Using a straightening iron is a quick and efficient way to temporarily get straight hair. A straightening iron, or flat iron, is designed to make protein bonds found in curly or coarse hair sleek and smooth by using heat. Straightening irons have anodized heating plates that work quickly with all hair types; the straightening iron diffuses heat and combines electrical, thermal and mechanical forces to restructure and straighten hair.
Types of Irons
The type of flat iron used is determined by hair type. There are many types of flat irons, but lower-quality ones, such as those with metal plates, may require a longer heating time and may not fully straighten the hair. High-quality flat irons contain titanium, ceramic or tourmaline plates; these irons work by holding a negative electrical charge, or negative ions, which in turn counteracts the positive charge found in coarse and curly hair to make it smooth and flat. The reaction is almost immediate and can hold for a few days, as long as the hair is not exposed to water or humid environments. These models are also considered to be less damaging to hair, and to the irons themselves, since they can withstand daily use and the ceramic coating won't wear off, thus ruining the irons' effectiveness.
Using the Iron
Straightening Hair With an Iron
The effectiveness of a straightening iron is directly associated to its powerful heat. Once plugged in, a straightening iron warms up as indicated by its various temperature settings. Coarse and curly hair generally contain more hydrogen bonds, so these types will require more heat and a higher temperature to break up the bonds and straighten the hair. Dividing dry hair into sections, grasp the tong shape of the iron and place hair between the hot plates, making sure not to touch the plate. The iron is then squeezed closed by the hand and glided down the hair shaft from top to bottom, realigning the cuticles of the hair shaft and straightening it. Go from section to section, and retouch any areas that have wayward fly-aways or kinks. Also, the iron should not be held in one area for too long; prolonged exposure to one area can burn hair.
Straightening Hair With an IronThe effectiveness of a straightening iron is directly associated to its powerful heat. Once plugged in, a straightening iron warms up as indicated by its various temperature settings. Coarse and curly hair generally contain more hydrogen bonds, so these types will require more heat and a higher temperature to break up the bonds and straighten the hair. Dividing dry hair into sections, grasp the tong shape of the iron and place hair between the hot plates, making sure not to touch the plate. The iron is then squeezed closed by the hand and glided down the hair shaft from top to bottom, realigning the cuticles of the hair shaft and straightening it. Go from section to section, and retouch any areas that have wayward fly-aways or kinks. Also, the iron should not be held in one area for too long; prolonged exposure to one area can burn hair.
