Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair
I’m constantly learning to love my natural hair and figuring out how to maintain it. No matter how much of a struggle being #teamnatural is, it’s also a constant and exciting learning experience. This led me to my journey to find the best flat irons for natural hair. There have definitely been times where I was too lazy to properly care for my natural hair, with rushed routines and heat with no protecting. This led to a lot of damage and breaking. However, now that I have healthier habits, it’s easier for me to incorporate heat and tools the right way.
When using blow dryers, flat irons, or any other type of heat, the most important tip that I have is to use heat in moderation. You also need to be sure to use proper products such as heat protector spray or oils, as well as techniques that will guarantee the smallest amount of heat damage possible. Even back when my hair was relaxed, I learned that a lot of the cheap flat irons can cause major damage and burn your lovely hair, whether you immediately realize it or not. This can cause permanent damage to your curl pattern if you’re natural, and it takes a very long time to restore, grow out, and chop!
With that said, investing in high-quality flat irons was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In collaboration with my hair stylist, I want to share with you information on my picks for the top three best flat irons for natural hair! These range in price from around $40-200.
#1. BIO IONIC ONE PASS 1.5 NANO CERAMIC FLAT IRON
For this one, it’s all in the name! This flat iron by Bio Ionic is great for natural hair because it does a lot of work in just one pass! This is great for reducing heat damage that is caused by “passing” the flat iron over one section of hair 3-4 times in order to get it straight. It features silicone “speed strips” to make this possible, as well as special ceramic for a touch of shine. Like most, this flat iron has multiple heat/temperature settings, which I usually use on the higher end, after using heat protectant spray. When using this on natural hair I recommend the popular “comb-and-chase” method for the best results. You can search this method on Youtube for some amazing tutorials!
#2. HSI PROFESSIONAL IONIC FLAT IRON
This flat iron by HSI is probably great for all hair types, but is definitely one of the best flat irons for natural hair! This was a featured “hot item” when I was browsing Amazon one day, and decided to purchase with intentions of just using it on virgin hair weave. It has adjustable heat temperatures that range from the low 200s all the way up to 450. The cord swivels around so that you can get all the wacky angles that come along with straightening your whole head of hair, which is definitely a plus! This flat iron also comes with Argan Oil that you can use on your hair to protect it from heat. It makes my hair so soft and smooth!
#3. BABYLISS PRO NANO TITANIUM STRAIGHTENING IRON
I definitely have a space in my hair heart for BaByliss products (my blowdryer is this brand too). This is the flat iron that my hair stylist uses on my hair and it works miracles on these natural edges! It’s mostly used when I have a wig (u-part) with leave out area and let me tell you, this flat iron is great at blending my natural hair with my virgin hair weave. It reaches a high heat (I’m pretty sure she goes the 450 route most of the time), but as with the others, you’ll be okay if used properly and with heat protectors in place!
HONORABLE MENTIONS UPDATE
I haven’t personally tried this Karmin Flat Iron, however, an overwhelming amount of my blog readers say that it is definitely one of the best!
The key takeaway is that if you’re natural, use heat in moderation or with good practices. You definitely shouldn’t feel the need to flat iron your hair every day at all! I do it about once every two weeks. Learn how to maintain your hair after the straightening (a wrap if you want it straight, rods if you want it curly without using curling iron heat, etc).
Keep an eye out for deals on eBay or Amazon for the flat iron of your choice. I don’t think I’ve ever bought any of my products at full retail! Also, throw some moisturizing oils or heat protector spray in the cart while you’re at it!
What are your favorite flat irons for natural hair?
— xoxo, Lindsey
Leave a Reply