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What is the Best Flat Iron for Black Hair?

Suanders
What is the Best Flat Iron for Black Hair

Last updated on October 17th, 2023 at 11:50 am

When it comes to straightening black hair, a flat iron is definitely a fan favorite. And if you are on the 4C scale, it is necessary to achieve that bone-straight look, especially if you have nappy natural hair.

While flat irons can seem like no-brainers (after all, they are two pieces of hot plates on a hinge), there is more to choosing one than meets the eye. Before going into the details on how to choose, here is a quick look at the very best in the market right now.

Top 5 Flat Irons for Black Hair

  1. ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener
  2. CHI Original Lava 1″ Ceramic Hairstyling Flat Iron
  3. Remington S5502 1″ Anti-Static Flat Iron
  4. CROC Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron
  5. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron

  6. ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener

The ghd Platinum+ is the world’s first Smart Hair Straightener. It features Ultra-zone TM predictive technology that predicts your hair needs. In addition, it recognizes hair thickness and speed of styling and adjusts accordingly.

The flat iron monitors heat produces 250 times per second through its predictive technology for optimal hair straightening results. In addition, this technology provides less breakage and more color protection. Your hair will also be left looking and feeling great.

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  1. CHI Original Lava 1″ Ceramic Hairstyling Flat Iron

The CHI ceramic flat iron plates are made from volcanic lava mixed with ceramic creates that deliver smooth, sleek results without damaging hair. The resulting plates require lower heat to produce the same results as the intense heat needed in other flat irons.

The flat iron also has an extended plate length. Its lightweight design makes it easier to use to create salon-quality hairstyles. The materials used also result in increased durability.

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  1. Remington S5502 1″ Anti-Static Flat Iron

This Remington flat iron uses high heat to straighten hair and prevent overexposure to heat quickly.  It features 1” ceramic plates with a titanium coating for a smoother glide during styling.

The flat iron uses negative ion technology to reduce frizz and flyaways while increasing shine and smoothness. Additionally, the eight-heat setting allows you to change the temperature depending on the density or texture of hair being flat irons.

Its temperature control LCD screen is also easy to use and read. Lastly, its swivel cord makes it easy to use without hurting your arms.

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  1. CROC Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron

This reliable flat iron for black hair is a salon-quality tool that allows you to straighten your hair like a pro. It features a 1.5-inch Nano-Titanium surface with a specially designed ceramic heating system that provides for one-pass styling.

The flat iron is fully digital, and it has temperatures ranging from 280-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Its silver titanium plates enable it to prevent frizz throughout the hair. In addition, it produces negative ions that smooth down the cuticles for a soft, smooth, and silky look.

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  1. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron

The BaBylissPRO Titanium Flat Iron features a slim design that helps eliminate hand fatigue while increasing styling flexibility.  It is ideal for creating pin-straight styles as well as bone-straight styles. This fast-performing flat iron has a heat-resistant housing that remains cool to the touch throughout.

Check this too: Which Henna is Best for Hair?

It is available in three widths; 1 Inch, 1-1/2 Inch, and 2 Inches. It uses Nano Titanium technology to protect hair from heat damage.

Additionally, its extra-long 5″ plates allow for more comprehensive sections of hair to be straightened.

Its sleek design also boosts straightening speed and effectiveness while eliminating hand fatigue and increasing styling flexibility.

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Choosing a flat iron for black hair is a significant decision as it would be futile to spend big bucks on a flat iron that cannot straighten black hair. So here are the best flat irons for black hair and some tips and tricks to get the best out of your new flat iron.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Flat Iron for Black Hair

They say cheap is expensive and with good reason. While a cheap flat iron may be able to straighten your hair, it may also do so for a short while before breaking down. Additionally, the results may not last, especially if the cuticles are not appropriately flattened.

This is why you should be diligent when shopping for a flat iron. To ensure that your new flat iron can straighten your nappy hair, ensure that it has the following features;

Plating

The three main types of ironing surface material for flat irons are ceramic and tourmaline. They each have advantages and disadvantages.

  1. Ceramic flat irons

They tend to glide through the hair without snagging. They heat up in about 30 seconds and maintain a constant temperature due to the inbuilt thermostat found in most ceramic flat irons.

The constant Temperature gives even results while the ceramic surface creates negative ions that seal in moisture, making your hair softer. However, they are easy to scratch or break. They also have to be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of hair styling products.

