the roots. Keep in mind that some skinnier plates have curved edges so that you can create waves or bouncy curls if you get tired of straight hair.