Which Is The Best Flat Iron?

Since straight hair has replaced curly or wavy hair as the height of fashion, thanks to the sleek locks of stars like Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, flat irons have become increasingly popular among women seeking to create that smooth, healthy look at home. In fact, there are now so many different kinds of flat irons on the market that it can be difficult to decide which one will work best for you. However, choosing the best flat iron doesn’t have to be a chore. With the following simple tips in mind, finding the best flat iron for your needs should be a snap.

To begin, consider the natural length and texture of your hair. If your hair is on the shorter side or if it’s very fine, you’ll need a flat iron with smaller plates – around 1 to 1 1/2” wide. These smaller flat irons will be easier to maneuver and won’t overwhelm your hair. For longer hair, you may want to try a flat iron with plates that are 2” or wider. This will make the straightening process go faster, although it may be more difficult to use than a smaller model. If your hair is extremely thick, coarse or curly, you may also want to try a flat iron with wider plates. In addition to size, pay attention to the shape of the plates on the flat iron. Plates with rounded edges will allow you to create curls and flips in addition to basic straightening tasks, and they won’t leave dents or creases in your hair.

Next, you should pay attention to the plate material used on your flat iron. Flat irons that have metal plates can literally burn or “cook” your hair, which is extremely damaging in the long run, and may even make it impossible to achieve the straight, shiny, healthy look you desire in the short run! Instead, look for a flat iron with ceramic plates. Ceramic flat irons use negative ion technology to gently style your hair and seal the cuticle, leaving it smooth and hydrated. Ceramic plates are also ideal for anyone with color-treated hair, as the negative ions and gentle heat will help preserve color as well as shine. Tourmaline and titanium flat irons further enhance the benefits offered by the ceramic flat iron, but be aware that they may be more expensive than regular ceramic flat irons. In addition, always make sure that any flat iron you’re considering has layers of ceramic on the plates, rather than a thin layer on top that will eventually flake or scrape off. Higher quality flat irons will produce better results, and ultimately give you more value for your money.

There are a number of different flat iron manufacturers; choosing among them may require a careful consideration of your budget, as flat irons can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, in addition to the above criteria and even user reviews. You may want to ask your friends or even your hair stylist to recommend a great flat iron; the Internet can also be an excellent resource for comparing consumer reviews and ratings. In general, however, higher-profile brands like CHI, FHI and Corioliss have that time-tested, name-brand cache that ensures that you’ll be getting a great product. If you don’t plan to use your flat iron on a regular basis, however, you may want to look at more affordable alternatives instead of making a pricier investment. Revlon and Conair both offer lower-priced options without sacrificing reliability. Ultimately, finding the best flat iron for you depends on what you need from your flat iron!