Ironing Your Hair in 21st Century Style
In the old days, if you had curly, wavy or frizzy hair, there was only one solution for straightening - and that was to iron your hair. I’m not talking about fancy ceramic flat irons or even old school metal flat irons; no, I’m talking about honest-to-goodness, this-shirt-is-wrinkled, pass-me-the-ironing-board IRONS! It sounds horrifying, but it’s absolutely true: Women used to use these things. ON THEIR HEADS.
Okay, well you couldn’t actually iron your head unless you wanted third degree burns all over your face; the idea was to place your hair on a flat surface and iron away. Still, the entire process was incredibly dangerous, and damaging to your hair to boot. Plus, since you couldn’t actually flat iron the hairs closest to your head, it didn’t look amazing either.
Luckily, there are high quality ceramic flat irons available over the place nowadays! You don’t have to be a rocket scientist (or even a professional hair stylist) to know how to use one, they heat up quickly, and they seal the natural moisture into your hair’s cuticles to prevent dryness, damage and frizz. Hooray for the twenty-first century! We’ve come a long way, babies.
Thandie's Lovely Locks
Thandie Newton may not be the most high profile actress in Hollywood - I mean, she gets decent roles, but she probably doesn’t have paparazzi in her bushes, am I right? - but she sure is pretty. She always looks elegant and understated, and her facial expressions always seem to be communicating something along the lines of, “What, this is old thing? No, I didn’t slave over my appearance! I was just cleaning the house and then I remembered I had this premiere/awards show/swanky Hollywood party to attend! I always look like this! What? Why are you crying?”
Okay, maybe that part is my imagination. But nevertheless, her hair is fabulous. Wanna bite her style? You know you do! And luckily for you, it’s not terribly difficult if you have the right tools, starting with ceramic flat irons. Why ceramic flat irons over regular metal ones? Because metal flat irons (and curling irons, for that matter) are liable to cook your hair, or at least dry it out and leave it really frizzy and in need of a deep conditioning treatment. No likey. Ceramic irons, however, will seal the moisture into your hair’s cuticle and leave it suitably lush.
Once you have a decent flat iron, divide your hair into manageable smaller sections - like 1″ or so. Then run the iron down the length of your hair, section by section. (Don’t iron the same section more than once or twice - you don’t need it and it will just cause unnecessary follicular trauma.) Part your hair on one side and push your (hopefully longish) bangs behind one ear. Ta-da, you’re Thandie! Okay, not quite, but I bet you’re still very pretty. Have you ever thought of modeling? Let me give you my card.
How to Better Your Bob in 3 Easy Steps
Do you own a ceramic flat iron? Then you can have Nicole Richie's hair!
I know Nicole Richie hasn’t always been the, ahem, pinnacle of class, but she’s really come a long way since her days as Paris Hilton’s BFF on The Simple Life! You can literally see the transformation just by glancing at her. When she first came onto the scene, she had worn-out, ratty-looking extensions, but now she’s all grown-up - and her hair looks amazing. This pretty modern bob is my favorite hairstyle ever, and since my hair is around this length, I was really excited to learn that the key to creating the look is already in my beauty arsenal. I’m talking about ceramic flat irons! Here’s how to get Nicole’s lovely look in just 3 easy steps:
- Start with dry hair. Apply a heat protective serum.
- Take your ceramic flat iron - one with 1″ plates should work fine - and iron your hair in small sections, until all sections have been straightened.
- Finish with a shine serum, and make sure to sweep your bangs to one side (if you have them).
It’s that easy! Why do you think Nicole looks so self-satisfied in that picture? I think it’s because she can’t believe that a style so easy can look so luxe! Try it out if you have a bob - you won’t believe how much better it’ll look, with practically zero effort on your part. You’re welcome!
Flat Irons...for Men?
