A good flat iron is considered more than just a simple styling tool; it is a tool you should have to achieve a refined and polished hair. Thus, making a big difference between flawless hair and frizzy hair. When chosen wisely, it elevates your look by smoothing away frizz and delivering a sleek finish that exudes glamor, whether for a professional engagement or a night out.
Understand Your Hair Type
This is a salient factor to consider. Some hair requires a more delicate approach because they are heat sensitive, while others are not.
Fine Textured Hair
This heats up quite quickly and, as such, is easily prone to heat damage. Hence, it requires the best flat iron for fine hair that is gentle and even with heat distribution.
Extra Tips: Get a flat iron with ceramic plates and adjustable temperature settings. It is advised to stay within a range of 250-300⁰F.
Thick or Coarse Textured Hair
These thick strands make it require more heat to straighten out effectively.
Extra Tips: Get a titanium flat iron that heats up fast. The best flat iron for this hair is one with a wider plate to cover more surface area and reduce the time it takes to style. A temperature range of 375-450⁰F.
Curly Textured Hair
Curly hair requires consistent heat to smooth each coil.
Extra Tips: Get a ceramic plate flat iron. Use at a range of 300-410⁰F.
Ceramic vs Titanium Iron: Which Is Better?
Your choice of flat iron, either ceramic or titanium, should, to a large extent, be determined by your hair's needs.
Think of a ceramic flat iron for fine, fragile and normal hair types. Besides it is:
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The most popular. It has been in existence for a long time.
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Suitable for everyday styling without the fear of excessive heat damage.
Note: Ensure it is fully ceramic plates and not just coated with ceramic.
Think of a titanium flat iron for thick or coarse hair. You should try this because:
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It gets heated up fast and saves time and energy during styling.
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It is suitable for stubborn strands to become straightened in fewer passes of the flat iron over the hair.
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It retains heat well and can be passed over several thick sessions without a decrease in temperature.
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It is lightweight and easy to handle. Fear of getting fatigued while handling is minimized.
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It is durable and can withstand scratches and cracks.
Note: Be sure to use a heat protectant like GK Hair’s ThermalStyleHer to prevent heat damage.
Other than seeking which is better, you should go for one that answers your hair's needs and gives lasting straightened hair.
Choosing the Right Plate Size
The size of your flat iron plate can significantly impact the styling result.
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Narrow Plates: It has a diameter of 0.5-1 inch. It is a great choice for anyone with short hair and bangs. It can also be used for curling styles.
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Standard Plates: It has a diameter of 1-1.5 inches, making them the most versatile for various hair lengths and types.
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Wide Plates: It is great for thick and long hair and has a diameter range of 1.5-2 inches.
Things to Look Out for in a Flat Iron
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Opt for a temperature control flat iron. Different hair types handle the same amount of heat differently. You must choose a flat iron with adjustable temperature control.
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One with a digital display is best for easy fine-tuning and effective styling.
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Auto Turn Off: GK Hair's Titanium Flat Irons turn off automatically after an hour. It is a great must-have styling tool.
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360⁰ Swivel Cord: It can revolve and rotate to one's desired angle.
How to Curl Hair With a Flat Iron
Beyond straightening, a flat iron can also be used to create curls and soften waves. Here is how to get this done.
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Prepare your hair with a heat protectant spray to shield against damage.
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Get a flat iron with a standard plate of 1 inch in diameter. It is the best for curling.
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Divide your hair into small, equal sections.
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Clamp near the roots and twist the individual small sections, and glide them down with a flat iron gently.
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Style up with a lightweight hair spray or hair serum.
Pro Tips: The slower you glide through each section, the better defined the curls are, and the faster you glide through, the looser the curls are.
Want to know how hair serum works for frizzy hair? Read More on Smooth Result for Humid US Climates.
Extra Care for Your Flat Iron
With extra care, your flat iron can continually function at its best.
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Clean up the plates as often as you use them to remove product residue.
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Store in a heat-resistant pouch after use.
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Handle cords carefully to prevent breakage and damage from poor handling over time.
Bottom Line
As quickly as the thoughts of getting a flat iron creep into your mind or you are on the verge of getting or choosing a flat iron, let your hair type, texture, and styling preference flash through your mind and influence you to choose the right flat iron.
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