How to Select Proper Size Flat Iron to Straighten Hair
- 1). Purchase a flat iron with heating settings that complement your hair's texture. For example, if you have thick, coarse or curly hair, you'll want an iron capable of high heat, in the 380- to 410-degree range. If your hair is normal to wavy, temperatures in the 360- to 380-degree range will work. If you have fine hair, get a flat iron with temperature settings at under 360 degrees.
- 2). Select a mini-size flat iron if you have short hair or will only use it for quick touch-ups. That means a plate size of 1/2 inch to 1 1/4 inches if you have normal to wavy hair and 1 to 1 1/2 inches if you have curly or thick hair. These smaller flat irons are good at getting close to the hair roots and touching up bangs. In addition, many mini-size flat irons are small enough to tuck in a small purse or shoulder tote.
- 3). Select a slightly larger plate if you have shoulder-length hair. For normal to wavy hair, consider a flat iron with a 1- to 1 1/2-inch plate. For curly or thick hair, look at plates that are 1 to 2 inches in size.
- 4). Select a flat iron with a larger flat surface if you have hair below the shoulders. Consider a plate of 2 inches, although women with normal hair can go down to 1 1/4 inches. Larger plates make it easier to take larger sections of the longer hair and straighten it quickly. Moreover, larger irons usually have more heat settings to help with untangling and straightening hair.
- 5). Select from any of the sizes if your hair is fine, no matter what your hair length is.
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