Women who have been born with natural curls get to effortlessly enjoy the fun and sexy vibe of this do. However, there are days when these curls become untamable and, no matter what you do, you’d just end up looking like a hot mess. And there are also times that you get a little bored of sporting the same hairdo every day – you’d want to change it up a bit from time to time.

Photo Credit:  marco monetti

The natural choice for this would be to straighten the hair. But hold on! Although it is the primary function of all flat irons to straighten hair, some do so more effectively than others. It is important to look for a high quality iron with just the right material and functions to treat those luscious locks. Follow these guidelines and find out what is the best flat iron for your hair type.

1.Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron (1-1/4″)

If you have thick, wild hair and fine curls, you’d want to look for professional flat irons that can generate high heat without causing damage to your hair. Ceramic plates are capable of doing just that.

This model has 1¼”-wide plates, which are the most commonly used size. However, these are not ordinary ceramic plates – they have been reinforced with tourmaline ion which is capable of creating a silkier effect with significantly less time and effort. It also has contoured handles that make it easier to grip.

Due to its excellent temperature control and even heat distribution, it is the best flat iron for long tresses. Also, this model is recommended if you are always in a rush as it can be used on both dry and moist (not wet) hair.

2.BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium UltraThin 1″ Iron

This model is built especially for coarse, undamaged, shoulder length hair. It has a long and slender frame (plates are 1” wide and 5” long), which allows it to reach closer to the roots. It can also heat up wider sections of hair, which speeds up the straightening process.

Its nano titanium component works well in conducting heat and can therefore produce higher temperatures that can go up to 450°F. It is capable of producing a higher ionic output than plates made of ceramic. It is also made of lightweight materials that make it easier to handle.

It is recommended to use this at the lowest temperature setting or around 180-350°F.

3.Sedu Revolution Tourmaline Ionic Styling Iron 1″

This is another viable option for shoulder-length, thick and coarse hair. The main difference between this and the aforementioned model is that instead of titanium, it is made of nano ceramic tourmaline plates that are 1” wide. It can cause virtually zero damage to your hair, even with daily use.

Fun fact: it won ALLURE Magazine’s “Best of Beauty Flat Irons” poll last 2013.

4.Croc 2 Infrared Flat Iron 1″

If you have thick, color-treated, curly hair that falls below the shoulders, this model is right for you. It uses a combination of tourmaline, ceramic and titanium in its plates, which contains all the advantages of these materials.

The highlight of this model is the application of infrared technology that allows it to recondition as well as reconstruct the hair as it is used. How so? It seals in the moisture of each strand of hair and kills off harmful bacteria as well as foul odors, which also makes it safe to use on dyed and dry hair.

5.T3 SinglePass Styling Iron

If your hair is long, not very thick and is more on the wavy side, then this is the best flat iron for you. This slender beauty also makes use of infrared technology that can reduce the occurrence of static electricity as you iron your hair (a very unpleasant experience) and creates a professional-looking do. Also, with its beveled edges, you are free to style it any way you want.

6.GHD Classic Styler Ceramic Hair Straightener

This model, which was formerly called the MK4 Mark IV, is recommended for short, wavy hair that just brushes the shoulders. Its rounded barrel and built-in microprocessor grant versatility to your styling needs.

It is equipped with safety features such as thermal fuses that prevent it from overheating and an automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity.

7.HAI eLite Nano XT 1″ Flat Iron

Last on the list is a model built for short, wavy and tamable hair that weighs no more than 8oz. Its ceramic plates are evenly infused with nano tourmaline, which protects colored and treated hair from damage. It is also built with silicone ball technology which increases the sensitivity of the plates and allows them to automatically adjust the temperature to the texture and thickness of your hair.

Keep in mind that no matter what type of iron you use, always apply a heat protectant of choice on the hair before heating it up to prevent any sort of damage.

Hopefully, these tips were able to help you find the best flat iron for your hair. With every work of art, there is always a little science involved – because what is beauty without brains, right?