Flat Iron Review

Some flat-iron features are redundant and over-hyped

In the quest of sleek, silky-looking hair worthy of shampoo-commercial models, a flat iron, also called a hair straightener, is the go-to tool of choice. Used to straighten coarse curly or wavy hair, or to add shine and control the frizz that sometimes plagues straight hair, flat irons have the unique ability to tame it all. In addition, some proficient flat-iron wielders can curl, flip and wave hair with this device.

Despite the wealth of flat-iron reviews, most of them are somewhat dated. This is reflective of the marketplace. Flat irons haven't changed a lot in recent years, and user reviews reveal that there isn't a reason for them to change: Older models are as popular as ever. The most thorough evaluations we found are at ConsumerReports.org, where nine hair straighteners are tested by professionals and ordinary users, and at Slate.com, which compares seven flat irons. Allure and InStyle magazines also test multiple flat irons, but very little information is given about their testing practices or their picks for best flat irons. User reviews at Folica.com and Amazon.com are useful when it comes to long-term satisfaction, something that even the best professional reviews don't judge.

When it comes to flat irons, ceramic models get the most attention from reviewers. Ceramic flat irons have plates that are coated with several layers of baked-on ceramic. Although we didn't find any scientific evidence to back up the benefits of this technology, professionals insist that it is less damaging to hair and produces an even heat that is void of hot spots. Paula Begoun, author of "Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me," says that despite claims to the contrary, ceramic flat irons cannot seal in moisture but are less damaging because they are less likely to snag and pull the hair. Instead, hair glides smoothly through ceramic plates, which conducts heat better than metal plates.

However, not all ceramic flat irons are equal. The best flat irons use pure ceramic plates instead of ceramic-coated aluminum. These all-ceramic flat irons, such as the FHI Heat Runway Iron (*Est. $450) and the Hana Elite (*Est. $360), are very expensive and more delicate. That's because pure ceramic is much softer than metal-reinforced ceramic and is easier to crack. For this reason, most flat irons use ceramic-coated plates, though high-end irons typically have more layers.

Manufacturers commonly toss around terminology like tourmaline, nanotechnology and ionic technology when touting their flat irons, which can confuse consumers. For the most part, they describe technologies used to create the plates. Here's a brief primer:

• Ionic -- the iron produces negatively charged atoms, also known as negative ions, which counteract the positive ions in your hair, creating a smooth, frizz-free appearance.

• Far-infrared heat -- light at the far end of the infrared spectrum that is invisible to the eye. It heats the hair from the inside out and protects the cuticle (the outermost layer of hair) from excessive damage.

• Tourmaline -- a semiprecious gemstone that is often finely ground and infused into flat-iron plates. Like ceramic, it produces negative ions and creates smooth, shiny hair. According to Folica.com there is no difference in performance between ceramic and tourmaline flat irons, although many contain both materials.

• Nanotechnology -- refers to nanosilver, which inhibits bacterial growth. Experts say this is especially desirable for professional hairdressers or those who share styling tools. Editors at Misikko.com warn, however, that nanotechnology can be a misleading term. It means that tiny particles of a substance are used. While nanosilver, nanotourmaline and nanotitanium are good features, nanoceramic means that only small amounts of ceramic are used, which is not desirable.

Another thing to consider when researching flat irons is the temperatures these styling tools can produce. While adjustable heat and a large range of temperatures are sought-after features in flat irons of all price ranges, editors at Folica.com say consistent heat is even more important. Flat-iron temperatures can drop by as much as 100 degrees Fahrenheit due to heat transfer, so good heat recovery is important.