Choose the best flat iron for your hair type

I tend to have extremely curly and unruly, poofy hair, and a good flat iron has been hard to find. In my quest to discover the perfect flat iron, I have to admit to wasting hundreds of dollars on flat irons that claimed they would work wonders on my hair, but just failed me over and over again.

My heat damaged hair was Burnt, dry, frayed, snagged and left with a dull, lifeless stiff appearance after using flat irons that claimed to be ceramic and heat safe.

I am happy to report that I have finally found a wonderful flat iron that leaves my hair super straight for days on end (minus the frizz). My hair is now soft, shiny and full of body and movement (not to mention my flat iron doesn't pull or snag my hair!).

As past flat iron junkie (I use past because I have finally found a flat iron that works), I have learned a few things about how to choose the right flat iron, and save major dollars in the process:

- Do some research before you make the purchase! : A good flat iron costs money, but it doesn't need to cost a fortune to be a good flat iron!

-

- Know your hair type (ex: straight, type 3c, 4a, 4c e.t.c) and focus on a flat iron that would suite your unique hair type. Normally the curlier your hair is, the higher the heat setting of the flat iron you would need, extremely curly hair usually needs a professional salon flat iron for the straightest look along with the best long lasting results.

-

- NEVER buy a flat iron meant for somebody else's hair type for your hair. (ex: buying a flat iron that is meant to smooth already straight hair, when you have extreme curls)

-

- Get a flat iron with heat control settings. Some flat irons come with heat settings that rise with time and tend to be uncontrollable, not having the ability to set a preferred temperature can and will leave your hair fried and severely damaged overtime. I like to use the lowest temperature that can still get my strands straight, never maximum temperature.

- Buy a heat shielding and protecting spray, it protects your hair form the heat damage and also controls any frizz. Use sparingly as it tends to weigh hair down if used in excess.

- Get a warranty/ make sure your flat iron has at least a 1 year manufacturers warranty, you just never know with electronics!

-

- Buy a flat iron with a swivel cord, trust me, without the swivel cord you will get frustrated with the whole process of flat ironing.not to mention difficulty in reaching areas such as the back of your head.

- Always buy ceramic flat irons! A flat iron with metal plates may make your hair dead straight in just a few minutes, but the metal plates on the flat iron will fry, burn and cause extreme damage to your hair, even in just one use!

- Usually buy 1-1.5" plated flat iron, the 1" plates get to the roots and give you a straighter look from the roots down , but can take a few minutes longer to straighten a full head of hair (when compared to 1.5" plates or a 2"flat iron plates).

- Finally, NEVER use your flat iron too frequently (everyday or three or four times a week), using your flat iron too much, regardless of the flat iron's promise to not damage hair; will leave your hair with severe heat damage and split, broken ends. I suggest using the flat iron at maximum two times within a week.

Straight, smooth and flawless hair is the best measure for a great flat iron. Hair full of body and movement is how you should know that you have made the right choice in buying a good, long lasting flat iron.