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Titanium is a type of metal that’s as smooth as glass, but stronger than steel. Unlike ceramic flat irons, the plates on a titanium straightener are less likely to crack or break, so your hard earned cash can go a little farther. The best titanium flat iron can carry a hefty price tag, but before your piggy banks runs away and hides, remember that it might be the investment your hair craves.
What to Look For
The best titanium flat irons distribute heat to the plates quickly and evenly — a must-have feature to help speed up your morning routine. Look for a model that uses ionic technology to make sure your straightened tresses are shiny, frizz-free and further protected from the iron’s heat. If you're going to invest in a high-quality flat iron, take the time to look for a titanium model that comes with adjustable heat settings to prevent scorching your hair or making it too dry.
The Best Plate Size
When you get a correctly-sized titanium flat iron, you're less likely to experience irreparable heat damage, and it won’t take you as long to get the job done right — you have other things to do with your time. If you have fine tresses, you can use any plate size on a straightener. For normal to wavy hair, use your hair length as a guide. Find a flat iron with plates that are 1.25 to 2 inches for long hair, 1 to 1.5 inches for mid-length hair, or 0.5 to 1.25 inches for short hair. If your hair is coarse, curly or thick look for a titanium flat iron that’s 1.5 to 2 inches if you have long hair, 1 to 2 inches for medium-length hair or 1 to 1.5 inches for short hair.
The Best Heat Settings
The best titanium flat irons have the perfect heat setting for your hair type. This is important because the wrong temperature can result in the worst hair day of your life. Protect delicate, fine locks by using a straightener that lets you set the temperature down to 360 F. For normal or wavy hair, find a flat iron that lets you set it between 360 and 380 F. Fabulous curly, coarse and thick hair requires temperatures between 380 and 410 F.
Common Pitfalls
Be wary of titanium flat irons with price tags that are too good to be true. Some manufacturers sell flat irons with plates made from a cheaper metal that they coat with titanium. Another cheap trick you might find is a product that states it has a titanium feel or gives results like a titanium flat iron, but the plates are made from a different material. Be a savvy consumer and read everything on a flat iron’s package.
