best travel flat iron for thick hair

The 10 Best Flat Irons for Thick Hair to Buy in 2024

Editor’s Note: Thick hair isn’t something that I’ve been gifted with in this life, but I have plenty of friends who know the struggle of trying to flat iron or curl their locks, only to be met with a lengthy process and lots of arm pain as they struggle to get the achieved look in their hair. Fortunately, there are several flat irons on the market today that are designed specifically for individuals who are struggling with keeping their thick hair styled. Just make sure that you’re using plenty of heat protectant on your locks once you finally choose the best thick hair flat iron for your needs!

People with thick hair who have a hard time taming their “mane”. It’s both a blessing and a curse. While thick hair can look great when well maintained, the opposite is also true. If you have thick hair, you need a great flat iron.

And this is where we come in. The bad news is that there isn’t a holy grail of flat irons. The good news is that there are ten for you to choose from! We have carefully selected ten of the best flat irons currently on the market, to help you in your quest to give your hair the perfect look no matter what the circumstance.

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First, let’s consider some criteria that is crucial in choosing the right flat iron for you. You won’t be able to get away from some of these technical specs, so we’ll try to be as succinct as possible and only provide you with what you really need to know.

Let’s go over the basics of flat irons:

• The ideal temperature range for thick hair is between 375 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. (the best flat irons have at least 2 settings between these two temperatures)
• The recommended plate type is either titanium , or tourmaline-covered ceramic . The longer and thicker your hair, the wider the plates should be. Otherwise it will take you longer to straighten your hair with a small, 1” wide plated iron.

The technologies that are prone to deliver the best results are ionic (the release of negative ions to reduce frizz and static) and infrared heating.

As  technology keeps evolving, hair straighteners become better and better. Companies listen to what users have to say about past products and try to implement the best changes, so that consumers are happy, and the companies keep thriving. We compiled a list of the most advanced forms of hair straighteners on the market today, the ones that are worth your time and investment. This list of the 10 most popular flat irons on the market will surely make you think about how often you use the flat iron, in what transportation and usage circumstances, and how much you really want to save on trips to a professional salon.

1. BaBylissPRO Nano

2. xtava infrared, 4. croc classic, 5. hsi professional, 6. t3 singlepass x 1.5", 7. ghd platinum+, 8. sedu revolution, 9. hai convertable, 10. kipozi professional titanium, temperature, weight/size, how to use your flat iron, wrapping it up, top 10 best flat irons for thick hair 2024.

Editor’s Rating:

This is a lightweight flat iron that is preferred by users with a tiny bathroom or multiple roommates. Of course, its small dimensions and ease of usage are only an added bonus on top of its useful abilities and features. With its 50 heat settings for hair types of all shapes, styles, textures, and colors, it is one of the most versatile hair straighteners in the industry. The classic Nano works the best on short or medium-sized hair, as the smaller plates will glide through it easier, but it is also available in 1.5 and 2-inch plate models.

The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Straightening Iron uses titanium plates, which conduct high levels of heat in a short amount of time. Each plate has built in Nanotechnology, which is an innovative technology that keeps frizziness and static away. Titanium also acts as a barrier from rusting, so your hair straightener will look just as new for years to come.

The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Straightening Iron has a maximum temperature of 450° F, which is the recommended starting temperature for thick hair. You will need to try out different temperature settings (as they are not pre-set like the CHI G2) to find the fitting temperature for your hair. You can either keep it at 450 degrees for the whole session, but in order to prevent damaging your hair, we encourage you to decrease the temperature throughout. Some larger flat irons are good at maintaining the heat even at 370 degrees, but because the BaByliss Nano is a bit smaller, it needs to be kept at 400 degrees to maintain the heat.

This flat iron uses infrared heat technology to penetrate the hair follicles. Thanks to this technology, hair gets straightened gently from the outside in, causing less damage to the hair. Aside from the titanium plates in the BaByliss Pro Nano, it also features a unique ceramic heater inside the handle, enabling it to heat up faster.

The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Straightening Iron is the lightest hair straightener. It weighs just over 1 pound, and measures 12 x 2 x 3.5 inches. If you are constantly on the go or travel often, this meets the criteria of your lifestyle perfectly, while delivering results that look great. It could even make a good “second straightener” if you want to leave your heavier and larger primary flat iron at home.

The features that make it one of the best on our list and on the market, basically pay for themselves, and this will become obvious after the very first time you use it. Not only is it a delight to use wherever you find yourself, but it delivers splendid results in a very short time. Its multiple temperature settings make it very versatile and you get to customize it to your individual needs, rather than buying a more limited hair straightener. The color is really cute too, and the ceramic heater inside the handle is great for when it comes to comfort and effectiveness.

• 50 heat settings
• Great for short / medium length hair
• Titanium plates
• Lightweight and ultra-thin design
• Good travelling companion
• Infrared heat technology
• No pre-set heat settings (although for some users, this is a good thing)
• The heating elements can become faulty after a while

The fine people at Xtava have designed a device that promises no damage to the hair. The Xtava Infrared will leave you with silky. shiny, straight, and most of all healthy strands of hair. Due to its extra wide ceramic tourmaline plates and a wide choice of temperature settings, you can expect to see the Xtava Infrared on a friend’s nightstand, as well as on a hair salon table.

The extra wide plates are made of tourmaline-coated ceramic, making it easier to cover more locks and reducing styling time. The floating plates move along with your hair, so there is a reduced risk of snagging, and the movements happen more smoothly. What makes this flat iron ideal for thick hair are the 2-inch wide plates.

The Xtava Infrared has 10 temperature settings which range from 265 to 445 degrees Fahrenheit. The chosen temperature setting is displayed on an easy to read LCD digital display. It also has built-in ceramic heaters which enable the flat iron to reach a maximum temperature within seconds. This turns thick frizzy hair straight in just minutes.

This hair straightener features Xtava’s unique infrared technology, meaning it has an advanced microprocessor controller that regulates heat. This type of technology heats hair strands from the inside out, which, as all good flat irons do, causes less damage to the hair. The negative ions will lock in moisture and leave the hair hydrated and shiny.

The Xtava Infrared measures 11.6 x 2.1 x 1.5 inches and weighs 2 pounds. Albeit a bit wider and heavier than other flat irons on the market, it comes with a 360 degree 8-foot swivel cord that makes it very easy to operate.

This is a very affordable and yet solid product. It also comes with a 2-year warranty.

• Extra wide tourmaline-coated plates
• Infrared technology
• 360 degrees swivel cord
• 2-year warranty
• A bit heavy
• Takes a few passes on each section of hair to straighten it
• Buttons are in the way of the handle

The CHI G2 is not only a favorite for home-users, but also for professionals. It delivers salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home, and in no time. While other CHI models come in different cool colors, the G2 keeps an elegant aspect, making your hair look and feel just as classy.

An interesting and rare combination, this flat iron features ceramic plates that are infused with high-grade titanium. Aside from the increased durability and longevity, the titanium also reduces snagging and makes the styling experience faster and overall smoother. Because titanium also resists rust well, the CHI G2 will keep its out-of-the-box aspect for many years.

When we say professional, we mean professional! This Ceramic and Titanium flat iron has a built in innovative, color-coded LED display that lets you comfortably scour through temperature settings. The settings correspond to certain temperature ranges designed especially for your specific hair type. Blue is ideal for fine, thinning, or fragile hair and ranges from 0 to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Green is the choice for wavy or medium textured hair, ranging between 375 and 395 degrees F, while red is the perfect setting for coarse, high curl, and thick hair. This ranges between 400 and the maximum of 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

CHI’s G2 Ceramic and Titanium Flat Iron works on ionic technology. Some of the other CHI products of the same price range also include infrared technologies, so regardless of your decision, CHI makes the best choices in integrated technology.

The dimensions of the CHI G2 are 1 x 0.6 x 3 inches, but it only weighs 15.8 ounces. It is very lightweight, ergonomically practical, and easy to work with.

Of course, for a salon-level performance, a matching price has to justify its impeccable results. It  also comes with a 2-year warranty, in case anything goes wrong with it…which will most likely not be the case, but it’s reassuring nevertheless.

• Color-coded temperature settings
• 1-hour shutoff
• Ceramic and titanium plates
• Doesn’t heat up very quickly
• Watch out for fakes on the market (tip-off: two pronged plug as opposed to the three pronged plug in a ground fault circuit interrupter with a reset button)

No more worries about your hair straightening routine taking too much time to sustain. The Croc classic only requires one pass over each section of hair to get the beautiful results it promises to deliver. This is a great flat iron for thick hair types, because it has the perfect combination of plates and technology being used, and it never feels like it is frying or damaging your hair. You won’t have to go over the same piece of hair more than once, and that’s all it takes for the magic to happen.

Don’t get too frightened by the Croc Classic’s shape, which uncannily resembles a small crocodile’s snout. Ergonomically, it is designed to please. It has a thumb grip that makes it easy to hold and an extra long swivel cord to enable you to style your hair in any position. From the ability to do Keratin treatments at home to the ease of controlling the heat settings, this device comes with all the features that make a flat iron perfect.

1.5-inch wide titanium moving plates are used to make this flat iron the best it could be. It has a perfect combination of speed and durability. The negative ions and infrared rays balance the impact of the plates’ strength. The plates are smooth and clamp down tightly. You can effortlessly pass it through your hair without worrying about it snagging.

The Croc Classic features a wide temperature range with 17 heat settings that start at 270 degrees and goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only is the heat range a generous one for a flat iron, but its heat goes high enough to seal Keratin in, making it also ideal for Keratin treatments.

This flat iron provides an extra dose of protection by utilizing negative ions, which seal in natural moisture, close the cuticle layer of hair, and prevent static electricity from causing hair to frizz. Due to its effective ionic technology, the hair remains frizz-free even when exposed to high humidity levels.

Weighing in at one pound, the Croc Classic measures 12.4 x 4.4 x 2.7 inches. It is a lightweight flat iron that is designed to make your hair feel soft and shiny without having to make too much effort to maneuver it.

It’s not the cheapest flat iron out there, but imagine how many trips to the professional salon this will save you, let alone getting back your money’s worth.

• Heats quickly and stays hot
• Automatic shutoff feature
• Swivel cord
• Quite pricey

The HSI Professional is used by professionals as well as amateurs and is one of the most popular models on the market. It has a super-sleek design with a matte finish that makes it easy to grip.

This iron operates with tourmaline-coated ceramic plates. The plates transfer heat evenly onto the hair, while the tourmaline releases an army of negative ions to combat frizz. Moisture is also locked in the hair, so if you have afro-textured hair, it will suit you perfectly.

The temperature control ranges from 240 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is suitable for all hair textures. One of the neatest features this flat iron has to offer is the 8 HeatBalance micro-sensors that regulate the temperature and distribute the heat evenly. The HSI Professional doesn’t need too many passes through your hair to make it silky and smooth.

The hybrid ionic/infrared technology this hair straightener uses will transform curly, frizzy locks into sleek and straight tresses in a very timely manner. The HSI Professional heats up very quickly with only a slight heat increase on the dial. It is a super affordable tourmaline ceramic flat iron and it comes with many goodies that enhance the styling experience.

The 8 HeatBalance micro-sensory technology makes it stand out from the rest, and provides thick hair with the nourishment it deserves. The wide heat range is very useful in finding your preferred temperature, especially because it heats up very fast at 450 degrees so you can decrease from there until it is just right.

While it isn’t the lightest of its kind at 1.7 pounds, it more than makes up for the minuscule strain the extra 0.7 pounds can cause your arm. It has worldwide dual voltage (110-220V) and a long 360 degrees swivel cord that will make its maneuvering seamless.

Not only does the HSI Professional only cost $40, but it is also sold with a selection of goodies to make your hair straightening experience more enjoyable. Included in the packaging are a small bottle of argan oil conditioner to keep your tresses healthy and moisturized, a heat-proof pouch and a heat glove. Basically it protects everything from your hands to the furniture you place it on, making it very safe to use.

• Ionic technology fights frizz
• High temperature of 450 degrees F
• Comes with goodies, including heat-proof glove and bag
• Slightly heavier than other models
• No shutoff feature

The T3 Micro Single Pass Flat Iron was specially designed to tame thick and coarse hair. It features an innovative system called SinglePass X that is sure to straighten even the thickest of hair. This is a high-end, luxurious hair straightener that looks like it was made for the royal family and delivers matching results.

You know a flat iron is top notch when it has three features – hence the name – that increase shine and hair health with each use. Two of these features are found in the plates. The plates in the T3 model are 1.5” wide and coated with tourmaline, which helps with smoothing curly, unruly, and even previously damaged hair. Beneath the tourmaline, the plates are made of ceramic that adds shine to enhance the overall look of straightened hair for a healthier gloss.

The maximum temperature the T3 can reach is 410° F. It also has an auto shutoff feature to prevent damage or overheating. In fact, the device will audibly let you know when it is time for it to rest, through visual cues and sound alerts. The shutoff feature kicks in after one hour of non-use.

The third feature that makes it a T3 rather than just a T2,  is its innovative SinglePass technology. This flat iron guarantees results with just one pass, unlike other hair straighteners that require multiple swipes. Consistent heat is maintained throughout the entire plate, making it capable of straightening all hair types with one glide. It operates on ionic technology, so the negative ions it emits reduce frizz and static.

It also has worldwide voltage of 100 volts to 240 volts. It has a custom blend ceramic barrel that eases the glides, and 5 heat settings for you to choose from. Its tourmaline coating and the SinglePass technology make this iron deliver the best results in half the time it takes other flat irons.

The T3 measures 10.3 x 1.8 x 2.2 inches and weighs just over a pound. Not only is this hair straightener not going to cause wrist strain, but it also comes with a 360 degree 9-foot swivel cord to ensure that your hands get a break when styling your hair.

Since this is one of the most high-end products on our list and on the market, it is not a surprise that it’s so expensive. The price is justified because it comes with a variety of bonus add-ons. It comes with 2 ultra-strong pro sectioning clips, a heat-resistant mat, and a 2-year warranty.

• Innovative SinglePass technology
• Audio and visual interfaces
• Lightweight design
• Tourmaline, ceramic, and ionic plates
• Comes with pro sectioning clips, heat-resistant mat, and 2-year warranty
• Only heats up to 410 degrees F, as opposed to others that go up to 450.
• The plastic is not of the best quality

If you’re looking to invest in the cream of the crop of flat irons, look no further. The GHD Platinum+ is and has been Sephora’s best hair straightener for a while, having won many beauty awards along the years. It is GHD’s first SMART styler, which means it recognizes certain features of your hair and adjusts to it.

The plates are made of ceramic and are 1” wide. The device is designed with a wishbone hinge in order for the plates to be perfectly aligned, giving you more control over how you style your hair. These floating plates have a high spec gloss finish and look as good as they perform.

The GHD Platinum+ maintains a constant temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit, which the research department at GHD claims is the ideal temperature to keep hair healthy. This is where the AI comes in: it reads the thickness of the sections you apply it on so it can adjust the amount of power it operates with. All the sections are kept evenly heated and straight without causing damage to the hair. It takes only 20 seconds to heat up, and then all you have to do is just glide through your hair.

The groundbreaking ultra-zone technology is what makes this flat iron the creme de la creme.  It predicts the fine zone for your hair, so the plates stay at that temperature until your hair feels soft and silky. It also has a 30-minute shutoff feature, in comparison to most others that turn off after twice as long.

This hair straightener measures 11 x 1.6 x 1.8 inches and weighs one pound. It comes with a 9-foot 360 degree swivel cord that makes the styling experience a smooth one throughout.

The advanced technology alone is worth what you invest in the GHD Platinum+. However, it’s the most expensive flat iron on our list. Nevertheless, you won’t need another one after you purchase this. It also comes with a heat resistant plate guard, and a whopping 3-year warranty to put your worries to rest.

• 30-minute auto shut off
• It can be used without heat protectant
• Automatic temperature heat control
• Includes heat resistant plate guard
• Very expensive

Thanks to its revolutionary technology, this is one of the bestselling styling tools used by professional stylists. Not only does it look elegant, but it also has a non-slip grip that ensures ease in usage.

The plates are 1 inch wide, 3.5 inches long, and are made of tourmaline-covered ceramic. With one smooth pass of these plates through your hair, you’ll get instantly smooth results in half the time it takes other flat irons to style.

The temperature range is between 180 degrees to the maximum heat of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Incorporated in the design is a color-coded light which lights red when it heats up, blue when it cools down, and blinks red or blue when it is ready to use.

The FreeStyle Guiding System that makes it such a good choice for thick hair prevents the hair from slipping out of the iron. In turn, you will have full control over the strands of hair that you straighten, because the anti-slip edges manage to capture all the strands within the plates.

It is not a large hair straightener but it does weigh more than one and a half pounds. Luckily, the 360 degree swivel cord makes it a breeze to hold and style your hair.

The Sedu Revolution is one of the more expensive items on the list. It comes with a 2-year warranty and a heat-proof pouch.

• Non-slip handle
• FreeStyle Guiding System
• 360-degree swivel cord
• Comes with 2 year warranty and heat-proof pouch
• No auto shutoff feature
• Pretty expensive
• Temperature settings buttons not strategically placed on handle

Due to its 1.25″-wide specially-coated ceramic plates and far infrared heat technology, this flat iron is perfect for thick hair. It is gentle and safe, providing you with a damage-free hair that is – as Adam Sandler’s character in Zohan would say – silky smooth. It is not only good for straightening, but you can also curl, flip, and make your hair wavy by using the HAI Convertable.

This hair straightener has specially-coated ceramic plates that are 1.25″ wide and 3.5″ long. All it takes is one pass through each strand of hair and you will see and feel the change you were aiming for. The plates have beveled edges, which makes it just as good for curling your hair as it is for straightening.

The range of this HAI Convertable is from 170 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Once turned on, the iron automatically heats up to 170 degrees. Some may find a setback in the fact that the maximum temperature is a little lower than other powerful irons. It uses moisturizing heat elements to balance the lower temperature in comparison with other, more powerful flat irons.

It uses a hybrid of infrared heat and ionic technology. The technology is conceptualized to seal in moisture and shine, and to prevent static. You will enjoy a frizz-free head of hair, which will be much easier to manage. Due to its rapid heating capability, the consistent heat distribution in this flat iron is powerful enough to flatten even the most unruly strands of hair.

An easily manageable flat iron, it weighs one pound and measures 11 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches. The plates are an odd 1.25 inches wide, but the ergonomic design enables the iron to deliver the best results.

Luckily, this is another one of the few more affordable irons on our list. It isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t surpass the 3-digit threshold.

• Auto 60-minute shutoff feature
• Infrared head and ionic technology
• Good for both straightening and curling
• Maximum temperature is not very high
• The grip could be tighter

If you want to go for something similar to the Xtava Infrared in terms of build and price range, an  excellent choice would be the Kipozi Professional Titanium Straightener. The wideness of the plates is beneficial for thick hair in terms of speed. Design-wise, it comes in a standard black and gold color combination. The handle is a bit longer, so it is easier to hold the flat iron while doing your hair.

The Kipozi Professional has 1.75-inch floating nano-titanium plates. The dimensions and material of the plates help make every glide through the hair an effortless and smoother one. Titanium also helps distribute heat evenly and presses hair tightly for more effective use.

The heat settings on this device range from 170 degrees to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The adjustment can be done using the LCD digital display. 350°F are recommended for hair which has been colored or damaged, whereas 410°F is best for healthy hair.

Ionic technology is what the Kipozi professional bases its process on. Its handle is durable and sturdy enough to keep your hand away from heat.

The Kipozi professional is slightly heavier than most others on the list. It weighs 1.6 pounds, but the 8-foot long swivel cord makes it very easy to maneuver.

Its low price makes this hair straightener almost a steal. It includes a velvet pouch to use for traveling, and is suitable for worldwide usage due to its auto world voltage (110 – 240V).

• Great price
• Longer handle
• Wider plates
• Auto shut off feature.
• LCD digital screen.
• Long swivel cord
• Comes with accessories such as a travel pouch
• The wide plates may be harder for those with shorter hair to use.
• Not built to last for years on end

Buyer’s Guide

Let’s take a more in depth look of what features to look for when choosing your flat iron from the list above.

The heated plates a flat iron uses are different in how they iron out the kinks in individual strands of hair. However, some cheaper materials are worth avoiding altogether.

• Silicon/rubber
• Metal or glass

Metal or glass plates should be avoided as much as possible. The lower quality straighteners use them, and the unpleasant results shouldn’t be surprising, as these materials cause the plates to generate heat spikes or burnt hair, and they break easily. Teflon is better than the metal and glass types, but it flakes off easily. Plates that are covered with silicon and rubber are useful for sorting out hair when it is being pulled through iron, but none of the trustworthy brands use these materials, and for just a bit more, you can invest in something that is of much superior quality. After all, it is your hair that you are nurturing.

• Tourmaline-coated

Tourmaline-covered plates are made of a certain crystal that releases negative ions easily, which makes for quicker heating of the plates, and straightens the hair in a much smoother manner. It usually covers ceramic plates and prevents the hair from getting damaged or caught in the plates. Ceramic is not the same as “ ceramic-coated” . The “coated” part means they have metal underneath, rather than pure ceramic, which means they can heat up quickly but not stay as hot as a pure ceramic plate.

The most trustworthy types are ceramic and titanium . Titanium is an extremely strong but light type of metal. Out of all flat irons, titanium-plated ones heat up the fastest, so they are the best choices for thick hair.

Thick hair will require a flat iron that heats up to high temperatures . Due to the thickness of the hair, it takes more heat to be able to penetrate the hair follicles, and for the hair itself to start being “tamed” by the iron. According to AdoreBeauty , the ideal temperature for thick hair starts at a heat of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, then gradually turning it down to 370 degrees.

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The two types of technology used in flat irons are ionic and infrared . The infrared technology penetrates the hair at lower temperatures and dries it from the inside out. Ionic straighteners emit negative ions, which eliminate frizz and static and neutralize the hairs’ atoms. The ions interact with the water molecules in your hair and break them down while enabling the hair to retain moisture. This technology minimizes static and boosts the health and shininess of your hair. Titanium and ionic technologies are the perfect combination for thick hair.

The less the flat iron weighs, the less the chances of your arm hurting while ironing the hair. Because thick hair requires you to hold the device in your hand for a long time, you want it to be as light as possible. This minimizes fatigue and other potential issues.

If you will be using a flat iron for the first time after reading this, here is an instructional video on how to properly style thick hair on your own.

• Use a heat-protective spray on your hair before turning on your flat iron. Thick hair tends to go dry quickly, making it prone to heat damage. A good heat-protective spray (say, made with argan oil) removes the risk of heat-damage and makes it healthier.
• Segment your hair before straightening it. You can do this while your flat iron is heating up. Then you can style each segment at a time. You can also add extra volume by not getting the iron too close to the roots of your upper sections. A segment of hair is also good for testing out the temperature initially.
• Avoid combs once your hair is dry and ready to be styled. Because combs cause frizz, it can make the straightening process near impossible. Only use combs while the hair is still wet, otherwise revert to brushes.
• Choose the right hair care products . This means not using products like conditioners, shampoos, and any other hair-nurturing substances in excess.

Don’ts

• Don’t forget to clean your flat iron before and after every use. Use a damp cloth to wipe any hair remnants or other build up. Do so while the appliance is unplugged.
• Don’t disregard drying your hair It would be a shame to undergo permanent hair damage that can be caused by the iron’s heat combined with moisture.
• One of the main reasons for hair damage is holding the hair straightener in the same spot for too long. Make your passes in determined and steady movements. If the segment doesn’t feel straightened yet, wait for a bit, then take another pass on that segment.

This list is comprised of the current most dependable and capable flat irons on the market. Some may seem more suitable for your personal needs than others, and some may be easier to choose based on their price range. Regardless, all of these flat irons are fantastic for those with thick hair. Taming your thick hair will no longer seem like a daunting task, and if you treat your hair right throughout the process, get ready for jealousy and disbelief about how good it will look.

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14 best flat irons of 2024, according to hair experts

There are various tools that can help you create a salon-worthy blowout at home, including curling wands , hair dryers and, perhaps the most versatile of them all, flat irons. A flat iron can often have similar functions as a round brush or curling iron , which minimizes your need for extra hair tools, especially if you’re traveling.

Flat irons provide sleek, long-lasting looks that smooth the cuticle and lock in a specific style with minimal tension and less repetitive passes on the hair fibers, says Bridgette Hill , a certified trichologist and scalp expert.

To help you find the best flat iron for your hair type, we spoke to experts and hairstylists about what to know about flat irons and how to protect your hair from heat damage. We also gathered their recommendations for the best flat irons to shop.

SKIP AHEAD Best flat irons to shop | How do ceramic, tourmaline and titanium flat irons differ? | How to shop for a flat iron | Do flat irons damage hair?

Selected. Our top picks

How we picked the best flat irons

When shopping for a flat iron, our experts recommend looking at the following factors:

• Plate type: There are three main types of flat iron plates: ceramic (good for dry , damaged or fine hair and generally more affordable), tourmaline (good for all hair types) and titanium (the most durable and good for coarse thick, curly and coily hair).
• Plate size: Most flat iron plates are available in sizes between 1 inch and 2 inches (our experts recommend avoiding options larger than 2 inches). Smaller plates are best for those with short hair and offer more styling versatility, whereas larger plates are best for those with long hair. 
• Heat settings: Our experts recommend looking for models that have multiple temperature settings so you can tailor the amount of heat to your specific hair type. Some flat irons have a digital display that lets you know the exact temperature, too.
• Your hair type: The amount of heat your hair can tolerate depends on the type of hair you have. Fine, less dense hair doesn’t need much heat to straighten it, so consider setting your flat iron’s temperature around 250 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage, says Shawn Harvey , hairstylist and owner of ShawnCutMaster Inc in Pennsylvania. For medium-thick hair, consider using a temperature between 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit; thick and coarse hair will need slightly more heat to lay the hair’s cuticle flat, so you’ll want to use a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, says Harvey.
• Price: Ceramic-plated flat irons are typically more affordable, while durable titanium flat irons will have a higher price tag (upwards of $150).

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Best flat irons to shop.

Below, we rounded up our experts’ recommendations for the best flat irons to shop, all with varying plate types, sizes and heat settings.

Best flat iron overall: Dyson

Dyson corrale hair straightener.

• Minimal heat damage
• Faster styling
• Higher price point

This cordless Dyson Corrale makes styling your hair faster and effortless, says Kyle DeToure , a Washington-based hairstylist and colorist. Instead of the traditional ceramic or titanium plates, the straightener has magnesium copper alloy plates (the only iron on this list with this type), which helps avoid repeated passes and causes less heat damage to your hair, according to the brand. The flat iron has 30 minutes of cord-free use, three pre-set heat settings — 330, 365 and 410 degrees Fahrenheit — and automatically shuts off, according to Dyson. The brand also has a newer version of this straightener, called the Dyson Airstrait , which uses hot air to dry and straighten your hair instead of hot plates.

Plate type : Magnesium copper alloy | Plate size : 1 inch | Number of heat settings : 3 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 10 minutes

Best hybrid flat iron: Chi

Chi original 1-inch digital ceramic iron.

• Even heat distribution
• Heats up quickly
• Nothing to note at this time

Harvey recommends this tourmaline-infused ceramic iron from Chi because it gives hair a smooth finish. It takes 30 seconds to heat up to the maximum temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. “Its sleek design also makes it easy to straighten, curl or wave [hair] effortlessly,” says Harvey.

Plate type : Ceramic and tourmaline | Plate size : 1 inch | Heat settings: 5 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 425 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 60 minutes 

Best for heat damage prevention: T3

T3 micro lucea straightening and styling iron.

• Smart heat control
• Available in two plate sizes

T3 is a quality hair tool brand, according to Tina Malhotra , hairstylist and owner of Hair By Tina M . This highly rated option has nine heat settings that you can adjust using the built-in digital display. The flat iron also includes a smart microchip that monitors heat fluctuations and maintains a consistent temperature while you use it, according to the brand. The flat iron is available in both a 1-inch and 1.5-inch version .

