Last updated on January 5th, 2023 at 09:28 pm
Are you shopping for a new flat iron and wondering where to start? There are so many choices when it comes to brands, sizes, and even what they’re made of.
Let’s talk about how to choose a flat iron that will work for you. With just a little bit of information, you can narrow down your options considerably.
Many women think that the most important characteristic of a good hair straightener is the material the plates are made of.
Yes, you can choose one of the popular titanium flat irons, and that would be a smart decision. However, besides high-quality material, you also need to keep in mind the width of the plate, which plays a huge part in getting the results you want from your flat iron.
Most people also want an appliance that’s simple to use, and price is something many of us must take into consideration as well.
The condition and health of your hair will play into your decision too. So, with all of these factors in mind, let’s go over a few tips that will help you choose a flat iron that will work for you.
Features of a Quality Flat Iron
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To start, let’s check out the standard features of a professional flat iron.
The plate width of a quality flat iron is 25 mm, and the length of the plates is 100 mm. This is a good option for most women, although when choosing a straightener, you’ll want to take into account the length and thickness of your hair.
Plates sizes vary, with widths varying from 15 to 30 mm. Keep in mind that the wider the plate, the more hair it can hold at one time.
How to Choose a Flat Iron for Different Hair Lengths
Which straightener will be best for you depends partly on your hair length. Here are a few useful tips to simplify things as you decide on the right flat iron:
For short hair, choose a narrow iron, with plates no more than 15 mm, as it’s much easier to handle.
For hair below the shoulders, it is better to choose a straightener with plates of at least 30 mm.
For thick and long hair, you’ll want to choose a flat iron with wide plates—up to 40 mm. If your hair is very long and thick, a small flat iron just won’t do the job. The process will take a long time, and the result still probably won’t meet your expectations. Depending on your needs, you may want to look for a straightner with plates at least 4 cm in width and a power of 50-60 watts.
What Heating Temperature is Optimal for a Hair Straightener?
Temperature is another important consideration if you plan to style your hair with a straightener.
Higher temperatures are better able to handle thick and curly hair; it shortens the process, but at the same time, there is a risk of damaging the hair structure. You’ll always want to use a heat protectant, whether in spray or cream form, before using a flat iron.
Most modern straighteners can be heated to around 390 degrees Farenheit, but there are models that have a higher maximum temperature (about 446 to 450 degrees Farenheit).
Remember that irons that can heat up to higher temperatures are more often classified as professional models and will have additional capabilities.
A temperature of 392 degrees Farenheit is the maximum for most devices, but it’s still very hot. This setting should only be used by those with thick, dense, or curly hair.
For thin and/or dry hair, temperatures over 170 to 212 degrees are not recommended; for normal and colored hair, a temperature of 170 to 300 degrees will be high enough.
What Else to Consider When Choosing a Hair Straightener?
Hair straighteners from well-known manufacturers have many beneficial functions. For example, ionization is a good option to protect the hair from excessive drying and magnetization, and steam treatment is suitable for safer straightening of curly hair.
Keep these tips in mind as you shop, and you’ll be able to find a flat iron that will work beautifully for you.
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