From thick curls to pin-straight hair, a high-quality flat iron can make attractive hairstyles out of any type, length, or texture of hair. The right straightening tool that heats quickly and damages minimally can make your hair shiny, regardless of its natural state. Some straighteners with advanced features also make your mane look glossier and healthier. Since an excellent flat iron has a lot to bring to the table, it is worth investing a little time in selecting a perfect fit for your hair’s wants and needs. To save your time, we have shed light on some of the key factors you should consider before purchasing the best flat irons. Let’s dive in!
Factors You Should Consider in the Best Flat Iron
Materials
Flat irons are basically made from three materials, including ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline.
Ceramic straighteners are ideal for straightening short, light, coarse, and curly hair. They not only provide even heat distribution throughout your hair but also make it shiny. Besides, these affordable flat irons have the ability to hold heat as long as your want. If you have fine hair, then this tool is perfect for you.
Titanium flat iron heats up quickly, so you don’t have to wait for long to use this tool. It has the potential to stay heated at a constant temperature. Thanks to its high heat, it is ideal for thick and coarse hair. However, people with light hair should avoid this tool because it can burn their longs easily. Since titanium straighteners heat faster, they tend to be a bit expensive.
A flat iron coated with tourmaline is less likely to damage hair because it traps the moisture of the locks and makes them look healthy. Besides, the heat on its plate remains constant, and you can use it at a lower temperature, thanks to its effective distribution of heat.
Plate size
Different flat irons have different plate widths. Deciding on the size of your straightener will depend on the length and thickness of your mane. If you have short or fine hair, you should opt for a tool that can easily cover smaller hair sections. The recommended size of the plate for this type of hair is 1/2 to 1 inch.
On the other hand, people with long, thick, and curly hair should look for a flat iron with a wider plate of 1.5 to 2 inches. It will allow them to cover and straighten more hair in a short time.
Temperature settings
Flat irons reinforced with adjustable heat settings allow you to set the correct temperature for your hair type. While light and delicate hair demands less heat to straighten, thick, long, and curly locks require a high temperature.
Though high temperature quickly straightens the hair, it is not ideal for all types of hair. So, invest in a straightener that enables you to adjust the temperature range according to your hair need and avoid damaging your mane.
Heat protection mats
Some flat irons come with a heat protector mat that shields your countertops from the heat of the tool. These mats are made of Silicone that protects delicate surfaces by blocking the heat of straighteners and other hair styling tools. This accessory usually comes in handy when you have to style your hair at new places during a trip.
Auto shutoff
High heating flat irons can lead to dangerous fire hazards if left unattended. That’s why they should have an auto shut-off feature that will automatically turn them off after they have been on for 60-80 minutes without being used. It will not only avert mishaps but also give you peace of mind after every use.
Cost and value
Most people simply visit the store and purchase the first cheap flat iron that they come across. If you are also one of them, then you are going to pour your money down the drain because such straighteners break easily or stop working sooner or later. They may also have uneven heat distribution or overheat, leaving undone patches or burnt ends. So, we suggest investing in a good quality product that makes your hair look more beautiful although it is a bit pricey.
Final Words
The best flat iron has more durability and gives excellent results without damaging the hair. Most straighteners are a little expensive but worth your penny. We hope this buying guide has provided you with nuggets of information that help you shop for a high-quality product that suits your needs.
Best Flat Iron FAQ
Q. How can I clean my flat iron?
A. If you frequently use gel or hairspray on your hair, your flat iron will likely have ample leftover gunk. Most people use a scissor or bread knife to scrape off the dirt, but it is not suitable for your straightener. We suggest making a homemade cleaner by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to clean your iron. It will also eliminate the need to scratch the plate of your tool.
Q. What temperature is ideal for straightening hair?
A. Though high temperature quickly straightens the hair, it also causes more damage to it. For light hair, the recommended temperature rating is below 300 degrees. However, if you have curly, thick, and extremely coarse hair, the heat range between 350-400 degrees would be ideal. Make sure not to heat your flat iron so much that it burns your hair.
Q. What should be the plate size of a flat iron?
A. The standard plate size for almost every hair type is 1 inch. However, smaller plates are a perfect choice if you want to perfectly style short hair and mane with bangs. But if you have less time and want to style your hair quickly, then a bigger plate would be ideal as it can cover more hair with every glide. The width of bigger plates ranges from 1.5 to 2 inches, and they are more expensive than 1-inch plates.