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Are you looking for the best flat iron for relaxed hair? Good, NHP has your back sis...
Choosing the best flat iron for African-American relaxed hair may seem like another day spent surfing the online beauty shops for a basic hair care product, but for millions of women who relax their hair, finding their perfect solution for chemically-treated hair is not without its challenges.
After all, wearing chemically-treated hair comes a load of responsibility.
Flat ironing relaxed hair can significantly raise your risk of damaging hair already vulnerable due to the chemicals used to change its texture.
This statement is especially true if you select the wrong flat iron.
Do you want to know if it’s OK to flat iron your hair after a relaxer? The answer is, yes it’s OK.
Some women flat iron on relaxer day because they need to be somewhere and didn't have time to do a roller set as they normally would.
It’s no problem, you'll be fine if you decide to flat iron after your relaxer, most women who do it don’t notice any problems.
As an alternative to flat ironing your hair the same day after relaxing your hair you can also try wet-wrapping your hair and then drying under a hooded dryer, or roller-set, then dry-wrap your hair for a sleeker look.
[RELATED ARTICLE: Is it bad to flat iron hair twice a week?]
DETAILED REVIEWS BELOW: If you are doing some research for your next flat iron for relaxed hair, we have some good news for you.
We have done the work. Here are detailed breakdowns of the top seven picks among buyers of flat irons for relaxed hair.
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Digital Flat Iron for relaxed hair is garnering rave reviews from consumers.
Users report that this Babyliss Pro flat iron heats fast and cuts their styling time down by half.
In addition, its digital settings make it user-friendly for various hair types, including coarse, curly, thick, or relaxed hair.
It allows you to preset the iron to the temperature that you find works best and reportedly does not damage your hair with proper use.
Babyliss pro titanium irons are often among the top five because they minimize the risk of heat damage to hair, heat rapidly, maintain an even temperature over the plate’s surface area, and can be effective in combating frizz.
That's why this gets best flat iron for relaxed hair from NHP.
If your hair is perm relaxed it is already extra delicate, if it’s already parched and needs a lot of TLC, use this.
The BIO IONIC Onepass Straightening Iron is great for relaxed hair because it has cushioned bioceramic plates that were infused with nano-ionic mineral to gently yet effectively flat iron relaxed, curly or wavy hair in very few passes.
With this flat iron for relaxed hair, you don’t have to go over the same hair section several times to achieve a high-shine, smooth finish.
Just a couple of passes are all you need to style every hair section, which speeds up the styling time.
Apart from the cushion nano-ionic mineral-infused bioceramic plates, the OnePass flat iron for relaxed hair also features silicone speed strips that cut the styling time even shorter. The silicone strips are a unique feature of the OnePass brand.
The strips give your relaxed hair a high shine while ensuring that permed hair lies completely flat for optimal infrared heat penetration.
All these features add brilliance and shine to your relaxed tresses while minimizing frizz and dullness.
The OnePass tames relaxed hair without the straining your wrist, which is why this iron is a pro-salon favorite. The ergonomically designed flat iron will straighten your relaxed hair in the most comfortable way possible.
This is the best flat iron for relaxed hair for those who can afford the high cost.
This caught our attention because a popular youtuber did an unboxing of their Sedu flat iron and claimed that it was by far the BEST flat iron for relaxed hair that she had ever used on her relaxed hair.
The 1 1/2" plates glide through relaxed hair with ease and straighten already permed hair perfectly and quickly with just ONE pass.
Some women love this flat iron for relaxed hair because it allows you to set the temperature to whatever degree you desire. For example, you can leave the temperature at around 350-380 degrees if you so choose.
Because of the wide plates on the Sedu flat iron, you’ll be able to flat iron perm relaxed Black hair faster, ending the entire process in approximately 40-45 mins.
The HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener has a ceramic and tourmaline crystal ion design that helps to deliver a vibrant, sleek finish.
Also, users of this product boast the ability to style their hair in fewer passes than the average iron, as the plates allow for an equal distribution of heat.
This iron has eight microsensors that help to deter hair damage. The iron does not snag your hair, and once again, if you are short on time, this iron will enable you to get it done in as little as 20 minutes – if you are an old pro in the art of flat ironing your hair.
This iron can be used for straightened styles, flips, and curls. In addition, it is incredibly effective for managing frizz with temperature settings that range from 140°F to 450°F.