Plate type : Ceramic | Plate size : 1 inch | Heat settings : 9 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 60 minutes

Best splurge: Ghd

Ghd platinum+ styler 1-inch flat iron.

• Rounded edges for beachy waves
• No digital display

David Jones-Muñoz, a stylist and owner of Salon Dumbo in Brooklyn, says he keeps this flat iron handy and loves that it has a small curve to help create a beachy wave. Although it does not have a digital display, it has smart technology that helps the straightener maintain a preset temperature as you style, according to Ghd.

Plate type : Ceramic | Plate size : 1 inch | Heat settings : 1 | Digital display : No | Max heat : 365 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 30 minutes

Best for multi-styling: Kristin Ess

Kristin ess 3-in-1 titanium flatiron.

• Comes with travel cap

You can use this tool, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 1,100 reviews on Amazon, to create straight, wavy or curly hair. Reviewers say it’s easy to use because it heats up quickly, glides without any snagging or pulling and has a long cord that doesn’t get in their way. It also comes with a heat-resistant travel cap to protect the surfaces you place your hot tool on.

Plate type : Titanium | Plate size : 1.25 inches | Heat settings : 4 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 440 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 30 minutes

Best budget pick: Infinitipro

Infinitipro by conair rainbow titanium flat iron.

Digital display

• High maximum heat
• Slim design

After owning this flat iron for years, it’s still my all-time favorite — it’s one of the only flat irons I’ve used that doesn’t pull at my hair and heats up fast. You can adjust the temperature on the digital display, which makes using it so much easier than using side buttons, and I love knowing the exact temperature that it’s at so I don’t fry my hair. Aside from its performance, its slim shape doesn’t take up too much space while I’m traveling. 

Plate type : Titanium | Plate size : 1 inch | Heat settings : 6 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : n/a

Best for precision: Paul Mitchell

Paul mitchell express smooth ion & ceramic flat iron.

Paul Mitchell Express Smooth Ion & Ceramic Flat Iron

• Rounded edges for styling

This flat iron is easy to use and heats up and cools quickly, says Harvey. The slim design lets you be precise and get close to your roots as you straighten or curl your hair thanks to its rounded edges, she says. It’s available in two sizes: 1.25 inch plates and 1.5 inch plates , the latter of which is great for those with long, thick or coarse hair, according to the brand.

Plate type : Ceramic | Plate siz e: 1.25 inches | Heat settings : 8 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 60 minutes

Best for quick styling: BabylissPro

Babylisspro nano titanium ionic hair straightener.

• Good for thick hair
• Elongated plates
• Bulkier than other options

This Babyliss flat iron has elongated plates to help you style your hair faster, according to the brand. This flat iron, which has a 4.7-average star rating from 7,500 reviews on Amazon, heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and can straighten or create waves, according to Babyliss. Reviewers say it works on all hair types, including fine and very coarse hair, and leaves hair frizz-free. This flat iron is also available in a larger size with 1.75 inch plates.

Plate type : Titanium | Plate siz e: 1.25 inches | Heat settings : 5 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : n/a

Best for heating up quickly: Cloud Nine

Cloud nine original flat iron.

• Doesn’t pull on hair
• Available in three plate sizes

The Cloud Nine flat iron, which comes recommended by London-based hair stylist Stefan Bertin , is available in three sizes: 0.5 inches , 1 inch and 1.5 inches . It has seven temperature settings, which is helpful for determining which one works best for your hair type, according to the brand. The ceramic plates are infused with minerals (including tourmaline), so you get a snag-free glide, says Bertin. The tool takes 20 seconds to reach its maximum temperature, according to the brand, and has a protective guard to keep your surfaces safe from heat damage.

Plate type : Ceramic and tourmaline | Plate size : 1 inch | Heat settings : 7 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 392 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 30 minutes

Best for travel: Ghd

Ghd original styler 1” flat iron.

• Universal voltage for travel
• Only one pre-set temperature

If you want a flat iron that will last you a long time, consider this option, which comes recommended by NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider . “I’ve been straightening my hair since I was 10 and have only ever used two straighteners, including this one that I’ve owned for five years now,” she says. Unlike most other flat irons on our list, which allow you to adjust the temperature, this one is pre-set to prevent extreme heat on your hair, according to the brand. It also has universal voltage, so you can take it overseas, according to Ghd. 

Best lightweight flat iron: Paul Mitchell

Paul mitchell neuro smooth titanium flat iron.

Malhotra has used this Paul Mitchell flat iron at her salon for years. It has 1.25-inch plates (it also comes in a 1.5-inch version , which is best for thicker, more coarse hair) and has rounded edges that can make it easier to style your hair into waves, curls or flips, according to the brand. The flat iron heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in 45 seconds, according to Paul Mitchell. It also lets you set a custom timer for when you want it to turn off automatically.

Plate type : Titanium | Plate size : 1.25 inches | Heat settings : 4 | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 120 minutes or sooner based on customization features

Best ergonomic flat iron: Drybar

Drybar reserve dual-plate styling iron.

• Causes less heat damage
• High maximum temperature
• Ergonomic design

NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez recommends this flat iron from Drybar, which she uses to get pin straight hair as well as waves. The ergonomic hot tool, which reaches 450 degrees Fahrenheit, has four small plates that require fewer passes, creating less heat damage, according to the brand. “I have medium, dry hair and after using this flat iron, my hair looks way less frizzy because I’m able to get close to my roots and take it all the way down to my ends in one go,” says Alvarez.

Plate type : Titanium | Plate size : 0.5 inch | Heat settings : 5 | Digital display : No | Max heat : 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 60 minutes

Best for dry hair: Amika

Amika the confidante moisture maintenance titanium flat iron.

• Good for frizz-prone hair
• Automatic shut-off

This Amika hot tool uses infrared light beams in its titanium plates to maintain your hair’s moisture while you straighten, curl or create waves, according to the brand. Not only does it keep moisture locked in, but it also helps minimize frizz, which occurs frequently in overly dry hair, according to Amika. Reviewers say it makes their thick, frizz-prone hair look smooth, and it takes a shorter amount of time to style since it only requires one to two passes. The flat iron has a 4.5-star average rating from over 300 reviews on Amazon.  

Plate type : Titanium | Plate size : 1.25 inches | Heat settings : Unlimited between 170 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit  | Digital display : Yes | Max heat : 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : After 60 minutes

Best durable flat iron: Creative Professionals

Creative professional scw 1-inch styling iron.

• Doesn’t pull on hair 
• No digital display 

Jones-Muñoz calls this flat iron a “workhorse” and says he likes using it at his salon because of  its thick, durable plates. The temperature, which is adjustable, works well for his clients, and he prefers the brand’s ceramic plates over titanium because it offers a better “pull” on the hair, making it easier to style.

Plate type : Ceramic | Plate size : 1 inch | Heat settings : 5 | Digital display : No | Max heat : 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shut off : n/a

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How do ceramic, tourmaline and titanium flat irons differ.

The three most common flat iron plates are ceramic, tourmaline and titanium. Each one will straighten hair, but different attributes make each more beneficial for certain hair textures, ranging from fine wavy hair to kinky coils.

Ceramic flat irons

Ceramic flat irons, which have ceramic-coated plates, are the most affordable option out of the three types of hair straighteners, says Bertin. They don’t get as hot as titanium and tourmaline, which makes them “ideal for those with dry, damaged or fine hair,” he says. However, ceramic-coated plates often need to be routinely checked since the coating can wear and chip away — in fact, when the metal beneath (usually aluminum) is exposed, it can cause damage to your hair, says Bertin.

Ceramic flat irons provide fairly even heat distribution, glide through the hair smoothly and leave behind a glossy sheen, says Courtney Foster , a licensed cosmetologist and owner of Courtney Foster Beauty. However, both Foster and Bertin agree that those with thick, coarse hair should pass on ceramic flat irons since they don’t typically reach high enough temperatures to straighten thicker hair.

Tourmaline flat irons

Tourmaline-coated plates are generally constructed from a tourmaline (a mineral) and ceramic blend that “offers an extra layer of protection and smoothness,” says Hill. Tourmaline irons are considered the best of the three types because their heat distribution means you’ll need fewer passes to get your desired straightening effect, says Bertin.

“Tourmaline plates are a step above the ceramic plates when hair type and texture are medium with loose waves and nominal frizz,” says Hill. Tourmaline provides a barrier to excessive heat and, as with most modern heating tools, you can adjust the temperature settings to fit the majority of hair types and textures.

Titanium flat irons

Titanium is a strong, durable metal best suited for professional salon use on coarse thick, curly and coily hair. These plates typically heat up the quickest and more evenly distribute heat compared to ceramic plates, which allows for fewer passes over the hair, a smoother finish and better results than a ceramic iron, says Foster. However, titanium can cause the most damage to your hair, so you should avoid these if you have fine or damaged hair, according to Hill.

“The heat transfer from titanium is intense, quick and, if used frequently or improperly, can create irreversible heat damage and breakage,” says Hill. She recommends leaving titanium to the professionals and touching up at home with a tourmaline or ceramic iron when needed.

How to shop for a flat iron

In addition to the plate materials, our experts recommend looking at features like size of the plates and a digital display to monitor the temperature.

Plate size and shape

“Smaller plates are better for short hair, whereas larger plates are better for longer hair,” says Bertin. However, the plate size won’t really affect the finished product, but it will affect the speed at which you get there, he says.

Once plates get to 2 inches wide or above, there’s less versatility and less chance that you’ll move the straightener quick enough without burning the hair, says Jones-Muñoz.

If you’re looking to use a flat iron for curls and beach waves, consider using flat irons with rounded edges that allow you to curl your hair onto the back of the straightener without much tug and pull, says Jones-Muñoz.

Flat irons vary in price based on multiple factors, including plate quality and material, size and brand recognition.

“If you’re using it for a quick touch-up or once a month, then you could go with something that’s a little less expensive,” says Jones-Muñoz. More durable straighteners (like those with titanium plates) are on the pricier side, but they will be less likely to wear and chip with frequent use.

Our experts agree that flat irons should have a button or knob that displays the temperature you’re using. Harvey recommends flat irons with a digital display, which indicates the exact temperature the iron reaches and any fluctuations.

Do flat irons damage hair?

Improper use, like using a temperature too high for your hair type, can cause damage, according to our experts. “Hair is a fabric and, like any material, heat can deteriorate and break down the hair structure,” says Hill. The cuticle — the outer layer of a hair strand — can very easily become damaged by heat over 356 degrees Fahrenheit, experts told us. Damaging that cuticle layer will make your hair more porous, which means it will struggle to hold on to moisture, causing dryness and breakage.

Determining the safest heat setting depends on your hair type and texture. “​​Thick hair can use a higher setting, while thin hair should use a lower heat setting,” says Foster. 

When using a flat iron, you should do so via quick passes on low or medium temperature and you should always use some kind of heat protectant when using any hot tool, according to our experts. Severe damage is likely irreparable and has to be grown out, says Bertin. Although hair straighteners are safe when used properly, you shouldn’t use them (or any hot tool) every day, our experts say.

“Even with the best heat protectants in the game, heat is not something you should be exposing your hair to every day,” says Bertin. “Those with afro-textured hair, for example, should consider flat ironing their hair at most once a week because our hair is naturally more fragile and dry, so flat ironing any more than that is a huge no-no,” says Bertin.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Bridgette Hill is a Palm Beach, Florida-based certified trichologist and former hairstylist. Her areas of expertise include scalp health , styling and cutting.
• Stefan Bertin is a London-based hairstylist, whose specialties include editorial styling, textured hair and more.
• Tina Malhotra is a New York City-based hairstylist and owner of Hair By Tina M . Malhotra’s areas of expertise include cutting, coloring, styling and treatments. 
• Courtney Foster is a certified trichologist and owner of Courtney Foster Beauty , a hair salon in New York City. Her specialties include cutting, coloring, styling and scalp health. 
• Kyle DeToure is a Washington-based hairstylist and hair colorist with expertise in balayage, editorial styling and French and British haircutting.
• Shawn Harvey is a Philadelphia-based hairstylist and owner of ShawnCutMaster Inc , a hair salon in Pennsylvania. Her areas of expertise include curly hair cutting, styling and coloring. 
• David Jones-Muñoz is a New York City-based stylist and owner of Salon Dumbo in Brooklyn, whose expertise includes cutting, styling and coloring all hair types.

Why trust NBC Select?

Mili Godio is an editor at Select who has written a variety of beauty and skin care stories, including stories on the best tinted moisturizers , dry shampoos and dark circles treatments . For this article, Godio spoke to seven hair care experts about what to look for when shopping for a flat iron and rounded up their favorite ones to shop.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

What’s the Best Travel Hair Straightener? A Dual Voltage Flat Iron

Hair , TOILETRIES

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Having the right voltage is crucial when you use electronics internationally, including your hair tools. Find out why the best travel hair straightener is a dual voltage flat iron, and check out our top picks!  

Dual Voltage Flat Iron

Table of contents.

A well-groomed mane adds the perfect touch to your carefully planned travel outfit . But when you’re on-the-go, your hair styling tools shouldn’t take up too much space in your luggage.

For ultra-sleek straight hair or soft waves, a dual voltage hair straightener will make all your vacation pics Insta-worthy.

Your styling tool shouldn’t force you to give up space in your suitcase. These travel flat irons and travel straighteners are perfect for when you’re ready to pack up your bag and head on your trip!

In this article, we’ll explain what a dual voltage flat iron is, why they’re beneficial for travel, and we’ll also recommend some of the best travel flat irons for your next trip!

What is the best travel straightener?

All of the 10 best travel straightener options listed in this post are compatible with international voltages to make it easier to take them anywhere in the world.

Dual Voltage Flat Iron Recommendations

HSI Straightener

Most Durable Travel Straightener

For a durable travel straightener that works with fine to coarse hair, the HSI Professional Flat Iron is a step up. The advanced infrared heat technology has an adjustable temperature from 240°F to 400°F to work with all hair types. This dual voltage flat iron also comes with a 1-inch plate that’s wide enough for any hair length.

At 12 inches, it’s not the smallest  travel flat iron dual voltage, but it’s a more compact option for heavy duty manes.

AmoVee Mini Iron

Best Travel Straightener for Short Hair

If you’re on the hunt for a smart style, the AmoVee Mini Flat Iron gives you salon quality results while you’re on vacation. For polished curls or a sleek straight hair, this dual voltage straightening iron is recommended for women with short hair.

If you’re looking for the best travel curling iron, read this post !

T3 Singlepass Travel Straightener 

Most Luxurious Straightener

I’m not sure if we could call the T3 the best travel straightener, but it’s definitely the most luxurious option in our round-up and at the top of our wishlist, too! On the plus side, this travel flat iron heats up super quick, but on the down side, you can’t adjust the temperature setting. However, the high heat can help style your hair quickly and efficiently, which is a plus when you’re on the go! Also available in Nordstrom !

Try these three simple travel hair styles for long hair!

T3 Lucea 1-inch Professional Straightening & Styling Flat Iron

Best All-in-1 Flat Iron

If you can’t decide between a travel flat iro n and regular straightener, the Lucea flat iron straightens hair beautifully and smoothly, plus its a styling iron powered by Rapid HeatIQ Technology. Besides straightening, it also curls and waves hair too, which gives you multi-looks to play with. 

Up to 9 adjustable heat settings, ideal for coarse and natural hair types. The auto shut off function comes in handy if you tend to be forgetful with your styling tools! Also available in Nordstrom !

Use my free packing checklist so you don’t forget anything when you pack!

Conair MiniPRO Iron

Best Mini Travel Straightener

Since most hair straighteners are large and heavy, the Conair MiniPRO is ideal for keeping your luggage at a minimum. The ceramic technology protects each hair strand without pulling and frying your hair. For short to medium hair, the 1/2-inch plates get close to the roots for a quick, effortless style, making it a great travel flat iron.

Learn to Pack Light Stylishly with my e-book!

Vanessa Pro Flat Iron for Hair

Most Stylish Flat Iron

Who says your travel flat iron can’t be cute? The  Vanessa Pro flat iron in black with its Titanium plate is one of the best dual voltage flat irons to take traveling around Europe or anywhere else you may be headed. The adjustable temperature allows you to create styles quickly if you’re running late — guilty — and it even has an automatic shut-off system just in case!

Need to find ways to dry your hair quickly? Try these tips !

Lovani Mini Portable Flat Iron

Most Portable Travel Straightener

For a quick and easy hair style, the ultra-portable Lovani flat iron is incredibly versatile and can be carried around in your purse with its heat-proof carrying case! The 7.1-inch travel flat iron offers a 2.76-inch ceramic plate to prevent your hair from excessive heat damage.

Looking for some cute summer hair ideas? Check these out!

Herstyler Straightening Flat Iron

Best Lightweight Travel Straightener

A lightweight travel straightener, the Herstyler Forever Travel Flat Iron  has an ultra-fast warm up to 460°F with an adjustable temperature allowing you to manage your hair with ease. The compact 1.25-inch can be carried in your carry-on for easy traveling! This is one of the best dual voltage flat irons for international travel.

Find out which beauty products to pack or leave at home!

BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron

Best Ultra-compact Straightening Iron

For an ultra-compact travel flat iron that smoothes out frizz and fly-aways, the BaBylissPRO travel straightener includes a ceramic plate to prevent frying your hair. This dual voltage flat iron is about half the size of a regular straightener and only has one heat temperature to make your hair styling a breeze.

Read our ultimate guide to maintaining your hair while traveling!

AmoVee 2in1 Mini Straightener Curling Iron

Best 2-in-1 Flat Iron

If you’re looking for an easy-to-carry, 2-in-1 travel flat iron, the AmoVee 2in1 Mini Flat Iron Curling Iron includes a curling iron and a flat iron in one! The 365℉ to 420℉ temperature heats up in just a few seconds. The 1-inch tourmaline plate will give your locks a glossy, healthy look. It includes a sleek leopard print insulated carrying case.

We’d definitely agree that the best dual voltage flat iron is one that can multi-task, so this one gets two thumbs up! A ccording to our readers is the best 2-for-1 straightener set.

Read about the best travel diffusers here !

Best Flat Iron Product Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick review of the ten best travel flat iron options. You can read more about each one in the article below.

Travel Straightener vs Travel Flat Iron

The terms “hair straightener,” “straightener,” and “flat iron” all mean the same thing — they are just words used by different countries. For example, in the US, we may use flat iron or hair straightener, but in the UK, they only use hair straightener. The terms all refer to a hair tool that is used to flatten or straighten hair with heat.

What Does Dual Voltage Mean?

Some electronics are designed so they can be used in different countries. This means they’ll be labeled as “dual voltage.” Dual voltage electronics have two options: 110-120V and 220-240V. They are ideal for travel because they are safe to use at home and abroad, too.

Some electronics, such as newer Macbooks and iPhones have dual voltage that automatically adjust in their destination. However, you may need to adjust the voltage manually by moving an external switch in certain items such as hair tools.

If your device isn’t dual voltage, you’re better off leaving it at home. However, most modern devices such as phones and laptops already have a dual voltage capability built in.

Dual voltage flat irons (or dual voltage straighteners), like the ones we have featured here, have two voltage options: 110-120V and 220-240V.  They are ideal for travel, because they are safe to use at home and abroad, too.

Read our guide that explains how voltage converters and travel adapters work!

Why Do I Need a Dual Voltage Flat Iron for International Travel?

Voltage refers to electricity; different countries have different types of electricity. This means that your electronics are the same voltage as the country in which you bought them, so if you take them to another country, they may not work.

For example, in the US, we use 110-120V; whereas in Europe, they use 220-240V. If we plug our electronics into each other’s outlets, they can blow a fuse and stop working. In some cases, they can even fry your hair.

Visit this website for a full list of voltage by country.

Best International Travel Adapter

Your travel straightener needs to have two things in order to work in other countries:

• The correct voltage
• A travel adapter

Hair tools such as blow dryers, wands, curling irons, and your travel flat iron use a large amount of electricity, so it’s particularly important that they are used with the correct voltage.

Some travel flat iron options are designed so they can be used in different countries. This means they’ll be labeled as a “dual voltage flat iron.”

Travel adapter for travel straightener tools and other electronics:

Even if your hair tools are dual voltage, you still will need a travel adapter. A travel adapter enables you to plug your electronics, such as a travel flat iron, into international outlets. Not all countries use the same type of plug, so I recommend you buy an international adapter like this . Read more about the best travel adapter here .

Visit this power outlet guide for travelers to see a full list of plugs and outlets by country.

Best Travel Straightener to Use in the USA

If you’re from the US and traveling within the US, then you don’t need to have a dual voltage flat iron or travel straightener. However, you might want to save space by choosing a travel flat iron instead or one of the smaller options featured in the article.

If you’re traveling to the US from outside of the US, then you should use a dual voltage flat iron and make sure to switch to the 110V/120V before using it.

How to Choose a Travel Straightener for Europe

If you’re from the US and traveling to Europe, Asia, Africa, or the South Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, then a dual voltage flat iron is absolutely essential. If the one you use at home has the dual voltage feature, then you can also use it on your travels, too.

Remember to switch your travel flat iron to 220V/240V when you arrive to your destination !

Where to Buy a Travel Straightener and Dual Voltage Flat Iron

You can buy a travel straightener or dual voltage flat iron in local beauty supplies or general stores such as Target . For premium options, Sephora and Nordstrom offer quality brands.

Personally, I love the convenience of Amazon since I have Prime , which includes free 1-2 day shipping, and free returns, too. They have a wide selection of travel flat irons for all budgets. You can click on any of the product names above to shop directly on Amazon.

Warning: a dual voltage flat iron will generally work in most countries, but travel blow dryers are a bit more complicated. Read this for more information.

What’s your favorite dual voltage flat iron or travel straightener? Please share in the comments below!

For more tips on travel hairstyles, please read these posts:

• Best Travel Hair Dryers
• How to Make Your Blowout Hairstyle Last for Days
• What’s the Best Travel Hat?
• Best Hair Products for Travelers with High Maintenance Manes

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We hope you learned which dual voltage flat iron is best for you. Please share this article with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

21 comments.

I have short-medium length thin hair. I have been looking unsuccessfully for a travel flat iron that has 1/2” wide or greater plates, is ceramic, ionic, dual voltage with adjustable temperature or maximum temperature of 375. Do you know of a travel flat iron that has all of the characteristics I am looking for? Thanks for your help.

Hi Linda, thank you for reaching out. The HSI straightener and the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron have many of the features you are looking for including the adjustable temperature up to 410f, and ceramic plates. For more feedback about travel flat irons, I would recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It is a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and suggestions to share. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time on your travels! ?

is there a dual voltage straightener that is wider than 1″? my daughter’s hair is very thick and very long, she’ll be gone for 2 months and thinks she needs something a bit bigger. thanks,

Hi there, thank you for reaching out! The HSI Straightener featured on the article is great for heavy duty manes. For more suggestions, I would highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Sorry I could not have been of more help. Hope your daughter has an amazing time on her travels! ?

Can someone tell me the weight of the HSI flat iron? I have a dual voltage Chi with a one inch wide plate that weighs 13 3/4 ounces and is 10 1/4 inches at the longest point. I took it to Paris last March and it worked great with an adapter. I have short, thick hair. I’d love to find something more compact and lightweight if that’s possible, but will keep using the Chi if it’s not. Anyone have suggestions?

Hi Barbara, thank you for reaching out. Many of our readers rave about the products from BaByliss and the BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron weighs 9.6 ounces, the HSI flat iron appears to be heavier at 1.4 pounds. The MHD Mini Straightener is lighter weighing about 6.4 ounces. Hope this helps. Happy travels! ?

Do you have a suggestion for a dual voltage hot air brush?

Hi Nancy, several of our readers recommend CONAIR 2-1 Hot Air Brush: https://amzn.to/2Sdpcnj or the PHOEBE Hot Curler Hot Brush: https://amzn.to/2LQSnf0 I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question about dual voltage hot air brush: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. I hope this helps. Happy travels!

Best I have ever used is the Karmin

Hi Marcela, thank you for your sharing your recommendation! 🙂

Several of these that are listed as dual voltage actually are NOT dual voltage.

I bought the AmoVee straightener. Love it: lightweight, compact, comes with a heat-resistant pouch & glove.

Hi Robin, thank you so much for your comment! 🙂

This is an awesome resource. I have to have a straightener or else I fro out. Thanks for the tips!

Your dialogue says that there is switch on flat irons for changing the voltage. I just bought a dual voltage Hot Tools Titanium flat iron, but there is no switch. Is that something new?

Hi Sue, sorry for the confusion. Some dual voltage products will have a switch. If they don’t, then it might be already be something that happens automatically such as with a Macbook.

How do I find out if my Ultra Chi flat iron is dual voltage? How do I find out the wattage? It is at least 12 years old. I could not find customer service number of Ultra Chi.

Hi Vikki, thank you for reaching. You could search for your flat iron brand online and look for the specific details for your appliance, or look at the flat iron itself and check that it is marked with a 100-240 volt notation. It might tell you on the tiny fine print on the plug end. If it says it’s 110-220 volts, then it is dual voltage. If it only says 110 volts or 220 volts (depending on the country you’re in), then it’s not dual voltage. Hope this helps answer your question! ?

Loved the suggestions-will definitely bring a flat iron instead of the curling iron on my next drip!

Glad you liked the suggestions Gloria!

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12 Best Hair Straighteners and Flatirons, According to Our Testers

By Malia Griggs and Monique Wilson

The best hair straighteners have come a long way in the past decade. The word flatiron alone is enough to bring back flashbacks of fried, damaged hair, snagged strands, and burned ears. While not all flatirons are created equal, new technology and advances have revolutionized the humble hair tool. Today's hair straighteners get the job done—without the damage or the drama. In fact, they often go above and beyond and can double as a curling iron , smooth frizzy hair , and even condition. There’s a flatiron option for everyone, from folks with the tightest of curls to fine, straight hair.

Our top picks for best hair straighteners

• Best Overall : Chi Original Lava 1" Ceramic Hairstyling Flat Iron , ($100) $65
• Best for Thick Hair : GHD Max Styler 2" Wide Plate Flat Iron , $249
• Best Hair Straightener for Curly Hair : Hot Tools Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Flat Iron , $55
• Best Flatiron for Fine Hair : T3 Lucea Straightening & Styling Iron , $170
• Best Hair Straightener for Damaged Hair : Dyson Airstrait , $499

What are the types of hair straighteners?

The three main types have ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium plates.

• Ceramic (and ceramic-coated) plates are the most common—and generally safe to use on most hair types. Rodger Azadganian, founder of Az Craft Luxury Haircare , explains that ceramic plates “use an infrared technology that straightens hair from the inside out, which is generally more gentle and considered a safer option.” What does this mean for you? Smoother results, fewer flyaways, and less damage.
• Tourmaline plates produce negative ions that fight frizz. “This not only straightens but also smooths the hair while locking in moisture to keep it shiny,” says Azadganian.
• Titanium plates can handle high heat and reach their full temperature ASAP, which makes them a great pick for anyone on-the-go. “The plates heat up quickly and straighten the hair with just a couple of passes,” says Azadganian.

What should you look out for in a hair straightener?

Set your sights on a flatiron with ceramic plates, says Lacy Redway , Unilever stylist and celebrity hair artist. Raven Hurtado, a stylist at  Maxine Salon in Chicago, says, “Ceramic takes longer to heat and is lighter with passes, which makes it okay to use daily on normal-to-colored or fine hair.” What's more, ceramic plates are often combined with tourmaline, “a mineral that helps smooth and adds shine while locking in moisture,” Hurtado explains. Think less static and frizz.

Consider a flatiron with titanium plates, which heat up faster and maintain a higher temperature. Redway explains that the quick heat-up time and temperature require fewer passes on the hair. Of course, the hotter your setting, the more likely it will damage your hair. Always apply a heat protectant before you start straightening. Redway likes the Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant , which she recommends applying to damp hair and then, once it's completely dry, “proceeding with the flatiron at a safe temperature for your hair type.”

What’s the ideal temperature setting for your hair texture and type?

