Finding a styling tool that does more than just one job feels like a small miracle. You want something that respects your hair’s health, saves you time, and actually delivers on its promises. That is exactly how I felt when I first learned about the Hershesons The Great Iron. Priced at £120, it sits in a highly competitive market, which naturally brings a lot of skepticism. Can it really be that different from everything else on the shelf? The more I researched its design and the mechanics behind its performance, the more I realized this was not just another flat iron. It promises exceptional great iron straightening results, but its clever construction opens up a world of styling possibilities that go far beyond simply making hair flat. Let us look under the hood, or rather, the floating plates, and uncover the seven secrets that make this tool genuinely stand out in a crowded field.
Secret 1: The Science-Driven Plate Composition
Most people look at a straightener and just see two hot plates. However, the materials used in the Hershesons The Great Iron are the result of careful precision engineering. The plates are made from tourmaline-infused titanium. Understanding why this specific combination matters is the first secret to unlocking its potential.
Why Tourmaline Matters: Tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral. When heated, it emits negative ions and far-infrared heat. Negative ions are crucial because they neutralize the positive ions in the air that cause static and frizz. Humid air is full of positive ions that mess with your hair’s cuticle. The negative ions from the plate seal the cuticle down, locking in moisture and reflecting light. This is the scientific explanation for the incredible shine users consistently report.
Why Titanium Wins: Titanium is a lightweight metal prized in aerospace engineering and professional hairstyling. It heats up in under 10 seconds and maintains a consistent temperature across the entire plate surface. Unlike traditional ceramic plates, which can develop hot spots over time, titanium conducts heat very uniformly. This ensures that every strand in a section receives the same temperature, preventing under-styled sections that require repeated passes. Ceramic can also chip over time, exposing a less efficient aluminum core. Titanium, on the other hand, is incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion.
The Floating Action: The plates are mounted on a spring mechanism. This allows them to “float” and contour to the specific thickness of the hair section you are holding. If you clamp down on a thick, 2-inch section, the plates adjust to maintain even pressure from root to tip. This eliminates the common problem of edges burning or the hair snagging on a stiff plate. It is the primary reason the tool glides so effortlessly through even coarse or wavy textures.
Secret 3: The Curved Barrel – Unlocking Wave and Curl Potential
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of The Great Iron is its curved design. Standard straighteners have sharp, 90-degree edges. These create creases and kinks if you try to curl with them. The Hershesons tool features rounded edges and a curved barrel. This is a deliberate design choice that turns the straightener into a versatile multi-styler.
Mastering the S-Wave: The S-wave technique is perfect for achieving that effortless, lived-in texture you see on runways. To create it, clamp the iron in the middle of a hair section. Alternately wrap the hair around the barrel in an “S” shape. The curved edges prevent the hair from bending at a harsh angle, resulting in a smooth, flowing wave rather than a crimp.
Soft Curls and Beachy Waves: For soft curls, twist the iron as you glide down the hair. The barrel allows the hair to wrap around it smoothly, creating a voluminous curl. For beachy waves, alternate the direction of the curl—some sections curling away from the face, some towards. You can also use the curved barrel to create a simple flick at the ends of your hair for a polished finish. The versatility of the curved barrel means you are not just buying a hair straightener. You are investing in a tool that can effectively replace your curling wand and your waving iron.
Secret 4: Personalized Temperature Control for Hair Health
Heat settings are often an afterthought for many users who simply crank the dial to the maximum setting. However, the Hershesons iron offers three specific settings: 120°C, 180°C, and 230°C. Knowing which one to use is a critical secret to great styling and avoiding unnecessary damage.
120°C – For Fine or Damaged Hair: If your hair is fine, thin, or chemically processed through coloring or bleaching, 120°C is the safest choice. This low heat is gentle on the delicate cuticle layers and prevents breakage. At this temperature, you may need to be a bit more precise with your sectioning to ensure a smooth result, but your hair will thank you for the gentle treatment.
180°C – The Perfect Medium: This is the “Goldilocks” setting for most hair types. I used 180°C on my thick, wavy hair with a good heat protector. It provides enough heat to effectively straighten the strands without being overly aggressive. It is the ideal setting for adding waves and curls as well, as it is hot enough to set the style but cool enough to avoid burning the hair or stripping its natural moisture.
