Ever wondered what the difference between a #ceramic, #ceramiccoated, #tourmaline, and a #titanium flat iron is? In this blog I will be discussing the differences as well as which option is best suitable for your hair type.
CERAMIC
Ceramic plates give really even heat distribution without 'hot spots'. This means the iron is consistent throughout the barrel, which is great for smoothing out the hair and minimizing hair damage. The ceramic plates heat up fast, but not as fast as some of the other flat irons we will be talking about. It is really gentle on hair, especially with flat irons that have a heat setting.
Hair type suitability: all hair types, but especially fine, thin, sensitive hair.
CERAMIC COATED
These irons are typically your lower priced irons that is sold in drug stores. The plates are a type of metal which is coated with ceramic. It heats up really fast because of the metal that is underneath the ceramic coat, but they don't have even heat distribution (which is not great for your hair). They do an okay job of smoothing the hair, but you might find that the results doesn't last as long as a full ceramic plate. If you find that your hair just keeps breaking, have crazy split ends no matter how often you cut and you are using one of these irons, it might be a good idea to switch to a ceramic plate which is way gentler on hair.
TOURMALINE
Tourmaline is a semi-precious crystal. When heated, it produces vital ionic and infrared properties. It is said to make the hair even more glossy and smooth because of the negative ion properties in the crystals. The plates consist of crushed up tourmaline crystals which coats a ceramic plate.
TITANIUM
Titanium hair straighteners gives the fastest heat transfer for immediate results. It heats up really fast, stays hot and has great heat distribution. It has incredible smoothing capability, leaving the hair looking very straight, very glossy and very smooth. However, you should be careful with the temperature settings to minimise hair damage as much as possible. Always use a heat protecting spray!
Hair type suitability: healthy, thick & coarse hair.
If you have fine or normal hair, I would caution you rather not to purchase a titanium plated flat iron. It really can scorch your hair very quickly and create a lot of damage.
CERAMIC OPTIONS:
ghd | ghd Platinum+
Olivia Garden
Veaudry
TITANIUM OPTIONS:
Olivia Garden
Silver Bullet
HEAT PROTECTOR OPTIONS:
ghd Heat Protect Spray 120ml
INOAR Thermolis Balm
Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Flatliner Heat Protection Spray 200ml
Milk_Shake Incredible Milk 150ml
Lastly, I should just mention that there are still metal plated flat irons on the market. They are cheaper, have no coating, has terrible heat distribution and definitely creates 'hot spots'. I would advise you to stay away from them completely. Your hair will thank you for it!
I sincerely hope this has helped you to make an informed decision. Safe styling, everyone!
"Your hair is the crown you never take off."
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