A flat iron is used to create and maintain different hair styles, mainly to straighten hair. Naturally wavy or curly hair can easily be made straight again for a completely different look. Heat is used to change the structure of the hair. Some flat irons have a temperature control gauge to control the amount of heat the flat iron puts out. Flat irons may contain a removable comb on the plates, to assist in straighten hair and to help detangle the hair.
Modern day flat irons commonly contain ionic, tourmaline, palladium, and ceramic materials.http://www.nationwidebeauty.com/Tools/Flat-Irons Ceramic is the common material used for flat irons, which allow for more constant heat. Flat irons are available in a variety of sizes, from extremely thin for more detailed styles, and up to two inches in width for dealing with longer or thick hair, and smaller travel sizes.
Ionic flat irons help to deliver a consistent heat to flatten the hair. Tourmaline is a material commonly used with ceramic plates to promote gentle heating to the hair to minimize the damage.http://www.sallybeauty.com/tattoo-flatiron/SBS-345876,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair09-06 Palladium is another material used with ceramic. It can maintain heat, and be used on a number of different hair types.http://www.sallybeauty.com/ceramic-flat-iron/JILBRE53,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair09-06 Prices can range from $10.00, to well over $100.00.http://www.sallybeauty.com/flat-irons/Hair09-06,default,sc.html?psortb1=category-pos_Hair09&psortd1=1&start=0&sz=48 http://www.nationwidebeauty.com/Tools/Flat-Irons
Warnings
After prolonged usage of a flat iron, hair may become damaged from over use, causing split ends.http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/tips/flat-iron-042908 Hair can be damaged when constantly using high temperatures. Temperature settings can range from 170 degrees, up to 400 degrees.http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/how-not-to-wreck-your-hair Temperatures around 400 degrees is too hot of a setting for hair. Use a low to medium heat setting. Flat irons that contain ceramic are the best to help with hair damage.http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/tips/flat-iron-042908
How To Choose A Flat Iron
The video gives tips on how to choose different size plates, ranging from half an inch, and up to two inches. The size of the plates on a flat iron depends on personal preference, how thick or thin the hair is, and type of hair styles made. Smaller flat irons can create a fine detailed hair style. There are three heating elements in a flat iron: coil, PTC, and PTFC. The majority use PTC since it promotes an even amount of heat, preventing hot spots. Plates are made with different materials such as ceramic, tourmaline, gold tone. Some materials can hold heat better than others, and are of a better quality.
References
Fast Facts
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Common name
Hair straightener
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Purpose
Style irons are used to straighten or curl hair
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Materials
Ion, tourmaline, palladium, and ceramic
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Temperature settings
Low, medium, hot
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Different sizes
From half an inch, up to two inches
