Hair Iron Basics - Know the Different Types By Kristy Scott

With the birth of hair irons, people do not need to go to salons anymore just to get their hair straight. They can now get sleek, smooth, and frizz-free locks in just a matter of minutes, right inside the comforts of their own home. People can now enjoy a straight hair today and go curly the next day without any hassle.

If you are planning to own one of these revolutionary pieces of hair equipment, one important thing to know is that there are different types of hair irons to choose from. By knowing this information, it will be easier for you to make a good decision as to which kind to buy for yourself.

Ceramic Flat Iron

Flat irons made of ceramic plates such as CHI irons are some of the most popular ones in the market today. This type of hair equipment has the ability to distribute heat evenly across the plate surface and retain heat without causing hot spots.

Like the ionic flat iron, this also produces negative ions that cancel out the positively charged electrons found in our hair. The result of this is a much smoother, silkier and straighter hair. Ceramic plates are also known to have infrared heat that is effective in preserving moisture in the hair shaft. CHI irons are among some of the best choices you have when it comes to ceramic irons.

Tourmaline Flat Iron

Tourmaline, which is a semi-precious gemstone crystal that is known for being a natural source of negative ions, is infused into the plates of a flat iron. The same process of cancellation of positively charged electrons happens when one uses this kind of flat iron. The result is also the same, which is a beautiful finish of a shiny and silky hair.

Aluminum Flat Iron

People who want to save money usually go for aluminum flat irons, which are very cheap in terms of cost. However, you have to be warned that this variety is also very cheap when it comes to the quality of the material and manufacture.

Aluminum flat irons are made with PTC heaters that are not capable of sustaining consistent temperature. Because of this, this type of hair iron can cause damage to the hair. It would make you think twice before buying this kind of hair iron because the money you save from buying this can certainly not be worth the damage it will give to your hair.

Buying Tips for Flat Irons:

• Choose a flat iron that ideal for your hair type and length. For example, if you have long and coarse hair, it would be a good option for you to buy an iron with a plate size of 1.5 to 3 inches. But if you have fine thin hair, go for one that has 1 to 1.5 inch plate.
• Consider the quality, not the price. Sure, the price is important but what is more important is the quality of the product.
• Get one that has a swivel cord. A swivel cord allows you to spin your iron in a 360-degree circle without tangling the cord.

It is true that flat irons have somewhat modernized the hair styling industry. This hair equipment has given valuable contributions in the beauty world which people are surely thankful for.

Krystal is a professional hair stylist with Salon Hive Hair Tools Division