What Makes the Safest Flat Iron For Hair
When it comes to hairstyling, flat irons have revolutionized the way we tame and style our hair. However, not all straighteners are created equal. The key is to find the safest flat iron for hair, ensuring not only stunning results but also minimal damage. But what exactly constitutes the “safest” when it comes to these handy tools?
Quick Infographic – Safest Flat Iron for Hair
Safest Irons Rating Breakdown
Safe Flat Iron
:Dyson Corrale Flat Iron
Safe Titanium Flat Iron
:Neuro Halo Flat Iron
Choosing Technology Route
Let’s get into the details. With the recent advancements in hair tool technology, the technological approach to styling hair has many options. When is comes down to straightening hair, there are two main approaches that are mass producible at this time.
Using Hot Plates
One, use hot plates to get the heat into the hair that will temporarily change the elemental structure of the hair. Flat Irons have to do this not going beyond the elasticity temperatures of the hair. Without going too technical, anything above 300F introduces higher risk of damaging hair irreversibly. The challenge is still real, to make the safest flat iron might be too challenging with just hot plates.
Using Air
The second approach is to use air. Obviously hair dryers have existed for generations now which do style the hair, like a hair blow out. But only recently there is a push to use some advanced aerodynamics to style the hair. Revlon used this philosophy in their one-step styler. Then, Dyson came on the sceen with their Airwrap System. And finally, we have Dyson air straight. The only true ‘hair straightener’ to use air only to get straight hair style. This is by far the safest way to straighten hair because hot plates never touch the hair. It’s not perfect though, there are drawback to this system.
Some of the draw backs for Dyson Airstrait. If you are looking to get the job done quickly, this is not it. Dyson takes time – but it does it right. Second, if you are one of those who loves that pin straight hair look, Dyson Airstrait will not do that. It provides great results, leaving volume in the hair. Now If you prefer some volume, this is the only tool you will ever want to use.
Heat Monitoring Circuitry – IMO the most important element in safety for a flat iron
Delivering the right amount of heat in a very controlled manner might be the most important feature of any heated technology. If you can not deliver it properly, the hair will get the grunt of it. It will get irreversibly damaged.
Excellent flat irons come equipped with advanced heat monitoring circuitry. This feature continuously checks for heat variations across the plates, ensuring there are no inadvertent hot spots, making the styling process safer. Unfortunately, most lower end irons, especially the ones form amazon brands, lack sophisticated circuitry to adjust temperature.
It is important for the flat iron to adjust heat instantly, no matter if your hair is at room temperature or if its at freezing temperatures. The hair straightener needs to make sure the the heat is adjusted fast enough and evenly. If there is lack of proper controls, parts of the iron will be hotter as you glide through the hair. The result is damaged hair.
Some of the best Irons that do this are the following:
- GHD Platnum Plus: adjust temperature 250x/second
- Dyson Corrale: adjusts the heat 100x/second (+ uses fast heat transfer material – copper)
- Neuro Halo Flat Iron: adjusts the heat 50X/second (+ uses fast heat transfer material – titanium)
Predictive Heat Technology
Some of the latest innovations include predictive heat technology. Through advanced circuitry or user inputs about hair type (fine, coarse, thin, thick, color-treated, etc.), the flat iron predicts and adjusts the optimal heat required. This personalization minimizes damage and maximizes styling efficiency. Further, it can get rid of some user error.
There are a few irons that started on this path. We have GHD Platinum Plus that has a true predictive circuitry that goes so far as take away all the control from the user. Then we have Paul Mitchell with their Neuro Halo flat iron. They have extra options for the user to select between different types of hair. There is one more new Flat Iron that does this, T3 Smooth ID flat iron. However, T3 does not have the advanced heat monitoring circuitry which is why they did not make this list.
Material Matters if you Want Safest Flat Iron for Hair
The plate material plays a pivotal role in determining the safety of a flat iron. Ceramic and tourmaline plates are renowned for being gentle on hair. They evenly distribute heat, reducing the chances of hot spots which can singe your strands. The negative ions released by tourmaline plates further counteract frizz, offering a smoother finish.
As already mentioned above, when combining technology like heat monitoring circuitry with faster heat transfer materials, this becomes a big deal. Material like copper (used in Dyson Corrale) and titanium (Used in Neuro), copper being faster of the two, helps the iron react faster to changes in the iron temperature. When it comes to safety – this is a great duo to have in the hot flat iron. Dyson and Paul Mitchell take lead on this one.
