A close look at Hot Tool’s most affordable flat iron that can tame thick hair
Model Name/ Number: HTST2575S
Price: $30
Size: 1”, 1.25”
For which hair type: medium to thick hair, all hair lengths accept very short
What we like: very affordable
What we don’t like: not very sturdy, not fit for fine hair
Rating: 4.1/5.0
Hot Tools products almost always make the cut to our list of favorites and they caught our attention with their affordable flat iron as well. This tool provides gentle results with its 3 layers of baked ceramic plates while still being frizz-free with its tourmaline coating. While its maximum temperature (450°F) is definitely high enough to tame the thickest hair, the low setting(280°F) may not be gentle enough for very fragile strands. It’s one of the most affordable flat irons with only $30. It comes with a few compromises on sturdiness and it also has a slight design issue regarding the buttons on the handle but it’s a value-for-money product and if you’re on a budget definitely worth considering. Below we share our experiences with “HOT TOOLS PRO SIGNATURE CERAMIC DIGITAL FLAT IRON”. If you’re curious about the competition, check out the article about BEST FLAT IRONS LINK
Shape And Size
Flat irons’ width varies from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, and the decision is about your curl pattern, length, and type of your hair. Hot Tools Pro Signature Ceramic comes in 2 different sizes, 1” and 1.5 inches. While 1” is the most common size that fits most hair, 1.5 is more desirable for longer strands as it can cover a larger area at one go and style your hair faster. Larger plates also get hotter so if you have thick hair, they’re perfect but there’s higher risk of damaging your hair if it’s fragile. 1” plate will be able to create more delicate curls while 1.5” will provide beach waves. The length of this tool’s plate is 3.58”, which is one of the shortest on our list after Voloom Petit Volumizing Iron with 2.8”. Shorter plates are not the best for long hair as the longer the plate the larger the area it can cover. The size of the tool is 11” and it’s average, for the ones who worry about how compact their tool is. It comes with multidirectional floating plates that provides maximum contact for more effective styling. It also has rounded edges which eliminates any creasing while you’re curling your hair.
Heat And Variable Settings
Hot Tools Pro Signature has variable heat settings which goes from 280°F to 450°F. While the maximum heat is very sufficient for even the unruliest hair, the low setting (280°F) is not low enough for very fragile hair. There are many in the market that offer a much gentler styling session. Tools such as BIO IONIC Gold Pro which goes as low as 170°F and they’re safer for delicate strands.
The heat of its handle stays around 90°F and its completely safe to touch and use for long periods of time. Its cool tip gets reaches till 160°F after some use and may be too hot to touch for some. The back of its plates on the other hand heats as high as 180°F and should be avoided while styling your hair.
Like most flat irons on our list, it has a 2-hour auto shot-off that makes this tool very safe to use as well as giving a peace of mind to the busy heads. It also has a digital display which allows you to control the temperature. You can save the pre-set setting according to your needs and use it regularly. This tool doesn’t have an audible warning when it reaches the desired temperature. This function usually comes handy but it may be an annoying touch for the ones that have someone sleeping in the room.
Material And Performance
Hot Tools usually offers good quality material. They offer a wide range of flat irons and this one, being the most affordable, doesn’t have the sturdiest material and not the most durable either. If you’re looking for a luxury tool that offers very high-quality material, there are ones for you in the market such as BIO IONIC Styling Iron and Babybliss Pro Nano Titanium. While these tools have great quality, they also come with a cost that not everyone are willing to invest on.
It has plates made of 3 Layers of baked ceramic infused with tourmaline. Now this is an extraordinary plate material that most flat irons don’t offer. It has the qualities of ceramic which are providing even heat distribution and easy heat regulation. It also carries the qualities of tourmaline material which are frizz-free results and a smoother finish. It doesn’t have ionic technology which is a big downside since this aspect brings frizz-free and faster results. But it compensates with its tourmaline-infused plates.
Ergonomics
Weight of a flat iron can be important since long periods of use may cause arm fatigue. It has a weight of 10.6 which is above average and definitely something to consider if a lightweight tool is your priority. There are many other cheaper options such as FHI Heat Platform Pro Styling with only 7.7oz.
The diameter of its handle is 4.5” which is the average size among flat irons. If you have very small hands and require a slimmer tool, there are brands Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Ultra Thin Straightener with a handle of only 3.5” diameter.
It has a 6ft swivel cord that is the average size in the market and unless your plug is very far away from your mirror, it’s long enough. It also has dual voltage which makes it compatible to use in all countries and makes it travel-friendly.
It has a small issue regarding the handle; the temperature control buttons are on the side of the handle and when you twist the tool to curl your hair, your hand touches the button and you may turn the tool off. As we mentioned, it’s a small issue but never the less inconvenient and may get frustrating.
Price And Guarantee
This is an extremely affordable tool. With a price of only $30, it’s one of the cheapest on our list right after Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron with $20 and Infinitipro Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron with $29.99. It also comes with a 5-year limited guarantee which is a cherry on top for such a budget-friendly tool. Of course, like every cheap item, it comes with a few compromises such as lack of sturdiness but overall, it’s great value for money.
Competition
The Hot Tools Pro Signature Salon Digital Flat Iron has shorter-than-average plates, so if you have long hair, it may take more time to style. Another flat iron from Hot Tools, Hot Tools Pro Artist XL features longer 5-inch plates, which will make styling easier. Hot Tools Pro Artist XL also has a much gentler starting temperature, making it suitable for fine, delicate hair textures.
The Hot Tools Pro Signature Salon Digital Flat Iron doesn’t have different plate sizes. If you need longer plates and faster styling, the Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron is a good option. It comes in 1″, 1.5″, and 2″ sizes and has 1″ longer plates.
