Flat Iron – Buyers Guide

Generally, flat irons are used to give hair a smooth look. This is possible because these devices warm and seal the hair cuticle (the outer layer of the hair shaft). As a result, you will get silky, sleek, and shiny hair. But, since there are tons of models in the market, choosing the right one for you can be a challenging endeavor.

Today, hair straighteners come along with different plate types and sophisticated technologies, which deliver the best possible results without burning hair. As you may already know, the best products are the ones that include high quality ceramic plates, which maintain consistent temperatures and help you get salon-like results without the risk of damaging your hair.

However, to find the best flat irons, which can deliver these results, you need to consider multiple aspects, check various products, compare features, and last but not least, read an infinite number of reviews and buying guides.

Understanding Your Options

There are many different options available these days. But, the most important thing that you need to bear in mind is that particular hair straightener models have been developed for specific hair types and lengths. This indirectly means that while particular devices are suitable for straightening coarse, short hair, other products are appropriate for fine, long hair.

To help you determine which one is best suited for you, manufacturers have developed charts that provide valuable information regarding certain flat irons, plate materials, plate sizes, and temperatures for various hair types and lengths. By simply checking one of these charts, you can pick the right one for you.

Is There Anything Else You Should Consider?  

Yes, there are many other aspects that you have to consider: These include:

• Plates: Flat irons incorporate plates of various widths and materials. Unlike the wide plate, which is able to smooth more hair at one time, a narrow plate will only allow you to smooth your hair strand by strand. However, the narrow plate is the best choice if you wish to try a wide variety of hairstyles. Additionally, the broad range of flat iron models are divided into two distinct categories: metal and ceramic. Most devices with metal plates perform poorly because they do not heat evenly and burn hair. Ceramic or tourmaline plates are the best ones because they heat gently and keep moisture inside hair by sealing hair cuticle. If you wish to get a movie-star look, you should definitely go for ceramic plates.

• Heating: If you intend to obtain the best possible results, you should look for a flat iron that delivers different heat settings, ranging from 175ºF (appropriate for fine hair) up to 400 ºF (appropriate for coarse hair).

• Handles: There are two different handle types: fixed and the well-known Marcel handle. The flat irons with Marcel handles are the best ones because they turn hairstyling into a simple process.

• Product Quality: If you are looking for the best one, it is essential to select a prime quality product, which has numerous positive reviews. A great idea is to choose a device used by professionals.

The Final Verdict

Finding the best flat irons pretty much depends on your willingness to consider the aforementioned aspects. To conclude, you should bear in mind that the best hair straighteners, which allow you to create a variety of hairstyles without damaging your hair, are those with narrow ceramic plates. By simply paying attention to these details, you have great chances to obtain the professional results you are hoping for.