Best Flat Irons & Hair Straighteners

Your hair strands are constructed from a type of protein known as keratin, which is also found in your fingernails and the enamel of your teeth. The keratin in your hair is held together by hydrogen bonds, which are what gives each hair strand its shape. If you alter these bonds, then you alter the shape of the hair. Such alteration of the hydrogen bonds can take place due to interaction with heat or water, allowing the bonds to be temporarily broken down and rearranged. When heat is applied with a flat iron, these bonds can be rearranged into the desired shape until the bonds are reset, usually with water when washing your hair or due to high humidity in the atmosphere. So, if you have newly-straightened hair, try to avoid rain and humidity. If you can do this, then your hair can sometimes stay straight right up until your next wash.

Plate Size

Depending on your hair length and texture, plate size can be crucial. As a general guide:

• 2” plates are best for thicker and longer hair
• 1 ½” plates are suitable for mid-length hair which isn’t too thick and curly
• 1” plates are the best choice for shorter and finer hair. This size also works well when styling bangs 

Temperature Control

This is an important feature to have at your disposal, as it allows you to set the most suitable temperature for your hair type. For those with fine or color-damaged hair, you should look for a flat iron that has a relatively low heat option. Models that start at around 350° Fahrenheit will be less suitable for sensitive hair and run the risk of long-lasting damage to the hair strands. For thicker, curlier or generally unruly locks, a flat iron which has higher heat options is your best bet. This hair type often requires higher temperatures up to 450° Fahrenheit to be applied to achieve the desired results. 

Voltage & Transportability

Most people like a hair straightener that is travel ready. If this is you then look out for a dual or universal voltage model. In addition, if you are thinking of regularly dropping it into your travel bag, then having a relatively compact model which comes with a storage pouch will be handy. If you regularly travel abroad, then a lightweight flat iron such as the Remington S5500 would be the best choice. 

Material

The plates on a flat iron or hair straightener are usually constructed from titanium, ceramic, tourmaline, or a combination of these materials. Titanium is a high heat conductor and is efficient at taming or straightening frizzy or thick hair, but it is often more expensive than the alternatives.

On the other hand, ceramic plates are best for finer hair. The natural material has mineral properties and is more gentle on your hair. You must check whether the plates are fully ceramic and not merely ceramic-coated, as ceramic-coated plates may not always be the best quality since the ceramic can wear off over time and thus lead to uneven heat distribution with regular use.

Tourmaline is a semi-precious material. It is ground to create a smooth coating over the flat iron plates. Tourmaline produces more negative ions when heated, which are known to help protect the hair from high-heat damage and frizziness. This makes tourmaline the preferred choice if your hair is naturally prone to frizz or static. Unfortunately, however, it is generally less durable than ceramic and titanium. 

Weight

Since you are using hair straighteners with your arms, and often for extended periods, it is worth choosing one that has a weight which is comfortable for you. Heavier flat irons will be tiring, and you are less likely to get the full benefits from your flat iron if it fatigues your muscles during use. This is especially important if you have long or thick hair, as these hair types often take longer to straighten than finer or shorter styles.

The best way to use hair straighteners starts with the preparation. Grease, pollution, and hair products can all react with the heat causing undesirable, frizzy, and lacklustre results for your hair. As a result, start by washing your hair thoroughly. After this, dry it from root to tip, and untangle any knots with a fine comb. Unless the flat iron is compatible with wet hair, do not apply flat irons to wet hair. Hair is much weaker when wet and this may damage or burn it.

Once your hair is dry, it is advisable to apply heat protection. Then divide your hair into layers and sections to help you straighten your hair evenly. Finally, make sure the flat iron is set to the correct temperature and start straightening, taking it a section at a time. When finished, spritz with an anti-humidity hairspray to help lock in your new look.

Pros:

• Salon hair at home: owning your own hair straighteners means that you can achieve salon hair at home. Going to the salon is often a luxury that many people do not have the time or money to indulge in regularly. With your own flat iron, you can practice your favorite salon styles and become better at achieving them without professional help.
• Versatility: having your own flat iron means you can change your hairstyle at your whim. With a little practice, most flat irons can also create beautiful loose curls or waves with a simple twist of the wrist. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate curler or carry two appliances with you when traveling. 
• Get rid of frizz: Frizz can be difficult to tame. A good quality hair straightener promises you sleek, glossy and frizz-free locks with minimal effort.
• Great for unruly bangs: If your bangs are looking wild and you struggle to get them to lie how you would like them too – then good quality hair straighteners are just what you need. You can straighten them, tame them to lie on one side, or even curl them at the ends and enjoy a stylish look every day. 

Cons:

• Dry and brittle hair: the main con of a hair straightener is that the heat can damage your hair over time with regular use. However, using a high-quality heat protection treatment can go a long way to mitigate these effects.
• Fire and burn risk: hair straighteners are capable of reaching very high temperatures, which are required to change the smoothness and shape of your hair strands. Unfortunately, this means there is a risk of fire and burns if they are not used carefully. Most models feature an auto shut-off, which reduces the risk of a fire breaking out if you forget to switch them off, but unless you use heat-resistant gloves there is always a chance you may burn your fingers when using them.