Adjustable Temperature Settings
A hallmark of the safest flat iron for hair is the presence of adjustable temperature settings. Everyone’s hair is different; what works for coarse, thick hair might not be suitable for fine, delicate strands. An adjustable setting allows users to select a heat level that’s right for their specific hair type, reducing potential heat damage.
You may have heard me complain about GHD Platinum Plus, even though they have outstanding circuitry and predictive tech, they took away the temperature controls. I prefer to have control over the temperature settings. But, this may not be the case with other users. So, to each their own.
Quick and Even Heat-Up
Time-saving is essential, but a rapid heat-up feature should also ensure even heat distribution. This prevents certain parts of the plate from getting hotter than others, reducing the risk of accidentally burning your hair.
Automatic Shut-off
Almost every irons offers this option, but it is worth mentioning. Ever left your home and panicked, wondering if you left your straightener on? A flat iron with an automatic shut-off feature gives peace of mind. After a certain period of inactivity, the tool turns off, ensuring safety and reducing fire risks.
Floating Plates
This is another feature that most irons have. Floating plates adjust as you style, ensuring that the hair is uniformly straightened from root to tip. This feature not only ensures an even style but also reduces the amount of pressure on hair, decreasing the potential for breakage or stripping those important hair follicles.
Since we are talking about hair follicles, it is worth a mention that smooth plates are a must as well. It’s important not to put any more stress on the protective layer of the hair (the hair follicle), apart from the extreme heat of the plates.
Protective Outer Thermal Layer
The safest flat iron for hair should have an outer layer that remains relatively cool to touch, even during use. This minimizes the chances of burning your hands or scalp during the styling process. I have used a few Flat Irons that are just too hot (at about $20-30 level)
Ionic Technology
So there is a lot of confusion about ionic technology. Lets take it one step at a time.
Static charge
Ionic technology emits negative ions, which counteract the positive ions in charged, dry hair. This can be a big issue in winter dry climates – a lot of static.
Frizz control
Now when brands claim that negative ions hydrate or seal in moisture, this might be a stretch. Unless the brand wants to release their lab results, there is no indication from any scientific tests or research that is the case.
Hair frizz happens when there is too much moisture in the air. Hense, the hair swells up and the hair follicles open up a bit (mind you they are most likely negatively charged in this case, why throw more negative ions at it). Well it’s not about the follicles, its about the water content on the hair (inside the hair shaft and on top of the hair follicle). The heat evaporates access water molecules, and negative ions break the molecules up. Once the water content is lowered, the follicles close up naturally. Flat Irons get rid of the water content in a controlled manner, which is great!
Further, as far as I understand, hydration can only be done with hair conditioners (as long as we keep in mind that it has to be accessible through the market – your drugstores and Ultas…) Invest in a great hair conditioner for hydration.
Negative Ion Technology
Negative ion technology is great because it provides that extra boost to get rid of unwanted moisture levels. As far as I know, probably the best irons that does this is Bio Ionic Graphene. Graphene mixed in with the ceramic can produce elevated amount of negative ions per some tests. Negative Ion generators can be helpful, but they take up real-estate. T3 provides that, and there are many other that are following. GHD is the only one on our list that produces negative ions, and that in addition to all the other safety features. This makes it the safest Hot Flat Iron IMO.
Final Thoughts
When on the quest to find the safest flat iron for hair, it’s imperative to look beyond just the aesthetic appeal or brand name. The material of the plates, temperature settings, and additional safety features play crucial roles in ensuring your hair remains protected during the styling process.
Remember, while using even the safest flat iron, it’s always a good practice to use a heat protectant spray. This additional layer of protection can further reduce the chances of heat-induced damage. There are some studied that support this.
In conclusion, a flat iron is more than just a styling tool—it’s an investment in the health and beauty of your hair. By understanding what makes the safest flat iron for hair, you can make a well-informed decision that will keep your locks luscious and damage-free.
Safest Flat Iron For Hair – Rating Breakdown
Safest Hair Straightener
:Dyson Airstrait
Safest Hot Flat Iron
:GHD Platinum Plus
Safe Flat Iron
:Dyson Corrale Flat Iron
Safe Titanium Flat Iron