Introduction
From bouncy, beautiful 4C coils to the incredible crown of volume on your head, it’s hard not to love the love look of your hair. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting to change things up every now and then with a sleek, smooth style like straight hair.
To achieve this style, you need to invest in the best flat iron possible to keep your hair safe and looking stylish. But how do you know for certain that you have the best flat iron for African American hair?
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of flat irons for 4C hair and how to use them.
Our Top 7 Best Flat Irons For 4c Hair
1) HSI Professional Glider
Features:
- With the help of Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener, you can easily flip, straighten and curl your hair with minimum effort.
- You can set the temperature of flat iron hair to straighten according to your needs.
- It comes with a glove, pouch and travel-size argan oil hair.
- Heat balance micro-sensors to regulate temperature and distribute heat evenly.
- Microsensors avert all types of hair damages.
- Comes with dual voltage 110V-220V compatibility.
- It has a one-year official warranty.
- Have a 1-inch plate width that is enough for all hair types.
Pros:
- It can be used for all types of hair
- Ability to adjust the temperature
- Comes with argan oil, pouch and glove
- Dual voltage availability, travel friendly
- Having 360 degrees swivel cord.
Cons:
- No auto shut-off option
2) NITION Professional
Features:
- Comes with innovative healthy styling, infused with nano silver, tourmaline and titanium argan oil.
- An innovative design with buttons and simple to use by revolving the end of the straightener.
- 6 specific temperature options 265, 300, 340, 375, 410 and 450°F for all types of hair.
- The extra-long 4.1″ high-efficiency heating plate offers a large contact area.
- With the MCH heating feature, it heats up fast as compared to others.
- It also has an auto-shutoff feature that turns it off when it is not in use for a long time.
- Comes with 3D moveable plates that help to adjust the angle to avoid pinching hair.
- Dual voltage(100V-240V) option available for worldwide usage and also comes with a pouch, glove and other accessories.
Pros:
- Long heating plate provide more contact area
- Simple to operate
- Make hair healthy and shiny
- Best for all types of hair
Cons:
- Flat iron gets too hot, can’t use it without a glove.
3) VANESSA Titanium Flat Iron
Features:
- Vanessa titanium flat iron is the longest plate hair straightener and curler.
- It straightens hair faster than others, increases shine, produces silky and smooth hair because of more negative ions.
- It is made of durable material and design.
- Simple design and very easy to use.
- Comes with automatic shutoff and dual voltage options.
- Different temperature controls and used for all hair types.
- Hair polished and healthy when straighten at the right heat.
Pros:
- Suitable for all types of hair
- Durable and easy to use
- Lightweight and digital display
- Comes with 11 temperature options
Cons:
- Complaint of uneven heating
4) Deogra Flat Iron
Features:
- Deogra flat iron is 2 in 1 straightener and curler.
- It consists of an ionic outlet that emits millions of negative ions to make hair smooth.
- The plates of this flat iron are infused with keratin and argan oil to produce shine.
- It comes with 6 temperature settings from 330 to 430℉ and a digital LCD display.
- Comes with a rounded shape design to make hair straighten and curl.
- It’s fast heating saves time and energy.
- 3D floating plates with rounded edges to provide comfort while styling.
- It has an automatic shutoff function after not being in use for 40 minutes.
Pros:
- Comes with 2ft extra-long 360° swivel cord
- Plates are infused in argan and keratin oil to make hair shiny
- Comes with 1 glove and 2 hair clips
- Safety lock and tangle-free swivel cord available
Cons:
- Temperature range is short.
5) T3 – Singlepass X 1.5
Features:
- It comes with digital T3 singlepass advanced technology.
- 5 heating options available from 260 to 410-degree Fahrenheit
- Custom blend ceramic plates used in it.
- Iron can be used at various temperatures.
- Worldwide usage: 100-240V AC and 50/60 Hz.
Pros:
- Internal microchip control heat automatically
- Outer hair looks shiny and glowing
- Universal auto voltage option
- With 360-degree swivel cord
Cons:
- Material used is not durable
- You can’t set temperature
6) DUVOLLE Rendezvous Titanium Styling Iron
Features:
- Comes with polished plates with titanium for smooth movement through hairs.
- It has a super S plate for performance and different types of styles.
- Different heating elements of professional grade.
- Temperature range available from 270 to 450-degree Fahrenheit.
- It has the option of choosing heat according to your hair and needs.
- It has a 360-degree swivel cord so easy to use.
Pros:
- It comes with top and bottom floating plates.
- Appreciation from users
- Price is very reasonable
- Great flexibility because of swivel cord
Cons:
- It takes enough time to straighten frizzy hairs.
7 ) FHI Platform Ceramic Hair Styling Iron
Features:
- It comes with solid ceramic plates to produce even heating.
- It has iron infrared technology.
- Produce an excessive number of negative ions.
- Made of durable and high-quality material.
- It has the option of choosing the temperature according to your hair.
- Temperature availability is from 180 to 450-degree Fahrenheit.
- It comes with beveled plates so you can move it.
Pros:
- It looks fabulous and sturdy
- Red ceramic plates with three layers of tourmaline
- Produce negative ions to make hair silky and smooth.
- Even and fast heating availability
Cons:
- Auto shutoff option is not available
8) Ion Magnesium Flat Iron
Features:
- It has magnesium that provides enough heat so result in different styling.
- This flat iron comes with Korean magnesium technology.
- Comes with an auto-shutoff function that works after 45 minutes.
- Applicable with dual voltage, so you can use it worldwide.
- The heated surface material is made of ceramic.
- Comes with a long cord for users.
