REAL Exclusive Magazine Sheila Venancia - Perspectives - REAL Beauty

FLAT IRONS… So Many Choices?

By Sheila Venancia

Which flat iron is right for you? That depends largely on your hair type. A person with coarse, curly hair requires a different type of tool than a person with fine or slightly wavy hair.

Flat iron plates are made with a handful of different materials. Ceramic, tourmaline, a ceramic/tourmaline mix, and titanium are the most common. What’s the difference between these materials, and how does the plate material you choose affect your results?

CHOOSE YOUR MATERIAL

Ceramic – Many of today’s flat irons have ceramic infused into the plate. The negative ions emitted by the ceramic help create a smooth, shiny look. This might sound like magic, but there’s actually a scientific explanation behind it.

Tourmaline – Tourmaline is an organic, crystalline “gemstone” that has been ground up and layered onto the surface of the heating element. The gemstone layer holds heat evenly and consistently, which in turn helps you create a better style and more shiny hair. Faced with a choice between ceramic and tourmaline, many people gravitate toward tourmaline because it’s naturally better for the hair.

Titanium – Titanium is an actual chem-ical element that some manufacturers use as a top coat over the styling plate. Heat styling tools made of titanium are extremely powerful as they can reach a very high heat level. People with difficult hair to style appreciate the effectiveness of this material. Notably, titanium tends to cost more than other styling technologies.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PLATE SIZE

The part of the flat iron that heats up and presses the hair is called the plate. The average flat iron plate is one inch, but dimensions vary across the product line from a very narrow one-half inch to a generous three inches. The trick is to know which width works best for you before you invest in a pricey new iron.

A flat iron is a wonderful styling tool, but anything you can do to minimize the number of times you pass the iron over your hair will ultimately benefit the health of your strands. In general, people with longer hair require a larger plate than people with shorter hair. If you’re planning to curl your hair with a flat iron, you’d probably fare better with a smaller plate than a larger one.

OTHER IMPORTANT FEATURES

Long Cord – Some flat irons, include a 360° swivel cord for easy manipulation. You won’t find yourself performing the contortionist exercises mentioned above with this type of user-friendly cord. A longer cord is simply more convenient for some bathroom setups.

Automatic Shutoff – This feature refers more to your emotional comfort than your physical comfort. It is totally worth it for a little peace of mind.

Adjustable Temperature – The best flat irons offer multiple heat settings.

Fine hair usually responds best to lower temperatures. You could actually burn, break, or otherwise damage your fine hair by exposing it to too much heat.

Thick or course hair tends to withstand high heat with a little more grace. Why? Because it minimizes your chance of having to pass over the hair with the iron more than once.

FINAL TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLIST

Hair dryers use ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium materials, too. If you want to create a sleek look with your hair dryer, look for a product with similar technology.

Don’t use alcohol-based heat protectant or leave-in conditioner before you straighten.

Whether you reach for a high-end tool or a cheap flat iron…………. I recommend that you apply a heat protectant to your hair first. Heat protectants contain silicone materials that resist water and seal in moisture. The best time to apply heat protectant is after the hair is dry.

“Sunblock protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays, a heat protectant shields your hair from the heat damage caused by frequent styling”

Sheila Venancia International Hair Stylist – (941) 822.2152

^[1]Sheila Venancia has over a decade of distinguished international experience. Originally from Brazil, she trained with leading international hair professionals in London, Spain, Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, Sheila rose among the top-ranking hair and makeup artists, catapulting her into the celebrity arena. Sheila’s work has been featured on Brazilian television shows, newspapers and magazines. Her specialties are non-toxic Japanese hair straightening, laser hair extensions, and high-end modern styling. Sheila may be reached at (941) 822.2152 or sheilasvs@hotmail.com ^[2].

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