Flat Iron Adventure Day 1

So here I am at the beginning of my Flat Iron Adventure, as I search for the right flat iron. The very fundamental step in choosing a flat iron is first understanding ones own hair type. The reason I'm not able to easily pick a flat iron is the simple fact that not all flat irons are the same, and although most professional salon flat iron are of high quality they may not work well for all hair types, lengths, and textures. Actually, some flat irons work better when used on hair they were designed for and then consequently don't function as well when used on the wrong type of hair. So here is where my problem presents, I must first understand my hair type and then be able to identify a flat iron that will work more specifically with that hair type. On Day 1 here I will show you how I identified my hair type and how you can do the same!

Hair Length

Ones hair length is important in figuring the flat iron you will need. The effectiveness of a flat iron and time of straightening are all affected by ones hair length. 

Short: short hair is defined as anything from bald to 1 inch below the nape of the neck or above the ear. Thus, hair that frames the face. The ideal flat iron for an individual with short hair would be one with a plate size 1 inch or smaller.

Medium: medium hair is defined as a length that ranges from below the ear to ones shoulders. Thus, hair that frames the head and shoulders. The ideal flat iron for an individual with medium length hair is one with a plate size of 1 inch or larger depending on ones hair volume.

Long: long hair is defined as any length beyond the shoulders. Thus, hair that frames the body. The ideal flat iron for an individual with long hair is similar to that of one with medium hair, a plate size of 1 inch or larger depending on ones hair volume. 

Hair Type/Texture
The first classifier is the curliness or lack of curl to ones hair. This is divided into levels or types of curl and then further divided into subcategories. It is important to understand how much curl your hair has when choosing a flat iron for the purposes of temperature control and plate size.
Type 1: category or type 1 is known as those with straight hair. This hair type can further be divided into specific subtypes Type 1A, Type 1B, Type 1C

• Type 1A is stick straight hair. Hair is soft, thin, and fine with shine.
• Type 1B is straight hair with more body, but no wave. Hair is medium-textured. 
• Type 1C is straight hair with with slight body wave. Hair is thicker, coarser, and the most resistant to curl styling.

Those with Type 1 would benefit from a flat iron with a plate size of 1 inch or less and a temperature of 300° F or less.

Type 2: this category is known as those with wavy hair. This hair type can further be divided into specific subtypes Type 2A, Type 2B, Type 2C

• Type 2A is hair that is slightly wavy or curly. Hair is thin, fine, and easily able to curl or straighten.
• Type 2B is hair that has more curl and the majority of hair is curly. Waves tend to adhere to the shape of the individuals head. Hair is medium-textured.
• Type 2C is hair that tends to frizz easily and be wavy or curly. Hair is thick and fairly coarse. 

Those with Type 2 would benefit from a flat iron with a plate size that ranges from 1-1½  inches and a temperature roughly around 300-380° F.

Type 3: this category is known as those with curly hair. This hair type can further be divided into specific subtypes Type 3A, Type 3B, Type 3C

• Type 3A is hair that has big, loose, and sometimes frizzy curls. Hair is very shinny.
• Type 3B is hair that is bouncy ringlets and looks like a spring. Hair is medium-textured.
• Type 3C is hair that has tight curls that look like springs or corkscrews. Hair is more kinky.

Those with Type 3 would benefit from a flat iron 1½ or larger (smaller if hair is shorter) and a temperature roughly around 300-380° F.

Type 4: this category is known as those with kinky hair. This hair type can further be divided into specific subtypes Type 4A, Type 4B, Type 4C

• Type 4A is hair that is full of tight "S" wave shape or pattern curls.  
• Type 4B is hair that has a less defined curl pattern. Hair is tightly coiled in a bending pattern, much like a "Z" shape.
• Type 4C is hair that is tightly coiled with little or no pattern. Therefore, if you don't fit into Type 4A or 4B you will find yourself in this subtype.

Those with Type 4 would benefit from a flat iron 1½ or larger (smaller if hair is shorter) and a temperature greater than 400° F.

The second classifier that is important to keep in mind when choosing a flat iron is the the volume on ones hair. The thickness or thinness of one hair is primarily determined by the density of ones hair or the amount of hair on ones head. Thus the higher the density the more thick someones hair is and the less the density the less thick ones hair is. The thickness of ones hair is important to understand when choosing a flat iron because thicker hair may require a larger plate size. There are several ways to identify the the thickness of your hair.
Strand Test. The strand test can easily be done by taking a single strand of hair and pulling it in front of you face, so you are able to look at it. If the strand is almost translucent to the light, is thin, fine and feels like silk your hair would be classified as thin. A thin strand is barely felt when rolled between you fingers and if shed is hard to see. If the strand is easily visible and feels coarse and wiry, your hair would be classified as thick. A thick strand is also noticeable felt when rolled between your fingers. Any hair that falls in between these is classified as medium thickness. Medium is neither fine or coarse and is soft and visible on sight. It also is slightly noticeable when rolled in between your fingers, similar to  that of rolling a cotton thread.
Circumference Test. If your are able, pull your hair back into a pony tail. You may wish to use a soft tape measure in order to measure the circumference of your pony tail. A circumference of 2 inches (less than 5 centimeters) is considered thin hair. A circumference of 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) is considered medium and more than 4 inches (greater than 10 centimeters) is considered thick hair. Another method, which is a little less reliable is see how many times you can wrap your ponytail holder around your hair. If its just barely wraps 2 times around your hair it is considered thick, if its 4-5 times its considered thin and anywhere in between is considered medium.

Ok, did you learn anything?! I did! I now know I have long, type 2C, medium thick hair. Which in almost every area is right in the middle. Uggh! See my dilemma, but this is good to know. As I continue on my journey for finding the right flat iron for myself this will be a great reference. What hair type are you? Are you curious how your hair type may affect what flat iron will work best for you? Well stay with me everyone, because my journey is far from over. I still have a lot more research to do!!