We’re breaking down the differences between titanium vs ceramic flat irons and telling you which is better for your hair- plus the best tips and products to use when you style.

The right tool can make or break the job, regardless of what you’re working on. And straightening your strands is no exception. Not all flat irons are created equal and the one you use on your hair will ultimately determine the outcome. There's a slight difference between ceramic and titanium flat irons, which is part of the reason why your finished look isn't always the same. So which is better for your hair? We’re getting into it all ahead, with

everything you need to know about titanium vs. ceramic flat irons. Plus how to choose between the two and the best tips and products to use when you style. And it all starts below!

A flat iron is a styling tool used for smoothing and straightening hair by pressing sections between two heated plates. The main difference between titanium vs ceramic flat irons is the rate and method it uses to heat the hair. Ceramic plates heat the hair from the inside out, while titanium heats from the surface of the hair shaft. Another distinction is the method in which the plates heat the hair. Ceramic flat irons transmit heat through infrared technology. This straightens the hair from the inside out, which is more gentle on, and less damaging to the hair. Titanium, on the other hand, heats the surface of the hair shaft. It generally heats up alot faster than ceramic, which makes it harsher on the hair.

Ceramic flat irons are the most common, and generally safe to use on most hair types. Ceramic plates use an infrared technology that straightens hair from the inside out, which is more gentle and considered a less damaging option for your strands. But there is a drawback to using the ceramic option. Many ceramic irons are coated and not a solid ceramic plate. In this case the plates may not heat evenly, meaning you’ll have to make more passes over the hair. Ceramic coated irons can also chip, or crack and can get caught on your hair, causing breakage. If an iron has full ceramic plates it will heat up evenly but does take a little longer to heat up than titanium. Even considering this, ceramic flat irons are the safest option for people with very fine, dry, damaged or color-treated hair. But keep in mind that ceramic tends to be a little heavier, so be cautious about not dropping it.

Titanium flat irons can handle high heat and reach their full temperature fast. The plates heat up quickly and straighten the hair with just a couple of passes. Titanium irons are typically more lightweight and easier to handle, meaning the hair glides more smoothly through a titanium one than a ceramic. These are the ones most often used by professionals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them at-home. In fact, if you’ve got thick, curly or coily hair, a titanium flat iron will help you achieve your desired look in less time. They can also be used with fine hair, but because of how quickly they heat up and transfer heat, use caution so that you don’t damage your hair. 

The key differences between titanium vs. ceramic flat iron are in the rate and method each uses to heat the hair. Ceramic flat irons heat your hair from the inside out for a slower, but less damaging result. Straightening hair from inside is more gentle than heating up the surface of the hair shaft. Titanium flat irons heat up faster than ceramic and work by heating your hair from the surface. They heat up in an instant and offer a smoother finish in less time. 

So is titanium or ceramic better for hair? Short answer, for those with thick, curly or coily locks, a titanium flat iron will help you achieve your desired result in less time. But for those with fine or damaged hair, a ceramic flat iron is the better choice.

Long answer, It really depends on your hair type and the results you want to achieve. Consider the time and the number of passes you’ll need to make over your strands to get the desired result. Titanium works really well for quick styling; it heats up in no time and conducts heat evenly throughout the iron for a perfectly smooth, straight result. But because titanium heats up almost immediately, the risks for hair are higher. Ceramic will take more time to heat up and will require more passes to straighten the hair, but it will be less damaging than a titanium one. So a ceramic flat iron takes longer to heat up, but in the long run, that may not be such a bad thing, as it's less likely to cause damage.

Regardless of if you use titanium or ceramic the most important factor when you use a flat iron is making sure your hair is properly prepped and protected. Keeping your strands healthy through the straightening process starts in the shower before you style. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner will help restore your hair’s moisture so it’s ready for the heat. If your hair is really dry or damaged, follow with a nourishinghair mask. The next non-negotiable when it comes to keeping your strands safe is to use a heat protection on them. Avoid products with silicones as these can create buildup in your hair. Always use the lowest heat setting possible for your hair texture. And that means no higher than 260 degrees on hair that is very fine, damaged or chemically treated. Those with fine hair shouldn’t exceed 350 degrees and average to medium hair no more than 400. And finally those with thick and coarse hair should not exceed 450 degrees. Use a light hand when passing your flat iron over your hair, especially with titanium. Titanium plates are much lighter than ceramic, creating the illusion that more passes are needed to straighten your strands.

Different hair types and conditions require their own set of rules so whether you choose a titanium vs ceramic flat iron for styling depends entirely on your hair. Ceramic flat irons maintain even heat distribution and consistently high temperatures. They take a little longer to heat up than titanium, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Ceramic is much less likely to damage your hair over time. Titanium flat irons on the other hand heat up very quickly and maintain very high heat just as well. But this intense high heat can easily damage your hair if not used properly. The bottom line is that ceramic is best for fine hair or hair that is easily damaged and titanium is most effective for thick hair that takes a while to straighten.

When it comes to protecting your hair before you style with flat iron, these are our favorite, stylist-approved products to prep your strands.

MORE INSIDEThis is a Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid

A fluid for creating a perfectly sleek, straight-haired look. This Is A Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid adds shine, eliminates frizz, moisturizes hair, and protects against humidity.

HEART OF GLASSSheer Glaze

A brightening thermal leave-on fluid for blondes. Provides hydration, shine, and heat protection and gives elasticity to the hair. This heat protectant will protect strands from temperatures up to 450 degrees.

OI All In One Milk

A lightweight, multi-function leave-in spray treatment that softens, detangles, and controls frizz. It protects against humidity and is a heat protectant for temperatures up to 450° degrees.

So now that you’re well-versed in all things titanium and ceramic, are you ready to choose? The most important thing to remember is to base your tool off your hair type and its needs. So if your hair is fine, dry and damaged or chemically treated, pick a ceramic flat iron. If you’ve got coarse, thick, or stubborn hair, a titanium flat iron is your best choice. Follow our tips to keep your strands protected and prep them before styling. All our heat protection products have protective properties to keep your hair healthy and strong and damage-free.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor