Hot Comb VS Flat Iron, What's The Difference?

Several sets, rods, gas-heated tools, and combs were once used to create the ideal, conventional, and much-loved trendy hairstyles. Also, despite the trials and errors we've encountered with shampoos, conditioners, and oils, the quest for something more effective and handier has led to innovations for our Black women and their coily hair and crowns.

It's not a crime to slay in some straight bob once in a while as an African Queen. Hot comb and Flat irons are now the easiest and most stylish tools for naturally textured and relaxed hair. With these right styling tools, you will surely keep your hair beautiful all day. Indeed, they are the new BFFs.

Hot Comb, Flat Iron, Are They The Same?

Several misconceptions surround the use of these two handy tools. Hot comb and Flat irons are often perceived to be the same; Nah, far from it, they are not!

These tools transform hair into a smooth, shiny, and manageable look. If you were to make a choice, which of these tools would come to your mind? You should know that the secret behind making a good choice is to consider your hair length, hair type, hair thickness, etc.

This article is a thorough breakdown of the difference between a Hot comb and a Flat iron, and how you can know the best straightener for you (your hair type and needs). Enough of some of the unfathomable traditional tools we knew whilst we were kids that were best for Afro hair.

These tools are your go-to if you want to try something new and different. It's time to see your hair in a new light and new angle with this less-permanent approach. Say no to unhealthy chemicals, and wear your black hair with pride and style!

What Is a Hot Comb?

A Hot comb is a gentle straightening tool that mimics a physical comb with patterned teeth and bristles but with heat this time.

This electric comb has gradually been preferred over traditional manual ones since its popularity amongst Americans. It works well with natural textured hair (coarse or not).

Its heating properties can be regulated to several degrees relatively to suit your preferred styling needs.

However, it works by catching each strand of hair and straightening it from the roots to the tips, especially the perimeter of the head - an even heat transfer. This is done per section to give the overall hair a smooth and uniform finish.

Reminder: Know what works best for your hair type and do not overheat! The kinkier the hair, the more useful this tool becomes.

How To Use a Hot Comb?

• Section your hair into what you can work with.
• Detangle properly to prevent the comb from getting stuck in the tangles and kinks.
• Apply a generous amount of heat protection oil or serum to these sections. This will prevent your hair from getting burnt from the heat of the comb.
• Avoid the scalp, neck, and ears while running the heated comb from the top to bottom to avoid irritations and scalp burns.
• Avoid using a heated comb on damp hair or after using water-based products and moisturizers.

What Is a Flat Iron?

Flat iron is a tool that gently straightens sectioned hair between two heated plates in the prongs.

With this method of styling, you are sure of a 90% risk-free approach to your natural curls, waves, and hair extensions. This historical tool is a great tool and option for ladies who are always on the go for occasions and formal gatherings.

From style directors and celebrities, the best Flat irons for a good straightening job are the Titanium-plated Flat irons with heat settings. The heated plates are made from ceramics, tourmaline, or metals. Some sizes and designs allow you full access to the hairline without any fear of burning the scalp or friction.

Regulate the temperature to a degree that your hair can carry. Avoid using a Flat iron excessively on your hair!

How To Use A Flat iron?

• Keep a quality heat protectant handy. Apply it gently on sectioned hair strands, then go ahead and use a Flat iron (regardless of hair type)
• With utmost care, use the Flat iron from top to bottom. Release at the end.
• Begin with lower temperatures and gradually twitch it if need be.
• Do this neatly from one section to another. Note: Managing small sections gives the best results.

Choosing Between Hot Comb and Flat Iron - A Must-Know

With these major distinctions, you will be confident when making the next purchase. We will carefully list the major differences between these two to help our Black women make the perfect choice for their hair. Generally, your preference matters beyond a reasonable doubt.

1. Price Tags

The price of a Hot Comb in the hair market is much cheaper than a Flat iron.

• You can easily purchase a Hot comb within the price range of $10 to $40 for basic models and $50 to $80 for more advanced models.
• When it comes to Flat irons, their price varies based on several factors. For basic models, you can get it from $20 to $50 but for more professional and advanced-grade Flat irons the prices range from $250 and above.

Some online marketplaces where you can get these tools at discounted prices include Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Alibaba. Opt to purchase directly from certain brands that have been tested and trusted like LANDOT, SALON SILK, Vicarko, and Angenil. You can get the best deals directly from their website for your home salon or home spa with the best shipping experience across the web.

2. Hair type

Besides pricing, put your hair type first when picking these tools for yourself. This is because different hair types would adapt to hair tools differently to get a protective style. So ladies, Check out your hair type before continuing.

For those with thin and not-too-long hair, look towards owning a Flat iron. You mainly need a Hot comb when you have coarse hair that is a bit stubborn; it will straighten any hair type in 1-3 strokes down the hair.

Thus, you can create and style a professional-themed look from the comfort of your home. Black ladies have included these styling tools when laying lace front wigs. It works like magic in creating a natural hair effect!

3. Experience and timing

As a beginner, it is safer and easier to use a Flat iron than a Hot comb on your hair. On your first time, you can do this alone without the fear of tangling.

To successfully straighten natural coarse hair (Type 4B and 4C hair) or African kinky hair, you need to carry out several trials with a Hot comb before you become an expert in it. 40-60 minutes is not too bad for a first-timer.

Flat irons are friendly hair straighteners, as they can be used by beginners in less time. You only have to move your hair slowly between the heated plates. So, in a little time, you must have mastered the art without loads of preparations. Just be extra careful with the heat that comes off of the irons; it can be scorching and burning. 

4. Quality of materials

As mentioned above, Flat irons are made from quality and solid materials like ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium. Out of these three, the most popular material is the ceramic plate. This is because it is fast in heating up, thus requiring little time to prepare. There is less risk of damaging the scalp with the ceramic plate and other protective features like auto-shutoff timers. We recommend it for our fragile and sensitive hair girls.

On the contrary, the Hot combs available in the market are made from metals like steel, due to their rust-resistance and long-lasting nature. To get the best result, avoid taking it too close to the scalp. Also, avoid using it excessively to prevent the hair from getting frizzy and brittle.

Final Thoughts 

Before making a choice, ensure that you go through the criteria listed above over and over again to know what works for you. If you have enough money, it's best to buy both tools and live in both worlds. The results from each will leave you awestruck and breathtaking. You will get all the attention passersby can give!

Avoid heat damage by using a heat protectant each time you use these tools. For extra shine, luster, or glow, apply a small amount of hair serum or oil. An extra peck for those who have read to the end is that with a Flat iron, you can do more than straightening. You can create a bob effect (even with your natural hair)! Thus, you can select from the wide range of hairstyles out there.

When purchasing this product, ensure that you buy it from reputable vendors and marketplaces. Look out for features like heat-up time, temperature range, safety features, cord length, ion technology, etc. Go for the BEST.