Choosing the Best Flat Iron for Black Hair

A flat iron is a tool which can be used for styling your hair including straightening, creating basic curls, waves or crimps, and giving your hair a smooth and silky finish. Let’s try to understand few aspects of Hair, different types of Flat Irons, precautions while using the flat irons, along with features and cost differences. This should help you in getting an overview about flat irons to be used for black hair, though some information is applicable to hair of another color also.

Different types of hair

Based on an individual’s hair density, the hair can be classified as Thick, Medium, or Thin. The curl type and pattern are divided into straight, wavy, curly and coily, or kinky. Straight hair with absolutely no curls or coils are classified as Type 1. Wavy is between straight and curly, and has three subtypes, which are all classified as Type 2. All S-shaped hair is considered curly, and they also have three sub-types, all under Type 3. Tightly coiled or wiry hair is known as Type 4. Each type of hair has specific properties and the way you need to take care of your type of hair differs. Your hair can be further classified based on porosity, oiliness, and softness. Another important factor is the natural color of your hair, a classification useful for deciding hair styles.

Different types of flat irons

Flat irons can be divided by plate sizes, where the 1-inch plate is most common, but you can get flat irons with different plate sizes; the type of flat iron plate is a crucial feature in your selection process. Your hair type should determine the size of the flat iron plate. Temperature settings, as well as how long it takes a flat iron to heat up, make all the difference in the lasting effect of your styles. The plate material is another important factor in your decision making; ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium are the three basic types of material used along with aluminium with alloy, and ionic, as additional uncommon types.

If you are buying a flat iron for your personal needs, you may opt for a simple and cost effective one. If the usage is very high (like, for example, if you are a hair stylist) then you will choose a professional iron. The professional irons will provide temperature control; they will also maintain the temperature for a longer time and will be made with high technology. Based on features and brand, the cost of flat irons will vary, anywhere from just a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

Precautions while using flat irons

While using a flat iron for black hair, some precautions need to be taken. The iron works better on well-conditioned and moisturized hair. If you use the iron as soon as you have washed your hair, that’s a good time. Soothing balms have proved to be helpful while styling the hair with a flat iron. Don’t select the highest temperature, and never keep the iron in one place for a very long time. Also, make use of the right heat protectant. Avoid applying any kind of oil to your hair, and use the flat iron very slowly and steadily.

Conclusion

Make sure you know as much as possible about your hair type. Take your time to research and choose the right type of flat iron to make sure that it will work for you. Flat iron selection can be based the plate material, heat control mechanism, amount of time it takes to heat up, and obviously, the cost. Based on these parameters, you can buy the best suitable flat iron for your black hair and do great styles!

Featured photo credit: Gonzalo Díaz Fornaro via albumarium.com

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Source: Lifehack.org