Hair Styling Tools

When it comes to determining what size flat iron is best for your hair, you are actually wanting to know what plate width is best for  you.  To answer this questions, there are a couple of factors that play into making your decision.

First and foremost, the length of your hair is the most important factor in determining what size flat iron will do the best job for you.  Secondary to this is what exactly you want the flat iron to do for you, i.e., straighten hair, flip hair, curl your hair etc. 

So what is the universal plate width that will accommodate all hair lengths?  Generally, the 1-inch plate width can be used for all hair lengths, however, the 1-inch plate width works best with medium length hair.  What is considered medium length hair?  If your hair length is above your shoulders, and past your ears, you can call your hair medium length.

Ok, we established that a 1-inch plate works best with medium length hair.  What about short length hair?  Or, what if you have bangs?  If your hair is above your ears you have short hair.  So, what size plate width works best with short hair or bangs?  Well, you need to find a flat iron that has a plate width that is less than 1 inch.  These slimmer plate widths are out there and a 3/4 inch plate width works very well with these shorter hair lengths.  The issue with short hair and bangs is that you are using the flat iron and trying to style your hair, which is only a few inches from your head.  It is for this very reason you need the slimmer plate widths to handle the shorter strands of hair to avoid burning your scalp and lessen the chance of overheating your hair and resulting in dry, brittle hair. 

So what plate width do you use for long hair (hair that reaches your shoulders)?  If your hair fits this description, or if you have very thick hair, you should be using a flat iron that has plate widths of 1 1/4 inches or larger.  Plate widths are available up to 2 1/4 inches.  The biggest advantage of using the wider plate flat irons for longer hair is the obvious, which, is that it will save you time as well as reduce the risk of damage by having to go over the same strands of hair multiple times. 

Selecting a flat iron is always a personal choice, however, if you are out shopping for your first flat iron, the above recommendations should be helpful until you become more informed and have personally experienced using the different sizes.