• Fine-to-medium hair: Experts recommend lower temperature ranges of 250°F to 300°F.
• Curly-to-coarse hair: Experts recommend staying within the 350°F to 450°F range. But you'll want to use a protective spray or serum beforehand and smoothing oils afterward to balance out the extreme heat.
• Colored or damaged hair: Experts recommend using heat sparingly, as bleaching and highlighting dries out and damages hair—and if you do use heat, stick to the lower ranges of 250°F to 300°F.

Ready to find your new flatiron? We asked professional hairstylists and Glamour editors with all different hair types and concerns to recommend the hair straighteners they actually use—and here are the results, including a few Glamour Beauty Award winners.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Overall: Chi Lava Ceramic Hairstyling Iron

Chi Original Lava 1" Ceramic Hairstyling Flat Iron

If you're in the market for a best-selling, under-$100 flatiron, the Chi Lava is an enduring classic. It heats up in one minute, has an 11-foot charging cord (longer than many of its competitors), and lets you adjust its temperature up to 395°F—making it a suitable choice for those with wavy hair.

What reviewers say: Some regrettable experiences (and photos) in middle school have left me a little straightener-shy as an adult. Typically I avoid them in favor of a good round brush, terrified of winding up with crispy-looking ends and limp roots. But my hair is frizzy, so even after a blowout, it tends to be unruly by day two. I used the Chi Lava on second-day hair and was impressed—my hair was smoother without falling flat, and my ends felt silky and full. — Macaela MacKenzie , Glamour contributor

• Plate material: Ceramic
• Plate size: 1"
• Temperature: Adjustable heat up to 395°F
• Auto-shutoff: After 60 minutes
• Cord: 11'
• Pros: Fast-heating (60 seconds); long cord, customizable temperature
• Cons: May not be hot enough for some; cord gets tangled easily.

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Best for Professional Styling: GHD Platinum+ Styler

GHD Platinum+ Styler

There's a lot to love about this sleek styling tool, which won a Glamour Beauty Award. Digital director Perrie Samotin raves about its ability to clamp sections of her thick, frizzy hair without getting any of it caught: “Plus, there’s no temperature to choose from,” she says. “It's a ‘smart iron,’ meaning it uses predictive technology to recognize the thickness of your hair and the speed at which you’re styling and adjusts its power accordingly, with an optimum temperature of 365°F.”

What reviewers say: It heats up in seconds and lets you know it’s ready with a satisfying ping —a small detail but one I appreciate as much as its ability to smooth and flatten in minutes. —P.S.

• Temperature: One setting (365°F)
• Auto-shutoff: After 30 minutes
• Cord: 8.8'
• Pros: Fast-heating, easy to use; predictive technology
• Cons: No adjustable temperature

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By Sam Reed

By Stephanie McNeal

By Sophia Bush

Best for Curly Hair: Hot Tools NanoCeramic Flat Iron

Hot Tools Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Flat Iron

Here's another affordable flatiron that's a good pick for anyone with hair that's harder to tame (talking to you, curly- and coarse-haired girlies). It has a huge heat range with 30 temperature settings that go all the way up to 450°F—hot enough to take on the wildest of manes. Its LCD display makes it easy to keep an eye on the temperature, and it'll remember the last heat you used when you turn it off, so you don't have to adjust it every time you turn it on.

What reviewers say: The Hot Tools Ceramic Flat Iron and I go way back—we’re talking high school dance recitals. I rarely flatiron my hair since it’s so thick and long and takes forever. But whenever I want to do my best Rosalía high pony, I can always count on this to make my hair look pin-straight and frizz-free. — Tara Gonzalez , Glamour contributor

• Temperature: Adjustable heat up to 450°F
• Auto-shutoff: After 2 hours
• Cord: 8'
• Pros: Under $50; LCD temperature display, high temperature range, travel lock; technology remembers last temperature used.
• Cons: Auto-shutoff time is quite long.

Best for Damaged Hair: Dyson Airstrait

Dyson Airstrait

The Glamour commerce team put the buzzy Dyson Airstrait to the test and were blown away (pun intended). The Aistrait can act as a flatiron and a dryer at the same time, and instead of pressing your hair between hot plates, it dries it with hot air (using the same technology as our favorite Dyson Airwrap ). TL;DR: It doesn't have heating plates at all—and thus is way less damaging than your standard straightener. Here's our full review .

What reviewers say: Since my curls are on the tighter side, it’s crucial that my roots dry first, so I was happy to learn about the rough-dry option, where I lock it in place and let the air do its thing. After about 10 minutes, the first section of my hair was super straight, and I was shocked. I expected it to be straight, but not that straight. As I worked it through the rest of my head, it took about an hour for my hair to fully dry with it (the temperatures are lower than a regular hair dryer, so no surprise here). The bottom line is that it works and delivers what it promises, especially since I’m used to drying my hair at much hotter temperatures. Since then, I’ve tried it on dry hair and really love the final result. My hair’s a lot smoother and more pin-straight than it would be after a regular blow-dryer touch-up. — Andrea Navarro , Glamour commerce writer

• Plate material: There are none!
• Size: 1.6"
• Temperature: Three preset settings in wet mode (175°F, 230°F, 285°F), two preset temperatures in dry mode (250°F or 285°F)
• Auto-shutoff: Auto-pause after three seconds of inactivity; standby mode after 5 minutes
• Cord: 9.6'
• Pros: Less hair damage, wide range of styling settings and modes (wet, dry, rough-dry, smoothing boost), LCD screen, intelligent airflow temperature control
• Cons: Very expensive

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Best Travel Iron: T3 SinglePass Compact Thin Flat Iron

Best Travel Iron: T3 SinglePass Compact

Here's another baby flatiron that's little but gets the job done with ceramic plates that hug strands of hair for even tension and heat. It's under an inch in width, making it easily maneuverable around bangs and flyaways. Plus, its included heat-resistant cap lets you throw it in your bag and go without worrying about it burning your belongings (or hand!).

What reviewers say: Don't let the size of this cutie fool you. It packs some serious styling power. Because it's smaller, it obviously takes a bit longer to run through your whole head, but the strong heat (there's only one setting) helps keep it efficient, so you don't have to run it over every section twice. It also comes with a heat-resistant cap, allowing you to throw it in your bag or luggage without worrying it'll melt or burn all your other stuff. —L.S.

• Size: 0.8"
• Temperature: Fixed setting (410°F)
• Cord: 9'
• Pros: Beveled plates, swivel cord, heat-resistant travel cap
• Cons: Temperature is not adjustable.

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Best for Bangs and Touch-Ups: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron

If you're someone who's always on the move or who's hunting for a straightener to throw in your bag, you'll get a lot of mileage out of this mini titanium flatiron, which is teensy enough to fit in a purse—maybe even a clutch. It's just half an inch in width and six inches in length, which is roughly the size of a toothbrush. It gets hot quickly and is super handy for smoothing stray hairs and refreshing your look at the end of a long day.

What reviewers say: If you primarily use a straightener to style your bangs, face-framing pieces, or ends (as I do)—or you’re looking for a compact yet powerful tool for travel—the itsy-bitsy Babyliss is made for you. I originally got mine to keep at my desk in case of beauty “emergencies” but have come to love it so much that I now use it in place of my other straighteners at home. Again, I mainly use it for my bangs and tiny touch-ups, but for how compact it is, it works remarkably well. If your hair is on the thinner side (which mine is), this could replace your regular hair straightener too. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s conveniently small enough to tote in your day bag. — Danielle Sinay , Glamour associate beauty editor

• Plate material: Titanium
• Size: 0.5"
• Temperature: Up to 430°F
• Auto-shutoff: None
• Cord: 6'
• Pros: Under $50, great for touch-ups
• Cons: Not suitable for allover styling as it's quite small; no auto-shutoff

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Best for Coarse Hair: Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold 1" Micro Shine Flat Iron

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Evolve Iconic Salon Flat Iron

Self commerce writer Jessica Kasparian likes this Hot Tools iron for how quickly it heats up, easy it is to read its LED display, and smoothly it glides across her hair. It's able to reach a very high heat, which is useful for anyone who has hair that's trickier to style, whether it's super coarse or curly.

What reviewers say: I love this flatiron, and it gets heavy use for me! I rely on it for one of my income streams, which is wedding hairstyling. It heats up quickly, stays hot, and has an easy way to change the temperature and a lock, which keeps it closed for when I'm transporting. This item has a long cord, which is important in a salon setting or some bridal suites. The flatiron makes hair smooth without snagging. I use it for smoothing and curling with no issue. — Emily, reviewer on Amazon

• Plate material: Ceramic and titanium
• Size: 1" or 1.25"
• Temperature: Adjustable up to 455°F
• Pros: LED temperature display, heat-safe glove, floating plates, travel lock; tone lets you know when device reaches desired temperature.
• Cons: May feel too hot for some; pricey.

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Best Splurge: Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener

Dyson's hair tools come with steep price tags—but undeniable results. The Corrale is a state-of-the-art hair straightener with unique flexing plates that gather around sections of hair (instead of clamping down on them), creating more even heat distribution and less breakage. It's also cordless, so you won't trip on any wires (or even need to be anywhere near an outlet).

What reviewers say: My hair-straightening routine used to involve sitting on my bedroom floor for 45 minutes with both windows open so I wouldn't set off the smoke alarm. That was until I tried Dyson's straightener . Right away two things stood out to me: First, no cord means no outlet hunting or, really, anything getting in the way between the hair on the back of my head and a hot flatiron. Second, the flexible copper plates hugged the hair being straightened, creating less heat damage and cutting my styling time in half. — Talia Gutierrez , Glamour contributor

• Plate material: Manganese copper alloy
• Plate size: 1.25"
• Temperature: Three settings (330°F, 365°F, 410°F)
• Auto-shutoff: After 10 minutes
• Cord: Cordless, but includes 10.9' cord
• Pros: Cordless; reduced heat damage with intelligent heat control technology, flexible plates, temperature display, accessories (travel dock, magnetic charging cable, heat-resistant pouch), two-year warranty
• Cons: Expensive; doesn't have adjustable temperature.

Best for Fine Hair: T3 Lucea Straightening & Styling Iron

T3 Lucea Straightening & Styling Iron

The T3 Lucea is a go-to for New York–based hair colorist Nikki Ferrera , who says it's a versatile tool for all types of looks. “You can create beachy waves and smooth flatiron waves,” she says. So who needs a curling iron , really? It offers an array of heat settings, the lowest of which starts at 260°F, which is an ideal low temperature for thin, fine hair or dry, damaged, or colored hair.

What reviewers say: One of the biggest problems I have with flatirons is that the heat is always too strong for my very fine hair. That's what I love about this straightener. It's made with nine different heat settings, so I can boost it up on days I've freshly washed my hair and turn it down for second- and third-day touch-ups. The edges are beveled, so it's good for both straightening and curling, and it's got ceramic plates, which helps keep the heat evenly distributed. Even when my hair is extra dry, it doesn't leave me with split ends or burnt hair smell. — Lindsay Schallon , Glamour contributor

• Plate size: 1" or 1.5"
• Temperature: Nine heat settings (260°F to 410°F)
• Pros: Fast-heating; temperature control, paddle hair brush and clips for styling; doesn't require an adapter when traveling.
• Cons: A bit pricey

Best for Thick Hair: GHD Max Styler 2" Wide Plate Flat Iron

GHD Max Styler 2" Wide Plate Flat Iron

When you're dealing with a whole lot of hair, turn to the GHD Max Styler, which has the two-inch plates—the widest on this list. “This offers faster styling for thick, long hair because its wider plates cover more surface area, reducing styling time and providing smoother results,” says celebrity hairstylist David Cruz . “It's designed to maintain a consistent temperature, minimizing damage and creating a smoother finish.”

What reviewers say: I have extremely thick hair and lots of it. The single-temperature setting on this iron is perfect. The device is simple and really good at its job. Nothing fancy, but it produces high-quality results in a reasonable amount of time. Never has my hair felt so soft upon straightening. — JR, reviewer on Ulta

• Size: 2"
• Temperature: Preset to 365°F
• Pros: Heats in 30 seconds; wide plates, heat-resistant guard.
• Cons: No heat adjustability; may be unwieldy; not the best pick for short hair, pricey.

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Best Cordless: Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic Styling Iron 1 Inch

Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic Styling Iron 1-inch

Harry Josh Pro Tools

A big ol' downside of most flatirons is undeniably the cords. Who among us hasn't gotten all tangled up in one while switching sides of the head? Meet the Harry Josh Pro straightener, which Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco calls the “holy grail of cordless styling tools.” Not only does it stay strong for over 30 minutes, but it includes an extra battery that you can swap in when the one you're using runs out of power. Pretty genius.

What reviewers say: My hair is long and thick, so it takes a good chunk of time to style. With other battery-operated tools, I'll find myself with half a head styled after the battery inevitably dies. But Harry Josh's new cordless straightener promises 40 minutes of styling, thanks to the interchangeable smart battery, which you can reload when needed. Another plus? It's super lightweight, so you don't feel like your arm is falling off by the time you're finished. — A.Y.

• Plate materials: Ceramic tourmaline
• Size: 1"
• Temperature: Three heat settings (320°F, 335°F, 425°F)
• Auto shut-off: After 60 minutes
• Cord: Cordless
• Pros: Cordless; extra rechargeable battery, digital temperature control
• Cons: Only three heatings; pricey

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Best for Curling Hair: Drybar The Tress Press Digital Styling Iron

Drybar the Tress Press Digital Styling Iron

Of course, if it's a two-in-one straightener-curling-iron you're looking for, consider the top-selling Dryber styler—a favorite of two Glamour editors. “I’m mostly inept at curling hair, let alone at using a flatiron to do anything other than run it over my already flat-as-a-board hair,” Schallon says. “But Drybar’s iron makes it easy. It has rounded edges, so it mimics a curling wand but is super lightweight and easier to navigate. My favorite thing about it is that it’s perfect for getting that slight bend every Insta-girl has.”

What reviewers say: I have fine, curly hair, and through the years I've tried what feels like a zillion flatirons. My mom was a hairdresser so I was an early adapter. While I also like the T3 on this list, the Drybar tool is my go-to. It's the one that can most effectively straighten my hair (it gets hot!). I can use it create waves, even though I didn't inherit my mom's skills and I have no idea what I'm doing, and it's super lightweight.

• Plate size: 1" or 1.25"
• Temperature: Adjustable up to 450°F
• Pros: Heats quickly; frizz-reducing ionic and infrared tech, digital temperature control; good for creating curls and waves
• Cons: Expensive

Save when you shop the best hair straighteners with these Amazon promo codes, Nordstrom promo codes, Ulta promo codes , and Sephora promo codes .

By Brigitt Earley

By Neha Tandon

By Clare Holden

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The 12 Best Hair Straighteners and Flat Irons for Travel [2023]

Erin Miller

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Temperature

1. compact hair straightener for use both at home and away, 2. tourmaline plates for beautiful results, 3. supercute mini straighteners from the experts at babyliss, 4. a fixed temperature iron that is useful for touch-ups, 5. straighten or curl your way around the world, 6. small but perfectly formed for expert styling, 7. mini flat iron that delivers professional results, 8. quick and easy styling from the experts at revlon, 9. salon quality styling at a fraction of the price, 10. increase root life and volume with 1-inch plates, 11. multi-function straightening and curling in 1 handy iron, 12. a salon quality appliance for great looking hair, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Hair straighteners and flat irons can help to kick unruly hair back into shape when it just won’t behave. Whether you want to eliminate frizz or create a whole new look, many of us simply could not be without our flat irons on vacation. Compact yet powerful travel-size flat irons mean that you can say “no” to bad vacation hair and travel the world looking as gorgeous as ever.

Things To Look for in Hair Straighteners

Straighteners are uncomplicated — their main purpose is to change the appearance of your natural hair. Straighten, smooth, or, in some cases, curl as much as you want to, but be sure to consider the following before you commit to your next travel hair straightener or flat iron:

Most countries have different requirements when it comes to voltage, and most modern-day hair appliances come with a dual voltage . This means that your straighteners and flat irons will work just as well when you are away as they do at home.

Do double-check that this is the case if you are planning on taking your regular appliance with you, though. If the voltage is too low, your flat iron won’t work; too high, and it could be dangerous.

While most travel-sized items are generally smaller versions of full-sized items, the physical dimensions of your straighteners or flat iron may not be an issue. If you are packing your hair styling appliances in your checked baggage , your regular-size straighteners or flat irons should be just fine. They are not particularly heavy or bulky, and as long as they operate on a dual voltage, you should be able to use them anywhere in the world.

However, if you’re traveling with minimal luggage or are short on space, there are many travel-sized smaller hair straighteners on the market.

Hot Tip: If you are purchasing new appliances to take with you, remember that hot and humid conditions can make hair less than smooth and shiny, so look for an iron that offers wider plates to tame even the most unruly of hair on the go.

Flat irons and straighteners work by heating the hair follicles to change their shape. In this case, the desired effect is soft, shiny, salon straight hair. The optimum temperature that doesn’t burn or damage the follicles is around 350°F (177°C) , so if you want gorgeous, healthy hair, never choose a flat iron that can’t handle these temperatures.

Plates these days are far more gentle on the hair than the old-fashioned metal ones used to be. Check before you buy that the plates are made from ceramic materials to ensure smoother results without damaging your hair.

The 12 Best Hair Straighteners for Travel

Mhu professional travel size 0.5-inch mini flat iron tourmaline ceramic hair straightener.

This professional tourmaline hair straightener is fast to heat up and offers even heat distribution for a flawless finish. Easy to use, you only need to turn on the power switch and wait just a few seconds for the plates to heat up. Maintaining a heat of around 356°F, the non-adjustable heat setting is no big deal as this is the perfect temperature for damage-free smoothing.

Extremely lightweight and measuring a very compact 6 inches, this little beauty is ideal for use on the go. Pack in your suitcase or keep close in your handbag for emergency touch-ups anywhere in the world.

What We Like

• Compact and great for carry-on

What We Don’t Like

• The temperature is not adjustable

Mini Portable Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

Featuring ceramic tourmaline plates that gently and evenly heat the hair, this travel-sized straightening iron is great for looking good on the go. With a dual voltage designed for worldwide travel, the 3D floating plates deliver beautiful results both at home and away.

Superfast to heat up, this flat iron uses negative ions to leave your hair looking and feeling healthy, while the unique round body shape will help you to create unique flips and curls. With a non-slip handle and its very own travel carry case, this makes a great tool to keep you looking your best wherever you may be.

• Comes with a heat-resistant case
• No swivel cord for easy maneuverability
• BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron

The BaBylissPRO 1-inch Travel Iron comes complete with supercool nano titanium-ceramic plates that heat up quickly. Reaching temperatures of up to 430°F in just seconds, this little straightening iron is small enough to fit in your purse but powerful enough to leave your hair supersmooth and shiny.

The 1-inch plates are perfect for styling both long and short hair, and the dual voltage makes it an excellent choice for worldwide usage. The lightweight design and superior heat retention combine to make for exceptional smoothness and super-sexy, straight-looking hair.

• Heats up quickly
• No auto shut off

AmoVee Mini Flat Iron Smart Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener

Using smart ceramic technology, this fixed temperature flat iron can create supersmooth hairstyles or cascading curls with its ceramic tourmaline technology. The mini flat iron heats evenly to prevent hot spots, and its thin-plate size means that you can smooth and even style bangs and short hair.

The unique V-shape design of these straighteners prevents kinks at the end of the hair, and the straighteners are compact enough to fit in your purse or carry-on when you travel.

• The floating plates stop your hair from pulling
• The power cord could be longer

Travel Flat Iron 2-in-1 Mini Hair Straightener

This 2-in-1 mini flat iron and curling iron combo is precisely what your hair needs , both at home and away. At 11 inches long, it is still slim enough to fit into your carry-on, and its dual voltage capacity means you can take it virtually anywhere in the world.

Heating up to 375°F in a matter of moments, this fixed-temperature flat iron will style your hair with minimal heat damage. Complete with its very own carry case, you can straighten and curl your hair quickly and easily with this travel-friendly flat iron.

• Comes with a heat-resistant carry case
• Doesn’t work as well on thick hair

Phoebe Mini Hair Flat Iron 3/4-Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener

This mini flat iron is designed with traveling in mind. Small enough to fit into your purse, or pack into your carry-on , this tiny little purple flat iron will have you looking fabulous wherever you may be.

With an instant heat up and a maximum temperature of 430°F, you can get ready quickly with minimal damage to your hair. Compact and easy to use, this is a great little flat iron for your next vacation.

• Good for touch-ups
• No stand to protect surfaces from the heat
• Conair Travel Smart Mini Hair Straightener

Using state-of-the-art ceramic technology, the Travel Smart mini hair straightener features ½-inch ceramic plates that glide across the hair , leaving it silky smooth and super straight. Designed to eliminate hot spots and minimize heat damage, the high heat setting will give you salon-worthy results wherever you may be.

With a 30-second instant heat-up, a compact design, and its own storage case , this is a useful mini flat iron to take away with you.

• Cools down quickly
• The handle can get quite hot

Revlon Essentials Ceramic Flat Iron 1-Inch

If you are looking to achieve sleek locks on the go, the Revlon Essentials flat iron set has everything you need to keep the frizz at bay. With a 1-inch ceramic plate, this straightener is small enough to take on your domestic travels, so you can enjoy beautiful straight hair both at home and away.

Choose between low and high heat settings, depending on your hair type and style, with comfort and control with the silicone finger grips. The constant heat sensors monitor the temperature to ensure your hair remains frizz-free to give you supermodel style on a budget.

• Low and high temperature settings
• No swivel cord, so this can get tangled up

CROC Baby Flat Iron Travel Size Hair Straightener

This compact flat iron may be small enough to take anywhere, but it still offers salon-quality styling for a fraction of the price. Perfect for styling short hair, bangs, and taming flyaways, this is a useful little tool for keeping your hair on point.

With ceramic stationary plates that emit negative ions, a static temperature of 410°F, and dual voltage capability , you can achieve professional-looking hair wherever your vacation takes you. Complete with an additional heatproof case, this little flat iron is ready to go when you are.

• Comes in a variety of bright colors
• Only has 1 temperature setting

Conair Infiniti Pro 1-Inch Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

Using tourmaline ceramic technology to help reduce frizz and flyaways, this flat iron is an excellent choice for anyone looking to retain shiny, poker-straight hair. The high-quality 1-inch plates get close to the roots to increase lift and volume, and the smooth gliding design protects hair from damage and adds shine.

The 455°F temperature setting heats up in just 15 seconds , and with 11 different digital heat settings, you can choose the right temperature for your hair type or desired style.

• Multiple heat settings
• Can be turned off easily by accident when using

JYfeel  2 in 1 Hair Straightener and Curler

Upgrade your look and cut down on your packing with this cleverly combined curling and straightening tool. Heating up to 430 ° F in just 30 seconds, you can choose from sleek straight locks or beautiful frizz-free curls at home or on vacation. The 360-degree swivel cord allows for easy styling , and when you’re done, just pop it back into its heat protective pouch.

Dual voltage capabilities make this particularly useful for adventures overseas, and the tourmaline ceramic-coated heating panel will ensure that your hair is soft and shiny no matter how often you style it.

• Saves packing a separate flat iron and curler
• Can sometimes pull your hair

T3 – SinglePass Compact Styling Iron

This top-of-the-range flat iron uses digital T3 SinglePass Technology for gorgeous glamour on the go. With an internal microchip that continuously measures and maintains an even temperature , your hair will never become burnt, dry, or damaged when styling.

The custom blend of ceramic and ionic technology will leave you with a smooth, glossy finish, and the smooth ceramic plates will straighten, curl, or shape easily and with precision.

The small-size plates make this little beauty perfect for taking with you, but with extremely powerful plates, you can also use this at home, too. Incredibly smart and designed to impress, this dual voltage straightening iron is worth every penny.

• Comes with a heat-resistant cap for storage
• Can be too hot for fine hair

If straightening or curling your hair is part of your daily beauty routine, it stands to reason that you would want your appliances to travel with you. Whether you are off on vacation or traveling the world, make sure you invest in a travel-size straighter or hair iron before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best travel hair straighteners.

There are many great options to choose from when it comes to travel hair straighteners, but here are some popular options:

• MHU Professional Travel Size 0.5-Inch Mini Flat Iron
• AmoVee Mini Flat Iron
• Xtava Sleek & Shiny Flat Iron Toolkit
• Wazor Mini Hair Flat Iron
• Revlon Straightening Ceramic Flat Iron Set

What is dual voltage?

Electrical items will usually accept either 110-120V or 220-240V. A dual voltage hair straightener, or other device, will accept both of these inputs, making them perfect for travel.

Can you fly with a hair straightener in your carry-on?

The TSA website states that hair straighteners can be packed in either your checked luggage or carry-on.

How do you travel with a hair straightener?

Most countries have different requirements when it comes to voltage, and most modern-day hair appliances come with a dual voltage. This means that your straighteners and flat irons will work just as well when you are away as they do at home.

Do double-check that this is the case if you are planning on taking your regular appliance with you, though. If the voltage is too low your flat iron won’t work; too high and it could be dangerous.

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9 Best Flat Irons That Put Your High School Version to Shame

Sleek results, minimal damage.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Using a flat iron can feel like a delicate balance: You want enough heat to create super-glassy, pin-straight strands that stay in place but not so much that it causes damage. (We'll never forget the smell of our burned flat-ironed hair in high school.) To do it right, you need time, patience, and most importantly, an innovative tool. Today's flat irons boast advanced technology, features, and designs that make hair straightening faster, easier, and safer.

If you like to curl your hair with a flat iron , you'll want to pay attention to the shape of the plates. "I love when the flat iron's edges are rounded versus square because then you can also use the flat iron to create a curl or wave," Gutterman says. Keep scrolling for the flat irons that will get the job done with ease.

Bondi Boost Flat Iron Hair Straightener with Aloe-Infused Ceramic Plates

Keep your hair protected and shiny with this flat iron. The one-inch ceramic-coated tourmaline plates are infused with aloe to provide easy glide and nourishment to the hair while styling. The ionic technology also helps to reduce frizz and enhance shine.

Kristin Ess 3-In-One Titanium Flat Iron Hair Straightener

With this tool, you can create pin-straight hair, waves, or polished curls thanks to rounded edges and 1.25-inch titanium floating plates. We like that this is a more affordable flat iron than other options but still offers a professional-looking finish.

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron

Available in 1, 1.5, and 2 inches, the ultra-smooth titanium plates on this iron heat up quickly and glide through all hair types. The plates are up to five inches longer than the average flat iron to cover more hair and offer a faster styling experience. There are also up to 50 heat settings, allowing you to customize the temperature depending on your hair type and needs.

ghd Platinum Styler Flat Iron

Consider this flat iron your trusty go-to that always offers sleek results with minimal breakage. It automatically adjusts the heat to 365°F, an ideal temperature to help avoid excess heat damage. (The iron's tech distributes and maintains the heat so well that it still creates smooth, shiny results.) The edges are curved to easily create curls or waves as well.

Revlon One-Step Air Straight

Stop into your local drugstore for this wallet-friendly option. It features AirPause technology, which activates airflow when you squeeze the handles together to dry hair as you straighten. It also has built-in teeth to detangle and smooth hair with every pass.

Edrée The Méline Titanium Flat Iron Hair Straightener

Curly and coarse hair textures can handle more heat than finer textures, says Gutterman. That's why she loves "being able to see how hot the iron gets with the LED display—it sold me!" she says, adding that she also loves its 1.25-inch plates, unique color, and ability to create straight and curly hair with ease.

Dyson Airstrait Straightener

Cut styling time in half with this two-in-one tool. Unlike hot plates that may take a second to heat up, this straightener utilizes air to dry and straighten hair simultaneously, so you can go from wet to dry with minimal damage. It has high-tech features such as an LED screen display, auto-pause, a lock feature that keeps the arms in place so you can use it like a blow-dryer, and intuitive airflow, meaning it senses when your hair is not between the arms and drops to a lower airflow for a quieter styling experience.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic 1-Inch Styling Iron

Get high-quality results anywhere you go with this cordless flat iron. You can get over 40 minutes of styling time on a single battery, and you can adjust the heat up to 425˚F. It's lightweight and easy to store, and you can take it wherever you go (even internationally).

