How to Choose a Hair Straightener - Flat Iron
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All hair straighteners are not created equal. When you are buying a hair straightener or flat iron, you have to take several things into consideration. Here are some tips to use when choosing a hair straightener.
First, take your hair type and length into consideration. Most professional hair straighteners can be used on all hair types. However, you need to make sure you are buying the right size for your hair type and length. Those with long hair that is thick or very curly should have a large plate size on the flat iron they choose. Smaller plates are perfect for normal or wavy hair. If your hair is fine or thin you should use a plate that is between one and one-and-a-half inches. Also, fine hair often requires a lower temperature. You want to avoid burning your hair! |
Next, set your price. You can spend hundreds of dollars buying a flat iron if you don’t plan ahead. It is important to set your budget before you start shopping. This will help you choose a hair straightener that not only fits your needs, but also your budget.
Another aspect to consider when shopping for a hair straightener is how the unit heats. If you need a low temperature, you may need to look harder for this feature, because it is not always included. Many hair straigtheners come with an instant heating option. This is great for those times when you need to do your hair quickly before heading out the door. Equally important is an automatic shut off, particularly if you are often in a hurry. It is quite easy to forget to turn the unit off, and leaving it on for many hours could create a fire.
You may also want to consider the weight of the unit, especially if you are going to use it daily. A lightweight is important, because your arm will tire quickly. You can find a hair straightener that weighs around one or two pounds.
Finally, consider the type of plate on the unit when buying a flat iron. You should choose ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline irons. These plates and coatings create negative ions in your hair, which help it relax and straighten. Many flat iron models contain completely ceramic plates, while more affordable models have metal plates that are coated with ceramic. The pure ceramic plates are a better option if you are concerned with damaging your hair. The benefit of using a completely ceramic plate is that the plate diffuses the heat evenly into your hair, thus saving you from burning a portion of your hair.
Titanium is another option to consider. Titanium plates offer even heat distribution as well. These plates are also much more durable under high temperatures than the ceramic options. They scratch less easily than ceramic flat irons, providing you a longer life. Hair straightened with a titanium plate is also more moisturized than hair straightened with a ceramic straightener.
Tourmaline plates are the newest, and therefore most expensive, type of hair straightening product. Tourmaline is actually a gemstone that is known for its beautiful colors. When the plates of a hair straightener are coated tourmaline, the straightener generates both negative ions and far infrared rays, known as FIR. These rays lock in the moisture while removing static from your hair. Flat irons coated with tourmaline almost always carry a large price tag.
If you find a hair straightener that is not made out of titanium, tourmaline, or ceramic, avoid it. Many models you can purchase from your local drug store have plain metal plates that are simply painted. These are dangerous to use, particularly for fine hair, because they can easily damage your hair. They also are far less durable than the professional models you can purchase elsewhere.