How to Find the Best Flat Iron for Curly Hair
Tip #1: Don’t forget about your curls.
If you’re not one to wear your hair completely straight 100 percent of the time, you need to prioritize the health of your curls when you aren’t straightening your hair. There are some flat irons on the market that can cause reversible damage no matter what heat protectant you use. It’s best to look for a flat iron that allows you to control its heat settings, as well as have plates that aren’t coated (as they end up chipping over time and snagging the hair).
Tip #2: Find the plates that works for you.
Talking about plates, there are few options you can get. As we mentioned in our hair dryer for curly hair guide, you can go for an ionic, tourmaline or ceramic flat iron. The difference between all three is simply how quick they heat up, and how much moisture each retains in your hair. With naturally curly hair, moisture is key, so go for the one that retains the most moisture to avoid having a dry and dull feel.
Tip #3: Don’t depend on flat iron claims.
Keep in mind that you can’t rely on your flat iron to do everything for you. Before using your flat iron, be sure to use moisturizing hair products and heat guards like thermal protectants. If a flat iron claims to reduce the amount of heat damage on your hair, this doesn’t mean you should get rid of your heat protectants altogether. The amount of times, and how you use a flat iron on your hair, are really the only ways to determine the damage. A rule of thumb: Iron your hair in small sections to avoid having to repeat and refine the method on the same area.
Tip #4: Do thorough research.
You may not be able to try a flat iron out before you buy it, but you can see how it works for someone else. Try searching for videos on the best flat iron for curly hair on YouTube and see what others are suggesting. Watch a few videos before making your decision. Once you find the one you like, you can then find a retailer that sells it at a price you can afford.
Tip #5: If possible, register your flat iron.
There are some companies that give you the option to register your styling tools. Heat styling tools like flat irons are an investment. That way you’re protected if something happens to it and you can get a replacement, or even get it repaired at a lower cost. Once you’ve found the best flat iron for curly hair types, you should know how to use it. If you need help, here’s how you can flat iron your hair in a flash.
