Achieving the sleek, straight-hair look that cascades with ample shine and touts a frizz-free finish is one of the most versatile ‘do’s abound. Unfortunately, if you’re one of the millions addicted to their flat iron (we aren’t judging), you’re probably well aware that this love affair doesn’t come without repercussions. Heat styling tools are known for their damage-inducing side effects, and flat irons tend to be even worse than curling irons and blow dryers when it comes to breakage. If you’re looking for a damage-reducing flat iron to help you maintain your signature, shiny strands without ruining your hair’s health, you’re in luck. There’s a new wave of next-generation hair straightening tools hitting the haircare scene that promise to deliver the same linear locks as the old-fashioned heat tools you grew up with, all the while posing much less of a risk for compromising overall hair health in the process. You see, back in the day most affordable flat irons (and even most prestige models) came equipped with metal plates, which are basically synonymous with fractured strands and endless split ends. Now days, hair technology has advanced, and ceramic plates that reduce the risk of damage are more commonplace and surprisingly not as expensive as you’d think. Ceramic plates reduce breakage because they’re able to promote an even distribution of heat, preventing the dreaded, hair-burning “hot spots...