There are numerous hot tools on the market, but no pro should be without a flat iron. While it’s also frequently referred to as a straightening iron, that’s only partially correct. Straighteners, as a category, include any device that smoothes out the hair, such as flat irons, hot brushes, hot combs, and even blow dryers. On the other hand, flat irons specifically refer to tools with two plates to iron your hair straight.
Despite the name, flat irons can do so much more than straighten the hair alone. This hot tool can also create beach waves or bouncy curls, seal in extensions, fix a sweaty hairline, simultaneously dry and style the hair, and more.
Flat irons come in all different sizes, ranging from approximately half an inch to two inches in width. One-inch wide plates are the most common and can double as a curling iron. As a general rule of thumb, the larger the plates, the easier it is to straighten long, coarse, curly, or thick hair without sacrificing time.
Plate type is also a significant consideration when choosing the best flat iron. The three main types of flat iron plates are ceramic (typically more affordable and suitable for dry, damaged, or fine hair), tourmaline (acceptable for all hair types), and titanium, the most durable of the trio and a good choice for coarse, thick, curly, and coily hair.
ProStylingTools offers a wide array of flat irons featuring all plate types and sizes from leading brands such as Bio Ionic, Croc, and BaByliss.
The 1-inch Bio Ionic Nano Ionic MX OnePass Pro Styling Flat Iron features silicon speed strip technology, allowing the hair to glide through the iron and become smooth with just one pass while increasing shine. NanoIonic Minerals infused into the Bio Ionic flat iron plates emit negative ions that break down water clusters. Micronized water molecules penetrate hair for extreme hydration, leaving it silky and smooth.
If you’re looking for a unique tourmaline model, look no further than the 1.25-inch Croc iPulse Vibrating Flat Iron. Along with tourmaline, the semi-precious smoothing plates are made from diamonds, onyx, and quartz. A patented ionic dispersion system causes a pulsating action that separates the hair for a smooth glide while releasing negative ions for ultimate conditioning and hydration. The rounded barrel allows ease of straightening and creating flat iron curls. The ventilation system in this Croc flat iron releases excess high heat, preventing internal and physical damage.
The BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Vented Ionic Flat Iron features 1.5-inch wide plates, making it the perfect tool for multiple uses. The vented plates eliminate heat, providing hair protection, but can also aid keratin treatments. The extra-long 5-inch plates on this BaByliss flat iron reach up to 450°F and allow for wider sections to be straightened, boosting speed and effectiveness while eliminating hand fatigue and increasing styling flexibility.
If you’re short on drying and styling time, Croc’s 1.5-inch Premium Wet To Dry Black Titanium Flat Iron is a two-in-one professional styling tool. The specially designed ventilation system allows water to evaporate as steam while simultaneously drying the hair while preventing internal and physical damage. The black (proprietary blend) titanium plates lock in moisture and reduce static, while built-in ceramic heaters enable instant heat recovery, providing consistent heat during use.
With so many different styles, features, and sizes available, you may wish to have more than one flat iron at your station to satisfy all your client's needs.
