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A flat iron is one of the most popular products for straightening wavy or curly hair – but with all the products on the market, it can be confusing to choose the one that’s best for your needs. Learning about the benefits of the different products and features can help you select the one that’s perfect for you.

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Plate Material

This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a flat iron, and it’s a classic example of the old maxim “you get what you pay for.” Irons with metal or glass plates are among the least expensive options, but they have several disadvantages. Both materials can heat unevenly, creating “hot spots” that can singe your hair. Plates that are covered with paint are likely to eventually chip or flake, snagging and damaging your hair as you run it through the iron. This creates the opposite effect of the one you’re going for; rather than leaving your hair looking shiny and healthy, these irons can create a frayed, damaged appearance. They also take a long time to heat and can really slow down your beauty routine.

Irons with plates made from ceramic, titanium, or a combination of the two are much more effective at straightening your hair without damaging it. While pricier, these irons have big advantages over their glass or metal counterparts. Their materials heat more quickly and evenly, so they’re ready when you need them and can give your hair a healthy, even, polished appearance. Titanium has a negative ionic charge that can close the hair shaft’s cuticle and reverse damage and frizz. This material achieves very high, even temperatures, making it great for quickly straightening coarse, curly hair. However, its heat can create a risk of damage to hair with a finer texture. If you have thin, fine hair, ceramic may be a better choice for you. Ceramic irons infused with tourmaline are a new innovation in hair straightening. Like titanium, this material develops an ionic charge when heated, leaving even straight hair looking healthier than before.

Size

Choose an iron with a plate size that matches your hair’s needs. If your style is short, a narrower iron will work better for you. Look for an option with a plate size of one to one and a half inches. Although small irons are convenient to carry around or travel with, they’re probably not the best choice for those with longer hair. Using a larger iron – one with a width of two to three inches – will speed up the straightening process and get you out the door looking great more quickly than a smaller iron.

Weight

This is especially a concern for those with longer hair, who have to spend more time reaching their irons up and behind their heads.  A heavy iron can make your beauty routine painful and awkward. Look for one that has the other features you’re looking for but is light enough to be used comfortably.

Cord Type

The last thing you want to do in the middle of straightening your hair is disentangle yourself from a twisted cord. Over time, fixed cords can become permanently crimped, causing them to bunch and making them harder to use and travel with. Choose a model with a swivel cord to minimize this problem.

The right straightening iron can be an indispensable tool for attaining a gleaming, healthy-looking hairstyle. Knowing what qualities to look for in an iron can save you time and money and make your styling routine both more efficient, and more likely to yield the great results you desire.

Alicia Joy