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Flat Iron

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Flat Iron Features; What they Mean & What They Do

So, you know you want a hair straightener and decide to start some research on which one will best suit you, only to find that there are 100's to choose from and they all have different features. Tourmaline, Ionic, Infra Red Heat Technology..etc..So what do these things actually mean and what benefits do they provide? Well, keep on reading and soon you will know exactly what those features mean and which ones count the most!

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CERAMIC & TITANIUM PLATES

What is the Difference?

First let me say when buying a hair straightener PLEASE make sure the plates are True Ceramic or Titanium. Stay clear of painted plates as these will peel and chip causing damage to your hair by snagging and pulling. OUCH!
  1. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CERAMIC PLATES?

    Ceramic plates distribute an even heat preventing hot spots on the iron which can burn hair. Ceramic plates are smooth and will not chip or peel. They work to prevent static electricity, smooth and seal the hairs cuticle, eliminating frizz and add shine to hair.
  2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TITANIUM PLATES?

    Like ceramic, Titanium also produces an even distribution of heat, prevents static electricity, smooths and seals the hairs cuticle and add shine. There are a few benefits that Titanium has over Ceramic being Titanium is an extremely durable metal which is scratch resistant and light weight.
Hotness Flat Iron - Raven

Ceramic Plated Flat Iron 

Karmin Titanium Flat Iron

Titanium Plated Flat Iron 

FAR INFRARED HEAT

How does it make a difference?

Far-infrared heat is produced from the use of tourmaline and ceramic combined.
  1. There are a few benefits with a hair straightener that uses Far Infrared Heat. This type of heating heats the hair from the inside out, causing less surface damage. Heat will distribute more evenly and it also produces quicker results making straightening your hair much faster and reducing the risk of damage.

NEGATIVE IONS

What do they do?

When browsing through hair irons you will notice many will include the feature "Ionic" This is a good thing!
  1. WHAT DOES IONIC MEAN?

    When you read Ionic this means that the iron produces negative ions which have many benefits in a flat iron.
  2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NEGATIVE IONS?

    Negative ions can make straightening your hair go much quicker and an iron which uses tourmaline (see below) produces about 6 times more negative ions than a regular ceramic plated flat iron.

    Negative Ions work to eliminate frizz and static by smoothing and closing the cuticle layer. This makes your hair soft and silky to the touch, shiny and healthy looking. Negative Ions also work to seal in the natural moisture of your hair which helps to protect your hair and color from heat damage.

TOURMALINE

What does this Mean and What are the Benefits?

Tourmaline is a semi precious gem which is a natural source of negative ions and far infrared rays(FIR).
  1. HOW IS IT USED IN A HAIR IRON?

    The crystal is ground into a fine powder which is then infused onto the plates of a hair iron.You will usually see plates advertised as Ceramic Tourmaline or Titanium Tourmaline which means the Tourmaline is infused onto either Ceramic or Titanium plates.
  2. WHAT BENEFIT DOES THIS PROVIDE IN A HAIR STRAIGHTENER?

    Because Tourmaline produces negative ions and FIR when used in the plates of a hair iron this produces longer lasting straightness, shinier and smoother results. Tourmaline plates will also cause less damage on your hair and keep hair in a healthier condition.

Tourmaline Crystal 

Other Important Features to Look for in a Hair Straightener

Hotness Flat Iron - MinaxTemperature Control -
This is a very important feature as we all have different hair types. If your hair is thin, fragile, chemically treated or damaged you need to use your flat iron on a lower setting than you would if you have normal, strong, healthy hair.

Plate Size -
This depends on your hair length as well as what you intend to use your iron for. If you have really long hair that you only plan to straighten any size will work. HOWEVER if you have short hair, bangs, layers or plan to use your hair straightener to its full potential and curl, flip and add waves as well, a 1" plate size is ideal.

Flash Quick Heating-
This features gets the iron hot in seconds, no more waiting around for your iron to get enough to use!

Swivel Cord-
Most wouldn't think about this feature however a cord that swivels makes a huge difference. As you move the iron around your head to get to the back or from side to side a swivel cord will prevent you from becoming tangled up in the cord!

Professional Hair Straighteners

Ceramic & Titanium

Professional Flat Irons
Professional Hair Shears and Hairstyling Tools for Salons. Top Name Brands like Kamisori Shears, Karmin, Hotness, Bonika and More.
The Karmin Professional Titanium Flat Iron
The Karmin Professional Titanium Flat Iron
Hotness Flat Irons
Hotness Professional Styling Irons are ergonomically designed with both the
hairstylist and home user in mind. Achieve salon results quickly and efficiently with a max temperature of 450° F.

Hair Straightener Links

Links to various Hair Iron Articles.
Cleaning & Storing Your Flat Iron
You invest good money in your hairstyling tools so taking care of them is important if you want them to continue to perform their best and last.
Choosing the Right Size Flat Iron for Your Hair Type
How to Choose the Right Size Flat Iron for Your Hair Type
How to Straighten Hair
Smooth, straight and frizz free hair is simple to achieve with a good flat iron and these Professional tips on How to Straighten Hair.
Top 5 Flat Irons
A list of the Best Selling Flat Irons

Hotness Hair Straightener Review - How to Curl Hair with Hairstyling Flat Iron

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How to Straighten Hair with Volume using Flat Iron

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Heat Styling - Hair Care

PROTECT YOUR HAIR! It is vital that before using any heated styling tools you apply a heat protectant to protect your hair from potential damage!
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Erinlk

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My name is Erin and I am a single mother of two beautiful children and for over 5 years now I have been researching, studying, testing, desi... more »

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