Choosing the right flat iron for your hair:
A lot of people in the market for a new flat iron usually become overwhelmed by the wide array of products available and become filled with all kinds of questions: what size, plate, temperature, etc. is best for my fine hair, short hair, wavy hair, etc. This guide was created to help you take the guesswork out of purchasing a flat iron and hopefully ease the process.

For Coarse, Thick and/or Curly Hair:

Size: Depending on your length of hair, it is recommended to use no less than a 1 ¼” flat iron.  If you have long hair that reaches below your shoulder, it is recommended you use a 1 ½ to 3 inch flat iron.
Temperature:  Most fixed temperature irons will reach up to 356 degrees Fahrenheit, which should be hot enough for even thick hair. If you find this still does not produce the results you’d like to see, you may want to try an iron with an adjustable temperature of up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this type of hair is less susceptible to heat damage and usually less responsive to low heat, going up to a higher heat level is usually a safe option.

For Normal Hair:

Size: For longer hair, 2 inch plates may be advisable.  This allows more hair to be straightened in one pass and thus prevents heat damage that may occur from passing the iron through hair over and over. For shorter hair, a 1 to 1 ¼” plate would straighten the hair sufficiently.
Temperature:  Most fixed temperature irons are ideal for this hair type. If you prefer to have more control over the heat being applied to your hair however, you may opt for an adjustable temperature iron that typically has settings between 170 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

For Thin, Damaged and/or Chemically Treated Hair:

Size: For this fragile hair type, a 1 to 1 ¼”  flat iron is advised. This allows for versatility but also ensures the user has a delicate tool to which they can style their hair.
Temperature: Since this type of hair is more easily manipulated, you can use a flat iron set at a much lower temperature and still achieve great results with less possibility of heat damage. It is recommended that this hair type not exceed 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Many adjustable temperature irons can be set at temperatures much lower than 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

In short, what this means is:

Plate size:
Less than 1" - Perfect for short hair, and ½" irons are perfect for guys wanting spiky hair too!
1" to 1¼” - Perfect for medium-length hair, up to shoulder-length.
1½" to 2"+ - Perfect for longer hair.

Temperature:
Less than 250 degrees - Perfect for fragile hair, and thinly stranded hair (this is common if your hair is naturally straight)
Non-adjustable temperatures between 300 to 360 degrees - Perfect for most hair types.
More than 360 degrees - Perfect for coarse and thickly stranded hair (this is common if your hair is naturally curly)

Of course, these are just very general "rules of thumb"; everybody's hair is different and you may find that a flat iron that works brilliantly for you may not produce the same results on your friends.
The most versatile choice in a flat iron would be one that is 1" to 1¼” in plate size, and with an adjustable temperature feature - that way, you will be able to tailor it specifically to your needs.


We hope this guide has been helpful to you in choosing a flat iron, and please don't hesitate to shoot us an email if you have any questions ~ we enjoy hair care just as much as you do!

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