An excellent tool for getting sleek, silky hair is a flat iron. Choosing the right option for your hair type can be challenging, though, because there are so many to choose from.
The way a flat iron affects your hair is greatly influenced by its coating. Certain materials are better suited for specific textures, while others aid in preventing heat damage. Selecting the appropriate one can significantly impact your ability to attain your desired outcomes.
We’ll examine the most popular coating types, the characteristics that set them apart, and how to select the ideal flat iron for your requirements. Regardless of your preference for a polished, all-day look or a fast touch-up, this guide will assist you in making the best decision.
- How professional straighteners differ from ordinary irons?
- Main characteristics of heating plates
- Types of coating
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Teflon
- Tourmaline (ion-ceramic)
- Titanium
- Marble
- Mixed types
- Advantages and disadvantages of different types of plates
- What are floating plates?
- Which coating is right for your hair type?
- What should be the width of the plates?
- Gap between plates
- Additional attachments
- Effective means for thermal protection of curls
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How professional straighteners differ from ordinary irons?
The household irons that many women use for hair care are very different from professional straighteners in many aspects. Here, the considerations extend beyond the gadget’s cost to include features like power, robustness, hair safety, and other practical extras.
Professional straighteners have the following benefits over regular irons:
- Have faster heating.
- Can work for days.
- Their service life is longer.
- The devices have a thermostat.
- Have high power.
- Made of high-quality materials.
- Practically safe for the health and appearance of hair.
- They can be used every day.
Conventional irons typically have much shorter service lives, so investing in a professional straightener just once can result in significant cost savings.
Main characteristics of heating plates
The following qualities should be present in a high-quality straightener:
- temperature switching mode;
- short heating time;
- narrower plates compared to the body;
- rounded edges and a special attachment for creating curls;
- attachment for corrugation;
- special antibacterial coating;
- mode for straightening wet hair;
- air cooling mode;
- auto power-off.
Nevertheless, not every hair straightener model has all of the aforementioned features; each one has unique qualities and functions.
Types of coating
While selecting a straightener or hair straightener. Its coating needs to be given extra care. There are many options available, but not all of them can keep curls looking as good as they do. Certain ones even cause the strands to become dry, which weakens and loses them. So let’s take a closer look at the various coating options for irons.
Metal
Metal-coated irons were among the first to be manufactured. However, as experience has shown, using them is not at all safe. And the reason for this is that the hair overheats from the intense and uneven heating of the plates when using a straightener like this frequently. They remain popular among women, who are drawn to them by their affordable price.
Important!
Ceramic
The most popular types of straighteners are those with a ceramic coating; their accessibility and gentle approach to hair processing have contributed to their growing popularity. Experts advise against abusing these devices, though. There is a range of 8 to 10 times per month that can be used without damaging hair.
Teflon
The effect of Teflon-coated straighteners on strands is identical to that of ceramic-coated ones. The Teflon coating, which keeps makeup from adhering to their surface and attracting attention, is their primary benefit.
Curls can be easily and gently glided over with a Teflon-coated straightener, keeping them shiny and smooth for an extended period of time. Though these models are fairly expensive, the device’s quality is unaffected by this.
Tourmaline (ion-ceramic)
Due to their safety for the overall health and structure of hair, tourmaline-coated straighteners are a common sight in hair salons. Negative ions are heated when using such a device, and when they come into contact with the hair, the result is soft, manageable hair. The strands also lose static charge as a result of this.
The fact that tourmaline-coated straighteners are daily users is one of their main benefits. In essence, professionals are the only ones who use these straighteners.
Titanium
The main application for titanium-coated straighteners is in keratin therapy. The process involves uniformly heating the plates to a high temperature, which, if handled carelessly, could result in burns. These irons are fairly expensive, and the coating fades easily.
Take note! It is still advisable to hire a professional to handle the work when using straighteners with a titanium coating at home.
Marble
You can carefully manage your curls both during and after the procedure thanks to the iron’s marble coating. The hot temperature that the ceramic plates are subjected to during operation is neutralized by the marble layer that has been applied to them.
Mixed types
These days, straightener plates come in a wide variety. Apart from the aforementioned, there exist blended materials, which comprise substances like:
- Glass ceramics.
- Titanium ceramics.
- Titanium tourmaline.
One thing all of these coatings have in common is that they have a mild antibacterial effect on the surface after heating.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types of plates
Though they are repeated, each type of plate has some benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Benefits
- They have a gentle effect on the hair.
- Distribute heat evenly.
- Ensure easy sliding along the curls.
- Heat up instantly.
- Durable in use.
- Suitable for almost any type of hair.
Drawbacks:
- With prolonged and frequent use leads to dry curls.
- High cost of the device.
- Some models can only be purchased in certain stores.
