This Is Exactly How Hot Your Flatiron And Curling Iron Should Be

(Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Have you ever cranked up the heat on your flatiron thinking it’ll leave you with smoother, shinier locks? If so, you’re not alone—but you are damaging your hair. "The right temperature setting is the key to obtaining optimal results and protecting hair against damage," says Jade Simmons, Director of Brand and Product Marketing at T3. "Ultimately, using a temperature setting that is too high can result in lasting damage including breakage, hair that is dry and brittle, and reduced color retention."

But figuring out the right temperature setting can be tricky—and that's if your hot tools even give you options. That's exactly why T3 just launched the new Curl ID Curling Iron and Lucea ID Flat Iron. "Everyone's hair is unique, and unique hair has unique needs," Simmons says. "T3 HeatID technology was birthed from the insight that temperature settings vary based on hair type and condition and that delivering the right temperature setting results in more style and less damage."

T3 HeatID technology takes out all the guesswork by providing instant custom styling with just a few touches of the screen. All you have to do is enter your hair texture, length and color and the HeatID automatically sets just the right temperature for you from nine different settings. "T3 HeatID technology defies the boundaries of styling technology, pioneering revolutionary heat personalization while delivering exceptional results and a hi-tech experience," Simmons says. "Capacitive touch, audio and haptic feedback technology, leveraged in smart phones and tablets, deliver an intuitive user interface for a more engaging experience."

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It turns out that using a lower temperature on your curling iron or flat iron can still give you the same great styling results. A T3 study found that 72% of consumers believe they need to turn their temperature setting up to get the look they wanted. However, another panel study conducted with over 200 women found that almost 60% were able to reduce their temperature setting when using T3 HeatID technology while still getting major shine, less frizz and long-lasting results. "At the end of the day, using the right temperature setting based on your unique hair profile is the key to achieving the best styling results while minimizing damage," Simmons says. "T3 HeatID technology aims to deliver enough heat to achieve the styling results you want, while minimizing heat exposure to avoid the damage that you don't. Personalized heat would not be effective without exceptional heat management and consistent delivery at its core. Equipped with a smart microchip and advanced dual heaters, these next-gen styling tools continually monitor and manage heat output for temperature consistency across the plates or barrel surface and throughout the styling process."

For those whose styling tools don't do the work for them, there are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting the temperature, which T3 narrowed down by consulting an expert team of stylists, trichologists and material scientists. They spent over 1,000 hours in consumer testing to fine tune the T3 HeatID algorithm. "In our research, we found that hair texture and hair condition are important determiners when making temperature selections," Simmons says. Those with fine hair should keep the temperature as low as possible, medium hair can keep heat in the middle and thick hair can handle a little more fire. However, if your hair is already colored or damaged, you’ll want to turn it down a notch regardless of your texture.

Another factor to keep in mind is when you’re restyling hair between washes. "T3 Lucea ID features a revolutionary new heat protection technology called Refresh Mode," Simmons says. "Based on the insight that many of us are washing our hair less frequently, Refresh Mode automatically lowers your temperature setting when refreshing your style on day two to help minimize heat exposure on already-styled hair." For those days when you need more than dry shampoo for second or third day hair, remember to turn down the heat. Another key to saving strands from heat damage is to use a protectant before reaching for any styling tool.

Next time you’re tempted to crank up the heat, reach for one of these hot tools that will keep your strands safe with their built-in temperature controls that still deliver a good hair day:

T3 Curl ID

"Due to the static nature of curling iron styling, T3 Curl ID features an input for chemical treatment to further protect compromised hair," Simmons says. "Both T3 Lucea ID and T3 Curl ID feature powerful ion generators that produce 10MM negative ions per cubic cm for smooth, shiny results." $235, t3micro.com

T3 Lucea ID

The technology behind this game changing flatiron is literally out of this world. "The T3 Lucea ID features an insulation material found in NASA space suits, helping the flatiron arms remain cool to the touch for greater styling control and comfort," Simmons says. "Plus, the T3 Lucea ID features a length selection to ensure heat consistency from root to tip." $235, t3micro.com

Tineco Moda One

Known for their intelligent home care appliances, Tineco is finally bringing their cutting-edge technology to the beauty world with their recently launched first hair dryer. Made with multiple smart sensors, the dryer has the rare ability to detect real-time hair moisture levels and automatically adjusts the heat and airflow accordingly to prevent damage to the hair and scalp. You’ll also know exactly how much time you have left thanks to an LED light ring that changes color as hair dries. Plus, as hair dries while you use it, it automatically produces more negative ions to safeguard strands while imparting shine. $299, amazon.com

Elchim 8th Sense RUN Lily Rose Limited Edition

This next gen dryer is all about customization via its heat control system that accommodates every hair type. Made in Italy, it boasts a new Elchim BLDC motor that's free of carbon brushes, so it's healthier for your hair and the planet. It also features an ionic and ceramic system that dries hair from the inside out, which means there's less heat damage and a lot more natural shine. $265, elchim.com