African American ladies who are looking to buy a flat iron need to pay special attention to the quality level of the iron in question for two reasons: First, black hair can be coarse and/or thick, which can make straightening a challenge.
And second, black hair is some of the most fragile and susceptible to damage, so you need to invest in an iron that will do the job without removing moisture or compromising your natural texture. The best flat irons will have the following elements:
- Ceramic or tourmaline, rather than metal, plates. Metal plates are dangerous for any type of hair, but African American hair is particularly vulnerable to the damage they can wreak. Look for plates that are 100% ceramic.
- High quality manufacturers. Sure, you’ll have to spend a little more upfront, but your iron will last longer, and it won’t ruin your hair. You’ll be able to get salon quality results faster, too.
- The right size – usually 1 to 2″ plates. You may be tempted to buy a flat iron with extra large plates in order to speed the job along, but it’s best to straighten black hair in small sections using a standard-sized iron.
- Variable heat settings. This will give you the freedom to turn the heat up as high as you need to, as well as to turn it down a little if things get too hot to handle.
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