All too often, when we think of style and meticulous grooming, we think of women. But men have to put effort into their appearance too! In fact, many of today’s hottest young male stars clearly care a great deal about how they look - especially when it comes to their hair. Check out this shot of teen heartthrob Zac Efron, for instance. He has clearly invested in flat iron, and has used it to create a sideswept look that is still very masculine. If you’re a man looking to buy a flat iron - or you’re a woman thinking of buying one for your boyfriend or husband - make sure you make the right choice in order to protect your (or your guy’s) hair from heat damage! Ceramic flat irons are the best option to ensure that your hair isn’t inadvertently burned or fried. Guys might be tempted to just buy the cheapest straightener they can find, but saving a few bucks isn’t worth sacrificing your hair! Ceramic flat irons cost a little more than their metal counterparts, but the difference is considerable, and well worth it. Don’t you want to have amazing hair like Zac Efron, with girls falling at your feet? Then you need a flat iron, my friend!
What to Look for in a Ceramic Flat Iron
You already know that ceramic flat irons are the way to go if you want to protect your hair from unnecessary heat damage or a possible hair-burning incident. (Metal flat irons are far too unpredictable, and with so much new technology to choose from, they are positively ancient at this point!) But once you’ve decided on a ceramic iron, what other qualities do you need to look for before you open your wallet? Here are a few other features to pay attention to in your search for the perfect flat iron:
- 100% ceramic plates. Some flat irons claim to be ceramic, but on closer inspection, you’ll find that they actually have metal plates with a layer or two of ceramic baked on. Not good! The metal plates will become exposed in time, and you’ll end up right back at square one, with a metal flat iron.
- A high quality manufacturer. A reputable company, like CHI, makes flat irons that are built to last. They may cost a little bit extra, but the value makes the investment worthwhile.
- Size. What size flat iron do you need? That depends. Small ones are easy to use and good for travel, but ones with larger plates make it easier to straighten your hair quickly. The most common choice is 1″ to 2″ plates.
- Variable heat settings. This gives you the ability to raise or lower the temperature on your flat iron. Make sure to use the lowest setting possible in order to protect your hair while still achieving great results.
Flipping Out with my Flat Iron
I thought I knew all of the hair styling tricks in the book, but for some reason it never occurred to me to try something as simple as flipping the end of my hair up until I saw this picture of Charlize Theron rocking the look! Just look at how soft and beautiful she looks with this ‘do. Of course, it’s Charlize Theron, one of the most beautiful women in the world…but I think this style is totally wearable for all sorts of women! I know it’s extremely flattering on me as well, and I’m certainly no Charlize. This is a really cool way to put an interesting twist on the “elongated bob” that is so popular right now, which is basically just a bob that extends past the chin to midway down the neck, or just above the shoulders. Most women (I’m looking at you, Gwyneth!) just wear this kind of cut straight and swingy, but if you use a flat iron to begin with, it’s not hard to incorporate the flip. Just straighten your hair like you normally would, but when you get to the end of each section, do a little flick of your wrist so your hair curves inward, toward your neck and face. If you’re using ceramic flat irons on your hair, which you definitely should in order to prevent damage, it shouldn’t be too challenging. This is because ceramic flat irons distribute heat more evenly and heat up faster, which makes the styling process much easier. Try it! You’ll probably “flip” over it just like I did!
Lauren Graham's Perfect Red Carpet Look
I love the sleek, yet curly, side ponytail!
I have been a huge Lauren Graham fan ever since Gilmore Girls and I am so excited that she has a new show coming out soon. Have you seen the previews for Parenthood? Its about time she got back on TV! I loved her look on the red carpet here. The side swept ponytail that is sleek in front and loosely curled in the back is so easy to recreate when you have a ceramic flat iron. Since you can use your ceramic flat iron to both straighten and curl your hair, it really is like having two tools in one. First, I would straighten your hair all over so you can get the sleekness of this look. Then, create a deep side part that goes back about an inch and a half from your forehead. Secure that section of your hair with a bobby pin that matches your hair color. Tease the crown of your hair slightly to achieve a bit of height and then smooth back that hair into a low ponytail that sits slightly to the side at the nape of your neck. Then take your ceramic flat iron and use it as a curling iron, wrapping half inch sections around the barrel and curling up. Let the curls fall loosely and you have the perfect hairdo for day or night!
