Flat Iron Effectiveness

The ceramic style straightener has ceramic or tourmaline coating on the plates of the straightener to coat it and protect hair. This type of straightening tool is used by most professionals. There is no difference between a ceramic coating and a tourmaline. This is typically up to the person using the straightener.

Both of these produce negative ions which smooth and relax your hair. If you have ever noticed when the weather is cool your hair may crackle when you brush it. Sometimes it gets fly away and is hard to control. This is because it has positive electrical charges. These charges cause hair cuticles to open and your hair can look lifeless and lose its shine.

The length and thickness of your hair will determine which size straightener you should use. If your hair is long and thick a plate size of 1 ½ to 3 inches is the best. Short, thick hair usually does best with a 1 ½ to 2 inch plate. Short thin hair uses a 1 to 1 ½ inch plate. If you are just using the straightened to calm down frizzy hair use the smallest ones. This size is also recommended for hair that has been chemically straightened.

Just as you must use the right plate size for your particular hair length and thickness, you must also use the correct temperature. Normal hair requires between 360 and 380 degrees. Extremely thick, curly, and ethnic hair requires between 380 and 410 degrees. If your hair is damaged or has been bleached it is best to use below 360 degrees.

Flat irons that you purchase from most retail stores usually do not have the ceramic or tourmaline that they advertise. Most likely they have aluminum plates covered with regular paint. After using this straightener several times the paint will start to chip off. Your hair gets caught in these straighteners and can break off. If you have noticed your hair getting thinner after using one of these types of straighteners that is most likely because it is breaking off.

A constant temperature has to be maintained the whole time you are straightening you hair. If not you have to go back and straighten over and over causing more heat damage to your hair. Most of the cheaper models of hair straighteners have a heater that does not maintain a constant temperature. This can cause extreme damage to your hair over a period of time.

A professional straightening iron is the best kind to use. However, they can cause your hair to have a burnt smell and after using for extended periods of time they can leave your hair very badly damaged. This type is more expensive but if you are planning on visiting a hair salon to have your hair straightened the expense is less than the cost of several visits

The professional irons do not keep the hair straightened for long periods of time. It typically goes back to curl within a few days. If you use them for too long they can permanently damage your hair.

You can make your iron last much longer if you take care of it. Clean the iron after using it. Use a good styling iron cleaner. Unplug it and never wrap the cord around the iron. They may retain heat and can damage the power cord making it inoperable.