230°C – The Power Setting: This heat is reserved for very thick, coarse, or tightly coiled hair that is resistant to styling. This level of heat can quickly vaporize moisture if used incorrectly. It is powerful enough to flatten the most stubborn kinks in a single pass. The rapid heat-up, under 15 seconds, means you do not waste time waiting for the tool to be ready. Always use a high-quality heat protectant spray when using the highest setting to create a barrier between the heat and your hair fibers.
Secret 5: The Liberty of a 360° Swivel Cord
It is very easy to overlook the cord, but it dictates the entire maneuverability of the tool. A tangled, heavy cord that constantly twists up can ruin the styling experience and create frustration. The Great Iron features a 360° swivel cord that connects to the base of the handle. This small engineering marvel prevents the cord from twisting and tangling as you move the iron around your head.
Why This Matters for Straightening: When you are straightening the back of your head, you do not want the cord pulling the iron out of alignment or dragging against your arm. The swivel ensures that the cord drops straight down and moves with you, allowing you to focus entirely on the smooth glide and the angle of the tool.
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Why This Matters for Curling: Curling requires rotating the wrist. With a fixed cord, you would have to lift the iron to untwist the cord after every single curl. This is tedious and can ruin a freshly formed curl. With a swivel cord, you can rotate the iron a full 360 degrees without the cord bunching up. This makes the curling and waving techniques much more intuitive, faster, and ergonomic, especially for those who may have weaker wrists or grip strength.
Secret 6: Achieving Root Lift and Volume
One common complaint about straightened hair is that it can look flat and lifeless. The weight of the hair plus the intense heat of the iron can pull out natural volume. However, The Great Iron can be used to create beautiful lift at the roots if you know the right method.
The Root Curve Method: Take a 1-inch section from the crown area. Clamp the iron close to the root. Gently push the iron slightly upwards, towards the scalp, and then curve it outwards as you glide down. This motion creates a “bump” or “C-shape” at the root that adds height and volume to the crown area. This technique is perfect for creating a more rounded, flattering silhouette that lifts the face.
Using the Slim Plates: The 1.25-inch plates are nimble enough to get very close to the scalp without burning it. This precision allows you to lift specific areas, such as the bangs or the top layers, to create a voluminous look. For those with fine hair, this technique is a game-changer. It definitively proves that great iron straightening does not have to mean sacrificing volume or settling for a flat, boring result.
Secret 7: Protecting Your Investment with Proper Care
A premium tool like The Great Iron, which costs £120, is an investment in your personal care routine. The final secret to getting the most out of it is proper maintenance and storage. The tool comes with a protective cover and a storage pouch. These are not just nice extras; they are essential for the longevity of the device.
Cleaning the Plates: Over time, hair products, natural oils, and dirt can build up on the tourmaline titanium plates. This buildup acts as an insulator, reducing the effectiveness of the heat transfer and causing the iron to drag instead of glide. You should clean the plates when the iron is completely cool and unplugged. Simply wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth. For stubborn residue, you can use a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad, but make sure it has fully evaporated before you plug the tool in again.
Storing the Tool: Always use the protective pouch for storage. The floating plates are precision mechanisms. Dropping them or storing them loosely in a drawer without protection can easily damage the springs or chip the smooth surface of the plates. The pouch also prevents dust from settling on the plates, which can cause an uneven glide over your hair.
Cord Care: The 360° swivel cord is durable, but you should avoid wrapping it tightly around the iron for storage. This can stress the swivel joint and eventually break it. Instead, loosely loop the cord and store it in the pouch alongside the iron. Following these care steps ensures that this tool remains a reliable part of your styling routine for many years.
These seven secrets reveal that the Hershesons The Great Iron is far more than just a beauty gadget. It is a carefully designed styling tool that respects the biology of your hair while unleashing your creative potential. From the tourmaline titanium plates to the curved barrel and the ergonomic swivel cord, every feature serves a clear purpose. Mastering these techniques allows you to achieve professional-level results at home, saving you time and preserving the health of your strands. Whether you are aiming for sleek straightness, soft S-waves, or voluminous curls, this iron truly lives up to its confident name and delivers remarkable great iron straightening performance every time you use it.