America Ferrera's Sexy Waves
You can use a ceramic flat iron to make subtle waves like America Ferrera's!
When it comes to women’s hairstyles, I’ve found that people generally fall into one of two camps: Those who love straight hair, and those who prefer waves and/or curls. My personal taste, however, is somewhere in the middle: I like it when women have gorgeous mostly-straight-but-kinda-wavy hair. Not sure what I’m talking about? Check out America Ferrera on the red carpet! This ‘do is exactly what I’m talking about, and women everywhere can replicate the look at home with ceramic flat irons. Even though ceramic flat irons are hugely popular styling tools, not everyone knows that they can be used to create waves or even curls in addition to giving your hair a smooth, straight appearance. If you want America’s hair, start by blowdrying clean hair and applying a shine serum with heat protectant. Then straighten your hair with a ceramic flat iron in 1″ sections; when you get near the bottom of each section, a simple flick of the wrist will give your hair a little wave! Then give yourself a side part and tie your hair back in a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. You will love this look! It’s so easy to do, and it can look both casual and fancy, depending on how you accessorize and what you’re wearing.
Taylor Swift's Curls Go Straight!
Taylor's hairstylist uses a ceramic straight iron to achieve her flawless look.
Taylor Swift is almost always seen with her blond hair vibrantly curly. That is why I almost didn’t recognize her in this picture with her hair straightened. She is one of the lucky people who looks great with her hair straight or curly. Instead of being jealous though - which I am a little, I can’t lie - I’ve decided to use her hair as a source of inspiration. I have naturally curly hair which I am usually okay with. But there are days I just want to tame the look of my curls and have that kind of sleek, run-your-hands-through-it-so-it-cascades-down-your-shoulder-type-of-hair. Now, I definitely have experimented with all kinds of ways to straighten my hair throughout the years and my hair was showing some damage from all of my little science projects. So, I went on a bit of a straightening hiatus to get my hair back in balance. While my hair was “resting,” ceramic flat irons came into popularity. I’m back on the straightening bandwagon! The ceramic plates really reduce the amount of damage that occurs with your hair follicles. And the way they evenly distribute heat means that my hair is sleek and styled in a much more time efficient manner. Trust me when I say that if you are straightening junkie like me, you need a ceramic flat iron to help you with your addiction!
Getting Hollywood Straight Hair
Get beautiful straight hair like Rachel Bilson with a ceramic flat iron
Whether your hair is curly, wavy or even straight, getting that sleek and styled Hollywood-straight-hair look requires the right tools. No, you do not need your own personal stylist. You can actually get the silky, shiny hair you covet with ceramic flat irons. No matter how expertly you can blow out your hair or how many shine serum products you use, no tool on the market can replicate that red carpet look like ceramic flat irons can. The reason ceramic flat irons are so effective has to do with the way the heat is conducted and evenly distributed across the plate. The ceramic plates actually seal the hair follicle, which results in that shiny look. This is why using a flat iron on straight hair is not redundant. Even naturally straight hair can benefit from additional shine. It is important that you protect your hair when you straighten it with a flat iron. The high levels of heat are great for securing shine but they can be damaging over time if you are not careful or overuse your iron. Buying a thermal protection spray or serum and using it before your straightening session is the best way to keep your hair healthy.
