A flat iron and a curling iron seem like two similar tools, and indeed both heat the section of hair. But they serve different purposes, and choosing badly often means going over the same section several times. Here is how to find your way, starting from the models we stock in the shop.
What the flat iron does and what the curling iron does
The flat iron was made for straightening, but with a little practice it can also create waves or turn the ends under. The curling iron, which in our shop you will find among the curling irons, is for curls: it can be cylindrical, conical or triple-barrel, and the type of wave you get changes accordingly. Whoever wants straight hair almost always chooses the flat iron; whoever wants curls or defined waves looks to the curling iron.
Plate materials
- Titanium: heats up quickly and holds the temperature, useful when making many passes. You will find it on the Kiepe Home Precision.
- Plasma coating: on the Parlux Setra it is non-stick and low-friction, so the plates glide over the section without dragging.
- Titanium-tourmaline: this is the barrel of the BaByliss PRO conical curling iron, which the manufacturer indicates for adding shine.
Width matters
Wide plates cover more hair with each pass and save time on long or thick hair. Narrow plates are more precise on fringes, short hair and touch-ups. The Parlux Setra comes in 25 and 40 mm widths. On the BaByliss PRO conical curling iron the tapering diameter changes the definition of the curl.
Temperature
Adjustable temperature is an advantage, because it lets you adapt the tool to the hair type. According to the manufacturer's data sheet, the Parlux Setra has four temperature settings, from 165 to 210 °C. A common-sense rule: start at the lowest temperature that gives the result and go up only if needed. On fine, bleached or coloured hair it is wise to be even more cautious.
How to use them well
- Clean, completely dry hair (for traditional flat irons; steam flat irons have their own manufacturer instructions).
- A heat protectant spray on lengths and ends, such as Insight Schermo Protezione Calore.
- Small, even sections, one at a time.
- One slow, continuous pass, without stopping in one spot.
- Let the section cool before touching it: the shape sets better.
Which to choose, in practice
For long, thick hair, a wide flat iron such as the 40 mm Setra saves a lot of time. For short hair, fringes and touch-ups, a narrow size is more precise. Anyone seeking straight hair with a little movement at the ends will do well with a floating-plate flat iron such as the Kiepe Home Precision, which the manufacturer describes as able to adapt to the section. Anyone who wants soft waves looks to the conical curling iron, which gives a more natural curl because the section wraps wider at the root and narrower at the tip. If you are not sure, starting with one versatile tool is better than buying two specialised ones.
What to look at before choosing
- What you want to achieve: straight, waves or defined curls.
- Material of the plates or barrel.
- Width or diameter, in relation to hair length.
- Adjustable temperature and heat-up speed.
- Swivel cable and automatic switch-off (available on some models).
- Weight and grip, because you use it for a long time.
The most common mistakes
- Using the maximum temperature "to be quicker".
- Going over the same section several times instead of taking thinner sections.
- Skipping the heat protectant.
- Forgetting the tool switched on: automatic switch-off is a convenience, not a substitute for attention.
Come and visit us in the shop
The weight and grip of a heated tool can only be understood by holding it. In Campobasso, at Viale XXIV Maggio 140, we are happy to show you the products in person and advise you without rush. If you prefer, you can call us on 0874 698703.