The Best Flat Irons

Buying Guide

Regardless of the hair type and texture they were born with, most people have attempted to alter the appearance of their locks at one time or another throughout their lives. Chemical perms and straighteners create results that last but can be quite harsh and damaging to hair shafts and ends. That’s why many people opt to use hair styling tools to achieve the looks they desire. The flat iron, also referred to as a straightening iron, is one of those tools that can drastically change the look and texture of naturally wavy or curly hair.

In a family of gadgets that includes hair dryers, curling irons and hot rollers, flat irons have an important place. That’s because they are great at what they are designed to do — giving all types of hair a straight, sleek appearance while smoothing out the shafts of individual hairs for a uniform, stylish look. Flat irons are heated styling tools constructed with two metal or ceramic plates that open and close around strands of hair. Pulling the tool down the strands smooths and straightens the hair. In other words, flat irons are necessary when it comes to creating many of today’s straight, flowing ‘dos.

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Over the decades, stick-straight hairstyles have come in and out of fashion.  But as styles come and go, so does the desire to vary an individual hairstyle, from curly to straight whenever the feeling hits. The technology of flat irons makes it possible to sport your curls one day and have straight hair the next with minimal effort.

It’s the combination of electric-powered heat and the plates that make it possible for a flat iron to alter the appearance of hair that’s not naturally straight. However, it’s the plate material that helps protect hair from damage from the heat, as well as reduce frizz and flyaway strands. Many brands have plates that are either made entirely of ceramic or of ceramic-coated metal, like the HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron. The advantage of the ceramic is that it produces powerful heat and negative ions that smooth hair while styling it, giving it a shiny finish. On the downside, plates that are made entirely of ceramic are prone to breakage, while ceramic-coated plates may peel over time. Additionally, they don’t do the best job straightening very curly hair.

Arguably the best type of flat iron for very thick, curly and frizzy hair is one that has plates that are coated with titanium. They too produce negative ions that help smooth and protect delicate hair shafts, but also heat up extremely fast to effectively straighten hair.

Titanium isn’t the only mineral that’s used in making flat iron plates that help reduce damage to the hair. Some plates are also coated in tiny crushed pieces of tourmaline that makes them smooth and durable. In turn, the addition of tourmaline, which can be found on ceramic and titanium plates, increases the output of negative ions and give hair even more shine.

Flat irons also come in a variety of sizes, from 1 inch to 2.5 inches in width. While thin plates work well on all hair lengths, those that are thicker are ideal for transforming long hair into sleek strands.

• Do you plan to take your flat iron along when traveling? A model that has around 1- to 1.5-inch plates will work well for your needs without taking up too much space in your bag.
• If you are new to using a flat iron, it can take a little practice to get used to it. Try practicing with your new hair styling tool while it’s turned off and cool first. This will give you a feel for how to use the flat iron and help prevent accidental burns.
• Did you know that flat irons can also be used on straight hair to create waves and curls? Try twisting the tool in a back-and-forth motion down strands of hair for waves or wrapping strands around it like you would a curling iron to create soft curls.
• The majority of flat irons have variable heat controls that allow you to select the best temperature for your hair type as well as the style you want to achieve. For hair that’s very curly or difficult to straighten, the highest temperature, usually around 450 degrees Fahrenheit, is the best choice.
• For best results, don’t try to place very thick strands of hair between the plates of your flat iron at once. Typically, dividing strands into sections of about 1 to 2 inches works best. Here are 7 more flat iron tips for perfectly straight hair.
• Today’s flat irons do a decent job protecting hair from heat damage, thanks to ceramic, titanium and tourmaline technology. However, frequent use can still take a toll on hair, making it prone to breakage. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep your hair looking its best.
• Some flat irons are available at very low prices, but remember that you may not save money in the long run if you buy a cheap tool. That’s because inexpensive flat irons are more likely to have finishes that peel, may not produce effective heat and are more likely to damage hair.