Ceramic or Titanium Hair Tools - Which Are Better for My Hair?
Ceramic and titanium are the two most widely used materials in premium hair styling tools. Both are praised for their heat distribution properties, durability, and effectiveness. However, there's a longstanding debate among hair professionals and consumers about which is ultimately better for your hair. Let’s get into it!
Ceramic hair tools were everywhere in the 80s and 90s
Ceramic is a non-metal that typically comes from clay hardened by firing (with actual fire). It started being used in hair tools in the late 20th century. Its popularity surged due to its excellent ability to distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of hair damage caused by hot spots. Ceramic tools also release negative ions when heated, which seal hair cuticles and effectively combat frizz, improving smoothness and enhancing shine. Ceramic plates glide smoothly through hair, reducing the chance of snagging or tugging, thus making ceramic tools, particularly straighteners, a favorite among individuals with fine to medium hair types.
For most of the 80s and 90s, ceramic dominated most premium quality hair tools, especially those manufactured in Japan. But with the turn of the century came innovations in manufacturing. Enter titanium, a strong, lustrous, and corrosion-resistant metal designed for everyday high-heat use. On paper, titanium is very much the successor to ceramic when it comes to hair tools.
Titanium hair tools speed things up
Titanium was lighter, more durable, and heated up much faster than ceramic, which quickly made it a preferred choice among professional stylists who needed quick and consistent heating. Like ceramic, titanium plates also emit negative ions, which help to smooth hair. Its ability to retain high heat for extended periods makes it ideal for people with thick, coarse, or hard-to-style hair. However, the high heat retention of titanium can also be a pitfall for those with fine or damaged hair, as it can potentially lead to heat damage, so you must use the heat control settings on all titanium-based hair tools.
Your hair type and how you want to use a hair tool determines which one is better
So which is better? That largely depends on individual hair characteristics and styling needs. Ceramic may be more suitable for individuals with fine to medium hair due to its gentle and evenly distributed heat, especially when detangling matted hair. This is one of the reasons why we use ceramic in The Suki, for a softer approach to hair straightening.
In contrast, titanium might be more appropriate for individuals with thicker, coarser hair that requires higher temperatures to style effectively or for speed and efficiency, which is why most of the EDRÉE range uses titanium and includes customizable heat settings to ensure you are in full control.
Whatever the hair tool, always remember to use heat-protectant products and minimize heat exposure whenever possible to maintain the health of your hair!
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