I think it’s impossible to find a woman who hasn’t cursed her hair at some point in her life, especially those of us with curly hair. Whether it’s about the sleek, straighter tresses that we lack or it’s just a particularly bad hair day, mastering curly hair can be tricky and it takes time, patience and a lot of trial and error.

For years, the solution to all my hair problems has been my hair straightener. In fact, my hair flat iron has introduced me to a whole new world of hairstyles beyond barrettes and scrunchies that I didn’t even know existed. We hear a lot about the potential damage flat irons can do to our hair, but with proper use and care, I believe every woman can benefit from using a flat iron. Here are some reasons why.

You Discover How Versatile Your Hair Can Be

I still remember the first time I flat ironed my hair – I couldn’t believe the hair on top of my head was mine. If I hadn’t spent half an hour making it happen, I’d have assumed it was a wig. At that time, I had no idea my hair could be anything but curly, tangled and unmanageable. Now, I know that my hair may have a mind of its own, but I’m still the one that’s in control. Once you start flat ironing your hair, you’ll learn that there is a number of different things you can do with it.

You’ll Finally Feel Like a Part of the Hair Community

When your hair looks different than a supermodel’s mane in front of a powerful wind machine, it’s easy to feel different and left out. A flat iron allows you to take charge of your own hair and realize that no hairstyle, colour or product should be reserved for certain kinds of hair.

You’ll Learn That Flat Irons Aren’t Just for Straightening

Many women think that flat irons are just for straightening hair. However, a flat iron can be multi-purpose. You can use it to curl your hair, crimp it, make waves or iron a wrinkly hem. I like to say that a flat iron is a four-on-one hair appliance.

How to Choose a Hair Straightener?

You’ll want to choose a hair straightener that will help you achieve your hair goals (sleek, straight, shiny hair) in the quickest and easiest way possible, with the least amount of damage. Plus, the right flat iron is more than just a tool for shiny, straight locks – it can also be used as a versatile styler to create curls or even as a volumizer in a pinch.

Nevertheless, there are a couple of things to consider when choosing the right straightener.

Shape

If you think that a flat iron is simply, well, flat, you should think again. The edges of these hair tools can greatly affect their versatility. If the plates and out edges are slightly rounded, it will be easier to transition your straightener into a curling iron. A straightener with sharp edges may be less adaptable but it will give you slightly straighter hair.

Plate Width

If you have longer, thicker hair, wide plates can be incredibly useful as they can gather more hair and heat in a few passes. Wide plates also reduce damage for thicker hair. However, if your hair is short, fine or over-processed, you’ll want more narrow plates that apply less heat.

Plate Material

Different materials are used to make straightener plates and some will be better suited to different hair types. Titanium plates heat up quickly, applying higher temperatures more evenly. These plates tend to suit best very curly, coarse hair. Ceramic plates offer even heat for most hair textures. Keep in mind that some straighteners are only ceramic-coated and over time the ceramic will wears down, distributing heat unevenly.

Temperature

High heat means faster, more effective straightening. However, not all hair types need the hottest irons. To minimize damage to your hair, choose an iron that offers adjustable heat settings, then style on the lowest heat setting that gets you the results you want.

Do Hair Straighteners Damage Your Hair?

I’m not going to lie to you – hair flat irons can damage your hair if you don’t take important steps to protect your locks first. For example, straightening wet hair causes the moisture in your strands to boil and blister the hair’s cuticle. This will cause damage to your hair after straightening, which shows up as breakage and split ends. So, make sure that you dry your hair properly before using hot tools. High heat can also cause damage, as it dries out the hair’s cuticle.

If you are worried about constant hair straightening causing baldness, put your mind at rest because it isn’t associated with being a cause of hair loss. Hair straightening only affects the dead part of your hair, which is all the visible hair that you see. The only part of your hair that is alive and growing is in the scalp and under your skin’s surface. So, while bad straightening practices can result in your hair looking dry and lacking lustre, it cannot cause irreversible hair loss.

What to put on your hair before straightening?

If you want to keep your hair protected against the damaging effects of the straightener, invest in a trusty heat protectant. This product should be a staple in every woman’s hair kit as it helps protect hair from high heat, aids in adding shine and helps to de-frizz strands.