Flat irons are a lifesaver when it comes to styling our hair. But these gadgets can be dangerous for our hair when not used at the right temperature.
Flat irons are devices that most people use but are not aware of how much temperature their hair requires.
You might be using way more temperature than you might need, or maybe you are using too low temperature and not able to keep your hair straight.
Either way, there are some consequences that you have to face if you use a too high or too low temperature.
In this article, we will talk about flat iron temperatures. We will understand the temperatures for our hair and ways to prevent our hair from damage.
Contents
Understanding Hair Types
Before moving to flat iron temperatures, we need to understand hair types. There are ten hair types, and each hair straightens best at a different temperature. It varies with the hair condition and how well-groomed it is.
There are also a few factors that change your hair straightening experience.
Factor 1: Type of hair – Varies from 1 to 4C
Factor 2: Chemically treated hair – Bleached or permed
Factor 3: Type of straightener – General ceramic or steam flat iron
Factor 4: Material of the plate – Tourmaline, Titanium or Ceramic
If you use extremely high temperatures on fine hair, there is a high chance you will fry your hair. And if you use low temperature on type 4 hair, you will barely notice any difference.
Summary Of Temperature Range For Different Hair Types
| Hair Types | Flat Iron Temperatures |
|---|---|
| Synthetic Hair | Less Than 160 Degrees |
| Fine Hair/Thin Hair | 300 Degrees |
| Normal Hair/Thick Hair | 300 To 350 Degrees |
| Wavy Hair | 350 To 375 Degrees |
| Coarse/Curly Hair | 375 To 410 Degrees |
Natural Hair V/S Synthetic Hair
There are two hair types that we straighten on a daily basis. We usually straighten natural hair and synthetic hair. Both hair types are very different from each other.
Synthetic hair will melt if you cross a certain amount of heat, whereas your natural hair can withstand the power of more heat.
For synthetic hair, we use temperatures that are less than 160 degrees and for natural hair, we need to use temperatures above 250 degrees.
If you are struggling with setting up the heat for ironing your hair, then you are at the right place.
Below are the temperatures that are most suitable for different hair types:
Flat Iron Temperature For Fine Hair From 1 to 2A
Fine hair that ranges from 1 to 2A is usually the most fragile. We have to handle these hair types with care. We should also iron these hair types gently to prevent damage and breakage.
As these hair types are silky and naturally healthy-looking, they do not require a lot of heat to straighten. You can dial up your heat to 300 degrees. It is the perfect temperature for fine hair.
This heat will quickly straighten your hair, and you will not need to pass over the same area more than 2-3 times to achieve the look you want.
Flat Iron Temperature For Thick Hair From 2B to 3C
These hair types are fuller and thicker than fine hair. They are more rigid and less fragile. We consider this hair to be the best because this type of hair can deal with higher temperatures.
You can crank up the heat a little, but too much heat will damage your hair. The ideal temperature for 2B to 3C hair is 300 to 350 degrees. This is also the temperature you can use for normal hair. The temperature may vary for normal hair, but this temperature is just right.
If your hair is not too thick, you will not need to go over the same area more than 2-3 times. If your hair is thick, you might consider going over the same strand multiple times for better results.
Fine hair will take less time to be straight compared to thick hair.
For wavy hair, you can use a temperature between 350-375 degrees to straighten your hair. This temperature is high enough to smoothly straighten out your wavy hair.
The hair type from 3A to 3C are curly. Curls take a lot more time than naturally wavy or somewhat straight hair. You have to use more heat and go over the same strand 5-6 times more.
Once you have straightened this hair, using about 375 degrees, you have to go over the whole area again one last time to lock it and then set it with a setting spray.
Flat Iron Temperature For Extra Curly Hair 4A to 4C
4A to 4C type is the thickest and coarsest hair. It requires a lot of effort to get this hair type straight. But the best part about these hair types is that they can withstand the maximum amount of heat.
The heat requirement for these hair types ranges between 375 to 410. This hair will require a lot of time to look straight and shiny.
The strands will require a lot of heat, and you will have to go over the strands many times. It will be best if your flat iron has titanium plates lined with tourmaline to get an anti-frizz and glossy hair.
People with this hair type usually straighten their hair a lot.
This phenomenon should end because no matter how low of a heat scale you use, you are still causing damage to your hair. Repeating this process a few times a week will make your hair dry and unhealthy, and at one point, it might become irreversible.
FAQs
Will using a high-temperature flat iron burn my hair?
Ans. If you use high temperatures for fine hair, it will fry your hair, and your hair will become frizzy and suffer severe damage and breakage.
But, if you have very thick, coarse, and curly hair, you have to use high temperatures to achieve straight hair. It is best to use heat protectants on your hair before straightening them. It will help your hair from the harsh heat it will have to endure.
Can flat irons last long when used in high temperatures?
Ans. Your flat irons will only last long if you use them at low heat. You can use high temperature from time to time when needed, but it is best if you do not use high temperature as it will burn the coil that helps to heat the plates.
Clean the heating plates from time to time as it collects residue from the hair.
When you apply high temperature to your hair, keratin breaks off your hair. So, don’t damage your hair and your flat irons with extra heat.
Can we use one iron temperature for all hair types?
Ans. You can use the same temperature. But there will not be any significant change in thick, coarse hair because they require higher temperatures to show any difference. To see the minimum difference on thick, coarse hair, you will have to run over the same strand many times.
How can I protect my hair from the damage of high temperature flat iron?
Ans. To protect yourself from the heat damage of a flat iron, you must use heat protectants. You can use the hair mask to strengthen your hair after straightening it. It will allow the hair to get stronger and shinier, and the heat damage will not be too severe.
Final Words
Flat iron is a splendid invention made for people who do not have naturally straight hair. It helps us in many ways, but we must also know to what extent we can use it and dial up the heat to keep both the straightener and our hair in good shape.
With all the information above about the perfect temperature setting for your hair type, you are now ready to begin your journey of correcting the blunders made and damaged hair.
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