Flat irons* are becoming more sophisticated, with higher quality materials and more options than ever. With all of the different brands and buzz words used to describe them, it is hard to determine which features are important to have in a flat iron*.
To understand the types of flat irons, please see Understanding Flat Irons. The brand name and cost are less important then what the iron* can actually do, so here are the features I believe to be most important:
1. High quality metal: Ceramic or titanium are the most popular quality metals, they heat evenly and generate negative ions which creates smoother results.
2. Ionic Output Booster: Ceramic and titanium alone generate negative ions, titanium at a higher rate. However tourmaline, when added to the plates of the flat irons* yields a much higher output of negative ions.
3. Adjustable Temperature: Some flat irons have a number dial, the higher the number the hotter the temperature. This is better than simply having an on/off or high/low switch, but I think being able to actually adjust the temperature is best. Some irons use a manual dial while others allow you to set the temperature digitally. I don’t think one is any better than the other and it may not be worth it to some to spend the extra money for a digital display.
4. Beveled Edges: When the edges of your flat iron* are rounded instead of ending with a blunt edge, it gives you the ability to create many different looks instead of just straightening your hair. You can bend, curl, flip, twist, crimp and spiral with irons that have beveled edges.
5. 360 Swivel Cord: when the cord is static and does not swivel, the iron* can be more difficult to maneuver and may limit the angles in which you flat iron* your hair. However when the cord can swivel completely, you can use the iron* in whatever position works best for you and the cord will not be a hindrance.
6. Indicator Light: Instead of just being lit when the iron is on, the new, more sophisticated indicator lights actually let you know when the iron is heating versus when the selected temperature has actually been reached. Definitely a feature worth having!
7. Automatic shut off: Not many irons actually have this feature but it is one I like to have in as many of my hot tools as possible. It is more a safety feature than actually improving the performance of your iron, but is helpful to have nonetheless.
Mahogony Love says
temp setting, ceramic plates
MyTo R MyLife says
Automatic flatiron
Ciarra MG says
Ceramic plates, and temperature settings. It wouldn’t hurt if it was a pretty color too :3
Leslie Tayi says
1 hour to 30 minute automatic shut off… Safety’s good
ArDaesha Marie Johnson says
I love this flat iron
Joy Franklin says
Sedus are Awesome!
Semendablessed Howard says
Natural all the way no flat iron!
Chelsea Crouch says
straightened natural hair is still natural
Gershelle Cunningham says
I like the ones with a tight grip…seems to straighten better
Gershelle Cunningham says
Argon oil has a great one! Like it better than my CHI’s
Frankye Campbell says
Is the perfector styler hard on Black Hair???
Charise Robinson says
What’s the best flat iron for natural hair?
Ray Couture says
Babyliss nano titanium is the best
Tamera Durett says
^^^^^yes the best
Semendablessed Howard says
I didnot say flat iron was not natural!
Chelsea Crouch says
essentially, yes u did
Alisha-sophisticated Hawthorne says
I use babylis nano titanium C styler with titanium plates. Wouldn’t trade this advanced iron with any other. the brand is incomparable.
Roneisha Monae says
I use the croc stik. It works great on my hair. It was also inexpensive.
Valerie Johnson says
I can’t use them, they were breaking my hair off…
Cris Tucker says
They can damage your hair
Felicia Robinson says
Have tried it yet. Sucking in knowledge before I go to a Salon.
Jasmine N. Griffin says
Titanium flat irons
Debra Hopper says
As long as i see “gold n hot” I’m good
Tamar Green says
Yes
La'Charae Brown says
I like that
Shawntrina Howard says
I love this flat iron!
Semendablessed Howard says
My statement will stay the same I embrace my natural hair and flat irons willnot be part of the process! Who ever chose to use flat irons not my concern.
Barbara Heimlich says
I like my iTech Infra red 450. It’s the best iron I’ve ever uses and I’ve used a lot of them!!
Jamia Anewchapter Knox says
What’s the difference between titanium irons and ceramic irons?
Deneen Whitaker says
Pressing comb works better for me.
Shawnta Coleman says
You not using flat irons isn’t our concern
Amanda Bradley says
Seduuuu
Caramel Kimmie says
Instyler Hair Malaysia gives life the best
Nicole Starr says
depends on hair tYpe. people that have straw type they don’t need that much heat the people that grow coil type need a lot of heat
Shawnnita Larkins says
Digital settings, swivel cord, automatic shut off, 15sec heat up,heat settings varing from 300°f to 450°f
Shanice Goodridge-Flemming says
A GHD logo please!
mimi says
My current flat iron
(That I don’t actually use on my hair but on my wigs, but bought it just in case I decide to use heart on my hair… I don’t even use it on the wigs anymore… I use heatless methods lool)
1. 80°C to 230°C (176°F to446°F)
2. Variable temperature settings (goes up from 80°C by 10°C Each time you adjust the settings)
3. Digital display (I see exactly what heat setting it’s on)
4. Tourmaline coated ceramic plates (curved edges)
5. Ionic conditioning
6. Swivel cord
7. Automatic shut off.
My curling tongs have the exact same features, but guess from 160°C to 220°C…. I’ve also never used it on my hair.
I recently bought hair dryers…. Used it twice and left it.
My hair is always in cornrows under braids or weaves anyway, but at least I’m prepared! The day I decide to straighten my hair I wouldn’t have to resort to any straightener (like the ceramic coated one with 3 heat settings, no display, leaves my hair smelling burnt, made my hair explode into a frizz ball, “flat iron” that I used to own).
Altheria Rabb says
Went without heatstyling my hair for almost 8 months. Sally’s was having a sale on flat and curling irons – I stood in the aisle forever trying to figure which product would be best. I ended up walking away without a purchase – I didn’t have enough information on which to purchase. And I reminded myself that my hair had been just fine without heat… thank you for this article!
Candace J says
This was a really helpful article, not to mention short, sweet and straight to the point. Excellent.