However, tourmaline irons can be costly, so you may want to evaluate whether this iron is a must-have over the long term in your styling regimen based on the quality of your hair.
The Kipozi 1 Inch Pro Titanium Flat Iron uses an advanced PTC ceramic heater.
The technology also allows for an equal distribution of heat, while its titanium plates permit it to easily glide through your hair.
It promises to tame frizz and offers heat settings that enable it to be beneficial for hair regardless of its state, including healthy, damaged, or fragile hair.
Hair is left feeling soft and silky. Although this is nowhere near the quality of the #1-3 best flat irons on this list for relaxed hair, it is cheap in price for those who are on a tight budget.
The Deogra Flat Iron For African American Hair, Silk Press Flat Iron contains specialized ion outlets that produce millions of negative ions.
This iron comes with six adjustable temperature settings ranging from 330°F to 430°F, allowing you, the consumer, to choose the temp that will best cater to the texture and thickness of your hair.
In addition, the plates are infused with keratin and argan oil that help moisture and provide valuable nutrients that contribute to a vibrant finish.
You may use this iron to not only create sleek straight styles but can also create beach waves and curls with your Deogra Iron. The iron has an automatic shut-off timer that kicks in after 40 minutes.
The Vanessa flat iron hair straightener and curler titanium hair straightener flat iron is a 2 in 1 curling iron and flat iron with titanium plates and a slim curved handle that make it ergonomically attractive for use.
Its lightweight and durability are particularly appealing to consumers.
The iron instantly heats up within 15 seconds and provides a temperature setting range of 265°F to 450°F. It is safe to use on various hair types and leaves hair looking vibrant and full of life.
The unique design of these plates helps to minimize the risk of you burning yourself and gives you the option for versatile styling from root to tip.
Here are a couple pro tips for when you are preparing to flat iron relaxed hair. If you want the PERFECT moisturizing treatment for bringing out smooth, moisturized yet strong hair for a bomb flat iron after perm relaxing try Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm.
This deep treatment smooths your hair like nobody’s business and makes the cuticle lay flat.
The slip that it gives you assists in detangling hair strands in prep for flat ironing perm relaxed hair.
First, you should shampoo with a high-quality sulfate free shampoo, then you’ll follow up with this moisturizing treatment for 5-10 minutes in the shower.
After that, rinse and then move on to a great leave-in conditioner and an elite heat protectant that really does the job.
Your relaxed, flat ironed hair will be moisturized, strengthened, smoothed and frizz-free as a result of this treatment balm! After seeing its effects, you won’t allow your flat ironing routine for relaxed hair to go without it!
Tip #2: If you’re wondering, "Do I need to blow dry my hair?", the answer is no. You don’t ned to do that.
Many pro stylists will suggest waiting to blow dry your hair until several weeks post relaxer. As long as you have the time, it’s smart to just air dry and then flat iron. I mean look, your hair is already straight, why add more unnecessary heat to it?
Also, by skipping the blow drying step you’ll get way more volume in your relaxed hairstyles.
{RELATED ARTICLE: Avoid rough ends when straightening kinky hair]
Temperature control is one of the most important things to look out for when purchasing a flat iron. Different hair textures can cope with different levels of direct heat.
Black chemically relaxed hair is the most fragile of all.
Intense heat will give smooth results but is very likely to cause heat damage hence compromising the curl pattern and health of your hair.
If your hair is freshly deep conditioned and a top-notch heat protectant are applied beforehand, you will be surprised at how little heat you need to get perfect results!
Always use a temperature-controlled flat iron on relaxed hair.
[RELATED ARTICLE: Should you let heat protectant dry before straightening?]
In closing, the flat iron for relaxed hair that you choose will ultimately depend on your hair goals.
For example, you seek a versatile iron that can straighten hair and deliver curls, you may opt for the Vanessa Flat Iron or Deogra Flat Iron. If your budget is low, you might find that the Kipozi Flat Iron is a more suitable option.
No matter your selection, always take steps to ensure that your relaxed hair is healthy enough to withstand the use of heat.
Invest in a trusted thermal protectant that you can apply to your hair before flat ironing relaxed hair.
Finally, remember to deep condition your hair to care for the structure of your relaxed hair.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melissa Lee
Melissa Lee is a Contributing Editor to NHP and a former owner of the BlackhairOMG website. She formed 4C Trichology Growth Services, LLC., a US based hair care consultation service. She has also contributed as a writer and consultant for various hair and beauty websites. Melissa can be followed on Twitter here.