L'Oreal Professionnel SteamPod Flat Iron & Styler Dimensions

This tool surrounds hair with steam as you glide down the strands to straighten. The steam helps prevent excess breakage and split ends. In addition to plates, there's an integrated comb to help detangle hair while straightening. To use, you'll need to fill the built-in water tank with filtered water using the provided bottle then adjust the heat to the preferred setting. Ensure the arrows on the SteamPod are pointing downwards before using. Then, clamp a thin section of hair and glide through to the ends slowly. You can also use this tool to curl or wave hair.

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

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These Are the Flat Irons Stylists Swear By for Extra-Thick Hair

One of the most common problems with having thick hair is how long it takes to straighten it. I speak from experience. As someone with super-thick, curly hair, it's definitely an ordeal to straighten my hair (hence, why I don't do it that often). It's a process that requires time, patience, the right hair products, and, most importantly, the right flat iron . Luckily, I can tap into an arsenal of hairstylists for advice on styling my super-thick strands and what products will work best for my hair type now that I'm a beauty editor. This time around, I tapped celebrity hairstylist David Lopez for some insight. He shared his all-time favorite flat iron for thick hair and the product he can't live without when heat-styling. Read on for everything he had to share.

How to Prep Your Hair for Straightening

First things first, you'll always want to use a good heat protectant to avoid excess damage to your hair. Your heat protectant should be made for your specific hair type. Many stylists generally love cream products over sprays because sprays require a lot more product to completely coat the hair.

Those with curls should take a few extra precautions since curly hair is drier and more prone to damage and breakage. You'll want to use a smoothing balm or hydrating cream with nourishing ingredients and invest in a flat iron with ceramic-coated plates to help minimize heat damage. Lopez chimes in with a little advice. "I'll always recommend a heat protectant, but specifically with a flat iron, I love to use an aerosol heat protectant with hold," he says. "Kenra's Heat Block Spray is great because not only does it protect the hair, but it also doubles as a hair spray!" Those with thick hair might want to go for a balm or cream to make sure all their hair gets coated, but once you do, you're in business. Keep scrolling for the best flat irons for thick hair.

The Best Flat Irons for Thick Hair

Best overall: babyliss nano titanium ionic straightener.

I was first introduced to this flat iron by a friend in college. I instantly fell in love because it managed to create such smooth, shiny, and ultra-straight results that I hadn't been able to achieve with other flat irons at the time. It's definitely a staple in my hot-tools kit now, and that won't be changing any time soon.

Pros: Titanium-coated plates smooth out hair, natural ions reduce frizz, ceramic heater produces instant heat, and the temperature can reach up to 450°F.

Cons: Plates get extremely hot.

Customer Review: "I tell everyone about this! It's my favorite. I'm about to buy my second. My last one lasted seven years and finally gave out. (It has fallen on the floor many times.) [It] heats up so fast every day during those seven years and makes my hair so pretty. I love love love this straightener, and I'm glad I can still purchase it."

T3 Lucea 1.5-Inch Straightening Iron

My only complaint is that it does take a few passes to straighten a section of hair, but overall, my hair looks great after using it. Lopez agrees that it's a great option for those with thicker hair. "The T3 Lucea 1.5-Inch is hands down my favorite iron out there for thick hair," he says. "It has all the tech of the original size (single pass, smooth plates, and nine heat settings), but in a 50% larger plate size to get through hair faster. The CeraGloss plates get me shiny, frizz-free results."

Pros: Ensures advanced heat precision, has nine heat settings, and has wider plates that work on larger amounts of hair.

Cons: Requires more passes to straighten coarse hair. I use and love the T3 Lucea, and my hair is coarse and extremely curly.

Customer Review:  "The best straightener I've ever used! And trust me, I've tried them all, from the most expensive all the way down and back around. This is amazing. Works so fast and does not damage my hair at all!"

Wavytalk 1.75-Inch Hair Straightener

Reaching a temperature of 450°F and boasting 1.75-inch-wide plates, this flat iron can definitely get the job done for coarse, wavy, or curly hair types. The price is also fantastic for a quality flat iron.

Pros: It has a 1.75-inch-wide barrel, large titanium plates heat up faster, and the temperature goes up to 450°F.

Cons: Wider plates don't work as well for shorter hair.

Customer Review: "This is the best straightener at a great price. It has digital temperature control and makes my naturally curly hair super straight and shiny. I love it. Totally recommend."

HSI Professional Glider Ionic Flat Iron

This HSI Professional Glider straightens, flips,  and  curls. It even has micro-sensors built into its ceramic plates that help regulate the temperature and prevent future hair damage. The temperature also goes up to 450°F and smooths out frizz as you straighten.

Pros: Heat-balance micro-sensors keep you from burning your hair, and tourmaline plates create silky results. This iron is designed to straighten, flip, and curl.

Cons: Flat iron is a bit heavy.

Customer Review: "I have owned a bunch of different brands of flat irons, including Paul Mitchell, Sultra, Andis, Remington, and who knows what else. And I must say, this is hands down the best one I have ever owned. It left my hair feeling very smooth and shiny. Unlike many others, it didn't pull my hair at all. I love that it comes with a little thermal glove to wear when using because I can't even count how many times I have burnt myself while flat ironing my hair. It also comes with a cute red bag for storage/traveling. I didn't receive the free argan oil as was stated on the box, which I was hoping to try, but that is such a minor thing. I love the length of the cord. I have owned others that would come unplugged while doing the back of my hair. This one has plenty of slack. It also comes with a one-year warranty from HSI, so don't forget to register your product… which I'm going to do right now. If you don't buy this flat iron, you're going to regret it!"

Bcway Professional Extra Large Titanium Hair Straightener

This iron is uniquely designed to avoid pulling or damaging the hair while styling with its 2.16-inch plates. The extra-wide design and five adjustable temperatures will help those with all kinds of thick hair, from curly to wavy. 

Pros: Budget-friendly, avoids pulling or damaging hair while styling, 2.16-inch and extra-wide titanium plates that provide faster straightening.

Customer Review:  "I really like this product. I'm looking forward to using it on a regular basis. I have very thick hair—the size is wonderful."

Kristin Ess 3-in-1 Titanium Flat Iron

I always trust celebrity stylist  Kristin Ess 's hair products, and her flat iron is no different. It allows you to create gorgeous S-waves, sleek and straight styles, and curls. Although the plates are a bit narrow on this one, don't worry. It's still a great option for thick hair because the temperature settings allow you to customize your style to your hair type and texture. It goes up to 440°F.

Pros: This is a straightener and curling iron in one. The quarter-inch titanium floating plates adjust to your hair texture and deliver heat fast.

Cons: This iron doesn't get quite as hot as other options.

Customer Review: "I absolutely  love this flat iron! I have never been competent at using a flat iron for curls, but this product is so easy to use. I can not throw away my curling iron and only travel with this flat iron. It is great for straightening hair as well. [There's a] nice texture on the device that feels good when I use it, and good heat settings for someone with thick, wavy hair. Highly recommend!"

GHD Platinum+ Styler 1-Inch Flat Iron

There's a reason hairstylists never stop talking about how great this GHD flat iron is. It's a "smart" straightener that predicts your hair's needs and adapts to ensure that the temperature is perfect at all times for drier hair types. It helps deliver more shine and reduces breakage.

Pros: Ultra-zone predictive technology monitors heat 250 times per second across the plates and recognizes the thickness of your hair to adjust power accordingly. Great option for those who color their hair.

Cons: This iron doesn't get as hot as other options.

Customer Review: "OMG, this is amazing! I have very hard-to-straighten hair and usually need to go over my hair several times for it to get straight, but this straightens in one stroke. It also makes it so soft and gives your hair a lot of shine. I've never experienced this with a straightener before. I didn't even need to use anything before straightening. It doesn't feel like it damages your hair like others. I also love that it's smart—it senses how much [heat] your hair needs."

Remington 2-Inch Shine Therapy Hair Straightener

This is another great moderately priced option that glides smoothly through the hair and goes up to 450°F. The ceramic plates are infused with argan oil and keratin-rich proteins that help prevent damage.

Pros: Advanced two-inch-wide ceramic plates provide more consistent heat and are infused with argan oil and keratin to condition, prevent damage, and add extra shine to the hair. Works on thick hair.

Cons: This iron does have auto shut-off and may turn off while straightening thick hair for a long time.

Customer Review: "I actually love this straightener. … For the first time in years, I've found a new straightener that works well on my super-thick hair! Usually, the heat isn't enough, or [they] don't straighten my hair to the level I like. But this one does! It leaves my hair silky smooth and with no frizz! It heats up to 450°F in 30 seconds, stays consistently hot, and the buttons are located perfectly so I don't accidentally turn it down while doing my hair! 10/10, absolutely LOVE it."

Hot Tools Pro Signature Ceramic Flat Iron 1.25-Inch

Hot Tools' Pro Signature Flat Iron contains pulse technology, which helps it maintain a consistent temperature so you see fast results. It's also a great option to travel with, as it has a universal dual-voltage swivel cord that is six feet long.

Pros: Wider plates allow for longer and thicker sections of hair to be styled faster, the temperature goes up to 450℉, and pulse technology helps it maintain a consistent temperature.

Cons: Tends to pull on the hair.

Customer Review: "I got this straightener to use on my daughter's hair that is super curly. We have to straighten it for dance competitions, and my Chi would take me multiple passes to get one section of hair straight. This is hands down my go-to now for her hair. One pass, and it straightens."

Revlon Ceramic Flat Iron

Revlon's extremely budget-friendly option has ceramic-coated plates to help reduce heat damage and reach a temperature of 400ºF. It's not  quite  as impressive as some of these other options, but I can't complain for $12, right?

Pros: Budget-friendly, ceramic coating helps reduce damage, and plates can get close to the root for ultra-straight and sleek styling.

Cons: Only reaches a temperature of 400ºF.

Customer Review: "This is the perfect size for my short hair and travel."

Chi Pro G2 Titanium Ceramic Straightening Iron

I'm a fan of Chi's Straightening Iron for its 11-foot cord, titanium-infused ceramic plates, and dual voltage setup. It comes in both a one-inch size and a 1.25-inch size, so you can pick the one that best suits your hair type.

Pros: Heats up in 40 seconds, dual voltage for travel, 11-foot cord, titanium-infused ceramic plates.

Cons: This iron doesn't get as hot as other options, and the one-hour shut-off time may not be ideal for long use.

Customer Review: "This replaced a 15-year-old Chi, so I'm a fan of the brand. Different heat settings are good for me and my tween to both get what we need out of it. ([I have] coarse hair. Her's is medium curly and more delicate.)"

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie , Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > Best Travel Flat Irons & Travel Hair Straighteners

Best Travel Flat Irons & Travel Hair Straighteners

Here is your guide on how to choose the best travel flat irons and hair straighteners. Included is a helpful comparison chart with detailed reviews.

For me, traveling with a flat iron is an absolute must . A travel flat iron is one of the first things I pack in my case – always.

There are many reasons you might want to pack a flat iron whenever you head off somewhere exotic or even on a business trip. They range from sorting out that crazy hair due to the weather to reinvigorating a flagging hair-do when you can’t be bothered to rewash it or want to look cute while traveling .

Whatever your reason for traveling with one, the question remains, what is the best travel flat iron to buy? I’d suggest you pack a travel-size flat iron to save space in your case; here are the ones:

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Travel Flat Iron Reviews

Best mini travel flat iron: turboion baby croc professional dual voltage mini travel flat iron.

This baby croc flat iron might not have the big name of GHD, for example, but it is a fantastic manufacturer that is much more affordable, too, and we vote it the best mini flat iron.

This particular product is fuchsia pink, which is excellent for the fashion-conscious. It comes with rounded floating plates, so various styles, such as curls and so on, can be achieved on the go. The baby croc flat iron is dual-voltage and comes with a free heat-proof carry case.

Turboion Baby Croc Professional Dual Voltage Mini Travel Flat Iron. White, 5/8.”

This is a very similar baby croc flat iron to the product mentioned above, but this one comes in white and must win the 2nd best mini hair straighteners award! Again, there are rounded floating plates, which means you can achieve practically any hairstyle you want.

Moreover, the plates also emit negative ions, which cut down on frizz and keep your hair perfect for longer. This baby croc flat iron is also dual voltage, and a heat-proof case is included.

Mermaid Portable Ceramic Hair Straightener Salon Professional

This small but mighty flat iron is perfect for anyone who needs to style fast and on the go. Needing just five seconds to heat up to full capacity, this portable travel iron can also be charged using the USB connector, which means you can style it as you please at work or in the car. Don’t style and drive, though!

The plates are made of ceramic, one of the best options, and the handle is ergonomically shaped, so you can hold it easily, allowing you to style your hair much more effectively. The negative ions emitted by the plates also help to cut down on frizz and static, leaving your hair smooth and soft.

The straighteners are also suitable for thick or coarse hair, making this flat iron a great all-around product. The irons also come with a storage bag and USB cable for charging.

FARI Travel Mini Hair Flat Iron ½ Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener

This is a great travel hair iron for anyone on a budget and anyone who travels a lot and wants to take their flat iron with them. The dual voltage and included travel bag make jetting off with stylish hair much easier, and the low price certainly doesn’t hurt either! Choose between purple, pink or black.

Thanks to the 7″ plates with tourmaline ceramic material, you achieve professional-looking results, which distribute the heat evenly across the hair shaft and cut down on burning or damage. The straighteners are also ergonomically designed for holding easily and comfortably. They heat up fast, staying at a constant temperature while you use them.

NEXGADGET Hair Straightener Rechargeable Mini Cordless Flat Iron With Power Bank Function

This travel-size hair straightener is cordless, which means you don’t have to deal with tangled cords or find a power plug to use them. It comes with a power bank, so you can still style your hair if you’re running low on juice ! You charge the flat iron using a USB.

This flat iron is small and compact, so you can easily take it with you to work or on your travels, while its safe locked button ensures that it won’t accidentally turn on when it’s in your bag or stored away. There is an automatic switch-off after 30 minutes of non-usage, too.

You can quickly adjust the temperature from 248-338F to find a temperature that suits your particular hair type, and the straighteners are strong enough to curl or even tame curls.

BERTA 0.5″ Mini Hair Straightener Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Flat Iron For Travel

This is a highly low-priced product with high quality despite its price! Designed for travel, the flat iron has dual voltage, so you can take it wherever you go, and it is small enough to pack into your bag without using up your precious luggage allowance! At just 7″, the flat iron is ideal for those on the go, and the fast heat-up time to 356F means you can style quickly and effectively.

The flat iron is made with tourmaline ceramic plates, which help to cut down on frizz and static, while the long power cord of 1.6m means you have flexibility when styling, and you don’t need to be close to the plug at all times.

Mermaid USB Hair Straightener Irons

This cute and highly portable flat iron is ideal for all types of styling, not just for straightening! The ceramic plates are suitable for cutting out static and frizz, leaving behind a much silkier, smoother style after you have finished. USB charging means you can charge your irons on the go, and you don’t have to worry about finding a power socket in unfamiliar surroundings.

This is undoubtedly one of the best portable straighteners on the market. There are two temperature settings, 180 and 200C, and the red and green on/off light tells you easily when the irons are on and hot. There is also a safety lock function, so you can store the flat iron away when not in use, while an included accompanying carry bag protects them from damage when traveling or storing.

Surker Mini Hair Straightener Curling Wand Tourmaline Ceramic Iron Automatic Hair Curler Straightening Flat Iron

This small but very powerful flat iron comes in three cute colors so that you can color-coordinate your styling needs! Ideal for travel, the flat iron locks closed and has dual voltage, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

There is a 3D suspension heating plate, which means that the hair is treated to even heat without having hot or cold spots, which can cause damage to the hair shaft. The irons heat up to 200 degrees in around 10 seconds and maintain their heat until turned off.

Overall, this is one of the best travel straighteners for those on a budget, and the pastel color appearance makes it a winner with younger hair styling wannabes!

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium ½” Mini Iron Blue

BaByliss is a huge name in the beauty world for a good reason. This particular set of travel flat irons heats up fast, and they have the bonus of getting close to the scalp, so you don’t have those irritating kinks in your hair. Additionally, they are long-lasting, too, is protected against chemical corrosion. The Babyliss flat iron dual voltage feature means you can use it worldwide.

BaByliss Flat Iron 2581BU Pro Cordless Straightener

This is a cheaper choice in the BaByliss flat iron family, which would make this the best travel-size flat iron you could buy for anyone on a tight budget. As a bonus, it comes with a two-year guarantee. Cordless straightening means no need to fight with a cable, so you have total freedom over where you style.

The fast heating time gives you salon-quality results, while the ceramic-coated plates give you that famous smooth, kink-free look. For safety, the irons have a cool tip, so you have less chance of burning a finger.

GHD Classic 1″ Styler

Everyone knows GHD, and for a good reason. They are arguably the best travel straightener manufacturers in the business. However, the downside is that they cost a pretty penny. Is it worth it, though? I think so, yes. These are arguably the best travel flat irons you can buy.

This particular product has thin plates so you can style those hard-to-reach bits of your hair, and the universal voltage means you can use it anywhere. The swivel cord is also 9 feet long, so you can style it no matter where the plug socket is in the room. There is also a perk of automatic sleep shut-off when not used for 30 minutes, which gives you peace of mind.

Remington S2900 Ceramic Pearl Mini Hair Straightener

This is quite an expensive flat iron, but it comes from a good quality name in the beauty world. Whether it is better than the GHD flat iron is really a personal choice, but the ceramic pearl plates mean a sleek and smooth style without frizz or static. Worldwide usage means total freedom when you want to travel in style .

Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic Hair Straightener With Bonus Travel Pro 1″ & ½.”

This is a set of two straighteners: one that is 1″ and the other that is ½.” There are no fewer than 30 heat settings, and both flat irons heat up fast, with an automatic on-and-off switch for ease of use. This means you can style ends and fringes without fuss.

AmoVee Mini Flat Iron Smart Hair Straightener For Travel

Designed specifically for travel, this mini flat iron is barely more significant than your hand and wrist. It’s tiny and lightweight , allowing you to pack it anywhere easily. Even though it’s so tiny, that doesn’t mean it lacks functionality. It boasts titanium technology, which heats up faster than most travel hair straighteners, saving you that little bit of precious time on the road. A heat-resistant glove prevents burning.

This travel iron well on both long and short hair, bangs, curls, and even beards. So, if your bearded husband or boyfriend has issues with a wavy beard, this would be an incredible gift. Suitable for both women and men, how surprising is that?

However, note that there’s only one fixed temperature, so there is no temperature-adjusting button like in many other travel flat irons.

Lovani Portable Dual Voltage Travel Iron For Worldwide Use

The ceramic tourmaline plates of this top-rated travel iron distribute heat evenly and gently, allowing for perfect straightening. These 3D floating plates provide even better contact and, as such, results. It also heats up really fast, while negative ions offer a shiny and healthy look.

Whether you’d like straight hair or curls, you can get both with this handy little travel tool. Size-wise, this is a super-small and portable travel hair straightener that fits pretty much anywhere, including your purse. Its dual voltage design allows you to use it all over the world. Additionally, it also features auto-adjust functions, which adjust to the thickness of your hair and even hair type. It also comes with a heat-resistant portable bag.

Brands We Use And Trust

What is the best flat iron to buy.

Your choice of which travel straightener to invest in primarily comes down to your personal preference. Things to consider include the following.

The size of the irons and the size of the plate are something to take into account. This comes back under the hair type” subheading below, but you also need to decide whether you want a travel flat iron that is much smaller, e.g., suitable for fringes and hair ends, or whether you want a full-sized flat iron, which will cover all needs. For me, the best travel hair straightener is small but will still do the job. So, this is why I will buy one that is a little bigger.

Dual Voltage Flat Iron

Dual-voltage flat irons are pretty common these days. This means they will work just about anywhere, although you must buy an adapter to ensure it fits the plug in your country. Older models may be slower to heat up than the newer ones, which is down to the change in voltage. Also, older models may not work overseas, so you need to look at this, depending on where you’re going.

Cordless Flat Iron

Do you want a cordless flat iron, or are you OK with the cable? This is a personal preference and is really up to you. Cordless flat irons have the perk of being able to style your hair regardless of the location of the mirror in your room. However, flat irons with a cable mean you need to do your styling near a power outlet, obviously.

Lightweight flat irons won’t take up much space in your suitcase, and they can easily be packed in hand luggage without eating up most of your weight allowance. A standard weight may be fine if you don’t have that issue. Again, though, look at your needs.

Do you have thick, thin, frizzy, or curly hair? What is the best flat iron for thick hair? What is the best travel hair straightener for any hair type, for that matter? You’ll need to answer these questions before purchasing the best flat iron for you.

There are different plates for different styles and hair types. However, most are ceramic coated, so your hair won’t get burnt while you’re using them. Ask your hairdresser what the best travel flat iron for your hair is. Then, go online and buy one. Online shopping is cheaper, after all.

The best flat irons in the business cost more, such as GHD. However, if you’re not planning on using them much, perhaps you could pick a cheaper option, which isn’t going to set you back much in the way of cash. Shop around.

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Tips For Traveling With A Flat Iron

When using a flat iron on your travels, remember these few tips:

• Always use a heat-proof mat – you would be surprised how easily surfaces can burn when subjected to the high temperatures of flat irons!
• Always use a travel pouch – this will protect your flat iron from damage and scratches while traveling and help your product last longer.
• Remember travel adapters, just in case – while most have worldwide or dual voltage, that will not help you when the plug doesn’t fit in the power outlet! Remember the different adapters that are used across Europe, Asia, and the USA .
• Always turn it off when not in use – most products these days do have an automatic shut off after half an hour of non-use, but it’s not worth taking the risk. Always turn your flat iron off when you’re not using it.
• Please don’t leave it in the wall and forget it! As a last tip, remember your flat iron when you are ready to exit the hotel! Please don’t leave it in the wall and forget it.

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Best Flat Irons: 15 Options for Every Hair Type

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Flat irons have come a long way in recent years. The best ones not only straighten hair but also add bouncy waves or curls. Some flat irons have smart chips, infrared technology, and other extras that protect the health of your hair. In a way, buying a flat iron has more in common with buying high-tech skin care tools, rather than an ordinary hair dryer, in that there are way more elements to consider when trying to find the best option for your hair and lifestyle. From knowing the best plates for your type of hair to time-saving features, here’s your guide to what to look for and the best flat irons on the market right now.

What to consider when buying a flat iron

No matter your hair concerns, celebrity hairstylist Kacey Welch strongly advises purchasing a flat iron that’s easy to use and has “a lot of adjustable heat settings to protect and style your hair effectively.” Here’s what else you should know before you purchase:

Look for a multi-tasking design

Prefer a tool that does more than one job? A Flat iron with rounded or beveled edges also acts as a curling iron.

Pick a plate material to match hair type

The most common plate materials are ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline.

Ceramic flat irons can be used on all hair types. They can be used on all hair types. Because they provide gentle heat, they can be used on fine, color-treated and damaged hair.

Titanium flat irons heat up quickly and are perfect for thick or coarse hair.

Tourmaline flat irons are flat irons that use both tourmaline and another material because the mineral is delicate. The mineral emits negative ions that reduce frizz, seal the hair cuticle and add shine to strands. This type of flat iron is great for hair that frizzes easily. It also works well with color-treated hair.

What size is the plate?

Flat iron plate sizes range from mini to extra-wide. How to pick the best size? Laurabeth Cabott , who’s created red carpet looks for celebs like Brittany Mahomes, Cara Delevingne shares that you will get the same result with any plate size. However, she says, “depending on the density of your hair, you may want to consider a bigger plate size to cut down on style time. The only exception would be short hair. A baby straightener (smaller size) will help make it easier to manipulate and style your hair.”

Flat irons plate sizes also work with different hair types. Mini, small, or baby straighteners (a common find in beauty subscription boxes) all have half-inch plates made for fine or short hair. They can also be on thicker hair to create tight curls or small waves. Average-sized one-inch plates work on all hair types. Flat irons with a one and a half inch plate are designed for thick or textured hair.

Our top picks for the best flat irons

Best flat iron for thick hair: t3 lucea flat iron.

T3’s Lucea flat iron has garnered rave reviews for transforming thick hair into sleek, glossy, straight locks with one pass. The wider one-and-a-half-inch ceramic plates were designed to tackle thick hair. Without causing breakage. Its microchip does everything from overseeing quick start-upstart, evenly heating plates, and the nine temp settings stay put.

Specifications:

• Temperature: Heats up to 410 degrees
• Plate type: Ceramic
• Plate size: 1.5 inches
• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Number of heat settings: 9
• Features: Created specifically for thick, curly, and voluminous hair; uses a microchip that provides precise heat settings and even heat throughout the tool; 360-degree 8-foot swivel cord
• Price on publish: $189.99
• Made for thick hair
• Easy to use
• Wide plates cut down styling time
• Good for travel

The bottom line:

This is a great choice for thick hair with many features, like safety auto-shutoff, universal voltage making it great for travel, and nine heat settings.

T3 Lucea Flat Iron

Best flat iron for curly hair: chi lava 2.0 flat iron.

You’re used to hearing about German engineered cars—now, meet a German-engineered flat iron. The CHI Lava 2.0 is specifically designed for curly hair, though you could use it on any hair type. Why is it great for curly hair? It uses lava plates which are great heat conductors, so you don’t need a high setting to straighten curls. One pass is all that’s needed to style hair. The lava plates also produce ions which, in turn, makes hair shinier and softer.

• Temperature: Heats up to 425 degrees
• Plate type: Lava
• Plate size: 1 inch
• Number of heat settings: 31
• Features: Ergonomically designed; touch-sensitive display
• Price on publish: $188.99
• Gentle for curls
• Good for all hair types

The bottom line: 

Designed not to damage hair, this flat iron has great features like an ergonomic design, auto-shutoff, and releases ions to promote shiny, soft hair without frizz.  

CHI Lava 2.0 Flat Iron

Best flat iron for wavy hair: drybar reserve dual-plate styling iron.

Wavy hair needs a touch of TLC when styling to prevent frizz, and Drybar’s flat iron delivers. This ergonomically designed flat iron has ionic technology and 0.5-inch titanium plates that have separate temperature controls. This combination ensures silky-looking hair without damage or frizz. You may think that the smaller plates may make straightening hair take more time, but you only need one or two passes to lock in the look you want. If you want to add movement or a bit of wave to your now-straightened hair, this flat iron gives you that option.

• Temperature: Heats up to 450 degrees
• Plate type: Titanium
• Plate size: .5 inch
• Number of heat settings: 5
• Features: Nine foot cord; ionic technology to add shine;
• Price on publish: $190
• Designed to fit neatly into your hand
• Rounded plates let the flat iron also be used as a curling iron
• Separate temperature controls per plate
• Smart design doesn’t take up much room in an overnight bag
• Smaller plates mean that it takes longer to style

The rounded plates let you straighten and add curls or waves to hair; making it a two-for-one styling tool. 

Drybar Reserve Dual-Plate Styling Iron

Best flat iron for fine hair: eva.nyc healthy heat ceramic styling iron.

Fine hair needs a gentle touch when styling it. Eva.nyc designed a flat iron whose ceramic plates play well with fine, color-treated, and delicate hair. Now you have more than one styling option. So, how does this flat iron work? It uses floating ceramic plates and far-infrared heat that can go as low as 200 degrees and as high as 450 degrees. As you pass the flat iron through your hair, the ceramic plates leave negative ions that smooth down the hair shaft and cuticle; this also helps nurture your fine hair while preventing frizz or damage.

• Plate size: 1.25 inches
• Number of heat settings: N/A
• Features: Adjustable temperature; heat resistant handle; small; dual voltage
• Price on publish: $50
• Provides gentle heat to style hair
• Easy to adjust temperature controls
• Plate size makes it easy to style
• Not everyone likes a floral print
• Temperature dial can be difficult to adjust

The flat iron’s infrared heat technology gently straightens fine, colored or damaged hair. The dual voltage and small size lets you travel the world with it. 

