You might have come across hair straighteners described as made from tourmaline and how amazing it is for the hair. Yet, do you have any idea what tourmaline is? What good does it do to your hair?
Tourmaline flat irons are popular in hair salons, and I prefer them as a professional stylist. In this post, I outline why tourmaline is the rage for flat irons (and even in curling iron barrels) and what tourmaline flat irons can do for your tresses.
Why is tourmaline used in hair straighteners?
To begin answering this question. Let’s find out first what tourmaline is.
Tourmaline is a kind of inorganic material, a crystalline mineral. It is used for barrels and plates of hair styling tools. Tourmaline emits negative ions and far-infrared heat when it’s heated up.
The negative ions counteract the positive ions found in dry hair. Using a tourmaline straightener eliminates frizz, lessens heat damage, and enhances shine.
Hair damage due to high temperatures is typical in all hair types, but the moisture-locking ions that tourmaline generates help seal moisture inside the hair. Sealing moisture inside the hair keeps it healthy.
A Brief History of Tourmaline in Hair Styling Tools
Tourmaline was first used in hair styling tools in the early 2000s. It was an alternative to ceramic plates/barrels, which were the norm.
Common ceramic flat irons are great hair straighteners, but they don’t emit negative ions or far-infrared heat. Tourmaline, on the other hand, does both of these things.
Since tourmaline has even heat distribution, it’s excellent for making coarse hair shine and guarantees frizz-free hair.
Why choose a tourmaline hair straightener?
If you have ever used a ceramic hair straightener, you would know that it can sometimes pull or snag on the hair. This happens because ceramic plates in flat irons tend to heat up unevenly.
On the other hand, tourmaline distributes heat evenly, thanks to the far-infrared heat it emits. This means that your hair is less likely to get damaged when you use a tourmaline flat iron.
In addition, tourmaline also releases negative ions when heated up. These negative ions help to seal the cuticle. Making the cuticle flat is the beginning of the smoothing process.
Using tourmaline flat irons instead of titanium flat irons or ceramic flat irons makes for shinier and healthier-looking hair. They also help to eliminate frizz.
Tourmaline vs. Ceramic vs. Titanium plates
So now that you know what tourmaline is and why it’s used in hair straighteners, you might be wondering how it compares to other materials such as ceramic and titanium.
Both ceramic and titanium plates are suitable for hair. However, tourmaline is said to be better than both ceramic and titanium.
This is because tourmaline emits more negative ions than ceramic and far-infrared heat than titanium. This means that your hair will experience less damage, less frizz and static, and more shine when using a tourmaline hair straightener.
Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Irons
Many flat irons containing tourmaline ground into a fine powder are added to the ceramic mixture to make tourmaline ceramic plates. These flat irons are superior to plain ceramic flat irons or a tourmaline flat iron. They are also kinder to dry or damaged hair than titanium iron.
Tips and tricks in using a tourmaline hair straightener
- Use a heat protectant spray before using your tourmaline flat iron. This will help to protect your hair from the heat.
- Ensure that your tourmaline flat iron is on the lowest setting. If you have fine or thin hair, use a lower setting on your tourmaline flat iron. Intense heat can damage your hair cuticle, resulting in coarse hair.
- The tourmaline plates in a hair straightener wear out faster than aluminium and titanium plates. Change them once they wear out to avoid dry and damaged hair.
- Your hair’s condition is a clue as to which hair styling tools it can tolerate. Take note of your hair type. Fine hair is prone to damage and hair fall, so go easy on the heat—same with already damaged and colored hair.
Our Final Hair Say
Tourmaline flat irons are more expensive than ceramic and titanium ones, but they are worth the investment. They are the best for your hair and work even better than ones with aluminium or titanium plates. They even trump higher-quality ceramic irons!
Remember to use a thermal protectant before using your tourmaline flat iron, and don’t forget to apply it to your ends. With these tips, you’ll be sure to keep your hair healthy.
Are you going to head out to get your new tourmaline hair straightener? Check our blog post for the best tourmaline flat iron. You’re sure to find one that fits your hair type and budget.
