Best Mini Flat Iron for African American Hair

Straightening African American hair is not an easy task. This is due to the density and springiness of the hair. Usually, fine curls require high temperatures to straighten. But due to their structure, they break down faster than Caucasian or Asian hair types.

Moreover, African American hair grows more slowly, making it harder to repair if damaged. That’s why it’s necessary to choose your straightening iron carefully.

Stylists around the world took a lot of surveys on African American hair styling, but some people (even famous actors or musicians) prefer to wear a wig rather than straighten their own hair with an iron. They fear that it may damage the hair structure.

5 Best Mini Flat Iron for African American Hair

We’ve collected all the research results in one place and, based on criteria highlighted by world stylists, have selected the top 5 best flat irons for African American hair here. We will also offer you several life hacks on how to properly straighten your curls and even share the details in choosing an iron yourself.

Ghd Platinum + Hair Straightener is the best known

Platinum+ is a fairly well-known brand in the hair technology market. Their hair dryers are often used by world stylists and the new iron is no exception. In one of his interviews, Adam Reed gives a master class on an African-American girl, demonstrating how to properly straighten complex curly hair.

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium – Best for long hair

Long hair requires long plates. And such a styler will perfectly cope with this task allowing you to achieve the desired effect quickly enough. The plates have a nano-titanium coating that protects the hair from burns.

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Flat Iron – Best For Short Hair

If you, like many busy people, live in a rush, then this iron will be your best friend. It heats up to 410 degrees F in just 60 seconds, and the Express Ion Complex coating will keep your curls safe.

NEURO SMOOTH (Dual Voltage) Styler – the fastest

Another invention from Paul Mitchell that is highly regarded by stylists around the world. Its main feature is its lightning-fast heat recovery capability. In addition, it has rather wide plates, unlike the previous one.

CROC Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron – The most energy efficient

Perhaps the most comfortable styler ever. The manufacturers have provided for everything: the average size of a woman’s hand, the location of the fingers on the buttons, the lightness of the material and, of course, protection from burns to the ears and scalp. And the plates in this model are also a surprise.

So, all this concerns the models that we selected ourselves, based on the research criteria. Although, depending on the region, you can find other equally decent flat irons in stores. Therefore, we decided that it would be unfair not to share the selection criteria with you.

Buyer’s guide

1. Safety

African American hair is the most prone to damage and burns. Due to their dense structure, they require special care and protection. And protection can only be ensured by the correct coating of the plates. To date, a titanium coating with silver ions or nano-particles can provide the best protection. And despite the fact that this significantly increases the product price, your hair will shine and feel healthy. And it’s worth it!

2. Comfort

Everyone knows that hair straightening is a long process. Therefore, you should select the device for yourself. Even in the store, you should understand whether you can hold it in your hand for a long time. If the device is too heavy, you better give it up. Another important detail is the handle. It shouldn’t be more than 4 cm from your wrist. An instrument that is too long interferes with the coordination of your hand and your hair can be wrinkled.

3. Heating

The heating rate is of no small importance. On average, it’s good if the iron heats up to the maximum temperature in no more than a minute. However, even more important is the rate of temperature recovery during its breaks and the time of its complete cooling. Usually, the recovery speed takes only 3-5 seconds. If more, then most likely an ineffective heating element is used inside, which will cool down just as long after use.

FAQ

Q: How to straighten long African American hair correctly?

A: If you have frequent waves and long hair, be patient. Try not to take too tight strands. It’s better to change the strand more often than to burn the already brittle hair. Start straightening from the roots at the front of your head so you can see the effect. Aim the flat iron perpendicular to the hair growth and slowly pull down. You may have to repeat the movement 2-3 times.

Q: How to Straighten Short African American Hair Correctly?

A: The way is almost the same as with long ones. The only peculiarity is the choice of the device that you will use. Short hair requires a narrower plate, so try to find a light and comfortable option for yourself, such as the 3rd item on our list.

Q: What should I do if I got a burn on my hair while styling?

A: Go to a stylist. A severe burn or complete burn-through of the strand requires professional help. Perhaps the stylist will advise you on a special thermal protection product and help you fix the trouble.

So, we hope that the information from this article will be useful. Remember that African American hair requires special care and before you start experimenting with your appearance, you need to make sure that you cover all the risks. Good luck!