Eva NYC Healthy Heat Ceramic Styling Hair Iron, Flat Iron Hair Straightener with Far-Infrared, Hair Iron Straightener with Adjustable Heat, Straightening & Curling Tool, 1.25 Inches, Floral Frenzy

Best flat iron for curling hair: ghd platinum+ styler.

Want one tool that does it all? Then you need this one. The ghd Platinum+ Styler straightens hair, but it can also double as a curling iron. The flat irons’ temp is automatically set to 365 degrees. That’s hot enough to style hair but not so hot it’ll fry it. It uses predictive technology. After the initial use, the tech understands your hair needs and automatically adjusts to give you exactly what you need. A little bit spooky and a whole lotta cool.

• Temperature: 365 degrees
• Features: Wishbone hinge prevents snagged hair; rounded barrel edges allow for curling or waving hair; 8.8 foot swivel cord; universal voltage
• Price on publish: $223
• Heats up insanely fast
• Comes in three colors: Black, white, and pink
• Don’t need other tools to create styles
• Universal voltage
• Not travel-sized
• Only one heat setting

A curling iron and hair straightener in one, with advanced technology for personal styling.

ghd Platinum+ Styler - 1" Flat Iron, Black

Best luxury flat iron: dyson airstrait straightener.

While (relatively) new on the market, Dyson’s hair appliances have a cult-like following because their heat tools achieve unbelievable results. The Airstrait Straightener is their second flat iron, and it’s amazing. The wet-to-dry flat iron uses directed airflow to achieve great-looking hair. The heated air tool takes the place of a blow dryer.

Turn the straightener on its side, and the blowing air will dry the hair. The intelligent heat control regulates airflow temperature. It can’t overheat as the device monitors temperature every 30 seconds. It also harnesses negative ions to reduce static, frizz, and damage. Create volume by locking the arms, and then using it on the roots. Owners claim that they can style their hair within 10-15 minutes.

• Temperature: 175 degrees, 230 degrees, and 285 degrees
• Plate type: N/A
• Plate size: N/A
• Auto shut-off: Autopause
• Number of heat settings: 3
• Features: 9.6 feet long charging cable; cordless; intuitive airflow
• Price on publish: $499.99
• Styles last longer than with a traditional straightener
• Works on any hair length
• Zero cool down period

While it’s an expensive purchase, the Dyson Airstrait dries and straightens your hair using directed airflow to prevent damage.

Dyson Airstrait straightener Prussian Blue/Rich Copper

Best flat iron for short hair: calista airglide cool breeze styler.

Developed by a hairstylist, this flat iron is so good that it repeatedly sells out on QVC. Designed with five heat settings, it has a tiny fan built-in that quietly emits a cool breeze on hair that prevents damage. It has ceramic floating plates and a tourmaline-coated barrel that uses ionic tech to seal in the cuticle and keep hair shiny looking. Made so that it doesn’t clamp down on hair when using this flat iron for short hair, you won’t have to worry about weird bends or creases. You can quickly add a flip to your lob or make bangs stick straight.

• Temperature: 280 to 430 degrees
• Features: 7-foot long swivel cord; dual voltage
• Price on publish: $109.00
• Works on all hair lengths
• Can create straight hair, waves and curls easily
• Small setting buttons means you need to pay attention when hitting the buttons

So popular that it often sells out, this flat iron includes damage-preventing features like a tiny built-in fan to cool straightened hair and a design that doesn’t clamp on to hair.

Calista AirGlide Cool Breeze Styler, Professional Heat Styling Tool, Cool Air Technology, Smoothing and Straightening for All Hair Lengths and Types (11", Peach Mai Tai)

Best budget flat iron for short hair: bed head pixie tourmaline + ceramic flat iron.

Designed specifically for short hair, the plates are only a half-inch wide and take only 30 seconds to heat up. This flat iron has tourmaline-infused ceramic plates that smooths hair while adding shine. The flat iron’s rounded edges allow you to get creative, make waves, add flips, curls, or spikes.

• Temperature: 430 degrees
• Plate type: Tourmaline-infused ceramic
• Plate size: 0.5-inch-wide plates
• Features: Dual voltage
• Price on publish: $21.99
• Works well on short hair
• Able to reach roots, flyaways or hair by ears and nape of neck easily
• Controls are inside of the flat iron

This very affordable flat iron has .5-inch plates that can smooth sections of short hair, get to hard-to-reach areas, and tame flyaways.

Bed Head Pixie1/2 Tourmaline + Ceramic Flat Iron Turquoise

Best flat iron for natural hair: beachwaver co. catwalk coast pro ceramic flat iron.

Beachwaver’s popular flat iron uses a combination of titanium and ceramic plates that makes straightening curly hair easy. Titanium evenly distributes heat along the flat iron while the ceramic plates gently straighten strands. This flat iron has three heat settings that can prevent hair damage. The long cord allows you to reach every lock on your head.

• Temperature: Up to 450 degrees
• Plate type: Ceramic and titanium
• Features: 8-foot swivel-based cord; LCD display
• Price on publish: $149
• Easy to switch temperature settings
• 30-minute automatic shutoff

An easy to use flat iron that comes in cute prints, has three heat settings, and creates natural beachy waves or straightens.

Beachwaver Co. Catwalk Coast Pro Ceramic Flat Iron

Best flat iron for damaged hair: ya-man spa styler straight + wave.

Damaged hair can be styled, but the key is to find the right heat tool that won’t further fry hair. YA-Man, a Japanese company that harnesses new tech, created a smartly designed flat iron that uses both red light therapy and their own moisture pulse technology. This can be used on dry, damaged hair with great results. This flat iron works with one pass, has spring-loaded tourmaline plates, and five heat settings.

• ​​Temperature: 360 degrees
• Plate type: Tourmaline and red light therapy plates
• Features: 8.5-foot cord; safety latch; rounded plates and curved barrel, allowing you to straighten or add waves
• Worldwide voltage
• Gently styles damaged hair
• Three color options

Great design, with safety features like one-hour shutoff, plus you can take it anywhere due to its worldwide voltage, but it is pricey.

YA-Man Spa Styler Straight+Wave Flat Iron Hair Straightener and Curler 2in1 - Advanced Japanese Technology, Dual Voltage, Titanium Tourmaline Plates with Red Light Therapy, 5 Settings (Slate Gray)

Best multi-use flat iron for short hair: foxy bae 2-in-1 airflow flat iron.

Short hairstyles like bobs, crops, and pixies, can quickly change their looks fast with Foxy Bae’s 2-In-1 Airflow Flat Iron. This is a multi-use tool that curls and straightens. The tiny vents placed throughout its body cool hair down after styling. This helps prevent breakage and static.

• Temperature: Up to 430 degrees
• Plate type: Tourmaline-infused ceramic plates
• Features: 360-degree swivel cord
• Price on publish: $49.00
• Two styling tools in one device
• Ergonomic design
• Heats up quickly
• Rotating bezel heat setting

This vented flat iron and curler has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use.

FoxyBae 2 in 1 Flat Iron - Ceramic Tourmaline Technology - Hair Straightener with Negative Ions - Straightens & Curls Hair - Professional Salon Grade Hair Styling Tool

Best budget flat iron: remington anti-static flat iron.

This bad boy has lots of the same features as the higher-priced heat stylers, but at a wallet-friendly price. Remington’s has one-inch floating ceramic plates that are coated with titanium. This lets the styler glide through hair, while infusing each strand with negative ions. The result is sleek, shiny hair.

• Plate type: Ceramic floating plates
• Auto shut-off: No
• Number of heat settings: 8
• Features: LCD screen; temperature lock; swivel cord
• Price on publish: $19.99
• Heats up in 30 seconds
• Similar features to higher priced heat tools
• Has a two-year limited warranty
• Doesn’t have an auto shutoff
• Cools down slowly

An affordable flat iron creates sleek strands and comes with a two-year warranty but be careful, it cools down slowly and doesn’t have an auto shutoff switch.

Remington 1 Anti-Static Flat Iron with Floating Ceramic Plates and Digital Controls Hair Straightener Black

Best straightening brush: infiniti pro by conair the knot dr. all-in-one smoothing dryer brush.

Instead of struggling with a blow dryer and paddle brush to straighten hair, the best smoothing dryer brush combines two tools into one and does the same job in a shorter amount of time. With so many models on the market, this The Knot Dr. All-in-One smoothing dryer brush has activated charcoal that refreshes second or third-day hair. It has 10 heat settings, ion tech for shine, and a thermaglide ceramic core that keeps the brush evenly heated.

• Plate Size: N/A
• Auto shut-Off: Yes
• Number of heat settings: 10
• Features: Universal voltage; six-foot tangle-free swivel cord
• Price on publish: $39.99
• Cuts drying and styling time in half
• Can be used on dry hair
• Doesn’t make tight curls

This multifunctional tool is a great choice for using on dry hair to make waves or curls or straighten out strands.

Conair The Knot Dr. All-in-One Smoothing Dryer Brush, Hair Dryer & Hot Air Brush

Best flat iron for travel: conair mini pro ceramic flat iron.

Standing at eight inches high, this small flat iron has garnered almost four thousand rave reviews all over the ‘net. Its half-inch ceramic plates heat up to 350 degrees. Use it to add volume at the root, straighten tresses, or add waves. The best part may be its size, which is perfect for tossing in your travel tote along with your makeup bag for your next trip.

• Temperature: 350 degrees
• Plate type: Ceramic plates
• Plate size: 0.5-inch
• Auto shut-off: N/A
• Number of heat settings: 1
• Features: Power indicator light; 6-foot cord; dual voltage
• Price on publish: $26.99
• Lightweight

This compact flat iron is easy to take on travels, but it only has one heat setting.

Conair Mini 1/2-inch Ceramic Flat Iron; Perfect for On-The-Go Styling, Turquoise

Best flat iron with the quickest heat-up time: fhi heat curve pro styling iron.

The absolute worst thing about flat ironing hair is arm strain. It’s exhausting. FHI understands your pain (literally) and created an ergonomically designed flat iron that takes the agony out of styling your hair. That’s why it’s called the “Curve Pro.” The second worst thing about styling hair is waiting for the tool to heat up. This flat iron gets to work in 10 seconds. Just because this flat iron heats up fast doesn’t mean it will damage your hair too. FHI took that into consideration when they designed this flat iron. The one-inch ceramic plate has tourmaline and magnesium embedded within it. This locks in moisture while styling it. Add their HydraHeat tech, and your hair is nourished while you style it. It can also be used to add waves or curls to your look.

• Temperature: 265 degrees to 450 degrees
• Plate type: Ceramic plates infused with tourmaline and magnesium
• Plate Size: 1 inch
• Auto Shut-Off: Yes
• Features: Ergonomically designed; 9-foot swivel cord
• Price on publish: $160.00
• Gentle on curly or damaged hair
• Extra long cord

This is a pricier device but may be worth it thanks to features like a one-hour auto shutoff, technology to guard against humidity, and an ergonomic design.

FHI Heat Curve Pro Styling Iron

Ceramic vs. tourmaline vs. titanium flat irons.

The most popular materials for flat iron plates are ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium. Experts Veronica Devore and Sydney Isseks, both members of the Beachwaver Co. hair team, explained how each type works on hair. While all three plate types evenly distribute heat, ceramic plates are especially kind to damaged hair. Isseks says that it’s great for hair that “needs some extra protection.”

Titanium is a lightweight, durable metal that quickly heats up. While it works well with thick or coarse hair, Devore warns that it’s “too intense for fine, brittle, or damaged hair.”

Tourmaline is the most fragile of the three and is usually paired with other materials. This crushed crystal is loaded with negative ions. When heated, the ions help reduce frizz, and flyaways and add softness and shine to strands. Isseks says “it’s a great option for anyone who wants to flat iron their hair daily.” Because ions work as a protective agent, this type of flat iron works with all hair types.

How we selected the best flat irons

Road-testing flat irons, reviewing our own collections, and consulting with experts was the methodology for finding the best flat irons on the market.

Do flat irons damage hair?

Any heat tool, be it a blow dryer or a flat iron, has the potential to dry out hair. Cabbott suggests you “use a leave-in conditioner with heat protection after washing and conditioning hair.”

Jan Spagnuolo, creative director of the Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa at the Park Hyatt in New York City, recommends a few things to prevent damage, “it’s more about what you do before using the flat iron that counts. For those with curly, wavy, or frizzy hair, make sure to blow out hair in a straight style before using a flat iron…I also think it’s a great idea to seal hair with a high-shine gloss to further protect hair from the sun and heat damage.”

Celebrity stylist Kacey Welch adds, “If you have color or chemically treated hair it is crucial to be cautious with a flat iron. Using a lower heat setting can prevent color fading or damage. When working with a flat iron, Welch advises to “avoid prolonged contact in one spot to prevent overheating and potential damage. This goes for all hair types. Never go over the same section more than twice.”

Celebrity hairstylist and CHI haircare ambassador Bradley Tuggle says it’s best to use the lowest heat setting for fine hair, medium-low heat for textured hair, and medium-high heat for thicker, fuller hair.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How to clean flat irons.

Only clean a flat iron when it’s not in use. Make sure that it’s unplugged and cool. Gently wipe down the plates with a damp cloth or paper towel. To get rid of product buildup on the plate, use either a vinegar and water mixture or rubbing alcohol to dissolve it. Use a cotton pad or swab that’s been dipped into the liquid, and gently wipe the residue until it disappears. Don’t scrub, dig at, or push down hard on plates, as this may damage them. After cleaning, wipe the plates dry.

What type of flat iron is the least damaging?

Every expert we spoke with agreed that ceramic flat irons are the least damaging. Bartels points out that “ceramic plates use infrared technology and heat up from the inside out.” While ceramic plates may take longer to heat up than tourmaline or titanium plates, they can be used on any hair type without fear of drying out or frying hair.

How long do flat irons last?

Designed to withstand high heat and daily usage, a flat iron can last for 10 years or longer. When looking at a flat iron's price tag, if you compare the cost per use (especially if you’re using it daily), pricey flat irons are a bargain.

How do you curl with a flat iron?

To create waves or curls with a flat iron, use one whose edges are rounded or beveled edges. The thinner the plate, the tighter the wave or curl. To make a wave, after wrapping the hair around it, gently pull the flat iron downward and release it. For curls, wrap hair around the flat iron, hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly release it.

Tight curls call for a small (0.5-inch plate) flat iron that has rounded edges. For bigger curls, use a regular-sized (1-inch) plate. After heating up the flat iron, spray hair with a thermal protectant product. Then, divide the hair into two main sections: hair to be styled and hair that will be left alone. Further, divide the styling section into smaller sections. The size of the section determines the size of the curl. Use the flat iron as you normally would, but instead of gliding it straight down the hair, wrap the hair around the flat iron, hold it for a second or two, and then release.

To make tiny curls that start close to the root, place the flat iron near the root and wrap the hair. For curls or waves that start mid-length, that is where you’d place the flat iron.

After curling hair, spritz lightly with a styling hairspray to set the curls. When hair is cool, the curls can be manipulated into a style. Either by raking fingers through the curls to break them up or using a comb or round brush to move them.

How do flat irons work?

Flat irons have heated elements, also known as plates. Once the plates are heated, clamp the iron on a small section of hair. Glide the flat iron down the hair until the ends. This is called a pass. As you move the iron down the hair, the heat from the compressed plates straightens the strands.

How do I use a flat iron?

After you’ve sprayed hair with a thermal protectant, divide hair into multiple sections. Take down one section, and starting close to the root, you’ll place the hair in between the flat iron’s plates, clamp the plate down on the section, and then slowly glide the iron down the section until the ends. You may want to do a second pass on that section. Once the section has been straightened, pin it back up and then start on another section. Repeat until all the hair has been straightened. After unpinning the hair from the various sections, either comb or brush it through. You may want to add a drop of hair oil to seal in moisture and stop flyaways.

For short hair, use a thin flat iron close to the root and slowly glide it to the ends. A small flat iron with a rounded edge can be used to add waves to short hair.

Can flat irons be used on wet or damp hair?

Unless the flat iron is made specifically for wet or damp hair, the answer is no. Using a flat iron on wet or damp hair can lead to fried hair.

How to prevent heat damage when using a flat iron?

Incorporate thermal protectant products into the hair care routine. Start with a heat-protectant-based leave-in conditioner and use either a thermal protectant styling cream or spray before using a flat iron. By using a lower heat setting, there’s less of a chance that the flat iron will fry or melt hair. Only use a flat iron’s highest heat setting if hair is exceptionally thick or textured.

What is the difference between a straightening brush and a flat iron?

A straightening brush combines a blow dryer and a round brush into one tool. It cuts down on drying and styling time. It can be used to add waves or curls too. Flat irons are styling tools that can only be used on dry hair.

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The 9 Very Best Flat Irons

Including the ones beyoncé and michelle obama depend on for sleek hair..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best for short hair
• Best for long hair
• Best for a range of hair types
• Best cordless
• Best for travel
• Best ergonomic

Flat irons seem pretty straightforward since they require just a few passes with a steady hand to do their job, but certain things can set a good one above the rest: a range of heat settings to adjust for style and hair texture , a lightweight body, and (if you’re feeling greedy) dual-voltage flexibility for traveling abroad. While I’ve covered hot tools on the Strategist extensively over the years (from curling irons to blow-dryer brushes ) and have tried out many on myself, I’ve spent most of my time and money trying to add volume to my straight hair. So to find the best flat irons for the job, I polled 14 hairstylists for the models they depend on to give their clients sleek sheets of hair minus the static and the heat damage, and tested out a few of their favorites to see if they could convert me to a flat-iron user.

What we’re looking for

Temperature.

You’ll want to play close attention to a flat iron’s heat settings and make sure the ranges are compatible with your hair type. In general, fine or damaged hair types need flat irons that have lower temperature settings — 300 degrees and under — while very coarse or curly hair types will need a flat iron that can reach higher temperatures around 400 degrees to efficiently get hair straight (but if hair is both curly and damaged or fine, you may want to still go for a lower setting). And of course, no matter the temperature you set your iron at, applying a heat protectant before styling is a must.

Plate material

Kadeisha Placide , the manager and lead stylist at Classic Beauty Studio says that both titanium-plated flat iron and ceramic irons have their place. “Ceramic-plated irons help to eliminate frizz and make heating plates smoother, so they’re less likely to pull hair,” she explains, making it better for those with thinner hair, while a “titanium hair straightener delivers the fastest heat transfer for immediate and superior results,” if you have thick or curly hair.

Selecting the right plate size comes down to your hair length. Those with short styles should choose a flat iron with a one-inch plate, while those with mid-length or long hair should choose a flat iron between 1.25 and two inches.

Best flat iron overall

Temperature: 365 degrees | Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch

You can’t really talk about hot tools without hearing the rave reviews of GHD or Good Hair Day. They’re known for the intuitive heat settings, which max out at 365 degrees (supposedly the optimal temperature for avoiding heat damage) and spread heat evenly through the plates. Since my hair is naturally quite straight, I wasn’t sure how much I would appreciate the tool, but it is, after all, called a styler, and I found that it was just as useful for adding beach waves to my hair as it was for straightening it. I was also relieved to find that my hair didn’t feel fried afterward, since the iron is preset to 365 degrees, and that the straightener heated up incredibly quickly.

Five hairstylists recommended the Platinum+ styler. (The U.K. brand was a nearly unanimous favorite among stylists I also polled about the best curling iron .) Celebrity hairstylist Luca Blandi , whom I trust as someone who has worked closely with clients such as Anne Hathaway and Kate Bosworth, specifically loves the brand’s Platinum+ models because they are made from a lighter material, which is a godsend for hairdressers who use the tool all day. “It’s less strenuous on our body and hands.” Michelle Obama’s hairstylist, Yene Damtew , uses this flat iron on the former First Lady’s hair and loves it because it’s sleek and lightweight. She notes that all GHD irons are good for creating a multitude of hairstyles for every hair texture.

Best (less-expensive) flat iron

Temperature: 250° - 450°F | Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 1”

Izunami is a Japanese brand known for its high-quality flat irons. This model has one-inch titanium plates and it has the ability to control the temperature. And while this brand might not be as well known as others on this list, it’s a workhorse iron with longevity (and an affordable price point). Jessica O’Keeffe , whose opinion I trust as a stylist at Hawthorne Studio and who has used the iron for years, swears by it and its long-lasting power. And she should know: She’s used the same one every day, multiple times a day, for over five years. Compared to the GHD above, it doesn’t feature the same intuitive heat settings and it maxes out at a sizzling 450 degrees, so I recommend being careful with it. I’m sharing two tips I picked up from the pros. One, always use a heat protectant spray. And two, always start out with a lower temperature and slowly work your way up to determine how much heat you actually need for your texture.

Best flat iron for short hair

Temperature: 240–450 degrees | Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 1 inch

If your hair is shorter or you want something more precise, a mini-iron is a good option — specifically, this thin one-inch BaByliss Pro Nano. It’s super thin and lightweight but also hot enough — with 50 heat settings — to really smooth the hair. And the smaller size means you can really get the hair straight all the way from the root. The heat settings make it a great option for straightening naturally curly hair too. One of the stylists I spoke with specifically recommended it for a silk press, since the titanium-plated flat iron is a better option for curly, textured hair than a ceramic-plated one because the metal plates heat more evenly than the clay-based ones.

Best flat iron for long hair

Temperature: 235°F–450°F | Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 2”

Should you want longer, wider plates to cover more surface area and length faster, the BaByliss Pro has all the perks of the straightener above but is designed specifically for longer hair since it’s easy to maneuver. Plus, it has a heat index that makes it easy to transition for hair type and texture.

Best flat irons for a range of hair types

Temperature: 140–450 degrees | Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.25 inches

Maybe you’re a stylist who wants a flat iron that will work on a range of hairstyles, or you need something with higher heat settings that will iron out coarser natural hair. Tym Wallace , a celebrity hairstylist who is trusted by clients including Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige, and Yara Shahidi, recommends the FHI Platform irons because of the temperature control settings that reach a scorching 450 degrees. “It straightens hair really well and gives the hair a bounty of shine and is versatile among hair types and styles,” he says. It’s also supposedly the flat iron Beyoncé uses.

Best cordless flat iron

Temperature: 330, 365, and 410 degrees | Plate material: Manganese copper plates | Plate size: 1 inch

If you’re straightening your hair often and willing to invest, Dyson’s hot tools are a categorical favorite. The cordless straightener has intelligent heat control and adjusts its temperature depending on the length, thickness, and texture of your hair. What also sets the Dyson apart from the other flat irons on this list is the use of flexible copper plates that shape and gather hair, allowing you to style with less heat and pressure on the hair strand, making it significantly less damaging compared to the other straighteners. However, it costs a pretty penny, so it’s best for those who straighten their hair regularly.

Best flat iron for travel

Temperature: 170–450 degrees | Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.25 inches

If you want to take your iron with you overseas, you’ll want one that’s dual voltage like this Amika styler, which hair consultant and stylist Linh Nguyen (who has worked extensively with models for print and runway) recommends as a one-pass iron that smoothes hair without any flyaways or for creating a wavy, shiny look. It features ionic technology that really seals the hair’s cuticles to give a super-sleek, shiny look. And it has plenty of other bells and whistles, including a smart shutoff.

Best ergonomic flat iron

Temperature: 280–450 degrees | Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.5 inches

People who use a flat iron every day might want something more ergonomic for regular use. In that vein, Wonderland Beauty Parlor senior colorist and hairstylist Ryan Hill says this one is by far his favorite, and he has tried many over his nearly two decade career. It’s ergonomic enough to grip firmly without straining your hands and wrists, due to a thumb grip and contoured body. It also has digital temperature settings ranging from 280 to 450 degrees.

Best flat iron for wet-to-dry styling

Temperature: 248-365 degrees | Plate material: Ceramic | Plate material: 2.5 inch

Usually, taking a flat iron to a head of wet hair is a recipe for disaster. But GHD recently launched a wet-to-dry styler that is designed to dry and straighten wet hair with minimal heat damage. The Duet is basically a hair dryer and GHD Platinum+ styler combined into one tool. After towel-drying my hair, I flipped on the switch, which turns on the fans located in the plates and keeps them at a lower temperature. Starting at the root, I passed the iron over a two-inch section of hair (the brand cautions against trying to dry sections any larger than the plates themselves). I was impressed by how quiet it was. After a few passes and about 15 minutes, my hair was dry, sleek, and shiny. I should note that since my hair is naturally very straight and fine, someone with thicker or curlier hair will probably need to budget more time to get the job done. After my hair was totally dry, I then turned on the Shine Shot button, which turns off the fans and heats the plates up to exactly 365 degrees to turn the Duet into a traditional flat iron. While it is pricey, since it is effectively two tools in one, I think it’s absolutely worth the money, especially for someone who prefers to shower and style in the morning.

Some more hair-styling tools we’ve written about

Our experts

• Luca Blandi , celebrity hairstylist • Cassadi Currier , stylist and extension specialist at Pembley Joon • Yene Damtew , hairstylist • Mika English , stylist • Ryan Hill , Wonderland Beauty Parlor senior colorist and hairstylist • Hos Hounkpatin , celebrity stylist •Brooke Jordan, co-owner of Brooklyn-based salon the Bird House • Linh Nguyen , Project Runway All Stars hair consultant • Jessica O’Keeffe , stylist at Hawthorne Studio • Kadeisha Placide , the manager and lead stylist at Classic Beauty Studio • Felicia Rials , hairstylist at West Hollywood’s 901 Salon • Nunzio Saviano , hairstylist • Tym Wallace , celebrity hairstylist •Latanya Williams, a stylist with mobile hair salon Yeluch

Additional reporting by Lori Keong ,  Tembe Denton-Hurst , and  Jenna Milliner-Waddell

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• Hair Products And Tools

These 14 Flat Irons for Natural Hair Are Celeb Stylist Faves in 2024

Straight styles are comin' in hot.

Byrdie / Alli Waataja

There are so many ways to style your beautiful natural hair (braids, locs, twists, just to name a few), but if stick-straight strands are what you're after, you'll need the right flat iron for the job. The best flat irons for natural hair reveal smooth, sleek hair without the need for excessive heat exposure and, in turn, damage. We consulted celebrity hairstylists Kim Kimble and Nigella Miller for their top tips on what to look for in a good flat iron. Unsurprisingly, it all boils down to the plates.

"If you want to switch between wearing your hair straight and curly, look for a flat iron with high-quality ceramic plates," she advises. "But if your hair is kinkier or harder to straighten , titanium plates work really well. ” If you can afford it, Kimble recommends investing in two flat irons for the best results. “I like to have two sizes of flat irons available," she admits. "A two-inch iron for straightening a lot of hair and a smaller one for getting really close to the roots.”

Flat irons with ionic technology also add shine and strength while minimizing damage by emitting millions of negative ions to combat the positive ions in water (which help hair hold moisture/make it frizzy). However, having adjustable heat settings is essential so you can straighten at a lower temperature and avoid frying your hair. Also, replace your flat iron if it's become difficult to close—it's important to ensure the hair is straightened evenly so you don't have to go over any areas again, opening up your hair to unnecessary damage.

We conducted hours of research into the best flat irons for natural hair we could find, evaluating each product based on plate material, width, and closure, as well as heat settings and standout features like ionic technology. After consulting with multiple celebrity hairstylists for expert insight and their recommendations, we narrowed down our list to the 14 we think are the best available today.

Where We Stand

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust Byrdie

Best overall, hsi professional glider ceramic tourmaline flat iron.

Tourmaline plates hold heat better

Adjustable temperature settings

Comes with protective glove

No automatic shut-off

This beloved iron has adjustable temperature settings from 140 all the way up to 450 degrees , which Kimble really appreciates. “Always go for a flat iron with an adjustable temperature that reaches 400+ degrees,” she says. A hotter flat iron can help straighten more textured, natural hair in record time (just know that the hotter you go, the more likely you are to damage your hair)

The tourmaline plates reduce frizz by generating negative ions, and the ceramic is built for durability and lasting results on all hair types (it's also safer for your hair than metal plates). Reviewers especially love that the iron heats up super fast , which is a huge perk if you're constantly short on time (like we often are). The one downside is that it doesn't come with an automatic shut-off feature, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic tourmaline ionic | Voltage: 110/120V | Max Temp: 450 °F

Ceramic produces negative ions and evenly distributes heat. You'll find it in many good irons that aren't super pricey.

Best Budget

Remington 1-inch anti-static flat iron.

Heats up quickly

Floating plates provide a smoother finish

Has automatic shut-off

Time-consuming on long, thick hair

Maybe you don't straighten your hair that often or maybe you don't want to shell out a ton of money for a flat iron. Or maybe you want to take Kimble's aforementioned advice and invest in two flat irons. Whatever the reason you're looking for a budget-friendly pick, you can't go wrong with this Remington model. The one-inch ceramic plates style the hair quickly while still being gentle. All it takes is 30 quick seconds to heat up and you can adjust the temp to up to 410 degrees on a digital display . There's also a 60-minute automatic shut-off feature for some peace of mind. The only thing we don't love is some users said it takes longer for the one-inch plates to get through longer or thicker hair.

Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 410 °F

Byrdie / Ashley Rubell

Best Drugstore

Conair infiniti pro flat iron.

High temperature max

30 different settings

Extra long tourmaline plates

Sometimes turns off automatically

Who doesn't love getting a product that yields salon-quality straight hair from the drugstore? Not only is this flat iron affordable compared to others we reviewed, but you can find it at most drugstore chains , and it does the job well without damaging the hair.

The tourmaline ceramic plates allow you to straighten your hair in minutes no matter your hair texture (thanks to the heat setting going up to 455) and provide anti-frizz and anti-static results . What's more, it boasts 30 different settings to help you achieve various styles (and protect damaged hair). There's also a trusty automatic shut-off feature if you accidentally forget to unplug it. That said, some users have reported their straightener shuts off randomly while they're still using it.

Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic tourmaline | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 455 °F

Best Splurge

Paul mitchell flat iron.

High heat setting

Adjustable auto shut-off

Has dual voltage for travel

Some reported burning smell

If you're going to spend top dollar on a straightening iron, it better perform like nothing else, and that certainly applies to this Paul Mitchell one. The name Paul Mitchell is synonymous with all things hair , and this flat iron lives up to the name. It features premium titanium plates that glide over the hair with ease , and the SmartSense microchip reduces the number of passes needed to achieve smooth strands (aka less potential for damage). The adjustable temperature control heats up to 450 in just 45 seconds and there's also a customizable auto shut-off feature. Just note that some users reported a burning smell when they used the straightener at higher temperatures.

Plate Width: 1.25 inches | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 450 °F

Best for Curly Hair

Ghd original styler.

Floating plates for less frizz

Only one heat setting

Curly hair is more likely to be dry and brittle, making it especially prone to damage, which is why hair dryers for curly hair are a thing. Similarly, when you straighten your curly locks, you want to be sure the tools you use are designed to protect them. This flat iron has one heat setting and one heat setting only—365 degrees (which the brand claims is the optimum temperature for perfect straightening without damage). If you prefer to be in control of your iron's temperature, this one is probably not for you, but know that once you get into the 400s you're risking fraying your delicate tresses.

We especially love this pick for all types of waves and curls, including dense 4a curls . It has a 30-second heat-up time and floating plates which help this styler glide effortlessly through hair to straighten, smooth, and eliminate frizz.

Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 365 °F

Best for Curly Hair, Runner-Up

Kipozi v7 hair straightener.

Titanium plates

Great for bangs & baby hairs

Doubles as curling iron

Not for all straight hair styles

Most straightening irons worth their salt have floating plates to help you smooth your hair with minimal snagging, but this one has another trick. It has a twist-lock handle , meaning you can easily go from curling your hair to straightening it, depending on your mood. The iron’s ultra-smooth nano titanium plate technology reaches a heat setting of 380 in just 30 seconds , a sweet perk for a styling tool in this price range. It targets the frizz and straightens all kinds of curls in minutes (or creates them, if that's your preference). We love that it's narrow enough to use on bangs and baby hairs .

Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 450 °F

Best for Damaged Hair

Croc classic black titanium flat iron.

Easy & comfortable to use

Wide temperature range

Some users reported it stopped working after a few months

If you have colored or otherwise chemically-treated hair, you've probably already been warned by your hair stylists not to mess with hot styling tools too much. But, hey, we all break the rules sometimes, am I right? This flat iron is ergonomically designed so you can have more control over fine or damaged hair and get it smoothed out the first time around. The heat settings go from 200 degrees to a high of 450 , allowing you to keep heat lower when going over any sensitive or breakage-prone areas.

The only thing we weren't thrilled about is some users reporting their iron stopped working after only a few months, but those reviews were relatively few and far between.

Plate Width: 1.5 inches | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 450 °F

Best for Smoothing

Babylisspro graphite titanium ionic flat iron.

Graphite, titanium, ceramic, & ionic technologies

Gentler on damaged hair

Some say the plastic body feels cheap

Yes, straightening irons are designed to straighten hair first and foremost, but a good one will also help smooth out your strands so you look like you just stepped out of the salon. This 1" flatiron uses not one, but four smoothing technologies to give you the sleekest look around . The plates are a mix of graphite, titanium, and ceramic (each material is designed to send targeted heat to your tresses with minimal damage). The straightener also employs ionic technology , which removes the positive ions from damp hair, canceling out its frizz effect .

Best for Fast Straightening

Babylisspro nano titanium straightening iron.

Bed Bath & Beyond

50 heat settings

Thin design

Can't handle thick sections of hair as well

We love a thin flat iron that has longer plates—it helps us get the job done much faster and without missing any spots. When surveying the top flat irons on the market, this model received numerous rave reviews for its ultra-thin design and five-inch plate, allowing for wider sections to be straightened quickly and efficiently. It also has 50 different heat settings up to 450 degrees and smooth titanium plates which can create super straight or wavy styles without tiring out your arms. We did want to note though that just because this flat iron can take on wider areas of hair doesn't mean you can load it up with thick sections of hair. That won't necessarily harm it, but will likely leave you with less than perfectly straight strands.

Read Full Review: The BaByliss Iron Gave Me Straight Strands in Under 10 Minutes

Best With Titanium Plates

Moroccanoil perfectly polished flat iron.

Heats up to 450 degrees

Long titanium plates

Automatic shut-off

Some reviewers noticed plates tarnished

Perhaps the biggest advantage to a flat iron with titanium plates is it heats up super fast . It can also stand up to wear and tear better than ceramic plates. This iron has extra-long four-inch titanium plates that maximize surface area for fast performance and even heat distribution, even on long hair. The titanium plates glide smoothly and effortlessly for silky, frizz-free styles, adding extra shine. The digital display gives precise temperature control of up to the typical high of 450 degrees. It'll also shut off automatically after 60 minutes. The only downside we noted is some reviews said their plates were tarnished.

Best for Quick Styling

Chi original 1″ ceramic flat iron.

Great for staticky hair

Lower heat for damaged hair

No temperature settings

CHI flat irons are known for their quality and this one, in particular, targets frizz, reduces any static electricity, and creates silky shiny hair after one swipe with its ceramic plates. It has a maximum heat setting of 392 degrees, but we found it heats up very quickly. Since it's only 1 inch wide, it's super easy to use for making curls and waves, and it has a long swivel chord so you won't get tied up in knots while using it. We l ove the durability of this iron—one of our editors still has hers after 11 years—and that it's less expensive than many of its competitors. The only thing we don't love is there are no temperature settings, so you can't tailor the heat to match your hair (although it is set at a temperature that should be safe for most hair types).

Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 392 °F

Best for Dry Hair

Kim kimble vapor infusion iron.

Hydrates with argan oil

Tourmaline plates

Includes protective glove

Warranty is just one year

This flat iron has a neat little trick for handling frizz and restoring dry, brittle hair: it uses vapor infused with argan oil to put moisture and shine back into the hair . The combination of hydrating steam, infrared heat technology, and tourmaline-infused plates will allow you to straighten hair quickly without overdrying it . They work together to seal moisture into the hair cuticles for the smoothest results. We do wish the warranty was longer though—most other flat irons we reviewed have a warranty of two years or more.

Plate Width: 1.25 inches | Plate Type: Tourmaline | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 450 °F

ghd Mini Styler Flat Iron

Allows closer root access

Good for travel

30-second heat-up time

Plates aren't very long

We love a compact flat iron that works fast and efficiently, and this one from ghd is that in a nutshell. It's skinny, half-inch plates can make it easier to get super close to your roots to more effectively smooth out textured or tightly coiled hair . But it's also the smaller size of the original we love so much and comes with the same high-level performance. Its ceramic plates heat up in just 30 seconds to 365 degrees —the perfect temperature for smoothing those shorter locks. In addition to allowing for better root access, the compact size is conveniently packable and has a universal plug, aka perfect for travel. It also has a protective plate guard as an extra safety measure when you need to style on the go.

Plate Width: 0.5 inches | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Universal | Max Temp: 365 °F

Best for Travel

T3 singlepass 0.8-inch travel flat iron.

Compact and packable

SinglePass technology reduces damage

Allows for closer root access

Temperature isn't adjustable

Looking for something you can pack for trips ? Go with the T3 SinglePass Compact Iron. As the name suggests, the compact design features skinny plates less than 1 inch wide. And, like the ghd mini above, it comes with a heat guard cap so you can quickly pack it up after use if you need to (although we suggest waiting till it cools down considerably before doing so, especially since reviews note it can get pretty hot).

Thanks to the brand's SinglePass technology (there's a microchip in the device that helps maintain even heat distribution), you can smooth your hair in just one swipe rather than continuously running the hot plates over it and potentially causing damage. Though the temperature isn't adjustable, we appreciate how the narrower plates help you get closer to the roots .

Plate Width: 0.8 inches | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Universal | Max Temp: 410 °F

When it comes to flat irons that’ll leave natural textures sleek sans heat damage, we’re giving top honors to the HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron . A great all-around flat iron, its tourmaline plates reduce frizz by generating negative ions, plus it features adjustable temperature settings to ensure you won’t fry your hair. For extra curly textures, the ghd Classic Styler is a great option. While it only heats up to 365 degrees, its floating plates make it easy to straighten, smooth, and eliminate frizz, even on the most dense of curls. For dryer hair types, we’re looking at the Kim Kimble Vapor Infusion Iron with Silk Argan Oil Shine Beauty Treatment . It uses an argan oil infusion vapor that smoothes and softens even the most unmanageable frizz, while tourmaline-infused plates and infrared heat technology straighten the hair in one single sweep, preventing future damage.

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—including heat technology, plate material, and smoothing power—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own experiences testing some of these products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best, and one being the worst). Finally, we consulted with hair experts to round out our list of top picks.

Other attributes we considered in our research:

• Temperature control
• Automatic shutoff capability

What to Look For in a Flat Iron for Natural Hair

• The Right Plate Material: Both Kimble and Miller agree that when it comes to flat ironing natural hair, ceramic plates are a great option for their ability to evenly distribute heat while minimizing damage to the hair . The ghd Original Styler is a great option with ceramic plates.
• “Compared to titanium, ceramic heats up more slowly but more evenly,” says Miller. “Ceramic also requires less passes to straighten the hair, which reduces heat damage.” However, Kimble points out that titanium plates can be a better option for kinkier, harder-to-straighten textures since they heat up quickly and transfer heat to the hair much faster than ceramic.
• Ionic Technology: Miller also recommends looking for a flat iron with ion technology. “Ionic hair straighteners are designed to straighten and smooth the hair while also improving its strength,” she says. This will lead to a finished style that's shiny, frizz-free , and free of damage. With that in mind, you really can't go wrong with the HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron .
• Adjustable Heat Settings: Kimble says to opt for a model with adjustable heat settings, like the Paul Mitchell Neuro Smooth Titanium Flat Iron , so you can customize the temperature to achieve your desired style. The safest and most effective temperature will depend on your hair texture, so having options is key.
• Good Closure Between Plates: Finally, Kimble mentions the importance of finding a flat iron that has good, even closure between the plates, which is necessary to straighten the hair evenly. If your current iron is becoming loose or not closing properly, it may be time to replace it.
• Narrow Plates: Narrow plates will allow you to get closure to the roots, a crucial feature when straightening tight curls and textures. Something skinnier than an inch is ideal, like the  ghd Mini Styler , which has half-inch plates.

According to Kimble, both ceramic and titanium plates will work for natural hair, but which one is best depends on your individual texture. Ceramic is best for swapping between straight and curly styles, she says, while those with kinkier coils or hair that's harder to straighten will benefit from titanium plates. Ion technology is a must to ensure the hair is left smooth, shiny, and frizz-free. It’s also important to find an option with adjustable heat settings so that you can achieve your desired style without singeing your hair.

When it comes to the right flat iron temperature to straighten natural hair, Kimble says that, once again, it varies by hair texture. “If you have thick hair, you can generally go up to 450 degrees—but again, it depends on your hair,” she says. “If you have thin, fine hair, you should stay under 400 degrees.

Experts agree that putting high heat on any type of hair too often can lead to breakage and other damage . Natural hair may be particularly prone to damage if it's super curly (which typically means more dry and fragile). Use your judgment, but it's best to keep straightening to a couple of times a week rather than every day.

Marriska Fernandes is a digital and print writer and has been a beauty writer for Byrdie since 2020. She has extensive knowledge of flat irons for natural hair (she has gorgeous, curly locks herself), and searched high and low for the best ones that work well on women with similar hair. The article was checked and updated by  Ally Hirschlag , a Senior Beauty Editor, and beauty product fanatic who loves a great, curl-friendly flat iron.

Additional guidance was provided by stylists Kim Kimble and Nigella Miller. Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of haircare and hair tool line Kim Kimble Beauty . Not only does she work with the likes of Beyoncé and Zendaya, but her work has been featured across top fashion publications, campaigns, and other projects—including Beyoncé's Lemonade .

Nigella Miller  is a hairstylist and natural hair and grooming expert whose celebrity clientele includes Jhene Aiko Chloe and Halle. She’s the founder of Nigella Hair Studio in Brooklyn, New York. You can find her work in numerous fashion editorials and her expert advice across multiple beauty publications.

According to our  Diversity Pledge , 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any alcohol-free hairspray from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at  [email protected]  and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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8 Best Mini Flat Irons and Travel Straighteners for All Hair Types

Touch up short hair and unruly bangs on the go.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

In finding the best mini flat irons out there, our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab evaluated several models to see whether they are worth the investment, while a panel of consumer testers gave their overall feedback on how well each straightened their hair. The following picks are based on a combination of top performers and brands we love from other expert testing by our beauty editors. Here are the best mini flat irons for all hair types , including ones for curly hair and thin hair , that'll make it easier to part from your full-sized straightener.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Mini Flat Iron

Chi ceramic dual voltage mini flat iron.

Best Value Mini Flat Iron

Conair minipro ceramic flat iron.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Curly Hair

Babylisspro mini straightening iron.

Best Mini Hair Straightener Brush

Amika mini polished perfection straightening brush.

Best Cordless Mini Flatiron

Ghd unplugged cordless styler.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Fine Hair

T3 singlepass compact travel styling flat iron.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Short Hair

Drybar the tiny tress press detailing iron.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Bangs and Touch-Ups

Eva nyc mini healthy heat ceramic styling iron.

Read how exactly we tested mini flat irons ahead — plus, advice on what to look for when shopping. You can pair these pint-sized hot tools with a travel hair dryer worth slimming down for.

Every one of our consumer testers agreed the CHI straightened their hair to perfection , and a majority gave it a top score for reaching the right temperature to straighten effectively. In fact, many praised its "smooth iron," "lightweight" feel and quick heating. A majority of mini models we tested felt too hot to the touch, while this was the only one to keep cool on the surface. Our pros also love that its dual voltage makes it a good option for overseas travel. Keep in mind that its on/off switch is located on the inside of its handles. Since this iron was one of the longest among the mini flat irons we tested, the switch is not as close to the hinge of the handles, making it easier to reach.

Conair's MiniPro may not pull out all the bells and whistles, but it certainly gets the job done. A t eight inches, it's small and compact for easy traveling . Those with bangs may appreciate this more as some online reviews say it gives a "blown out" effect rather than totally sleek. Others attested to its quick heating, with a red light that blinks off once it reaches the temperature setting. We haven't tested this in Lab yet, but our pros appreciate its dual voltage capabilities.

Its big sister iron is our Beauty Lab's standard for some anti-frizz studies. The curved edge makes it easier to smooth frizz from top to bottom . "Not only did this save me from a bad hair day, but it also worked wonders on my hair!" says one Ulta reviewer. "This made my frizzy bangs bone straight." Plus, it comes with a heat-resistant pouch that you can rest it on when not in use.

No thoughts, just silky strands. Though we've yet to try this mini hair straightening brush, our editors named the full-sized Amika brush in our best hair straighteners roundup, loving that it styled hair with ease . It's a happy medium between a straightener and a dryer, smoothing flyaways while maintaining volume.

Nearly identical to the brand's full-sized straightener we tried, this mini, cordless version aims to impress with its ceramic plates that ensure smooth flattening whenever curling or straightening hair. The brand claims it keeps a full 20-minute charge, plus a consistent temperature of 365º for even styling . When getting ready in a hurry, it's said to heat up in 45 seconds and cools down in 15 minutes.

Run this T3 through hair sections to reveal silky smooth ends on the other side, then slip its heat-resistant cap on for quick and easy storage. In Lab tests, we discovered that its plate temperatures measured up to its packaging claims. What's more, its curved ceramic plates resemble the ones of the full-sized T3 that testers reported made fine hair noticeably shiny without creases or tugs.

Our editors and pros alike covet DryBar hot tools — hair dryers , curling wands , travel hair dryers (winning best overall) — as the brand always performs exceptionally on the road and in our Lab tests. At just six inches in length, its compact build tucks away nicely into carry-ons and purses. One DryBar reviewer with short hair said it made it easy to curl or straighten those hard-to-grab pieces. Plus, the included travel pouch doubles as a heat protection pad, so don't worry about marring countertops.

A teeny-tiny flat iron may be exactly what you need to tame flyaways or to fix bangs on-the-go. We appreciate that this Eva NYC straightener offers dual voltage with adjustable temperature settings . Beauty lovers rave about Eva NYC for its cutely packaged yet reliable hair care products — this one's no different thanks to its unique hand ridges that make it harder for the iron to slip out of your hand.

How we tested the best mini flat irons

Our Beauty Lab experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test hot tools, from curling irons to hair dryer brushes . When we tested mini flat irons, we evaluated 10 models against five full-sized Lab-tested straighteners.

The Lab scientists honed in on safety and effectiveness by assessing temperatures of surfaces that can touch skin and handling of the controls. We measured the inner plate and surface temperature heating profiles of the flat irons and compared them to the temperature of the full-sized straighteners we previously tested and recommended. We also tried the hair tools on 15 consumer testers who gave satisfaction ratings based on how well it straightened, its surface heat and straightening temperature, then commented on what they liked and disliked about it.

What to consider when shopping for a mini flat iron

✔️ Dual voltage is always a good idea as it's one less worry when traveling internationally. Still, we recommend finding an appropriate travel adapter for plugging into outlets as some voltages may vary depending on where you are.

✔️ Most mini flat irons feature a 0.5-inch wide plate. For consumers with long, thick or curly hair, it may take more time or effort to do their regular styling with a travel iron, so consider this before you ditch your regular one on your next trip.

✔️ For travel irons that are relatively short in length and compact in size, the controls may be too close to the hot plates or the hinge. The user can then face burning their fingers or have difficulty adjusting settings including turning it on and off. Aral suggests that they look for simple controls , like one with auto on/off and easy-to-reach settings.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Executive Director of the Beauty Lab Birnur Aral evaluates nearly every beauty category under the sun, including GH's guides to sulfate-free shampoo and hair masks . In addition to her 15 years of leading clinical and consumer testing in the Beauty Lab, she contributes her industry knowledge with her R&D experience in testing the above products and brands in Lab.

Associate Product & Reviews Editor Jacqueline Saguin wrote this story according to research and tests sourced from the GH Beauty Lab. She also added comprehensive shopping advice based on Aral's expertise and tips.

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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• People Tested

The 14 Best Flat Irons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our top pick is the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron for its lightweight design and reasonable price point

Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors.

Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Things to Consider

How We Tested

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Jessica Juliao

Flat irons are a multifunctional tool that can help you create silky smooth styles. “[They] are also used to seal the cuticle, meaning no frizz and added shine,” Kevin Kelly , a celebrity hairstylist and extension expert who has worked with Nicky Hilton, tells PEOPLE. But with so many factors to take into account (hair type, plate material, plate size, and more) and a seemingly endless number of tools to choose from, finding the right flat iron can be a challenge. 

That’s why PEOPLE conducted thorough research and testing to determine which flat irons are worth their weight in gold. We asked testers with different hair types (thin, fine, wavy, thick, and curly) to try some of the best-selling flat irons and record their insights throughout the process. Our testers took note of how smooth the glide felt, how many passes it took to get their hair straight, and how easy the iron was to use.

Along with our in-depth testing, we also spoke to hair stylists, including Kelly and beauty expert Nick Stenson , who’s smoothed the hair of countless celebrities and created picture-perfect styles for numerous runway shows. “It’s equally important to me that the flat iron works well with all hair types and offers versatility,” Stenson tells PEOPLE. 

We used a thermometer to test the maximum heat, a ruler to verify the cord lengths, and a stopwatch to time how long each iron took to heat up and shut off automatically. We also tested durability by dropping each iron twice at vanity level to see if it would break, chip, or scratch.

With so much styling potential, there are dozens upon dozens of flat irons to choose from and a lot to consider when shopping for the best one for your hair type — which is why we sent our PEOPLE Tested team on a mission to find the flat irons that can achieve the slickest and straightest finishes and most effortless waves and curls. After testing dozens of models, we landed on 14 flat irons for every hair type and concern.

Keep reading to discover the best flat irons, tested and reviewed by PEOPLE.

Best Overall

Babylisspro nano titanium dual ionic flat iron.

BaBylissPRO

• Ease of Use 4.8 /5
• Glide Performance 4.9 /5
• Value 4.9 /5
• Straightening Ability 4.9 /5

The temperature gauge is specifically designed for different hair types.

It features ions for a more customized style for your hair type and needs.

It has a lightweight design that makes it easier to handle while styling.

It works better at curling than most other flat irons we tested.

It works best on fine and wavy hair versus thick or curly, so it’s not really ideal for all hair types.

Our top pick for the best flat iron is the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron. Taking only 20 seconds to heat up, this hair straightener is designed with titanium plates and features ion technology that you can turn on and off, depending on your hair type and needs. Technically, this flat iron is designed for all hair types, especially those with thick and coarse hair; however, we found that it is better for fine and wavy hair since it was a bit tricky to use on thick strands during our testing.

Nonetheless, we were impressed overall by this mid-range straightener and appreciated that it was lightweight and easy to use. On top of that, it heats up quickly and features five different temperature settings designed for specific hair types, so you don’t have to worry about causing damage to strands. Our in-lab expert even said that this flat iron was one of the best for curling — so it's truly a multi-functional tool. 

Temperature Settings: 5 | Width: 1.25 inches | Material: Titanium

People / Toni Gibbs

People / Tamara Staples

Best for Thick Hair

Hot tools pro artist black gold flat iron.

• Ease of Use 4.1 /5
• Glide Performance 4.1 /5
• Value 3.8 /5
• Straightening Ability 4.3 /5

Four ceramic-titanium plates make it easy to maneuver on thick hair.

The 30 different heat settings are easy to adjust.

You can customize the temperature of each plate, offering a personalized styling experience.

Because of the four-plate design, it’s not ideal for curling (just straightening and creating waves).

The Hot Tools Black Gold Dual Plate Salon Flat Iron is not just the best flat iron for thick hair, it also has the best heat settings. Featuring four ceramic plates, this hot tool is super easy to maneuver over thick strands and features 30 different heat settings that allow you to customize the temperature of each plate for a truly personalized styling experience.

While the flat iron works really well at straightening, we found that the four-plate design makes curling hair a bit of a challenge, so we wouldn’t recommend it for that. However, it works well at providing a sleek and shiny look for straightening or even when adding waves.

Temperature Settings: 30 | Width: Four 0.5-inch plates | Material: Ceramic titanium

• People/Tamara Staples

People / Stephanie Petit

Best for Curly Hair

Hot tools pro signature steamstyler.

• Ease of Use 4.3 /5
• Glide Performance 4.8 /5
• Straightening Ability 4.7 /5

This straightener glides through hair easily without any pulling or tugging.

It not only straightens but also leaves hair looking super shiny after styling.

It's not too pricey for a professional-worthy straightener.

It features a wider plate, making it easier to straighten curly strands.

It takes us a while to straighten our hair, so we wish this had a longer shut-off time.

If you have curly hair, we love the Hot Tools Pro Signature SteamStyler, which features three steam settings for a more efficient straightening effect. We found that it left our hair super sleek and shiny after using it , and we didn't experience any tugging or pulling when passing through.

Since this flat iron uses 30 percent less heat, it helps prevent damage caused by heat, and the wider 1.5-inch ceramic-titanium plates make it easier to straighten more hair at once. While this might not be a concern for all, it did take us a while to straighten our strands, which makes us wish that the flat iron’s shut-off time was a little longer. Overall, though, we found this was an amazing flat iron for well under $100.

Temperature Settings: 3 | Width: 1.5 inches | Material: Ceramic titanium

People / Alyssa Kingham

Best for Natural Hair

Tymo ring plus.

• Ease of Use 4.9 /5
• Straightening Ability 4.6 /5

It's one of the least expensive options we tried, but it feels high quality with an innovative design that's great for multiple hair types.

The combing teeth on the plate help to straighten and smooth curly and coily textures.

Curling hair with this flat iron was more of a challenge (however, curling is not its intended use).

For straightening hair without any static, the TYMO Ring Plus can't be beaten. Unlike typical flat-plate straighteners, the TYMO Ring's plates have small ridges that comb through the hair while you pass it through so that it both detangles and smoothes the hair at the same time . The teeth are coated with nano titanium which helps to ensure even heat distribution and use ions to further seal in the smoothness. The combing teeth are especially useful in straightening curly and coily natural hair textures. Because of the comb-like teeth, though, those with tangle-prone hair might find that it tugs uncomfortably. To mitigate any potential pulling, we recommend coming through your hair with a standard brush or comb before going in with the hot tool.

This hot tool offers nine different heat settings that range from 250 to 410 degrees, making it more customizable than many of the other tools we tried in the same price range. We found that this tool is strictly for straightening — it didn't do us any favors when we tried to use it for curling different types of hair. However, it's not marketed as a tool for curling, so we only recommend if you're needing something to just straighten your hair. Overall, this is a fantastic option for straight and sleek styles that are a bit more affordable than others we tested.

Temperature Settings: 9 | Width: 2.76 inches | Material: Titanium

Best Wet-to-Dry

Dyson airstrait straightener.

• Glide Performance 5 /5
• Value 2.8 /5
• Straightening Ability 4.4 /5

The concentrated air technology dries and straightens hair in one pass.

It left our medium-thick hair smooth and shiny in half the time it would usually take to blow dry and straighten.

It gave us a straight style that wasn’t flat, with a bit of natural movement.

It's one of the most expensive straighteners we’ve seen (but also does the job of a blow dryer and straightener in one).

Remember when we used to fry our strands by passing traditional straighteners over damp hair? Luckily, those days are long behind us and that hair damage is staying in the early 2000s where it belongs — because the Dyson Airstraight gave us a sleek style from wet to dry in 15 minutes without damaging our hair . The two-in-one device uses concentrated air to dry and smooth down hair, which means no need for damaging hot plates. Our medium-thick, wavy hair was left smooth, straight, and glossy after using the Dyson Airstrait.

With the Dyson Airstraight in hand, we were able to simultaneously blow dry and straighten large sections of hair at a time, which cut our styling time in half. The device is equipped with an auto-pause feature that automatically stops the airflow after three seconds of inactivity, which prevents you from overheating any section of the hair. 

While the price tag might have initially inspired a dose of sticker shock, we think that the expeditious, shiny style that we were able to achieve with just this one tool (no need for a blow dryer and separate straightener) makes it worth the price if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality, truly innovative flat iron. 

Plate Width: 1.5 inches | Plate Type: Plateless concentrated air technology with smoothing negative ions | Voltage: 120V | Cord Length: 9.6 feet

People / Jhett Thompson

Most User-Friendly

Dyson corrale.

• Glide Performance 4.4 /5
• Value 3.9 /5

The cord-free design makes it easier to maneuver while styling.

It uses far less heat compared to traditional straighteners, helping to decrease damage.

It's super easy to curl and straighten hair, even for beginners.

It comes with a gorgeous storage case, which is especially helpful when traveling.

It’s a little heavier compared to other flat irons we tested.

For the price of this iron, you might expect high quality and up-to-the-minute technology — and you'd be right. The Dyson Corrale flat iron features unique flexing copper alloy plates that conform to the shape of your hair to straighten it in less time and produce less damage. Even on curly type 4 hair, the Dyson iron straightened the hair in one pass . For straighter hair, the Dyson also excelled with one pass, leaving no static at low temperatures of 365 degrees. Speaking of benefits, this iron can be used cordless for up to 32 minutes (we tested it until the battery ran out), making it more practical than ever to style your hair on the go.

Despite its portability, the tool is pretty heavy. Though its weight (1.32 lbs., to be exact) doesn't initially seem heavy, after some time with your arms up straightening your hair, you start to feel those extra ounces. During our lab tests, the iron took 35 seconds to heat up to the maximum temperature and turned off automatically after five minutes of not being used — which is especially great because it preserves battery life. As far as durability goes, there was no damage at all after dropping the iron a couple of times.

Overall, this fast-heating flat iron offers salon-quality styling for all hair types , so if you're looking to invest in a durable and smart hair tool, we think that the Dyson lives up to (and surpasses) all of its hype.

Temperature Settings: 3 | Width: 1 inch | Material: Copper alloy

InStyle / Tamara Staples

Best for Wavy Hair

Drybar reserve styling iron.

• Value 4.5 /5

This straightener is lightweight, making it easier to use when styling.

The heat settings are designed for specific hair types.

It glides easily through the hair without pulling or tugging.

We wish the plates were a little longer, which would make curling hair easier.

For wavy hair, we recommend Drybar Reserve Dual-Plat Styling Iron, which is designed with two half-inch plates and ionic technology that helps reduce frizz. After testing this straightener, we were super impressed by its lightweight design, which makes styling a lot easier and more comfortable.

We also love that the heat settings are designed for specific hair types , so you can rest assured knowing that you won’t cause too much damage to your strands by overheating. While we liked the overall curling effect, we would love to see this straightener with slightly longer plates to make curling a little bit easier; however, this issue wasn’t a deal-breaker for us, and we still think it's a high-quality tool for the price.

Temperature Settings: 5 | Width: Two 0.5-inch plates | Material: Titanium

People / Taylor Calta

Best for Fine Hair

L'ange le duo.

• Ease of Use 4.6 /5
• Glide Performance 3.5 /5
• Value 4.4 /5
• Straightening Ability 3.7 /5

This straightener features air vents that cool hair and seal curls.

It's less expensive than most flat irons we tested.

You can easily straighten fine strands with one pass.

The clamp style is a little awkward at first, but you get used to it after some practice.

If you have fine hair, we found that the L'ange Hair Le Duo 360° Airflow Styler works best for this hair type. We love this flat iron because it works well at both straightening and curling and features air vents that are designed to cool hair to set the style and seal in curls.

While it takes a few passes to straighten thicker hair, the straightener works with one pass on fine hair, making it super efficient for this hair type. The clamp style is also a bit awkward at first, but you get used to it with some practice. This styler was one of the less expensive tools we tested, making this an excellent value for those with fine hair who need a straightener that won't burn their hair to a crisp.

Temperature Settings: 5 | Width: 1 inch | Material: Titanium

People / Christina Fortney

Best for Curling

T3 smooth id.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5
• Straightening Ability 4.5 /5

Hair passes through the flat iron with ease for a more efficient curl.

It features heat personalization and adjusts temperature based on your hair texture and length.

It provides a beautiful loose curled style.

We wish the smart settings were a little more intuitive.

When using a straightener to curl strands, you can achieve the most gorgeous loose curls and waves . Our top pick for this is none other than the T3 Smooth ID Flat Iron, which features smart technology that uses an algorithm to personalize and adjust the temperature based on hair texture and length. The smart straightener also has plenty of slip, making it easy to achieve a beautiful loose and effortless curl. While we wish the smart settings were a little more intuitive, once you figure it out, this flat iron is truly impressive and allows you to achieve a sleek style that helps keep damage at bay. 

Temperature Settings: 9 | Width: 1 inch | Material: Ceramic

People / Jessica Fleming

Best Drugstore

Kristin ess 3-in-1 flatiron.

• Glide Performance 4.6 /5
• Straightening Ability 5 /5

It's designed for easy straightening, waving, and curling.

It features good tension without tugging and pulling.

It's easy to straighten and curl all four types of hair we tested it on.

It has a slight chemical smell at first, but that goes away after a while.

You don’t have to purchase a straightener from a beauty supply store to get a high-quality hot tool. For the best drugstore flat iron, we recommend the Kristin Ess 3-in-1 Titanium Flatiron, which is designed for straightening, waving, and curling and does an excellent job at achieving each style.

During our test trial, we were most impressed by how quickly it warms up and how well it clamps onto strands without tugging and pulling , making for an effective style in just one pass. We also found this works on all hair types — it was easy to both straighten and curl the strands of the four different hair types we tested on. Instead of a locking mechanism like many other flat irons we tested, this flat iron includes a plastic ventilated sleeve to store the iron in after use.

Temperature Settings: 4 | Width: 1.25 inches | Material: Titaniumtage

People / Courtney Kassel

Best for Beginners

Ion magnesium flat iron.

Sally Beauty

• Glide Performance 4.5 /5

This simple straightener is easy to use and effective at styling.

The 30-minute auto shut-off is helpful for those who are new to styling and may forget to unplug the tool.

It moves easily through hair when straightening and curling.

It's a little pricey for a beginner straightener.

The ion Magnesium Flat Iron is the best flat iron for beginners because it features a simple yet high-quality design that is easy to use and effective for both straightening and curling. We love this straightener because it not only features a design that doesn’t overwhelm beginners, but it also has a 30-minute auto shut-off , which is quicker than a lot of other options and helps ensure safety in case you leave it on by mistake.

From a styling perspective, we found that this straightener was not only easy to maneuver due to its lightweight design, but it also glides easily through hair for a quick style. While we think it's a bit pricey for some beginners, it is one of the cheaper ones relative to those on this list, meaning it's a high-quality tool that's designed to last.

Temperature Settings: Up to 450 degrees | Width: 1 inch | Material: Ceramic tourmaline

Best Lightweight

Fhi heat platform tourmaline flat iron.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Value 3.4 /5
• Straightening Ability 4.1 /5

It features a slim design that makes it ideal for travel.

The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver when styling.

It's effective at smoothing strands for a more slick look.

It works best on fine hair, so it’s not ideal for all hair types.

Hot tools can get a little heavy, making it a challenge to not only style but also travel with. After testing several straighteners, we were most impressed by the FHI Heat Platform Tourmaline Ceramic Professional Styling Flat Iron which features a half-inch straightening plate and weighs only 1 lb. , making it super easy to hold and style hair without causing fatigue. In addition to its weight, this straightener is designed with negative ions to prevent moisture loss while heat styling and has a temperature range of 140 to 450 degrees, so you can customize your heat settings depending on your hair type and needs. 

Temperature Settings: 140-450°F | Width: 0.5-inch | Material: Ceramic

Best for Damaged Hair

Chi lava 4d hairstyling iron.

• Straightening Ability 4.8 /5

It took us only 10 minutes to straighten our hair with this flat iron.

It reduces frizz for a more sleek and smooth hairstyle.

It's designed with Chi Lava minerals and ceramic to reduce damage.

We wish it had a little more slip for curling purposes.

It’s no secret that hot tools can cause damage to strands, so if you’re worried about damage or already have damaged strands and want something that is gentler on hair, we recommend the Chi Lava 4D Hairstyling Iron. Designed with Chi Lava minerals and ceramic plates to lower the chances of hair damage, the hair straightener glides easily through strands and effectively styles hair in just 10 minutes .

After testing this flat iron, we were most impressed by how quickly it straightens strands but also how well it targets frizz for a smooth and sleek hairstyle. Although we wish it had a little more slip when curling, we found that it still worked well for straightening and adding waves to hair.

Temperature Settings: 5 | Width: 1 inch | Material: Chi Lava minerals, ceramic

Best with Steamer

L'oreal professionnel steampod flat iron & styler.

• Glide Performance 4 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

It features steam technology that makes it easier to straighten strands.

It includes a built-in comb for easy styling and helps reduce frizz.

It provides hair with a slick and straight style.

It's a little bulkier compared to others we tested.

It doesn't curl or style beyond straightening, like some others we tested.

Flat irons aren’t just used for straightening hair; however, if you want one that gives you that amazing slick and straight look, we recommend the L’Oreal Professional Steampod Flat Iron & Styler. This salon-worthy hot tool features a wide design that, albeit a little bulky, works really well at straightening strands without any kinks or flipped ends. The straightener does so thanks to the steam technology that makes it easier to achieve a more slick look, as well as a built-in comb for easier styling.

Temperature Settings: 3 | Width: 3.5 inches | Material: Aluminum

Things to Consider When Buying a Flat Iron

When shopping for a flat iron, Joseph Maine , a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Katie Holmes, Ashley Benson, Ariel Winter, and Priyanka Chopra, says to consider the materials as this can not only tell you its overall quality level but also determine how damaging a hot tool — including a straightener — is on the strands. “Ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline are popular choices for flat iron plates, each with its own set of advantages,” he explains.

For consistent and even heat distribution, consider ceramic, which also minimizes the risk of damaging hotspots. Titanium, on the other hand, is best for thicker hair as it heats up quickly and holds high heat well. “Tourmaline is a crystal that is ground into a fine powder and infused into the plates, which can help reduce frizz by generating negative ions,” Maine adds.

Temperature Control 

Temperature control is also important to consider as this ensures you can adjust the heat to your preferences. “Lower heat settings are suitable for fine or damaged hair, while higher settings are needed for thick or coarse hair,” notes Maine. Some hair straighteners (including a majority on our list) have pre-set heat settings, while others such as the FHI HEAT Platform Tourmaline Ceramic Professional Styling Flat Iron feature a heat range that allows you to select your preferred heat setting.

It’s also worth considering the plate size, which can vary depending on the length of your strands and your styling needs. “I typically recommend 1-inch plates as it is plenty of surface to straighten any hair type while being small enough to curl or wave the hair,” says Maine. 

Most straighteners on our list feature a 1-inch plate width, however, if you want something a little wider, the Kristin Ess 3-in-1 Titanium Flatiron and BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron are 1.25 inches wide. We also recommend the TYMO Ring Plus , which is 2.76 inches wide.

After conducting extensive research on flat irons, reading product reviews, and interviewing experts, the PEOPLE Tested team tried dozens of popular flat irons on various hair types and lengths.

We took note of how smooth the glide felt and how many passes it took to get their hair straight. We also utilized a meat thermometer to test the maximum heat and used a stopwatch to time how long each iron took to heat up and shut off automatically. Durability was evaluated by dropping each iron twice at vanity level to see if it would break, chip, or scratch.

Throughout the testing period, we reviewed everything from ease-of-use to safety features to heat settings and heat range. We also considered how each hot tool styled hair, including how easy it was to use the straighteners to curl and wave our strands.

After the testing period, we compiled our notes and rigorously compared each experience to determine which hot tools are the best of the best. Each flat iron was judged on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being the best) against the following attributes: ease of use, glide performance, straightening ability, and value. The tools that received the highest average scores earned our PEOPLE Tested seal of approval and are on this list.

After testing several flat irons, we found that the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron is the best straightener overall because it features ion technology that allows you to customize your heat styling, a lightweight design that is easy to maneuver, and heat settings designed for different hair types so you can easily choose the best temperature for you.

According to Maine, ceramic and titanium are both worth considering in a hair straightener, and the choice between the two depends on hair type and needs. “Ceramic irons heat evenly and are less likely to cause damage, making them a good choice for fine or damaged hair,” he explains. “Titanium irons heat up faster and can reach higher temperatures, making them suitable for thick, coarse, or difficult-to-style hair; however, they can potentially cause more damage if not used carefully.” 

No matter which type of flat iron you use, it’s always a good idea to use a heat protectant to add a layer of protection between the hot tool and strands. Heat protectants can also provide nourishment and hydration which can help combat some of the negative effects of heat styling.

Flat irons can damage your hair if not used carefully. The surface or cuticle of the hair shaft becomes damaged at temperatures above 300 degrees. While there are ways to minimize the potential damage such as using thermal protectors and sticking to one pass per section, some risk is associated with using any high-heat styling tool, especially on clip-in extensions that can't revitalize themselves.

According to Stenson, it’s important to use a heat-protectant cream or spray when using any hot tool. “Another damage-reducing practice is to work in small sections so that the heat can penetrate evenly throughout,” Stenson advises. “Last, keep your flat iron moving as you straighten the hair and avoid allowing the iron to sit in the hair for any prolonged period of time.”

Both of these are tools to straighten the hair. But just like succulents and cacti, not all straighteners are flat irons but all flat irons are straighteners. Straighteners are a general category of tools and flat irons are just one type. Other types include hot combs, hot air brushes , and hair dryers . Flat irons use two plates to iron the hair straight.

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best flat irons, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s real-world testing insights for a better idea of each experience, how they compared, and which ones were the most noteworthy. She also reached out to hair experts for their insights on what to look for in a flat iron and answered some of our most pressing questions about flat irons, including what to look for when shopping for the best straightening hot tools.  Cai Cramer is a commerce staff writer for PEOPLE who updated this article with her own insights after test-driving the Dyson Airstrait straightener.

• Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Katie Holmes, Ashley Benson, Ariel Winter, and Priyanka Chopra.
• Kevin Kelly is a celebrity hairstylist and extension expert who has worked with Nicky Hilton.
• Nick Stenson is a beauty expert who has smoothed the hair of countless celebrities and created picture-perfect styles for numerous runway shows.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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Straight, silky hair will be yours with these top flat irons.

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Updated November 24th, 2023: This article on the best flat irons was updated with new product picks, additional tips for straight-styling, and fact-checked by a copy editor.

Flat irons are a catchall hair styling tool that belongs in everyone’s vanity. Think about it: Yes, hair straighteners can straighten hair, but depending on the technique you use they can also create textured styles like beachy waves and bouncy curls — all it takes is a flick of your wrist and a little practice. 

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Much like hair dryers , the best flat irons have special features that cater to the needs of different hair types. Tools with adjustable temperature gauges allow you to customize the heat level to suit your specific texture, and some even include smart technology that automatically matches you with the ideal setting. The heat versatility alone makes a world of a difference in the health of your hair, but experts share that the material of the plates themselves can enhance the end result. With high-tech advancements, ceramic and titanium plates can now be infused with shine-boosting ingredients like keratin and argan oil for sleeker finishes. (The tools from yesteryear could never.) 

Some flat irons don’t even need to be plugged into a power source to use — cordless designs make it easier than ever to style your hair on the move. Those with cords more commonly have dual voltage capabilities, which make for ideal travel flat irons . These technological innovations only scratch the surface of what today’s hair straighteners can do.

After researching top-rated tools, tapping expert hair stylists, and putting these hair straighteners through extensive testing, we built our list of the best flat irons. Regardless of your styling needs, these picks deliver the smooth, glass-like strands with each pass.

Top Flat Irons of 2024

• Best for Fine Hair : Ghd Platinum+ Styler 1″ Flat Iron

Harry Josh 1.25 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron

• Best for Natural Hair: Tymo Ring Straightener Comb
• Best Affordable : Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener
• Best Cordless: Dyson Corrale Styler Straightener
• Best Professional: Chi Original Ceramic Hair Straightener

Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron

• Best for Curling: T3 SinglePass StyleMax Professional 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron
• Best for Curly Hair: BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron

Hot Tools Pro Artist Double Straight Dual Plate Hair Straightener

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Testing Verdict: Best Overall Flat Iron

After an extensive evaluation period and input from expert hairstylists, our testers agree that Ghd’s Platinum+ Styler is the best hair straightener of 2023. The 1-inch plates are a practical size for working close to the roots of your hair when needed, without requiring multiple passes for a smoothed look on the lengths of your hair. To prevent damage, Ghd’s flat iron locks in at 365 degrees Farenheit, which is a Goldilocks temperature for straightening without compromising the health of your hair. Finally, this tool’s plates have curved edges, which makes it versatile for working curls and waves into hair with a twisting motion.

Ghd Platinum+ Styler 1″ Flat Iron

Ghd’s top-rated Platinum+ Styler takes out the guesswork that comes with selecting a heat level for your hair type. The tool is programmed with one temperature — 365 degrees Fahrenheit — which celebrity hairstylist Scott King says is ideal for those with fine hair. “You don’t need anything higher than that to achieve smooth hairstyles,” he insists. Even at this moderate heat setting, the tool produces a sleek, shiny finish with minimal passes, reducing damage in the long run. And if you forget to unplug the straightener after styling (we’ve all been there), it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity. Editor testing and review notes: “Ghd’s flat iron outperformed every other straightener during testing. From the jump, this iron heats up in under 30 seconds with the click of one button (its preset temperature takes out the guesswork of landing on the right temp). The plates glide over curls and soft waves to straighten them without causing steam or sizzling, and it’s the best straightener I tested that works to create soft curls — simply twist the iron as you move it from the mid-length of your hair down to the ends. My curly hair typically requires multiple passes for a smooth, straight look, but just one does the trick with this tool.” Price upon publish date of this article: $195.30

Meet Harry Josh’s mint green wonder that quickly and efficiently straightens all hair types with its wide 1.25-inch ceramic plates. The bright color may be what captures your attention, but it’s the salon-quality results that will turn this into a vanity mainstay. An adjustable thermostat features vast temperature settings ranging from 235 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to accommodate a variety of hair textures, while the larger-than-standard plate size makes it easy to smooth big sections of hair. These factors reduce the amount of time you spend styling, ultimately simplifying your routine and keeping hair as healthy as possible. Editor testing and review notes: “Larger plates are ideal for those with a lot of hair, however some can be tricky to work close to the root of your hair to smooth out unwanted texture. Harry Josh’s features thin plates that are easy to wiggle into the roots where needed, then creating a glossy result after you glide the iron down the lengths of your hair. The heat settings cover quite the range, which is nice for those with delicate hair who need minimal heat.” Price upon publish date of this article: $200

Tymo Ring Straightener Comb

The Tymo ring has made waves on TikTok (35.1 million views and counting) for its ability to quickly create sleek silk presses on coarse natural hair. Straying from conventional flat iron designs, it looks and performs like a hot comb, heating up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit to tame and smooth thick hair cuticles. Instead of sandwiching strands between two plates, you brush hair through the heated ceramic teeth. The teeth are covered with an anti-scald plate to prevent potential burns, but the tool also comes with a heat-resistant glove — as well as hairpins, a travel bag, and a brush — for extra protection.  Editor testing and review notes: “One common issue with hair straightening brushes is that they can accumulate fallen hairs similar to your hair brush. When left on that heated surface, the smell is less than appealing. But that’s not the case with Tymo’s straightening brush, which moves through hair like butter. The heated teeth create more tension than a standard flat iron, which is ideal for smoothing out my curls, but they don’t snag on hairs and cause fallout.” Price upon publish date of this article: $49.99

Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener

If you’re after glass-like hair at a drugstore price, this Remington straightener is hard to one-up. With a slew of high-end features — including an LED temperature display, adjustable heat settings, professional length swivel cord, and argan oil- and keratin-infused plates — it rivals tools quadruple its cost. Along with producing smooth, straight strands, the beveled edges are also ideal for creating beachy waves and curls. But regardless of how you style, the micro-conditioner-emitting ceramic plates promise to double shine for an enviably glossy outcome.  Editor testing and review notes: “While I’m always wary of hot tools that promise the delivery of hair care ingredients, one things for certain: This hair straightener will leave your hair looking — and feeling — like silk. Although it’s an inexpensive option, it held up to luxury options in its durability and results, making it the best budget-friendly straightener I tested.” Price upon publish date of this article: $24.58

Dyson Corrale Styler Straightener

We consider the Corrale the underdog of Dyson’s styling line up: iI may not receive nearly as much attention as the Airwrap multi-styler or Supersonic hair dryer , but its innovative plates and convenient cordless design carry unique benefits we haven’t seen from other brands. While most straighteners are built with ceramic or titanium plates, these are constructed with copper alloy that flexes around the hair. This factor, paired with the intelligent heat control that regulates the temperature 100 times per second, creates sleek and shiny strands with minimal heat. Additionally, you don’t need to be tethered to an outlet to use this. The cordless design holds a 30-minute charge, allowing you to straighten your hair from nearly anywhere.  Editor testing and review notes: “Dyson’s straightener impressed me with its cordless design and damage-free results. It’s best used on fine, thin hair, as the tool works best on small sections of hair (those with thick or coarse hair will either need to devote some extra time to using the tool or commit to multiple passes for the desired result). But if you’re in the fine hair camp, you’ll consider this tool a game changer: It delivers amazing shine without damaging your hair or causing breakage, and you’ll never be tethered to a wall again.” Price upon publish date of this article: $499

Chi Original Ceramic Hair Straightener

Replicate an in-salon styling session from the comfort of home with this professional-grade flat iron from Chi . It takes less than one minute for the ceramic plates to heat up to the preset 392 degrees Fahrenheit, and once ready, the floating plate design prevents any snagging or tangling for the smoothest possible glide. Although the tool doesn’t feature any fancy bells and whistles, the 11-foot cord is significantly longer than the other flat irons on our list. Amazon shoppers don’t seem to mind the bare-bones model. Over 12,000 people have given it a perfect five-star rating, noting the iron’s lasting durability, and numerous reviews mention that their Chi still performs beautifully after 10 years of use.  Editor testing and review notes: “Few flat irons stand the test of time like a Chi — one WWD Shop editor has had her flat iron for seven years and it still works like new. Beyond durability, this straightener is a standout for its ease of use. Power it on, and the tool heats up in seconds, maintaining its temperature without damaging heat flare ups.” Price upon publish date of this article: $69.98

Short on space? This handy iron acts as three hair tools in one: It operates as a traditional flat iron, clamped curling iron , and curling wand. Switching between styling tools can be done with the press of a button. Simply lock it to use the curling function or unlock to separate the plates for smooth straightening. The wide temperature range makes it easy to customize heat settings to fit your hair type and needs. Plus, it’s excellent for travel thanks to the universal voltage design that enables you to style your hair from anywhere in the world.  Editor testing and review notes: “The plates on this Bio-Ionic hair straightener are longer than others on this list, however that’s part of what makes the tool a standout. That extra surface area allows you to straighten larger chunks of hair than you could with a standard flat iron, cutting down on styling time. On top of its efficiency for straightening hair, the tool has a smart design that allows you to use it as a curling wand or curling iron for ultimate versatility in your hair styling.” Price upon publish date of this article: $149

T3 SinglePass StyleMax Professional 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron

Instead of going through a trial-and-error process to find the optimal temperature for your hair, this smart T3 iron does the work for you. Once you input your hair type, it automatically selects the best heat setting that will enhance shine and reduce damage. Furthermore, the intelligent tool instinctively remembers this custom specification, so it’s ready to use the next time you turn it on. For days when you want to curl your hair, press the special curl mode button. When activated, this automation tailors the temperature to produce long-lasting curls and waves. Editor testing and review notes: “A smart hair straightener is only handy if it’s easy to use, and that’s exactly the case with T3’s Singlepass Flat Iron. It took me only five minutes to set up the tool and get it calibrated to my hair texture, length, and goals. The curling setting is a nice option for when I want to add some soft waves in place — the auto-temperature adjustments prevent my hair from snagging or feeling damaged after twisting the device through my strands.” Price upon publish date of this article: $149.99

BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron

Attaining a pin straight style when you have curly hair can be a long, tedious process, but the BabylissPro Nano Titanium Flat Iron makes it look easy. This powerful little tool combines fast-heating titanium plates — that can reach 450 degrees Fahrenheit in mere seconds — with ionic technology. As it glides through hair, thousands of negative ions are emitted to ward off frizz, leaving soft, silky strands in its wake. It does this in fewer passes than most ceramic irons, ultimately speeding up the straightening process and protecting hair from excessive damage. King regularly uses this hair styling tool and finds the plates more forgiving than other options. Editor testing and review notes: “While this tool may be too high-powered for fine, thin hair types, it’s a dream for long, coarse hair. The firm plates and high temperature range makes quick work of smoothing any level of unwanted texture in mere seconds. That max temp might be tempting when you’re in a rush, but we recommend keeping it near the 400 degree Farenheit mark to prevent damage — you won’t need anything hotter for a gorgeous result.” Price upon publish date of this article: $129.98

Most standard flat irons have two plates, but this Hot Tools straightener was designed with four for more personalized (and quicker) styling. When you run it through hair, the first set of plates straightens strands, while the second follows behind to seal the cuticle, leading to less frizz and a silkier finish. With 30 heat settings to choose from, each set of plates can be adjusted to hold a distinct temperature reaching up to 455 degrees Fahrenheit. We suggest programming the first plates at a lower setting than the second. This method yields soft, glossy strands — no fried, crunchy ends here.  Editor testing and review notes: “When I opened this funky flat iron, my first thought was, “this one’s going to require multiple passes.” Not the case! Instead, the plates left my type 2 curls pin-straight and less prone to getting frizzy throughout the day. The tool has an intuitive design that takes seconds to get comfortable with, and the matte finish is easy to grip while you’re styling.” Price upon publish date of this article: $78.79

What to Look for in the Best Hair Straighteners

• Materials: Most flat irons are designed with either titanium or ceramic plates. Both materials are able to maintain high temperature levels and distribute constant, even heat through hair. Though similar, there are a few defining factors that set them apart from one another. Ceramic gradually heats up and manages to hold heat for longer, which experts say results in the most even heat distribution and causes less damage. Titanium, on the other hand, heats up in seconds and has the ability to smooth hair with fewer passes, making it ideal for those with thicker, coarser strands
• Plate Size: The standard flat iron plate size is one inch, which celebrity hairstylist Jessica Elbaum says works wonderfully for all hair types. However, you can also find smaller and wider sizes. Narrower widths of half an inch allow you to easily straighten wispy pieces near the scalp and are more convenient for styling bangs. Larger widths usually range from 1.5 to two inches, and are particularly useful for those with thick and coarse hair who want to cover more area in a shorter period of time. When it comes to adding waves or curls with a straightener, one inch devices offer the most control and are the most convenient to maneuver. 
• Temperature Settings: Just like with any styling tool, temperature control is essential to avoid unnecessary damage. The heat settings on a majority of flat irons are adjustable, typically ranging from 300 to 450 degrees (with some going as low as 265 degrees). Flexible settings allow you to select the temperature that is best suited for your unique hair type and texture. Some tools, including the Ghd Platinum+ Styler and Chi Original Ceramic Hair Straightener on our list, are programmed with only one moderate heat setting to take out the guesswork and minimize the chances of harming the integrity of your hair. Most experts, including King, recommend selecting a straightener with adjustable settings so you can customize the heat level to fit your specific needs.