Drew Barrymore's Sleek Hair
I have a serious girl crush on Drew Barrymore. She has been super busy this year, promoting Cover Girl, Grey Gardens and her directorial debut, Whip It. Of course, all of this promoting means more Drew red carpet appearances, which I love! She epitomizes classic/new Hollywood, to me, and I think she always looks gorgeous. One look I’ve particularly been coveting is when she wears her hair sleek and straight. She is the master of changing her style and she looks so classically beautiful with her straight hair. Of course, I started experimenting with my hair to replicate her look and I found that using a ceramic flat iron is the best way to do it. I tried just blowing out my hair, using a round brush and meticulously smoothing as I go, but it takes so much time and still doesn’t give me the sleekness of Drew’s look. It is hard to beat ceramic flat irons when it comes to creating smooth, sleek hair. Next, I’ll have to try her punk rock blond hair with black tips. That was wild! Which, of course, is why I love her! She doesn’t stick with any certain fashion “rules.” If something feels right, she goes for it. I can appreciate that!
Perfect Hair Styles Achieved
We all know that Nicole Kidman has naturally curly hair, so when I see her on the red carpet with super sleek hair it gives me hope. I have hair very similar to her hair so I know that I can achieve the shiny, straight look I want. I have found that the best way to straighten my hair is by using a ceramic flat iron. When I use a ceramic flat iron I know that I am doing the least amount of damage to my hair. I make sure to use a thermal protectant spray on my hair and then I use my flat iron to create my perfect style.
The Best Way to Straighten Your Hair
Using a ceramic flat iron may not be the only way to straighten your hair, but it is certainly the best way. I speak from experience. I have tried nearly every way to tame my hair. I have tried blow drying it straight but I always need to go back over my hair with a straightening device to take the “poof” out. I have paid for blow outs, used curling irons to straighten with, attempted using a clothing iron and was on the verge of paying hundreds of dollars for the “permanent” straightening at a salon. That is when a new acquaintance told me to try her ceramic flat iron. I tried it out and what a difference! It was amazing how sleek my hair was - I went and bought my own that day.
Creating Waves with A Flat Iron
Most of the time when people hear about ceramic flat irons, they think of straightening their hair. I know I thought that too, which is why I bought one. My hair is naturally curly and I needed something powerful that was going to create sleek hair without causing damage. Ceramic flat irons are the best for that. But when I got my flat iron I realized I could create really neat waves in my hair as well, using it as a type of curling iron. I use mine to create sexy, beach waves like the kind Kate Hudson always seems to have. It helps to have my hair straight first to create a smoother wavy look.
Straightening My Daughter's Hair
My daughter is the spitting image of me. From her eyes to her hands to her dimple on her right cheek, we are very similar in appearance. The one thing I wish I hadn’t passed on though is my unmanageable hair. Curly and frizzy has always been the name of my hair game and now that my daughter is in middle school, she wants to style her hair straight. When I was growing up, that wasn’t even a choice. But, luckily, my daughter won’t have to suffer her hair like I did. With my ceramic flat iron, 0ur hair is tamed and beautiful. I plan on getting her one of her own for her birthday this year. If she is anything like me, she will be thrilled.
The Secret to Straightening African American Hair...
I have the secret to straightening African American hair without using all those nasty chemicals…and it comes straight from the First Lady herself, Michelle Obama! Are you ready for this? The secret to smooth, shiny, silky black hair is….ceramic flat irons! It’s true! Mrs. O’s stylist, Johnny Wright, swears by ceramic flat irons for two reasons: First, they are far less damaging to delicate hair than flat irons with metal plates. But in addition to that, ceramic flat irons also reach a much higher temperature than standard styling irons; in fact, they can get as hot as 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You need all that heat if you want to make your hair behave without a chemical straightener. And just look at Mrs. O! It definitely works for her. She looks absolutely gorgeous, and her hair is not chemically treated. Try it out for yourself! Just don’t forget to spray on a thermal protectant and make sure your hair is completely dry before you start styling.
Keep Hair Beautiful with Ceramic Flat Irons
Whether you flat iron your hair daily, once in a while or even just for special occasions, it is important that you use the right tools to do straighten. If you want to keep your hair looking healthy and well kept, then you need to get a ceramic flat iron. Ceramic coated plates are better for your hair because they seal the shaft of your hair, creating shine and less split ends. They more evenly distribute the heat of the plates, creating a more consistent look. You will get better results from using a ceramic flat iron, which is why most stylists will not use any other kind of flat iron.
