Choosing a Flat Iron: How to Pick a Straightener for Your Hair Style and Type

Choosing a Flat Iron: How to Pick a Straightener for Your Hair Style and Type




From Conair to CHI, flat irons and straightener hair tools are made by almost every beauty company on the planet. While they all typically do the same thing (straighten hair) some are obviously better at the task than others. In fact, certain flat irons are better for various types of hair than others. Use these tips when choosing your next flat iron appliance.





1) Don’t worry about whether the flat iron is created with ceramic or tourmaline. Studies show very little differences in the results with either of these materials when using a flat iron. They are simply materials used to coat the hot plates of the style tool, with both of them producing negative ions when heated. These ions they create smooth your hair cuticles. In addition, hair care experts say to forget about the “ionic” flat iron claims as they don’t usually add up to much when it comes to results.



2) Think about the size of the flat iron when making your purchase. To determine what size you’ll need, consider your hair’s texture and length. If you have long and think/curly hair, go with a 1.5 to 3 inch flat iron. If your hair is short or medium in length and thick/curly, you can do with a 1.25 to 2 inch flat iron. For normal hair, you can effectively use a 1 to 2 inch flat iron, depending on your hair length. If you have fine hair, be sure to stick to a 1.5 inch or smaller for your flat iron size. Also, those who only need a flat iron to smooth their already straight hair can get effective results with a 1 to 1.5 inch flat iron appliance.



3) Consider the heat capabilities of various flat iron products when you’re shopping. If you have normal hair, you’ll want a flat iron which heats to 360-380 degrees F. For coarse, thick, ethnic or curly hair, the flat iron should heat to 380-410 degrees F. If your hair is bleached, damaged or fine, you’ll need a flat iron that stays below 360 degrees F. If you choose the wrong heat setting, you can burn your hair and cause damage.



4) When shopping for a great flat iron, consider price and if you travel often. Various brands now make travel and cordless flat irons for gals on the go. In addition, some of the best brands are creating innovative flat irons that work on both wet and dry hair. Remember to read the “how to” and “care” instructions on these newer models, as they often require more maintenance between uses.



Remember, choosing a flat iron requires a little research and consideration. After all, you’re interested in a flat iron to make your hair look better without causing extra damage to your do!