When it comes to styling natural hair, a flat iron is a must-have tool. But not all flat irons are created equal. If you have natural hair, it’s important to choose a flat iron that is designed specifically for your hair type. Using the wrong flat iron can damage your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and frizzy. A good flat iron will help you to achieve smooth, sleek hair without damaging it.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a flat iron for natural hair. First, you’ll want to choose a flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These materials are less damaging to hair than metal plates. Second, you’ll want to choose a flat iron with adjustable heat settings. This will allow you to customize the heat to your hair type and texture. Finally, you’ll want to choose a flat iron with a long cord. This will give you more freedom of movement when you’re styling your hair.
Once you’ve chosen a flat iron, you’ll need to learn how to use it properly. Here are a few tips:
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Section your hair into small pieces.
- Use a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from damage.
- Start at the roots and slowly move the flat iron down the hair shaft.
- Don’t hold the flat iron in one spot for too long.
- Let your hair cool completely before brushing it.
By following these tips, you can use a flat iron to achieve smooth, sleek hair without damaging it.
1. Plate material
When it comes to choosing a flat iron for natural hair, the type of plate material is an important consideration. Ceramic or tourmaline plates are less damaging to hair than metal plates. This is because ceramic and tourmaline are both natural materials that emit negative ions when heated. Negative ions help to seal the hair cuticle, which reduces frizz and damage. Metal plates, on the other hand, can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
In addition to being less damaging, ceramic and tourmaline plates also heat up more evenly than metal plates. This means that you can achieve smooth, sleek hair without having to use as high of a heat setting. This is important for natural hair, which is more prone to damage than other hair types.
If you are looking for the best flat iron for natural hair, be sure to choose one with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These materials will help to protect your hair from damage and give you smooth, sleek results.
Here are some examples of high-quality flat irons with ceramic or tourmaline plates:
- GHD Platinum+ Styler
- Dyson Corrale Straightener
- T3 Lucea ID Straightening & Styling Iron
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic Straightening Iron
- Hot Tools Black Gold Evolve Ionic Flat Iron
These flat irons are all designed to minimize damage to natural hair and give you beautiful, healthy results.
2. Heat settings
Adjustable heat settings are an important feature to look for in a flat iron for natural hair. This is because natural hair is more prone to damage than other hair types. Using too high of a heat setting can damage the hair cuticle, causing it to become dry, brittle, and frizzy. Adjustable heat settings allow you to customize the heat to your specific hair type and texture. This helps to reduce the risk of damage and gives you the best possible results.
For example, if you have fine or damaged hair, you should use a lower heat setting. If you have thick or coarse hair, you can use a higher heat setting. By customizing the heat to your hair type, you can achieve smooth, sleek hair without damaging it.
Here are some tips for choosing the right heat setting for your hair type:
- Fine or damaged hair: Use a heat setting between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Normal hair: Use a heat setting between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thick or coarse hair: Use a heat setting between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. You may need to adjust the heat setting based on your individual hair type and texture.
By using a flat iron with adjustable heat settings, you can customize the heat to your specific hair type and texture. This helps to reduce the risk of damage and gives you the best possible results.
3. Cord length
When it comes to choosing the best flat iron for natural hair, cord length is an important consideration. A long cord gives you more freedom of movement when you’re styling your hair. This is especially important if you have long or thick hair, as it can be difficult to maneuver a flat iron with a short cord.
A long cord also allows you to style your hair in different positions. For example, you can stand up and style your hair in front of a mirror, or you can sit down and style your hair on a table. This flexibility is especially helpful if you have limited space in your bathroom or dressing area.
In addition, a long cord reduces the risk of tangles and knots. This is because you can move the flat iron around more easily without having to worry about the cord getting tangled.
When choosing a flat iron for natural hair, be sure to choose one with a long cord. This will give you more freedom of movement and flexibility when you’re styling your hair.
4. Width
The width of the plates on a flat iron is an important consideration when choosing the best flat iron for natural hair. The width of the plates will determine how much hair you can straighten at once. Wider plates are ideal for straightening thick, coarse hair, while narrower plates are better for straightening fine, thin hair.
- Wide plates can straighten more hair at once, which can save time when styling thick, coarse hair. However, wide plates can be more difficult to maneuver, especially on shorter hair.
- Narrow plates are easier to maneuver and can be used to straighten even the shortest hair. However, narrow plates can take longer to straighten thick, coarse hair.
When choosing the best flat iron for natural hair, it is important to consider the width of the plates. The width of the plates should be appropriate for your hair type and texture. If you have thick, coarse hair, you should choose a flat iron with wide plates. If you have fine, thin hair, you should choose a flat iron with narrow plates.
5. Weight
When choosing the best flat iron for natural hair, it is important to consider the weight of the flat iron. A lightweight flat iron is easier to handle and use, which can reduce the risk of strain and fatigue. This is especially important if you have long or thick hair, as it can take longer to straighten your hair with a heavy flat iron.
In addition, a lightweight flat iron is easier to maneuver, which gives you more control over the styling process. This can help you to achieve smooth, sleek results without snagging or pulling your hair. If you have fine or damaged hair, a lightweight flat iron is less likely to cause breakage.
When choosing a flat iron, be sure to hold it in your hand to get a feel for the weight. You should choose a flat iron that is comfortable to hold and use. If the flat iron is too heavy, it can be difficult to control and may cause strain or fatigue.
Here are some examples of lightweight flat irons that are ideal for natural hair:
- GHD Mini Styler
- Dyson Corrale Straightener
- T3 Lucea ID Straightening & Styling Iron
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic Straightening Iron
- Hot Tools Black Gold Evolve Ionic Flat Iron
These flat irons are all lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for styling natural hair.
