subject: Professional Flat Irons [print this page] Professional Flat Irons Professional Flat Irons
Every day can be a "salon" perfect day when you use the tools that the professionals use. But what should you look for in a flat iron so you can re-create those hair styles from the comfort of your own home?
One of the features that you should look for in professional flat irons is the ability to adjust the temperature. This is vital since thick, curly or coarse hair need temperatures well over 350F while thin and naturally straight hair shouldn't even surpass 300F. Regular irons don't have this component and will continue to heat up as long as you leave it plugged in, making them reach dangerously high temperatures that may burn and damage your hair.
Other features such as a long rotating swivel cord, comfortable handles and a universal voltage are also important for swift and efficient styling. A 360 swivel cord will avoid tangling while you work around your hair and will present no problems when you twist and turn the iron to create curls or waves. Ergonomic handles with a comfortable grip will prevent you from getting a tired arm and ending up with a cramped hand by the time you finish styling; and a universal voltage or dual voltage as it's also called, allows you to take your trusty flat iron anywhere around the world with the guarantee that it'll work just as well as it does at home.
Last but certainly not least, take special care when it comes to the materials used in a flat iron. Cheaper irons use low quality heating plates, usually made out of aluminum and then painted to look like higher quality materials such as ceramic or tourmaline. This can potentially damage your hair more since the plates don't heat up as evenly as professional brands, so straightening with them becomes a chore with rather ineffective results. Plates that are genuinely ceramic, tourmaline or titanium are guaranteed to last and produce the best results. This is why you should pick a professional hair iron over a regular one, and it's also why the majority of hair salons and hair stylists employ top brands for fast and efficient results.
If you're after quality, then the best you can do is go pro. Even though they may cost more than ordinary flat irons, in the long run you'll be getting more value for your money.