Jennifer Aniston Ceramic Flat Irons?
Jennifer Aniston hair from her days on "Friends"
Jennifer Aniston is the queen of the hair world. Since popularizing “The Rachel” back in the nineties, she became an icon of hairstyles, not unlike Farrah Fawcett before her. Jennifer’s hairstyles have gone through many incarnations since “The Rachel” and her signature look has become her sleek beach goddess hair. Her honey highlights bring to mind sunshine on a summer’s day and whether her hair is straight or wavy, it is always polished and positively beach-y… does she have ceramic flat irons to thank for part of her success?
Jennifer’s hair has been anywhere from chin-length to mid-back length, so luckily her look is versatile enough to aspire to, no matter your current hair length. All you need is a flat iron to play with similar styles. It is important that you choose a flat iron with ceramic plates, as this will be best for the health of your hair. Previous incarnations of flat irons have proven to do extensive damage to your hair’s cuticle, causing heat damage and split ends. A ceramic plate seals in the moisture of your hair follicle for a smoother, shinier look and can even help repair damaged hair. The health of your hair is critical when attempting a “Jennifer Aniston” style. Her hair always looks healthy and vibrant. If you have an outdated ceramic flat iron, it is time to invest in a new one before irreparable damage is done.
To best achieve your desired results, you can choose to use a flat iron that is anywhere from one inch to two inches in size. If you are looking to create Jennifer’s straight and sleek styles only, and you have medium to long hair, then a two-inch ceramic flat iron would be the largest size to achieve this. If you want the flexibility to create either her straight and sleek look or her wavy and tousled look, then a one-inch ceramic flat iron would be the best tool for your hair arsenal. A one-inch flat iron is great because it allows you to create a sleek look but can also act as a curling iron when you want to create waves. In fact, a one-inch flat iron is the preferred way, over curling irons, for celebrity hairstylists to achieve a wavy hairstyle that looks natural and effortless. Also, a one-inch flat iron is a much better size if you have shorter hair, such as shoulder-length or above. A smaller flat iron will allow you to better reach all of your hairs, no matter their length.
When using a flat iron to create waves, you use it in a similar fashion as a curling iron. It is recommended that you take a one to two inch section of your hair and, from root to tip, smooth the section straight. Then take this same section of hair and loosely wind the hair around the barrel of the flat iron. For a more natural look, start this winding process not from the very tip of the hair but from about a half-inch to full-inch from the bottom, depending on the length of your hair. Hold hair wound for no more than five seconds and then unwind it. To ensure maximum hold, spray the section of hair with a hairspray before you begin the curling process to lock in the style. This can be done for simply straightening as well.
With a ceramic flat iron to help your styling needs, you will be able to achieve that effortless Jennifer Aniston look. Her hairstyles are simple enough to create on your own yet stylish enough to look like you just stepped out of a salon.
What Kind of Flat Iron Do I Need?
If you’re in the market for a new straightening iron, you’ve probably heard a lot about the advantages of ceramic flat irons. But why, exactly, are ceramic flat irons superior to their metal-plated counterparts? Basically, ceramic flat irons seal the hair’s shaft, leaving your locks soft and shiny, and utilize a gentler form of far infrared heat to protect hair. In contrast, irons with metal plates can literally “cook” your hair, leading to breakage, color fading, and extensive heat damage. Make sure any ceramic flat irons you’re considering for purchase feature layers of ceramic baked onto the plates, rather than a thin ceramic coating that will wear off over time, leaving a metal plate exposed. Ceramic flat irons also produce negative ions, which will also help to seal your hair’s follicles and prevent damage. Since many people are in the habit of using their flat irons on a daily basis, it’s important to invest in a quality iron that will serve you well without taking its toll on your hair.