A flat iron is one of the most indispensable tools one can have in their hair styling arsenal. As we’ve covered before, this quintessential tool is not only capable of straightening practically any hair type into a sleek and smooth masterpiece, but it also doubles as a powerful curling instrument capable of creating tight, defined curls and loose, bouncy waves. Thanks to its lightweight, versatile design, the flat iron is perfectly suited for styling with one hand in a variety of different ways for a variety of different hair types.
Part of the effectiveness of the flat iron is the way in which it applies heat directly on the hair strand, as opposed to a blow dryer which is indirectly applying heat via hot air. This direct heat application allows for a more powerful and intense seal of the cuticle, providing you with defined, long lasting hairstyles. However, this same application of direct heat can very easily turn from a positive to a negative. This intense, direct heat can sometimes prove too strong for weakened or dry hair types, and can quickly become a cause of hair damage and breakage. This can prove especially true in flat irons designed with low quality materials, as these materials can be poor conductors of heat and unevenly heat the hair strand, causing hot spots that damage the cuticle.
Thankfully, there are two high quality materials on the market that are not only great conductors of even heat to the hair strand, but they also help to promote hair health and prevent moisture loss. Read below to see which of these two materials, ceramic or titanium, is perfect for your flat iron!
The benefits of ceramic flat irons
Ceramic is a material that has been used in countless functions throughout human history, mainly due to its excellent heat conductivity skills. Ceramic is able to heat evenly throughout itself as well or better than just about any material, and when applied to your hair strand this means that you’ll be avoiding hot spots and getting even results throughout the entire hair strand. Although ceramic is slow to heat and doesn’t apply as intense of a temperature as other materials, this property is fantastic for those with dry or damaged hair, as ceramic flat irons help to provide the hair with gentle, even heat that helps prevent breakage and moisture loss.
The benefits of a titanium flat iron
Titanium is a relatively recent material in the world of hair care, but it has very rapidly jumped in popularity due to its remarkable performance when used in heated styling instruments. Titanium is also capable of producing even heat, but it provides a more intense temperature in a much more rapid amount of time, making it perfect for those with thicker, fuller hair or those looking to style their hair quickly. While this may be too much for those with weakened or thin hair, this can be perfect for someone with more coarse or textured hair.