How Does a Flat Iron Work?
Background
The concept of using heat to straighten hair has been around since the 1800s. Women used irons designed to iron clothes on their own hair. Frequent damage from the intense heat was common, but over time, the idea of hinging two flat plates together came to be. The modern hair straightener was invented in 1912 by Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield.
How Does a Flat Iron Work?
The intense heat of a flat iron is key to its effectiveness. Hydrogen bonds in each strand of hair cause it to curl. When enough heat is applied, the hydrogen bonds are broken and the hair lies straight. The curlier the hair, the more heat is required to break up these bonds so the hair can lie flat.
The kind of flat iron used also determines how easily the hair will lie down. Low quality flat irons are made of aluminum and sprayed with a ceramic coating. These require longer to straighten the hair. More expensive flat irons are often completely ceramic and created so that the daily wear and tear won't wear off the ceramic coating.
Drawbacks
Flat irons can create problems if they are used on a daily basis. The intense heat can cause split ends, dull or frizzy hair, and occasionally the hair can become brittle and break off. If a flat iron that is meant only for dry hair is used on wet hair, it can cause intense damage because the heat and steam are trapped against the hair. Cheap flat irons increase the risk of mechanical damage to your hair. Mechanical damage occurs when the ceramic coating wears off and the underlying layers of aluminum hurt the hair. Most companies now manufacture heat protection sprays and conditioners that are meant to protect your hair against constant use of a flat iron.
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