Hot Tool Technology: How Do Hair Straighteners Work?

Curious about how hair straightener technology works? Continue reading to learn more!

If you’re all about the latest in hair trends, you probably already know that there are lots of options for thermal hair styling tools these days.

Case in point: all flat irons are unique in their own ways. However, the hype around high-tech tools is real. The technology behind a straightener can make your life easier when styling, but also has a major impact on the long-term health of your hair.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s really happening inside the most popular straighteners. Hair straightener technology can make your life easier when styling, but it also has a major impact on the long-term health of your hair.

In this article about hair straightener technology, we are giving you a breakdown of what's really happening inside the most popular straighteners.

What heats up the flat iron?

While some straighteners are battery-operated, most plug into an electrical source. The iron’s heating element converts the electrical current from the source to heat that is transferred to the hair via the flat iron’s plates.

The plates can be made of a variety of materials including ceramic, metal, ceramic-coated, tourmaline, or even coated with rubber or silicon, to name a few.

The two most popular materials used for salon-quality straighteners are tourmaline and titanium.

What are the most popular types of flat irons?

• Ceramic - ceramic plates distribute heat evenly, reduce frizz, and are gentle on the hair. They work well for most hair types.
• Tourmaline - tourmaline is often used to coat ceramic plates. It produces negative ions that help seal the hair's cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine.
• Titanium - titanium plates heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature. They are ideal for thick, coarse hair that requires high heat.
• Ionic - these flat irons emit negative ions to neutralize positive ions in the hair, reducing frizz and static. They are often combined with ceramic or tourmaline plates.
• Floating plates - while not a material, some flat irons have floating plates that adjust to the hair's thickness, ensuring even pressure and heat distribution.
• Gold or titanium alloy - some high-end flat irons feature plates made from a gold or titanium alloy, which provides fast, even heating and durability.

What does “far-infrared heat technology” mean?

As we are diving deeper into the hot tool technology of your hair straightener, let's take a look at what far-infrared heat technology is, and why does it matter if you are looking to enjoy a shiny and beautiful hair. 

A term you’ll often see associated with a flat iron’s heat element is far-infrared heat, which is a hair straightener technology utilized in all NuMe flat irons.

Far-infrared heat technology in flat irons is an advanced heating system that generates heat by emitting longer wavelengths of infrared radiation. Unlike traditional heat, which only heats the outer layer of the hair, far-infrared heat penetrates the hair shaft, heating it from the inside out.

This gentle and even heat distribution minimizes the risk of hot spots and reduces the potential for hair damage. It also helps to preserve the hair's natural moisture, preventing excessive dryness and frizz during styling.

Far-infrared flat irons are known for their ability to provide consistent, controlled heat, resulting in smoother, shinier, and healthier-looking hair.

This technology is especially beneficial for those with fine or fragile hair types who want to minimize heat-related damage while achieving desired styling results.

What is temperature control in flat irons?

High-quality straighteners allow you to set the temperature of the heat, which can range from 140 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Depending on the texture and current health of your hair, maximum heat isn’t always necessary. In fact, 365 degrees Fahrenheit is often cited as the best temperature for hair straightening or curling. 

No matter the temperature, it’s essential to use a heat-protectant spray before using a flat iron, or any heat styling tool. It helps to prevent breakage and prevents damaging your natural texture.

The NuMe Watch Me Werk Thermal Heat Protectant protects strands and smells divine.

How does the heating element heat tourmaline ceramic plates?

Speaking of hot tool technology, how does exactly the heating element heat tourmaline ceramic plates?

Tourmaline is a precious mineral that can be crushed up and used to coat ceramic flat iron plates. Used in our Megastar Hair Straightener, tourmaline plates emit negative ions (a secret weapon against frizzy hair), close the cuticle and seal in moisture.

The Megastar even amplifies the negative ion factor with an Ion Booster. The biggest perk to tourmaline ceramic, or pure stone ceramic plates, is an even heat distribution.

Evenly heated plates mean there aren’t any “hot spots” that can damage hair, or “cold spots” that can result in a need to pull the flat iron over one section more than once.

How does the heating element heat titanium plates?

When a straightener, such as our Style Setter Hair Straightener, uses titanium plates, you know it’s not messing around. Titanium, which is a light, smooth metal, is slightly more powerful than tourmaline ceramic.

This plate is recommended for thicker, harder-to-straighten manes, but it's still safe for all hair types.

Titanium heats up faster than other types of plates and also transfers the heat to the hair more quickly, which is again helpful for especially coarse hair.

It also emits negative ions to counteract frizz but is lighter than ceramic which means you'll be dealing with less heavy iron.

Due to its powerful heating abilities, ensure your hair is protected by spraying on a heat protectant evenly before styling.

FAQ

How is a flat iron made?

A flat iron is primarily made of two heated plates, often composed of materials like ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline, which determine its heating properties.

These plates are attached to a handle, usually made of heat-resistant plastic or rubber for a comfortable grip. Inside the flat iron, there is a heating element and a thermostat to regulate temperature.

The plates are heated using electricity, and the user can adjust the temperature based on their styling needs. Many flat irons also have additional features like digital displays, floating plates, and safety mechanisms to prevent overheating.

These components work together to straighten or style hair effectively and safely.

What makes a good flat iron?

A good flat iron has quality plates (e.g., ceramic, titanium) for even heating, adjustable heat settings, even pressure with floating plates, quick heating, and safety features like auto-shutoff and temperature control to prevent damage and ensure effective styling.

Which is the least damaging flat iron material?

Ceramic is often considered the least damaging flat iron material. It provides even heat distribution, reduces hot spots, and minimizes damage to the hair compared to other materials like metal.

However, using any flat iron with proper heat protection and technique is essential to prevent damage.

Looking for more hair inspo? Check it out here & here!

Author: Mary Patterson Broome