  1. Tourmaline flat irons

They are made from a semi-precious crystal which is excellent for producing negative ions. First, the tourmaline crystal is ground down into a powder. The powder is then infused into the ceramic plates of a flat iron.

Tourmaline flat irons can produce up to 6 times more negative ions than ceramic plates. This gives the hair a shinier, silkier finish with less heat.

  1. Titanium flat irons

This is the latest trend in flat irons. Titanium coating is scratch proof which makes it highly durable. It is also very smooth and hence does not snag or pull hair. Titanium is also impact-resistant, and it does not accumulate product buildup. But it is more expensive than the other two options.

Steam

Flat irons with steam vents will straighten your hair more effectively while releasing steam to prevent your hair from over-drying during the straightening process. This, in turn, helps to reduce heat damage on your hair strands.

Temperature control

This feature is mandatory as different hair textures require different amounts of heat to straighten them out. While intense heat may give smoother results, it is more likely to cause heat damage.

Look for a flat iron with a temperature control switch located on the handle for easy operation. An innovative flat iron will have a display that gives an accurate temperature reading. However, most models have a three-mode switch for minimum, medium, or maximum heat levels.

Cord length and maneuverability

A flat iron with a long swivel cord is necessary for easy usage. This is because you need to move the flat iron in different directions to straighten different parts of your head. Additionally, the swivel design prevents the cord from tangling as you straighten.

Check this too: Which flat iron is best ceramic or titanium?

Flat iron size

A more significant iron is better for straightening thick, long hair. This helps to reduce the straightening time as compared to if you were using a slim flat iron.  Some flat irons come with narrow plates (less than 1-inch-wide) and wide plates (more than 1 inch wide).

The narrow plates are best for ironing thinner strands and for styling bangs. They are much more comfortable to use. They can also be used for curling, as well as for straightening hair.

Plate design

Curved edges on a flat iron are necessary for creating curls, bands, flicks. If you plan to use the flat iron for styling, make sure the plates have rounded edges, and the upper side has a special coating.

Extra Features to Look for in Flat Irons

How to Flat Iron Black Hair

Black hair is fragile and prone to heat damage. for this reason, you should always prep your hair before using a flat iron on black hair. Here are some tips and tricks to help you straighten your black hair without damaging it.

Condition your Hair

This will help impart moisture into your hair before you flat iron. The extra moisture will help lessen the effect of the heat, thus mitigating heat damage. Always clean, moisturize and condition your hair before heat styling it.

Detangle your Hair

This step is crucial to make the hair straightening process easier. Separate your hair into four sections for easy detangling. Use a detangling spray if necessary, as you will not be able to straighten your hair if it is tangled.

Dry your hair

To reduce hair straightening time, dry your hair entirely first. Then, you can air dry or blow dry it. Blow drying minimizes the drying time, but air drying reduces exposure to heat. You can also blow-dry at the lowest heat setting to minimize heat exposure.

Use A Heat Protectant

Coat your hair thoroughly in a heat protectant to create a barrier between your hair and the heat. Apply the protectant from root to tip for best results.

Flat Iron your Hair

Section your hair for more effortless straightening. Then select your preferred temperature setting and begin the straightening process. Use the comb chasing method to get better results with fewer passes. Straighten small sections that can straighten in two to three passes.

Additional Tips and Suggestions

What Do You Put on Black Hair Before Flat Ironing It?

Only use a heat protectant. But it is important to note that even the best heat protectant will not protect your hair from extremely high heat. Apply the heat protectant while your hair is still wet for easy application. Then use a comb to brush to work the product through your damp hair evenly.

How Hot Should a Flat Iron Be for African American Hair?

The optimal Temperature for flat ironing black hair is 150°C (302°F). If you have thicker hair, you can go up to 340°F or 171°C. Anything beyond that will burn and scorch your hair strands.

What is the Best Flat Iron for Black Hair?

Keep reading to see our top five options for black hair.

Is a Flat Iron Bad for Black Hair?

Heat in moderation may not damage your hair strands, especially if you keep the temperature low and use a heat protectant. However, you should not flat iron dirty hair as the heat will only “cook” the oil and dirt in, which will lead to more damage.

Conclusion:

The best flat iron for black hair should be easy to use, have adjustable heat, and give results with few passes. Granted, you may not get the results you anticipated if it is your first time flat ironing your hair, but you will become a pro with time. The key is to go slow and steady while working on small manageable sections.

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