6. Price
When it comes to choosing the best flat iron for natural hair, price is an important consideration. Flat irons range in price from affordable to high-end, so it is important to choose one that fits your budget. However, it is important to remember that price is not always an indicator of quality. There are many affordable flat irons on the market that perform just as well as high-end models.
- Consider your hair type and texture. If you have thick, coarse hair, you will need a flat iron with more power and heat settings. This type of flat iron will be more expensive than a flat iron designed for fine, thin hair.
- Consider the features that are important to you. Some flat irons come with additional features, such as adjustable heat settings, ionic technology, and automatic shut-off. These features can be helpful, but they will also increase the price of the flat iron.
- Read reviews from other users. Before you purchase a flat iron, be sure to read reviews from other users. This will give you a good idea of how well the flat iron performs and whether or not it is worth the price.
- Consider your budget. Flat irons range in price from $20 to $200. It is important to choose a flat iron that fits your budget. However, it is also important to remember that you get what you pay for. A cheap flat iron may not perform as well as a more expensive model.
By following these tips, you can choose the best flat iron for natural hair that fits your needs and budget.
When it comes to choosing the best flat iron for natural hair, brand is an important consideration. There are many different brands of flat irons on the market, and not all brands are created equal. Some brands are known for producing high-quality flat irons that are designed to minimize damage to natural hair. Other brands produce flat irons that are less expensive, but may not be as durable or effective.
- Reputation: The best flat iron brands for natural hair have a reputation for producing high-quality products. These brands typically have a long history of satisfied customers. You can read online reviews to get a sense of what other people have to say about a particular brand before you make a purchase.
- Features: The best flat iron brands for natural hair offer a variety of features that are designed to protect and style natural hair. These features may include adjustable heat settings, ionic technology, and ceramic or tourmaline plates.
- Price: The best flat iron brands for natural hair tend to be more expensive than other brands. However, it is important to remember that you get what you pay for. A high-quality flat iron will last longer and perform better than a cheap flat iron.
- Warranty: The best flat iron brands for natural hair offer a warranty on their products. This warranty protects you in case the flat iron breaks or malfunctions.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best flat iron brand for your natural hair. Some of the top flat iron brands for natural hair include GHD, Dyson, T3, BaBylissPRO, and Hot Tools.
FAQs on “best flat iron natural hair”
Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing the best flat iron for natural hair:
Question 1: What is the best type of flat iron for natural hair?
The best type of flat iron for natural hair is one with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These materials are less damaging to hair than metal plates and help to seal the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and damage.
Question 2: What heat setting should I use on my natural hair?
The heat setting you use will depend on your hair type and texture. If you have fine or damaged hair, use a lower heat setting. If you have thick or coarse hair, you can use a higher heat setting.
Question 3: How often can I use a flat iron on my natural hair?
It is best to limit the use of a flat iron on natural hair to once or twice a week. Overuse of a flat iron can damage the hair and cause it to become dry and brittle.
Question 4: How can I protect my natural hair from heat damage?
To protect your natural hair from heat damage, be sure to use a heat protectant spray before using a flat iron. Heat protectant sprays create a barrier between your hair and the heat of the flat iron, helping to reduce damage.
Question 5: What are some tips for using a flat iron on natural hair?
Here are some tips for using a flat iron on natural hair:
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Section your hair into small pieces.
- Use a heat protectant spray.
- Start at the roots and slowly move the flat iron down the hair shaft.
- Don’t hold the flat iron in one spot for too long.
- Let your hair cool completely before brushing it.
Summary: By following these tips, you can use a flat iron to achieve smooth, sleek hair without damaging it.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you know how to choose and use a flat iron for natural hair, let’s explore some of the best flat irons on the market.
Tips for Using a Flat Iron on Natural Hair
Using a flat iron on natural hair can be a great way to achieve a smooth, sleek look. However, it is important to use a flat iron correctly to avoid damaging your hair. Here are five tips for using a flat iron on natural hair:
Tip 1: Use a heat protectant spray. A heat protectant spray will create a barrier between your hair and the heat of the flat iron, helping to reduce damage. Be sure to apply the heat protectant spray evenly to your hair before using the flat iron.
Tip 2: Start with clean, dry hair. Dirty or wet hair is more likely to be damaged by heat styling. Be sure to wash and dry your hair before using a flat iron.
Tip 3: Section your hair into small pieces. This will make it easier to straighten your hair evenly and avoid tangles. Use a comb or brush to divide your hair into small sections.
Tip 4: Start at the roots and slowly move the flat iron down the hair shaft. Don’t hold the flat iron in one spot for too long, as this can damage your hair. Move the flat iron slowly and evenly down the hair shaft from roots to ends.
Tip 5: Let your hair cool completely before brushing it. Brushing your hair while it is still hot can damage it. Allow your hair to cool completely before brushing it.
Summary: By following these tips, you can use a flat iron to achieve smooth, sleek hair without damaging it.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: Now that you know how to use a flat iron on natural hair, let’s explore some of the best flat irons on the market.
Conclusion
Choosing the best flat iron for natural hair can be a daunting task. However, by following the tips in this article, you can choose a flat iron that will help you to achieve smooth, sleek hair without damaging it. When choosing a flat iron, be sure to consider the type of plate material, heat settings, cord length, width, weight, price, and brand. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the best flat iron for your individual needs.
Once you have chosen a flat iron, be sure to use it properly to avoid damaging your hair. Use a heat protectant spray, start with clean, dry hair, section your hair into small pieces, start at the roots and slowly move the flat iron down the hair shaft, and let your hair cool completely before brushing it. By following these tips, you can use a flat iron to achieve beautiful, healthy hair.