Pros:
- Auto shutoff option available
- Dual voltage applicable
- Enough and fast heat
- Best for frizzy hairs
- Great design and lightweight
Cons:
- Not glide smoothy with all hairs
9) BaBylissPRO Nano-Titanium & Ceramic
Features:
- 1-inch-wide floating plate with heating up to 450-degree Fahrenheit.
- Nano titanium and ceramic plates yield maximum infrared heat, so hair can get gently straightened without damage.
- Have durability, reduce friction, smoother glides and outstanding straightening results.
- Comes with flat extra-long iron.
- Very lightweight and easy to use ultra-slim profile.
- Long swivel power cord.
- Comes with Sol-get technology and Ryton housing.
Pros:
- Heats up quickly and the temperature remains consistent
- It is very easy to use due to smoother glides
- Works best with coarse, thick black hairs
- Lightweight, ultra-slim and durable
Cons:
- There is an issue with the straightener
What Are Flat Irons?
Flat irons are two plated, electronic devices that are used to straighten your hair. The temperature of flat irons can vary between 200F and 500F.
The makeup of a flat iron varies from iron to iron, but you can always count on a flat iron having the following characteristics:
- It has two plats
- Powered by electricity (battery or electrical outlet)
- Has an on/off feature
- Has a safe space for gripping
Flat irons are typically used by people with naturally wavy or coily hair to achieve a straight, streamlined look. However, there are some stylists that prefer to use flat irons on naturally straight hair to create curls or elegant waves. Flat irons possess so much versatility, but how do they work?
How do flat irons work?
As I mentioned before, flat irons run on either a battery or a plug. Your flat iron uses that energy to slowly heat up to either the manufactured temperature or your preferred temperature. That heat is transferred to the plates on your flat iron. Though this may seem like a time-consuming process, your flat iron can go from room temperature to 400oF in as little as 10 seconds. Despite the simplicity of the heating process, there are some key factors to consider when purchasing a flat iron.
The different types of flat irons
Types of Plates – Though the type and quality of plates have evolved over the years, here is a shortlist of the most common plates today:
- Ceramic
- Ceramic coated
- Coated Rubber
- Coated Silicone
- Titanium
- Tourmaline Ionic
Though each type has it’s benefits, there are three plates that are the most popular among professionals and veteran hair straighteners: ceramic, ionic, and titanium. Each one has become popular for their different qualities, but what are their differences?
- Ceramic – Ceramic flat irons are best for beginners and naturals with thin hair. Ceramic is incredibly affordable, heats up slowly, and allows you to manipulate temperature more efficiently.
- Titanium – Titanium flat irons are professional grade flat irons. They’re recommend for people with thick and coarse hair. These plates heat up quickly and evenly for bone straight quality. However, they are known to be more expensive and can damage hair at 450 degrees.
- Ionic – Tourmaline Ionic plates are the sweet spot ceramic and titanium plates. They heat up a little faster than ceramic but give a slightly better straightening quality than ceramic plates. They reduce frizz and encourage shine more efficiently than ceramic plates as well. However, they tend to be more expensive and have a higher risk of heat damage.
What are the benefits of using Flat Iron?
Whether you love your natural, 4C hair or you’re looking for a style change, there are a few key reasons to have a flat iron around:
- It makes braiding your hair easier – Some people who wear braids like to straighten their hair before braiding it. This allows for easier grasping for braiding and makes your hair sit more uniform within the braid.
- For straightening your hair – We know that you don’t have to go to a professional to get your natural hair properly straightened. If you’re short on money, it would be a better investment to buy one $250 flat iron than to spend that much every time you need your hair straightened.
- Checking your length – Sometimes naturals want to look past the shrinkage to enjoy their length. A great way to check and enjoy your length is to straighten your hair. If you do it well and gently, you should be able to enjoy straight hair for a few days.
- Trimming –If you’re looking to shake up your hairstyle and you want to give yourself a good trim, you might consider straightening your hair.
Things to consider when buying a flat iron
Size – Considering the size of your flat iron and plates is crucial if you have 4C hair. I recommend a flat iron with medium or large plates. This will cut down how long you spend flat ironing your hair and how much hair you can straighten at one time.
Cord or Cordless – Deciding on whether you want to deal with a cord is very important. Cords can limit your mobility and what country you can take them to, whereas cordless flat irons can reduce the heat quality and how long you can use them. Make sure your decision is based on your lifestyle and what you’re comfortable with.
Temperature Controls – Considering temperature controls are crucial for those of you who are vehemently avoiding head damage. If you can’t purchase one with temperature controls, make sure that you look on the box to see what heat it turns up to.
Plate type – Plate type will affect the quality of your flat ironic experience. Titanium and Ionic plates are great for thick, course, and curly hair and ceramic is great for thin, course, and curly hair.
Tips for using a flat iron on 4c hair
Now that you’re a flat iron expert, we want to leave you five major tips on how to use your new iron:
- Never set your flat iron above 450. Your hair starts to burn at 450oF. A high-quality iron should be able to straighten coily hair at 410oF at most.
- Only use two passes on one strand of hair. Having this level of control reduces the chance of heat damage.
- Always straighten your hair on clean hair. Dirt, oil, and product can get stuck between your plates. This is a fire hazard and can damage your straightener.
- Always read the instructions. Not every straightener is the same, so make sure that you know how it works before using it.
- Check and see if there’s protective film on the plates before using it. Some new flat irons put a sticky, plastic film between the plates to prevent scratches and cracking. Though is helpful, it can be a fire hazard if you don’t check beforehand.
- Use a heat protectant. I recommend using a heat protectant when flat ironing hair, especially if your hair is 4c. After all, you will be using hot tools on your hair, so it will need protection from damage from heat.