Choosing the correct flat iron that fits your specific needs can mean the difference between exposing your hair to potential damage and saving your hair from it. Like most beauty products, flat irons don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why it’s important to consider your hair type, lifestyle, and daily schedule when choosing the flat iron that’s right for you! The amount of details involved in making flat irons special can be daunting, so we’ve broken it down for you in this simple guide. If you read it, in order, you’ll be able to find the tool that is perfect for your hair, purpose, and lifestyle!
First things first: It’s important to invest in a high-end or professional-grade flat iron rather than a drug store one. This is due to the way the iron holds heat and the materials used to create it. Drug store irons often include coated ceramic plates, which can wear down over time and really hurt the health of your hair. In fact, even some irons that claim to be ‘professional-grade’ will implement coated plates!
At FHI Heat, we use triple-baked ceramic plates to protect your iron from chipping and exposing your hair to hot and cold spots, snagging, pulling, and breakage. Unlike most irons, FHI Heat Irons also include ceramic heaters for more even heat distribution. Additionally, they include a swivel chords, smooth floating plates, and are infused with tourmaline for extra negative ions!
Everyone’s hair is fiinnnne (as in sexy), but is it fine? What kind of hair do you have? This is, of course, unique for every single individual; however, often hair can be broken down into two categories: fine to medium or medium to thick. Fine hair usually means that individual strands are thinner and more prone to breaking, requiring a buffer of protection. Thicker hair is usually more challenging to style. On top of that, you must consider how damaged your hair is and if it is prone to breakage.
If you have fine to medium hair, you’re going to want to look at tourmaline ceramic flat irons because ceramic plates encourage even heat distribution and are safer to use. Tourmaline is known for having protecting properties. But whether you believe in the power of crystals or not, fact is that tourmaline is excellent at producing negative ions, repelling frizz and locking in moisture.
Our pick: Platform Signature Pro Styler -1”
*ON SALE NOW - $25 OFF PLATFORM SIGNATURE PRO STYLING IRON - OFFER END 2/22/2022
Titanium flat irons are usually reserved for much coarser and thicker hair because they heat up faster and they are best for holding high heat temperatures. Titanium plates are usually more expensive, but necessary for taming coarse thick hair.
Our pick: Platform Titanium Sleek Pro Styler
If you fall into one of these three categories, you’re going to want to find a flat iron that has plates that are less than 1” thick. Both short and fine hair requires a great degree of control over the amount of heat applied, making smaller plates the best option. If your hair is hard to style (perhaps it’s very curly), you’ll want an iron which allows you to get as close to the root as possible, making thinner plates the premier choice.
Our Pick: Platform Signature Pro Styler ½”
*ON SALE NOW - $25 OFF PLATFORM SIGNATURE PRO STYLING IRON - OFFER END 2/22/2022
Once you’ve decided which type of materials your iron should include, you’ll want to consider what types of styling you are using the flat iron for. Are you only interested in Luicy Lu pin-straight hair, or would you like the tool to also be able to give you Drew Barrymore waves? Moreover, are you someone who needs a flat iron for touch-ups and bangs, or for their entire head of hair?
If you are looking to straighten your hair and nothing more, you’ll want to find a straightener with wider plates. This is simply so that it can straighten more hair at once. While less versatile than thinner plates, wide plates can cut your styling time in half!
Our pick: Platform Signature Pro Styler 1¾”
*ON SALE NOW - $25 OFF PLATFORM SIGNATURE PRO STYLING IRON - OFFER END 2/22/2022
If you are looking to use your flat iron as a styler rather than just a straightener, you are going to want to make sure that you choose curve-shaped irons around 1” in width, which allow for creating curls and waves. FHI Heat straighteners contain extra beveled, floating plates with edge-to-edge heating to allow for multiple styles to be created!
Our pick: Platform Plus Curve Pro Styler 1”
If you are someone who already has your desired style and simply needs an iron for touch ups, tendrill-styling, or fringe bang maintenance, you’re going to want a mini-iron with thin plates!
Our pick: Rose Gold Platform Mini Flat Iron
Link to user: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZF6ZU4PS55/
Listen, at FHI Heat, we don’t judge. Whether you like to take your time to create immaculate styles, or you’re rushing out of the door every morning attempting to avoid inevitable coffee spillage, we want your iron to work for you! Perhaps you’re a globe trotter or a professional stylist! Whatever your lifestyle calls for, there’s a correct iron for you.
Why? A ceramic iron is going to give you less damage than a titanium one. Additionally, it is going to protect you from damage and keep you looking silky and fresh! However, Titanium heats up faster, which is why you are going to want to make sure you aren’t someone who is rushing out of the door every day!
Our pick: Platform Signature Pro Styler-1"
*ON SALE NOW - $25 OFF PLATFORM SIGNATURE PRO STYLING IRON - OFFER END 2/22/2022
Why? Titanium is going to heat up faster, keeping your ‘get-ready’ time short. Magnesium is going to protect you and keep you looking sleek while you use that efficient titanium!
Our pick: Platform Ti Sleek Titanium Pro Styler
If you are always travelling, you’re going to want to invest in an iron with dual voltage, allowing you to use it internationally!
Our pick: All FHI Heat flat irons feature dual voltage, so feel free to pick your favorite!
Obviously, if you’re a pro, you’re going to want your tools to reflect that. What does this mean? Fantastic, smoothing materials with negative-ion technology. Titanium plates are best for this and they will withstand the wear of chemically or keratin treated hair. Arguably more important is the fact that it has an extra-long cord, so that you can move around your client with ease while you are styling. A thinner-plated iron is preferred for versatility and titanium is preferred for speed.
What Heat Temp Should I Set for My Hair Type?
When it comes to using heat styling tools, there's a fine line between sleek, shiny hair and the dreaded damage zone. Finding the right temperature is crucial for getting those luscious curls or silky strands without sacrificing the health of your hair. Luckily, FHI Heat has made it easy to style safely, offering a variety of stylers and curlers with adjustable heat settings designed for every hair type. But how do you know what temperature is perfect for your locks?
