How Do I Choose the Best Straightening Iron?

Many individuals incorporate heat styling into their hair care regimen. Curlier hair types can create whole new hairstyles with the help of a straightening iron, while hair that is straight in nature can gain a more polished look with a flat iron. When choosing the best straightening iron, you should consider the barrel size, the technologies incorporated into the flat iron, and what is included in the set.

When selecting a straightening iron, it is imperative for you to select a flat iron with the correct barrel size for your hair length. If you have shorter hair, you should look for a 1-inch (2.54 cm) barrel at the largest that will be able to grasp the hair. For very short hair, you should consider investing in a mini-flat iron which may have a barrel size as small as 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). Longer hair can use flat irons with a 1.5-inch (3.81 cm) or larger barrel size, allowing for easy straightening of larger sections of hair at once.

If you want to cut down your prep time in the mornings or often shower at the gym, then selecting a wet-to-dry straightening iron can save you lots of time when heat styling. These flat irons are specially made to flat iron hair that is freshly washed, skipping the blow drying or air drying part of the hairstyling regimen. If opting for a wet-to-dry flat iron, make sure to select one that comes with a detangling comb packaged with the straightening iron, or one that has detangling combs installed right into the flat iron's barrel. This type of iron also has a variety of barrel sizes, so take that into consideration as well when selecting the best option for your hair.

Be sure to select a device from a manufacturer that has incorporated tourmaline and ceramic technologies. Tourmaline and ceramic material create negative ions when heated to a certain temperature, helping to seal the hair follicle for a smooth, polished look. Straightening irons that have tourmaline in them are especially beneficial for curlier hair types, which tends to be particularly fragile during the hair-straightening process. Tourmaline with a high heat setting will enable you to smooth the hair in one slow motion instead of repeated swiping of a lower-heat iron.

Many straighteners come in a set that can help to streamline the hair straightening process with a holder for heat appliances and a heat-protectant glove. A holder is a handy accessory that will avoid leaving a hot iron directly on your countertop, as they usually suspend the straightening iron in the air, away from flammable items that can warp due to the iron's heat. A heat-protectant glove will help also ward off any burns to your hands and skin during the straightening process.