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Blog 21 Jan 2025
What is a good temperature to flat iron natural hair?

While flat ironing natural hair, one must pay attention to a few elements if they want to achieve sleek results, or using excessive heat which could result in damage. For delicate sufferers, flat irons can take a toll on hair and results are never guaranteed. Here’s a detailed analysis of the appropriate temperature ranges when working on flat ironing a wide array of natural hair.

1. Fine or Thin Natural Hair

Temperature Range: 280°F to 350°F (138°C to 177°C)

This hair type is usually the most frail and hair that can be damaged easily due to temperature. If the temperature set on the flat iron is too high, hair can become brittle and dry. For fine or thin heads of hair, a flat iron with a lower temperature range should be more than sufficient to smooth out and neaten tresses without overexposing it to heat damage. It’s beneficial for the user to begin their styling session at lower temperatures, specifically 280°F to play safe.

Useful Suggestions:

  • Make use of a heat protectant spray at the start of styling, as it acts as a barrier, ensuring a higher level to protection.
  • This will assist in ensuring there are no unintended multiple applications of iron to the same bit of hair.

2. Medium or Average Natural Hair

Temperature Range: 350ºF to 400°F (177ºC to 204ºC)

Having medium texture hair enables individuals to withstand greater temperatures compared to other finer locked individuals. Regardless, those with medium texture hair should always take precautions in order to avoid excessive heat damage in the long run. At this temperature, the flat iron is able to straighten the hair while making sure to remove frizz, and add a shiny sheen as a result.

Tips for Medium Hair:

  • Splitting the hair into smaller sections allows for better even distribution of heat.
  • Using a ceramic flat iron helps in achieving a smoother glide while heating and distributing heat evenly.

3. Coarse or Thick Natural Hair

Temperature Range: 400ºF to 450ºF (204ºC to 232ºC)

Coarse or thick texture natural hair typically needs higher flat iron temperatures than other hair types. Since those with thick hair tend to have denser strands which are more resistant, they require a flat iron with higher temperature settings in order to effortlessly style the hair. Being those with thick hair are more prone to damage, it is crucial not to exceed above 450ºF as it can lead to irreversible split ends and hair dryness.

Tips for Coarse Hair:

  • Always apply a heat protectant before using a flat iron in order to protect hair and prevent dehydration.
  • You can think about using a flat iron with wider plates for a more efficient use of the tool. This way, you won’t have to make additional passes.

Guidelines for Any Type of Hair:

  • Use heat protectant always: It doesn’t matter what hair type you have, an essential for your hair care is always having a heat protectant. It acts as a partition between your hair and iron that saves moisture and prevents damage.
  • Invest in a good flat iron: A ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline flat iron with high adjustable settings is better because the heat distribution will be even and lessen the chance of burning some hair strands.
  • Use a small piece to test temperature: Don’t flat iron the whole head right away; try to first use the iron on a small piece to make sure the temperature doesn’t burn hair.

To summarize, the proper temperature to flat iron natural hair really depends on the texture and thickness of the hair. Lower temperatures work for fine hair, but to sleek thicker hair, heat is needed. In all cases, the correct heat protectant and flat iron and temperatures should be adjusted to protect natural hair from being damaged is the key.

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