Looking For A Flat Iron – Here’s Some Cool Tips
September 8, 2009 by Barbara
Filed under Flat Irons Reviewed
Besides cost, there are other considerations when it comes to buying the best flat iron. For one thing, there is no such thing as the 'best' hair straightener, rather the best one will be the one you feel most comfortable using and gives you the best results consistently. Here are some tips you help you buy the one that'll make your hair look its absolute best.
Most models sold have either 1" or 1 1/2" plates. While these are fine for most hair types, those with course, very thick or long hair might be better advised to choose one that comes with 2" plates. Of course, the wider the plates, the heavier the tool. Straightening hair can take anything from 20 to 40 minutes, so you should select one that isn't too heavy as you'd be surprised at how tired your arms and wrists will feel after about 20 minutes.
The width of plates is of lesser importance than what they're made from. Only buy a flat iron that has ceramic, ionic or tourmaline plates. The old fashioned and very cheap metal ones are most likely to have hot and cold spots and can all too easily burn hair.
Ceramic is used as it is very smooth and distributes heat more evenly and quicker than metal. Ceramic plates also emit far-infrared heat that helps to preserve moisture within the hair shaft and cause less damage to the hair cuticle. Negative ions are also emitted. These help eliminate static electricity and deliver shinier and sleeker results.
One word of warning: even very cheap models will now tout that they have ceramic plates but most likely they will only be coated with ceramic. Before you buy, make sure the plates are 100% ceramic. Good makes like GHD, Solia, Sedu and CHI flat irons are made with 100% ceramic plates.
Many are now described as Ionic flat irons. Negative ions are thought to rejuvenate and revitalize the body and mind. Negative ions are sufficiently powerful enough to break down water molecule droplets into finer micro-particles that can then be absorbed into the hair shaft. Ionic hair straighteners dry hair more quickly, leaving it softer, shinier, and more manageable with less split ends.
Ionic tools tend to be more expensive but many feel they are worth paying the extra for. The Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion flat iron is a good appliance, as is the Farouk CHI flat iron.
Tourmaline has been around for a while now and is used quite extensively. Tourmaline is a crystal that has been found to emit 6 times more negative ions that ceramic. Therefore ceramic plates that are coated with tourmaline crystal are even better at locking in moisture.
The latest technical innovation is Nano Silver Technology. When plates are heated, a thin film is produced over the plate, which kills 99% of bacteria. You'd be surprised at how many microbes can be found on any typical styler. The elimination of bacteria leads to shinier and cleaner hair. Watch out for Nano Silver, many more manufacturers are going to start make this type of straightener. Those that are currently available include the Linea-Pro Corioliss C2 Flat Iron and the CHI Nano Ceramic flat iron.
Remember, the best flat iron is the one that you'll be comfortable using and is consistent in producing the results you want. Expensive doesn't always mean best. Instead look to see how much it weighs, what the plates are made of, variable heat control, safety shutoff and a good warranty.
What Ceramic Flat Iron Is The Best?
September 7, 2009 by Barbara
Filed under Flat Irons Reviewed
Buying a good ceramic flat iron isn't cheap and you'll be paying over $100 for one. Several factors determine the quality of a ceramic hair straightener and whether it'll work best for you. Here's a list of the best with a quick note as to why they are so highly rated.
The following list breaks down into the main types of hair straighteners available based on features, technical innovations and ease of use. It's not an exhaustive list and there may be plenty of people who disagree or will find that their 'perfect' iron isn't in the list. However, it's meant as a guide as its aim is not to overwhelm the reader with too much data.
Ceramic
If you're looking for a plain, no-fuss ceramic model then you could do a lot worse than buying the CHI Original flat iron. It comes with 1", 100% ceramic plates, a generous 10 foot swivel cord, with flash heat up time, 35 watts (saving you money), and it's now been discounted in price and retails for around $80. This tool has been on the market for quite some time, has a loyal fan base and receives a very high rating in most customer reviews. Another excellent product is the GHD mk3 flat iron. It's been superseded by the mk4, but still retails for around $190. It's of professional standard and will last years. It's about half the weight of the CHI Original. It's only negative point is that the temperature is fixed at 370F.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a crystal that emits 6 times more negative ions than does ceramic. Hair straighteners that have tourmaline coated ceramic plates are better at locking in hair moisture, which makes hair shinier and smooth but also helps to prevent heat damage. The T3 Tourmaline flat iron is one of the best. Models come with 1" and 1 3/8". There are variable heat settings between 170F and 410F. They cost from around $140.
Ionic
Ionic hair straighteners and hair dryers emit more negative ions than those made with ceramic parts. The GHD mk4 is an incredible appliance and is highly rated. Unfortunately it's incredibly expensive and will set you back $240. If you're looking for a good cheap model then consider the Solia 1" Ion that retails for around $70 - what's really nice about the Solia is that you have a good selection of plate widths; 3/4", 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/4".
Wet to Dry
This type is becoming more popular as you can do away with first having to blow dry your hair. They can be a little more difficult to use, but with practice the results are amazing. The best of the bunch is the T3 Tourmaline wet to dry, CHI wet to dry and the Corioliss Tourmaline wet to dry. They retail from between $140 and $160.
Nano Silver
Some of you may not have heard of Nano Silver Technology, but I suspect everybody will hear about it soon. Simply put, Nano Silver Technology kills 99% of bacteria found on the plates - you'd be surprised at how much bacteria you can find. This technology helps to keep hair clean and also shinier and straighter. Both the CHI Nano Cermaic Digital and the Corioliss C2 flat iron are excellent. Both feature digital controls that allow you to set and monitor the temperature and both have automatic shutoff. With the Corioliss there's a digital remote control that can be clipped onto your belt. The C2 range also looks very sleek and feature bold and funky color combinations. The Corioliss costs from around $200.
