This past weekend, I went on a “girls only” weekend getaway for a birthday celebration. We were all checked in and settled in our hotel rooms.  And began to start our beauty rituals before our first night out on the town (we were ready to live it up in Viva Las Vegas). As we started getting ready, one of my friends shrieked in horror… she forgot her flat iron! Forgetting a flat iron is like leaving home without a credit card. Her realization was after her shower, so her locks were left damp and ready to frizz. We tried to use a blow dryer and brush to dry it straight…stubborn hair! And also tried tons of product to keep it from curling up. No budge! There was one last option, as we glanced to the corner of the room to find an ironing board with an iron (old fashioned hair straightening method). We all laughed and gave up. She ended up going to the store and purchasing a new flat iron in this particular case of “hair-mergency“.
A flat iron is a styling tool to help frizzy hair or stubborn curls. It is mostly used to create a straight sleek look. These flat irons come in varying shapes and sizes. The metal plates also differ in width depending on the length of the hair. It is best to choose metal plates made of ceramic for use on damp hair. This also prevents as much heat damage on the hair. When hair is thick or coarse, it is best to use a flat iron with multiple heat settings. Also, it is advisable to purchase this styling product with an automatic shutoff to prevent any accidents such as fires and burns.
How To Flat Iron:
- Wash, condition and dry your hair; it is okay to leave hair damp when using ceramic flat irons (other than that, hair should be completely dry to prevent any heat damage)
- Brush/comb your hair thoroughly and apply heat protection product
- Separate your hair into different sections (equal parts);Â clip each layer of hair
- Pull a section (at least 2 inches) and place between metal plates; starting from the root to the ends, grip handle as you slide hair through
- After straightening one section, use a clip to keep it separated or simply move to the side
- Repeat straightening process on each section
Flat Ironing & Different Styles:
Flat Straight: gripping handle and simply moving styling tool from the root down to the ends; gliding slowly
Soft Curls: gripping handle and gliding from root to ends; as you reach the end curl the flat iron inwards and up to create a curlÂ
Flip out/Flip in: gripping handle and gliding the flat iron from the root down; as you reach the end curl flat iron out or in depending on the type of style you want to achieve
Smarter can help you find a flat iron that’s perfect for you!
Check out this database of straight hair styles.
Image Source: folica.com, newlookhair.com.au, myhairstylingtools.com
About beauty
Maybe because I’m blessed with straight hair, I always like having curly or wavy hair…. and I couldn’t understand why girls with lovely curls need a flat iron to look beautiful
I used to have straight hair and could never get it to hold a curl. I now have enough wave in my hair that I can do without styling it – a little mousse, some scrunching, and I’m good to go. I use the flat iron only occasionally. But most women seem to want the type of hair they don’t have – I always wanted waves or curl when my hair was stick straight. Now I have what I thought I wanted and spend half my time wishing my hair was stick straight again!