The flatiron is about to get its 15 minutes of fame. Flatiron experts, Jane Shan, category manager for Conair Pro-Iron and Hairsetter; International Creative Director of FHI Heat, Philip Wilson; and ghd Artistic Ambassador Andy Bodine all agree: Flatiron technology is improving and these advancements are making the iron easier to use and capable of perfecting a multitude of styles.

What's New?

Shan:

Babyliss has a few new technological breakthroughs. The plates of this ultra-slim and sleek iron are ultra-smooth, durable and Titanium-plated. The steam function is targeted to launch in the beginning of 2009, which will moisturize and condition hair.
Wilson: FHI's next-generation heat system heats four times faster and distributes heat evenly across the surface. This provides greater styling power and control, while enhancing the health of hair. Three nano particles also work to restore moisture and remove toxins and bacteria.
Bodine: The GHD IV Styler has beveled edges and floating plates, two important features that help create beautiful curls and waves-large or small, loose or tight-just as easy as it straightens.

What's Now?

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Babyliss Nano Titanium Mini Iron
Shan:

The Nano Titanium has a ceramic heater that maintains a consistent and optimum heat of 450 degrees, and ultra-smooth and durable Titanium-plated plates. And the dual voltage mini iron is great for travel and touch-up.  
Wilson: The FHI Heat Runway iron is our flagship product. It has pure ceramic plates, not just ceramic coating. The ICHS ceramic heating system heats inside the plates creating the look you want in just one pass through the hair. The generator also uses infrared heat, which is a gentler heat and better for hair.
Bodine: The ghd IV Styler works well on all types of hair whether short, long, thick, fine, straight or curly. It features a micro-processor that regulates the temperature every millisecond, providing consistent heat from scalp to ends. The temperature of the styler automatically adjusts depending on the individual's hair texture. The heat does the work for you; you just gently glide the styler through the hair.

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GHD IV STYLER

What's Next?

Shan:

I see more stylists using flatirons to curl hair or bend to create body. Our ultra-thin iron is great for this.
Wilson: Hair styling now covers styles across the board; it's not just straight or just curls. FHI Heat calls the flatiron a "styling" iron because it is a very versatile tool. The beveled edges and different-sized plates create multiple sizes of waves, curls, etc.
Bodine: Whether you're looking to create sharp edges or waves, the textured looks aren't something you can create with an ordinary flatiron, but they are easily achievable with the ghd IV Styler.

 

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FHI Runway

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