How Does Flat Ironing Work?

Why Use a Flat Iron?

Flat ironing hair has increased in popularity over recent years. Many desire straight and smooth hair, and using a flat iron is their method of choice. There are many types of flat irons from those with titanium, ceramic or tourmaline plates to flat irons designed specifically to straighten wet hair.

How Flat Ironing Works

A flat iron has a tong-like shape and consists of a plastic body and two metal, ceramic or tourmaline plates. Once plugged in, the plates heat to the set temperature. A flat iron works best on small sections of dry hair. The hair is placed in between the plates, closed by hand and then run slowly along the length of the hair. The flat iron should constantly be moving so as not to create kinks or overheat hair. Because the hair is held between two very hot and very flat plates, the hair becomes straightened as it glides through.

Wet to Dry Flat Irons

Flat irons that are designed to straighten wet hair are best used on towel dried or damp hair. These types of flat irons are usually made with ceramic plates or with the semi-precious stone tourmaline, both of which produce negative ions that help smooth hair by sealing in hair's natural moisture. Some wet to dry flat irons have steam vents that allow the water to escape from the hair. Wet to dry flat irons are used on small sections of hair until hair is dry and smooth. As the hair slides through the heated plates, it is dried and straightened.