If I had to pick the best flat iron out of all those listed above it would be the GHD mk4 flat iron. It is expensive but it really it really is an amazing hair straightener.
5 Cool Tips On Using a Flat Iron
September 7, 2009 by Barbara
Filed under Flat Irons Reviewed
Are you tired of all the celebs having perfectly straight and shiny hair while you're stuck with a frizzy mess? Of course you are! Fortunately there is a secret weapon the stars use and you can have it at a fraction of the price. Flat irons have made a huge impact on the world of hair. A flat iron can take even the curliest hair and make it stick straight.
In the 70's women did not have the luxury of having flat irons at their disposal. To get straight hair they had to iron their hair out with a real clothes iron. It sounds crazy, right? It goes to show how far women will go for fabulous hair. Don't worry, put the iron away. You can find a flat iron in your local Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, or almost any store that carries blow dryers. Flat irons, also called straightners, range in price from $10 to hundreds.
When buying your flat iron, look for an iron that has an adjustable heat setting and a gold plate on the inside. The adjustable heat setting will allow you to control how much heat is going on your head. Women with mostly straight hair already can use a low heat setting, saving their hair from high heat damage. On the other hand, women with very curly hair can use a hotter setting, helping the hair to straighten more easily. The gold plate protects your hair and helps it from burning.
After you purchase your flat iron you are right on your way to straightness. Simply follow these steps to get that perfect look.
1. Plug the flat iron in and adjust the heat setting to match your hair.
As a rule of thumb use as little heat as you can. Continuous exposure to high heat can lead to damaged hair and split ends. At a lower setting of heat you may have to go over the hair a few times. A higher setting may only take one time to get it right. Play around and see what works best for your hair type.
2. Spray hair with a flat iron shine spray.
This is not completely necessary but will protect your hair from damage. A flat iron spray will create a barrier on your hair to protect it from heat damage. The spray also adds shine to the hair and helps the straightner work easily.
3. Divide your hair in sections.
Pin up the top of your hair so you can straighten the bottom first. Sectioning the hair helps you have a complete look and makes sure you get the hair underneath.
4. Place the flat iron close to the root of your hair, clamp the hair and slowly move the flat iron down until the hair is no longer in the flat iron.
Make sure you move slowly so the hair takes the heat. If you rush your hair will not get as straight. Continue to do this until your entire head is finished. Repeat if necessary.
5. Spray hair with a finishing or hair spray for hold.
A little bit of spray will ensure that your locks stay straight all day. Make sure to spray underneath your hair as well. Use extra spray for wet or humid days.
The time it takes to complete straightening your hair with a flat iron will vary based upon the length and thickness of your hair. Longer hair will take more time then shorter hair. The same is true for thick hair.
Remember practice makes perfect. Pretty soon you will be able to flat iron your hair in no time. The celeb's secret weapon is now yours.
The Best Ceramic Flat Irons Reviewed
May 15, 2009 by Barbara
Filed under Hair Care Tips
Farouk CHI Flat Hairstyling Iron
The Farouk Chi Ceramic Flat Iron is the probably the top selling ceramic flat iron these days. It heats up in seconds and stays hot - temperature reaches up to 410 Degrees. It has a long 10 foot swivel cord which makes it comfortable to style entire head. Also it is great for not just straightening but also flipping and curling your hair. Hair comes out shiny and smooth after one pass. The draw backs are first it has no temperature control and second many people have had problems with it breaking down within months. Even so I have friends who swear by it and say it it worth every penny and the shortcomings.
Ceramic Tools Professional Flat Iron
The Ceramic Tools Flat Iron and is very economical and provides very good results. It heats up fast and stays hot evenly. Unlike the CHI this one comes with 25 different heat settings which go up to 446 degrees and it has on on/off switch with an indicator light.I also like the soft grip handle. It has rounded edges which help hair glide easily and allow for curls or flips also.
Solia Ceramic Flat Iron
The Solia is also a very popular brand for straightening irons and they also claim you can use it on damp hair or dry hair. I don't recommend that kind of heat on wet hair but some people claim it works great and does not do any additional damage to your hair. The Solia does heat up fast and goes up to 450F. It maintains it temperature and the iron plates are smooth and don't snag hair. The handles are very comfortable and the extra long 9 foot cord is ideal.
All the above ceramic flat irons work very well. After you take into account some of different features and your budget I think you will be happy with whichever one you select. Hope this information helps you decide which ceramic flat iron is best for you.
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Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron 1  US $97.04 Time Remaining : 24d 19h 11m |
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USED Solia Flat Iron 1 3 4 1 Bid US $40.00 Time Remaining : 9h 38m |
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Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron 1 1 4free pouch 1 Bid US $39.99 Time Remaining : 14h 57m |
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R Sessions Nalu Waver Heat Mat Solia Mini Flat Iron US $179.00 Time Remaining : 5d 13h 43m |
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Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron 1 1 4 NEW 0 Bid US $79.99 Time Remaining : 1d 10h 53m |
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EXCELLENT SOLIA PINK EDITION FLAT IRON STRAIGHTEBER 3 Bids US $8.39 Time Remaining : 3d 14h 33m |
CHI Ceramic Flat Iron
May 8, 2009 by Barbara
Filed under Deals of the Week, Top 5 Flat Irons By Stylist
CHI flat irons were the first irons to use ceramic plates and resulted in a break through in how women style their hair. The CHI ceramic flat iron is consistently rated in the top 5 flat irons on the market as reviewed by customers.
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