What are floating plates?
One of the newest innovations included in some iron models is floating plates. The hair is encased when using it in a way that makes sliding easier and safeguards the individual strands. Every gadget that has floating plates is simple to operate, and you can also change the temperature on them.
Which coating is right for your hair type?
It is advised to select a straightening iron according to the type and state of your hair. Professional straightening irons, for instance, usually have the ability to heat up to a maximum temperature quickly, making them ideal for people with curly hair.
It is recommended that women with thin hair look for straightening irons with narrow plates that have a Teflon or tourmaline coating. Additionally, if you choose a model with temperature control, the process will harm your hair less.
A ceramic-coated straightening iron works well for hair that is normal and healthy. Nonetheless, the model ought to have large plates if the woman has long, thick curls. Additionally, it is preferable to select a straightening iron with a temperature lock feature to prevent the iron from overheating.
What should be the width of the plates?
There are various varieties of plate widths for hair straighteners:
- Narrow are great for straightening small strands, as well as for graduated haircuts and those with bangs. At the same time, the width of narrow plates does not exceed 2.5 cm.
- Wide plates differ from narrow ones in that it takes significantly less time to straighten hair. The width of wide plates is more than 3 cm.
Gap between plates
Certain straightener models have no gap at all. Consequently, this positively impacts the outcome of hair styling, as uniform heat distribution is ensured if the plates fit snugly against one another.
Additionally, if the device has a gap in it, the strand will not straighten properly and the process will need to be repeated. Generally speaking, this can negatively impact the health of the curls in the future. Thus, the gaps essentially come in the following sizes:
- With rigidly fixed plates – 1 mm.
- With floating plates – 2 mm.
But in both situations, the gaps can be closed by firmly gripping the straightener’s handle.
Additional attachments
The following kinds of extra hair straightener attachments are available for purchase:
- Straightening plate.
- Corrugated plate, both with large and small teeth.
- Spiral attachment.
- Curling iron for large and small curls.
- Styling brush.
Effective means for thermal protection of curls
It is advised to buy hair protection products according to the overall structure and condition of the hair. As an illustration:
- For healthy and normal strands – conditioner, foam, spray, which do not contain alcohol.
- For dry and thin – spray with a high level of protection.
- For normal hair – products that contain various oils and other nutritional components.
- For oily and quickly dirty curls – rinse-off gels and balms, as well as aerosols and foams.
- For thin hair – emulsions and sprays that do not contain silicone.
- For thick and coarse strands – gels and various oils.
- For combination hair with brittle and oily roots – you can use almost any heat protection product.
- For curly locks – wash-off products that contain wax.
The best items for protecting against heat are as follows:
- Heat Protect from Syoss.
- Taft "Three Weathers".
- Estel.
- Invisible Care from Kapous.
- HydraKer Erayba
Coating Type | Description | Best For |
Ceramic | Provides even heat distribution and smooth glide, reducing frizz and damage. | All hair types, especially fine and fragile hair. |
Titanium | Heats up quickly and maintains high temperatures, offering excellent straightening with a sleek finish. | Thick, coarse, or curly hair. |
Tourmaline | Releases negative ions to reduce static and frizz, enhancing shine and smoothness. | Dry, frizzy, or damaged hair. |
Aluminum | Inexpensive and heats up quickly but can cause uneven heat distribution and potential hair damage. | Occasional use or budget-friendly options. |
How to Choose | Consider your hair type and needs. Ceramic is versatile, titanium is for thick hair, tourmaline is good for frizz, and aluminum is budget-friendly. | Personal preference based on hair type and budget. |
Your styling regimen may change significantly depending on the hair straightener you select. Choosing a tool that works for your hair type and styling requirements is made easier when you are aware of the benefits of the different coatings. Every type of coating, from titanium to ceramic, has special qualities that can impact the straightening process and the health of your hair.
Knowing what each coating offers will help you make an informed decision, regardless of whether heat distribution, frizz control, or quick styling are your top priorities. For example, titanium offers quick heating and durability, while ceramic plates are excellent for uniform heat and minimizing frizz. To find the best fit, take into account your preferred style and the state of your hair.
Ultimately, the correct straightener will protect your hair while also enhancing your style. Every time you straighten, you can guarantee smoother, healthier-looking results by choosing a tool with the right coating. For the best styling results, get a high-quality straightener that suits your unique needs.
It’s critical to comprehend the various coatings and their advantages when deciding between flat irons and hair straighteners. There are distinct benefits to each type of coating, including ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline, with regard to heat distribution and hair protection. Take into account how these coatings impact performance and hair health when choosing the ideal tool for your hair type and styling requirements. You can achieve sleek, straight hair by using the right tool, which can be chosen with the assistance of this guide.