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.