When considering buying a new flat iron or hair straightener, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the most of your money. Investing in a quality hair straightener will save you time and money in the long run.

The single most important factor of a good flat iron are the plates.  Try to find one with tourmaline or ceramic plates (or a blend) because these are the gentlest on your hair and will cause the least damage.  Even though other materials may be less expensive, they will not provide the results you’re looking for.

Second, look for temperature controls.  Many flat irons are not equipped with an adjustable temperature control but rather have an “on” and an “off” setting. Being able to change the temperature not only provides convenience, but it will allow you to use the lowest possible heat setting for your hair (which will cause less damage).  Fine hair requires a lower temperature setting than thick hair and course hair requires a much higher temperature setting than silky hair.   Using an incorrect temperature will create less-than-desirable results on your hair and potentially cause more damage than necessary.

Third, the shape of a flat iron will affect the styles you can produce with the tool.  A thinner hair straightener offers more versatility than a wider, thicker hair straightener and will allow you to curl, flip as well as straighten. On the other hand, if you simply intent to straighten your hair each day, a larger (2 inch) flat iron may be more beneficial.

Depending on how often you plan to use your flat iron, you may also want to consider the heating time. If you plan on using it for professional purposes or on a daily basis, you will want a one with a short heat up time. If your flat iron is reserved for special occasions only, the heating time will not play a big role in your decision. The length of cord is another convenience feature to consider. A longer cord is essential for hair straighteners which will serve a professional purpose and a nice feature when using it on a daily basis.

Keeping the features describe above in mind when researching which flat iron is right for you, will help you make the right decision for your lifestyle.

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