The Best Flat Irons for Different Hair Types

• Best straightener for short hair: If you have a lob, bob, or pixie cut, the material of the flat iron doesn’t matter as much as the width of the plates. You’re better off with selecting a standard one inch size or something narrower — wider plates can be cumbersome to move through shorter strands. “Shorter hair is more compatible with thinner plates as these can get closer to the scalp,” explains Los Angeles-based hair stylist Bradley Leake . Slimmer plates also offer more control when styling bangs. 
• Best flat iron for fine hair: Because fine hair is so thin and delicate, it is more susceptible to breakage than other hair types. Most experts suggest avoiding regular heat styling for fine hair types, but if you do plan to straighten your hair, many recommend flat irons with ceramic plates. Ceramic plates heat up gradually, maintain steady heat and are gentler on hair than titanium tools, making them ideal for fine hair. Additionally, avoid using high temperature settings. A moderate setting between 260°F—350°F will be sufficient. 
• Best flat iron for thick hair: Compared to fine hair, “thicker hair can tolerate higher temperatures and wider plates,” Leake notes. Of course, the less heat you subject your hair to, the better, so opt for a flat iron that has multiple heat settings with a maximum of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. With various settings you can play around to find the optimal temperature for quick and easy styling. Models with wider plates also enable you to cover more surface area at once. 
• Best hair straightener for frizzy hair: Those with frizzy hair should seek out flat irons with ionic technology. During the straightening process, these tools emit negative ions, which cancel out frizz-causing positive ions and help to seal the hair cuticle, leaving strands looking silky, shiny, and smooth. Both ceramic and titanium straighteners can utilize ionic technology.
• Best flat iron for curly hair: “Overheating curly hair can compromise your hair’s elasticity, resulting in you losing your natural pattern over time and leaving it frizzy and prone to breakage,” says celebrity hairstylist Alyx Liu . To lessen the chance of damaging your hair, look for irons that have adjustable temperature controls so you can customize the heat level to your curly hair’s thickness. Keep in mind that curly hair is also notoriously dry and prone to becoming brittle. Tools with special features — including far infrared heat, ions, and/or steam — can help lessen the chance of exasperating these issues. 
• Best flat iron for natural hair: Similar to curly hair, excessive use of heat styling tools can disrupt natural hairs’ pattern. That said, because natural hair tends to be coarse, higher heat settings are often needed to achieve a silk press. Titanium plates can style this hair type with fewer passes due to its ability to maintain higher temperatures across the plates. 
• Best hair straightener for processed or damaged hair: While it’s best to completely avoid heat styling if your hair is overly processed or damaged, if you need to use a flat iron, keep the heat setting low and use a tool with ceramic plates. “You don’t want to go above 300 degrees Fahrenheit,” Elbaum warns. The lower temperature may require more passes to completely flatten the cuticle, but the extra effort will spare your hair in the long run. Don’t forget to use a heat protectant before styling to ward off unnecessary damage, too. 

How to Use a Flat Iron

• Before styling your hair with a flat iron, ensure that your hair is entirely dry and brushed. Our experts also recommend spritzing your hair with a thermal protectant, like the Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist , to safeguard against damage. Once prepped, plug in your iron and select a temperature for your hair type — the tool should heat up in less than a minute. 
• For the most seamless styling, Elbaum recommends straightening hair in small one- to two-inch sections. (Those with thinner hair can work in larger sections, while those with thick, coarser hair should work in smaller segments.) “Start in the back, running the flat iron down the hair shaft. Go section by section until you achieve the result you are looking for,” she says. To minimize damage, try to pass through each section only once. 
• Once you have straightened your entire head of hair, Elbaum suggests applying a hair oil (her favorite is Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Precious Hair Oil ) to lock in the cuticle and enhance shine. Place a drop or two in your hands, then run your fingers through your hair focusing on the ends. For extra staying power you can also mist your hair with a light hairspray. 
• Following each use, be sure to turn off and unplug your flat iron. While the tool is still hot, Devin Toth , a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, says to wipe down the plates with a dark towel before putting it away. “This will remove any excess product from your plates.”

How to Curl Hair with a Flat Iron

• “Begin by using the same three-part sectioning technique as for straightening,” Elbaum explains. “The flat iron curl is achieved by rotating your wrist in a curl motion, just as you would with a curling iron.” As for the tightness of the curl, that is determined by the size of the hair section, with smaller segments resulting in tighter waves. If you’re looking to achieve looser curls, work in larger segments. 
• Once you have sectioned off your hair, take a segment and gently clamp it in the tool. The trick is to keep the iron somewhat loose, wrapping the hair around the edge and through the center like a loop. Outwardly rotate your wrist 180 degrees and gently move the straightener down the hair shaft in a smooth motion. Repeat this for the remaining sections of hair. Finish with a quick spritz of hairspray for added hold.

How We Chose the Best Flat Irons

To find the best flat irons for every hair type, our team thoroughly researched bestselling models, pored over customer reviews, and consulted with hair experts to discover their tried-and-true favorites. Using our expert’s advice, we created a list of the top 30 flat irons to test, including a mix of budget-friendly options, cordless straighteners, and splurge-worthy devices with all the bells and whistles. After thorough testing, we narrowed down our list of the 10 best flat irons for various hair textures, lengths, and styling goals. Of the dozens we tested, the below were close to making the cut:

• Amika The Conductor Flat Iron : This option is easy to operate and amazing for a sleek, shiny result with just a few passes. However, our testers experienced some issues turning on the flat iron after a few weeks of usage.
• Kristin Ess 3-in-1 Flat Iron : Although this tool provides a good result for its price, our testers were more impressed with other budget-friendly options during testing, such as the Chi Flat Iron, which also boasted more durability.
• Flower Beauty Flat Iron: Our testers had high hopes for Flower Beauty’s straightener, as we’ve been pleasantly surprised with the brand’s hair tool offerings for their price point. All hair types found the flat iron required multiple passes for the desired result.

How We Tested and Reviewed the Best Flat Irons

A panel of three testers with various hair textures, lengths, and thicknesses spent two months personally testing top-rated straighteners at home. Throughout this process, we made sure to evaluate whether the straighteners could serve a range of hair types and textures without jeopardizing the integrity of hair. We also took note of functional preferences like plate material, plate width, automatic shut-off, and adjustable temperature gauges. Our testers also tested the durability of each of these tools, including dropping them from countertop height to see if they hold up to everyday wear and tear, and evaluating their performance over extended periods of time with regular use. Ultimately, we cut through the oversaturated market to find 10 high-performance flat irons. Below, the criteria we used to evaluate the straighteners:

• Ease of use: Unlike hair dryers and multi-stylers, most flat irons are inherently simple to use as they don’t include multiple attachments or require carefully calibrating heat and airflow settings. However, some flat irons are more intuitive to use than others. The straighteners on our list feature streamlined buttons that don’t get in the way of your hand while you’re working them through your hair. We gave bonus points to tools that work equally well to curl hair, such as Ghd’s, which has tapered edges for smooth, soft waves.
• Efficiency: Not only do multiple passes slow down your styling process, they can also cause more damage to your hair. Our panel of testers assessed the straighteners on our list across various hair thicknesses and textures to ensure the options we’ve highlighted don’t require two, three, or four passes for a silky-smooth result.
• Safety features: The best flat irons we’ve highlighted on our list have a minimum of cool touch points to prevent burns and easy-to-grip materials that prevent you from losing control of the device while operating it. We awarded extra points to straighteners with additional features like automatic shut-off technology.

Why Trust WWD

Meet the experts.

Scott King is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles, California. He has worked with Sabrina Carpenter, Jenny McCarthy, Lucy Hale and more. 

Jessica Elbaum is a celebrity hairstylist that is known for her work on shows like Modern Family, The Connors, and Magnum P.I.

Alyx Liu is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles, California. Their clients include Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Shay Mitchell,  and more. 

Devin Toth is a New York-based hairstylist at Salon SCK.

Meet the Author 

Mary Honkus is a freelance beauty writer with over five years of experience researching, testing, and writing about hair care, makeup, and skincare. She has held on-staff positions at InStyle, People, and Real Simple, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications including Cosmopolitan and Us Weekly. Mary has been using flat irons to style her hair for the past 14 years and has tested many models in that time period, including options mentioned in this story. She currently resides in New York City. 

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The 11 Best Heat Protectants Of 2024, Tested And Reviewed

Say goodbye to heat damage and hello to strong, healthy hair.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

The Bottom Line

Our testing process.

• Tips for Choosing
• More to Consider

Questions and Answers

Why trust southern living.

Your Southern mother probably taught you to use hot rollers for volume and hairspray for hold, but how can you keep your hair healthy while heat styling?

“Just like we are seeing how important sunblock is for the skin, we’ve reached a new age of realization for our hair,” says Krista Hatcher , a master stylist, curl specialist, and Kérastase Care Coach at Style House Salon in Nashville. “If you’re on a journey to have healthy, shiny, and strong hair, heat protectant is a must-have for your beauty routine,” Hatcher says.

To help you find the right heat protectant, we tested 34 sprays and creams in our testing lab and at home over a two-week period. We evaluated the products on ease of application, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and scent. Using Hatcher’s expert advice and our testing results, we compiled a list of the best heat protectants to keep your locks healthy and strong.

Best Overall Heat Protectant

Living proof restore perfecting spray.

Absorbs quickly and doesn’t transfer

Lightweight yet hydrating

Pump can be difficult to spray during first few uses

We’re huge fans of this lightweight yet hydrating formula from Living Proof. It gave our hair a bouncy and shiny finish without a greasy appearance, and it didn’t transfer when during and after styling. The oil-free product absorbed fully in under two minutes, and it left our hair feeling stronger and firmer. 

When we compared the side of our hair with heat protectant to the side without, we noticed the protected side was noticeably smoother, shinier, and silkier. This product also passed both of our efficacy tests with flying colors. When we used hot tools, we didn’t notice any burning, sizzling, hissing, or smell of heat. We sprayed a paper receipt with the product, and there were no signs of burning after a quick pass with a flat iron. In addition to heat styling protection, we also love that this spray provides UV protection.

When testing the application, we noticed the spray has nice pressure and applies directly to your targeted area. We applied the spray directly on the hair, and it didn’t leave a sticky residue. Though the overall application was easy, we noticed that the product needs to be shaken well, and the pump can be tough to spray during the first few uses. Overall, this spray is a fantastic choice for all hair types.

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: Plant extracts | Size: 8 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Budget Heat Protectant

Verb glossy shine spray with heat protection.

Lightweight formula that softens hair

Doesn’t feel sticky or tacky after styling

Transfers easily

Did not pass our receipt efficacy test

Best for those with thick or coarse hair

Although Verb’s Glossy Shine Spray is designed for thick to coarse hair, anyone can benefit from its lightweight formula. The spray bottle allows for even application, and the product easily distributes through the hair. We also love that our hair didn’t feel sticky or tacky after styling. Though it’s a more affordable pick, this spray created soft, smooth results similar to the high-end products on our list.

We didn’t notice any smoke, steam, or sizzling while styling with the blow dryer or hot tool, but this spray did not do as well during our receipt efficacy test. The paper was left unevenly burnt in areas where the product was applied, which left us wondering just how protected our hair was during heat styling. Still, we loved how smooth it left our hair, and we do think it’s a good option if your primary concern is styling.

Two key ingredients include peach oil and rosehip oil, which provide nourishing properties as well as a pleasant scent. This product fully absorbed within two minutes, but we noticed slight residue and product transfer on our hands during the touch test. For people with fine hair, we recommend spraying this product from mid-lengths to ends to avoid greasy roots. 

Hair Types: Thick to coarse | Key Ingredients: Peach oil, rosehip oil, squalane | Size: 6.5 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 425°F

Best Heat Protectant Cream

Shu uemura netsu design blow dry cream.

Very lightweight

Beeswax helps hold styling all day

Creates minimal bounce and body in the hair

You’ll love this blow dry cream if you struggle with dry hair. During testing, we noticed our hair felt significantly smoother and shinier after heat styling. Plus, this cream left tangle-free strands that looked and felt healthier compared to hair that was styled without the heat protectant.

This product is easy to distribute thanks to the pump bottle and lightweight formula. In fact, it’s so lightweight that it hardly felt like we had any product in our hair. It quickly absorbed in about a minute and did not leave a sticky residue. One key ingredient includes beeswax, which Hatcher says creates memory and helps hold styling all day. This feature is particularly beneficial for those with frizzy hair . The long-lasting floral scent was an added bonus, and it reminded us of salon-quality products and made us feel like we had just gotten our hair professionally done.

We were seriously impressed by its effectiveness during our efficacy tests. This cream held up nicely when we styled our hair and used it on toast; we did not notice any sizzling with the flat iron, and the toast came out completely protected from heat damage. Though it does fully protect from heat damage, we wish the product did more to create body and bounce in our hair.

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: Beeswax | Size: 5 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Heat Protectant for Dry Hair

Olaplex no.9 bond protector.

Serum formula deeply targets dryness

Thin consistency is easy to distribute

Does not make roots appear greasy

Feels slightly sticky after application

Comes in a small size

Just like the serums in your skincare lineup, hair serums are known to target problem areas. The Olaplex N°.9 Bond Protector is meant to repair extremely dry and damaged hair. During our testing, we noticed significantly less breakage after styling than we usually do with non-protected hair. Most heat protectants will leave roots looking greasy when applied directly, but this serum added a nice shine instead. 

The thin liquid consistency is easy to distribute and allows the product to absorb quickly into the hair. However, our hands and hair felt slightly sticky after the serum was applied. The tacky feeling on the hands went away after a few minutes, but it stayed in the hair until we were able to blow dry. After heat styling with a flat iron, our hair felt smooth and our dry ends felt revived.

Just like other Olaplex products, this serum has the brand’s signature scent. When tested for efficacy with heat styling and the toast test, we did not notice any signs of heat damage. This gives us peace of mind in knowing that our hair will be fully protected while styling.

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: Red algae extract | Size: 3 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Heat Protectant for Curly Hair

Mizani heat screen hair protectant spray.

Distributes well without having to use too much product

No noticeable scent

No sticky residue or product transfer

Left hair feeling oily before blow drying

Curly hair typically needs more moisture than other hair types, so a hydrating heat protectant is very important. We love the Mizani Style Shifter Society Heat Screen, which is made specifically for curly hair types 4-8 to reduce frizz, soften hair, and increase shine. 

Though curly hair needs extra moisture, it can be easily weighed down by heavy products. We love that this spray is a fine mist that evenly distributes through hair without having to use too much product. On the other hand though, it didn’t absorb very quickly. Before we blow dried our hair, it felt slightly oily, but this went away after styling. Overall though, this heat protectant made our hair feel smooth and lightweight, and it passed both of our heat tests. This product also doesn’t have a noticeable scent, so you’ll love this pick if you are sensitive to strongly fragranced products.

Hair Types: Textured hair types 4-8 | Key Ingredients: Rose water | Size: 8.5 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Heat Protectant for Coily Hair

Briogeo farewell frizz blow dry perfection & heat protectant crème.

Doesn’t leave product buildup once dry

Fights dryness and frizz

Didn’t leave our hair super soft or bouncy

Not as lightweight as other options

Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème can be used on all hair types, but coily hair that’s dry and frizzy will get the most benefits from it. Some of the key ingredients include rosehip oil to control frizz, coconut oil to protect against breakage, and argan oil to help with dryness. 

This rich cream isn't sticky and absorbs well without leaving product buildup. We didn’t notice any noticeable transfer, and at no point did we feel like we had to wipe or wash the product off our hands. During efficacy testing, we did notice slight steam coming from the flat iron, but because it passed the toast test without any burn marks, we feel confident that our hair was protected during styling.

Just note that we didn’t notice any bounce or added softness to our hair after use. Plus, since it’s a cream product, we also thought it weighed down our hair slightly more than other picks on the list.

Hair Types: All, especially dry and frizzy | Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, argan oil, coconut oil, vitamin E | Size: 4 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Heat Protectant for Fine Hair

Olaplex volumizing blow dry mist.

Adds volume at the roots

Noticeably decreases frizz

Meant to be used after hair is 75% dry

Does not create any added bounce to hair

Add definition to fine hair with Olaplex’s Volumizing Blow Dry Mist. Most people avoid applying products at the root to prevent greasy hair, but this product is specifically made with your roots in mind. Simply spray at the top and distribute the product by brushing to the ends.

When we used this product, we noticed significantly less frizz compared to the side of our hair without heat protectant. Our hair felt softer after application, but we didn’t notice any added bounce after styling. Overall, we found it to be more hydrating than sticky, and there was minimal transfer.

Keep in mind that Olapex recommends blow drying your hair 75% of the way before using this product. Because of that, and since it’s designed for the roots only, you may want to invest in another heat protectant for the rest of your hair. But on the plus side, this product did pass both of our efficacy tests.

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: Jackfruit polysaccharides, bamboo extract lipopeptides, pea peptides | Size: 5 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Heat Protectant for Thick Hair

Chi total protect.

Left thick hair feeling very soft and not weighed down

UV absorbers protect hair from sun damage

We love the CHI Total Protect Defense Lotion because it didn’t leave our thick hair feeling greasy, dry, or weighed down. Key ingredients include silk to lock in moisture and create shine, vitamin E to prevent color fading, and UV absorbers to protect against the sun. Plus, it passed both of our efficacy tests, so we feel confident that it protects against high temperatures.

The product comes out of the pump nicely and can be easily distributed with your hands. Cream products are known to linger, and we definitely felt like we needed to wipe our hands off after applying. It did, however, dry nicely once it was in our hair and left little to no residue. 

Leave-in conditioners can make hair feel heavy, but our thick hair felt soft and light after use. The end results felt similar to how your hair feels after leaving the salon. Overall, this product stood out as something we could use every day; nothing dramatic, but it provides consistent results.

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: Silk, vitamin E | Size: 6 ounces | Heat Protection: Not listed

Best Heat Protectant for Color-Treated Hair

Dphue color fresh thermal protection spray.

Dries almost immediately

No visible film or residue left behind

No noticeable benefits beyond heat protection

Heat styling can cause color to fade quickly and lead to breakage, which is why it’s good to invest in a solid heat protectant for color-treated hair. We were impressed by the dpHUE Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray’s lightweight formula and easy application. The bottle is comfortable to hold and sprays evenly, and the product is easily distributed through hair. 

It has one of the quickest dry-times on our list, as it is absorbed almost immediately. There is no film or residue left behind, and there is no product transfer. We saw zero signs of heat damage during both of our efficacy tests, which means your hair will be fully protected. However, there aren’t any noticeable benefits beyond heat protection, as both the treated and untreated sides of our hair looked the same. 

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: UV absorber, velvet feel emollient | Size: 5 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Heat Protectant for Shine

Oribe balm d’or heat styling shield.

Makes hair look significantly healthier

No film or residue left behind

Hair looked somewhat greasy after application

The Oribe Balm d’Or Heat Styling Shield is one of the best products for making hair look shiny and healthy. We noticed a significant difference in the areas where the product was applied, with the treated areas looking much healthier than the untreated areas. This pick also passed the toast test with flying colors, only burning in areas where no product was applied. Similarly, we noticed very little steam while styling with hot tools, and no sizzling or hissing.

The product feels silky smooth, almost like body lotion, so it’s unsurprising that it spreads easily through damp hair. It took about two minutes to fully absorb, but there was no noticeable film or residue left behind. There was some product transfer, but not more than you’d expect from a cream product. We loved the hydrating, lightweight formula and how it left our hair feeling soft, bouncy, and healthy. Although we noticed more shine in our hair, we did find that our hair looked slightly greasy after application, so keep that in mind if you have fine or oily hair.

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: Cassis oil, sandalwood oil, tannic acid, lemon peel extract | Size: 3.4 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Best Heat Protectant for Damaged Hair

Kérastase résistance ciment thermique blow dry primer.

Product absorbs almost immediately

Reduces frizz even before using hot tools

Did not cause heaviness or greasiness

Difficult to get an even application

If you’re struggling with damaged hair, we recommend using this Kérastase product before using heat on your hair. We loved that it absorbs almost immediately into the hair, and it made our hair feel softer, more moisturized, and less frizzy even before we used hot tools. The product has a lightweight feel that leaves minimal tackiness on the hands; we noticed that it felt a little sticky as it absorbed, but it also left our hair feeling hydrated. It didn’t leave any residue, but we recommend sectioning off your hair to ensure an even application.

Though it’s common for hair to smell burnt while heat styling, we felt this product protected us from that. We noticed a huge difference in the side of our hair that was treated with the product; the right side was smooth, had minimal frizz, and felt soft to the touch, even with damaged ends. This product passed our heat styling test as well as the toaster test, so it can be trusted to fully protect your hair. We also love this pick because it did not cause heaviness or greasiness.

Hair Types: All | Key Ingredients: Pro-Keratine Complex, ceramides, resurrection plant sap | Size: 5.1 ounces | Heat Protection: Up to 450°F

Of all the heat protectant sprays we tested, we think Living Proof’s Restore Perfecting Spray is the best option for most people. Its lightweight and hydrating formula left our hair feeling bouncy and shiny, and it passed both of our efficacy tests to ensure full heat protection while styling.

We evaluated all products based on ease of application, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and scent. We tested products in both our testing lab and over a two-week period at home to get a variety of insights.

During lab testing, we started with clean, dry hair with no product. We made our hair damp with a spray bottle or left dry depending on the product’s intended use. We only applied the product to the right side of the hair, and individuals with thick/coarse textures used more product as needed.

We allowed the heat protectant to absorb into the hair on the right side for a few minutes and took note of how the product settled into the hair. We used the provided hair dryer, diffuser, and/or round brushes and fully dried our entire head. We ran our fingers through our hair before and after drying to see how our hair felt and to see if the product would transfer. We compared the heat protectant side to the side without heat protectant throughout the drying and styling process.

To further test efficacy, we applied the heat protectants on either a paper receipt or a piece of toast. For creams/oils/serums, we took a piece of bread and spread a layer of the product across one side. We placed the bread in the toaster along with one slice without product and compared how the two came out. For sprays, we took a piece of receipt paper and applied the product. We used the provided flat iron, swiftly ran it down the length of the paper, and made note of whether the receipt began to smoke or turn brown.

In the real world, we tested the heat protectants with hot tools at least two times a week for two weeks. Individuals with Type 3 or Type 4 hair had the option to use their heat protectant and flat iron once a week. We used the same application methodology as the lab tests and recorded our insights at the end of the two-week testing period.

Tips for Choosing the Right Heat Protectant

Hatcher recommends heat protectant sprays for fine hair and creams for medium to coarse hair. Selecting the right product for your hair type will ensure you’re protecting your hair without weighing it down. “I’ve had guests that have come in using a well-known heat protector that just wasn’t quite right for their hair type,” Hatcher says. Most of the products on our list are designed for all hair types, but contain ingredients for specialized purposes, like frizz or damage.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, Hatcher says to keep your long-term hair goals in mind. For long and strong hair, she recommends amino acids like taurine and creatine. For gray hair that feels dry and coarse, look for marula oil or argan oil (which can be found in the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème ). If you need styling to hold all day, use a heat protection with beeswax for memory, like the Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream .

Application Method

Common application types include spray, cream, oil, and mousse. Most products are compatible with all hair types, but there are a few tricks to enhance your styling game. “A spray is a quick way to apply [heat protectant] before detangling the hair,” Hatcher says. “If you have a lot of hair, or need a lot of product, a cream is the way to go.” For curly hair, Hatcher loves mousse because it can be scrunched in and leaves a weightless finish. She recommends oil products for day two hair to add shine and leave hair looking healthy and fresh.

More Heat Protectants to Consider

Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray : This spray doubles as a leave-in conditioner. It absorbed quickly, and we noticed the side with the product appeared smoother and shinier. However, this product did not pass our hot tool efficacy test, as we noticed some steam when we styled with our flatiron at 450°. 

Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Spray : Application was a breeze with the spray nozzle, plus we didn’t notice any product transfer during or after blow drying. However, this product did not pass the receipt efficacy test. The paper turned dark after a quick pass with the flat iron, giving it almost a burnt look.

Is heat protectant spray or cream better?

Both heat protectant spray and cream are great options. “I tend to lean towards a spray for fine hair and a cream for medium to coarse hair,” Hatcher says. “Either way, I advise putting [heat protectant] in wet hair, blow drying, then heat styling.”

Is heat protectant spray worth buying?

Hatcher says anyone who blow-dries or heat styles their hair will benefit from heat protectant spray. “Aside from a good shampoo and conditioner, thermal protections are at the top of the list for keeping healthy hair,” she explains. If you want to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and strong, heat protectant sprays are worth buying.

Should you use heat protectant spray every day?

“If heat is involved, heat protectant should be involved, too!” Hatcher says. “Many people make the mistake of touching their hair up on day two, three, and four without reapplying heat protection. Once a normal heat protection is heated up initially [on day one], it loses its heat protecting power,” she explains. “So always make sure to reapply.”

Addie Morton is a contributing writer for Southern Living who specializes in beauty, home, and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 34 heat protectants in our testing lab and at home over a two-week period. We evaluated them on ease of application, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and scent. Morton spent several hours sifting through the results of our testing and researching products that made the cut. She also spoke with Krista Hatcher , a master stylist, curl specialist, and Kérastase Care Coach at Style House Salon in Nashville, for expert advice.

Related Articles

Best Flat Irons

W e tried several of the most popular hair straighteners—including Dyson, GHD, and Hot Tools models—and sent them to our lab for testing to find out if these often-pricey items live up to the hype

By Laura Murphy

A flat iron is one of the most versatile tools in your hair care arsenal. A good straightener can not only create sleek, glossy tresses but also be used for beach waves, straightening bangs, and smoothing out frizz. But like all hot tools, flat irons pack a lot of heat and have the potential to damage hair. That’s why it’s so important to find the right tool for your hair type.

How We Evaluated Flat Irons

In this Outside the Labs evaluation, three reviewers with different hair types tried out five top straighteners at a range of prices to discover which one is worth the investment. Our evaluators:

Alexis Priester, social media program manager at CR, has thick, curly hair that’s quick to frizz. When it’s straightened it falls just above the middle of her back, and when it’s curly it’s just below her shoulders. 

Tara Claesagens, clerical assistant for CR’s Innovation Lab, has medium, shoulder-length hair that hasn’t ever touched hair dye. 

Laura Murphy (that’s me!). I have fine, highlighted hair that has seen some damage. It is cut in layers, the longest of which reach the middle of my back, while the shortest are chin-length. 

Despite our differences, we’re all looking for the same thing: A straightener that can give us a sleek style without snagging or burning our hair. We also want a straightener that’s easy and safe to use, as well as precise in its temperature.

We tried each of the straighteners at least once on freshly washed hair, and then used them a few more times for touch-ups over the course of a couple of days. Alexis used Verb Ghost Prep Heat Protectant , and I used Amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout spray. Tara, a brave soul, did not use any heat protectant at all. In addition to trying out the straighteners at home, we partnered with Consumer Reports’ labs to do some analytical testing of each straightener. CR testers measured how long it took for each straightener to heat up, how close it was to the temperature it claimed to have reached, and how well each model maintained its final temperature. 

The results surprised us. It turns out, you might not need the fanciest straightener on the market to get the results you desire. Read on to discover which tool is right for you.

The biggest drawback of the GHD Platinum+ Styler - 1” Flat Iron is that it has only one setting: 365° F. GHD claims that this temperature is optimized and safer for all hair types. All three evaluators loved the results this flat iron delivered—and the results in the lab were promising, too. 

It took about 21 seconds for the iron to heat up, and our labs measured the temperature as just slightly above the set point. It was the fastest of all the straighteners to stabilize, and the temperature remained constant afterward. The swivel cord and pivoting plates made the straightener easy to handle, and it comes with a silicone holder for storage. 

The On button is on the interior of one of the arms of the flat iron, which helped keep us from bumping it while styling. The styling process was pretty smooth—Tara and I didn’t have any snags as we pulled the iron through our hair. Alexis, who has curly hair, found that she needed to do hers in smaller sections to get a good glide going. Similarly, Tara and I only needed one to two passes to get our desired style, while Alexis needed two to three. Once finished, we were all impressed with the results. 

“My hair looked excellent, better than the Dyson, actually,” Alexis says. “It was so shiny and sleek and looked really healthy. No frizz on an extremely humid day.”

Still, having only one temperature setting remains a major drawback. While I appreciate GHD’s one-button user-friendly approach, with my fine, mostly straight-laying hair, I suspect I could have achieved my desired style at a lower temperature setting.

The Dyson Corrale straightener has three heat settings, ranging from 330° F to 410° F. The gift edition we bought comes with a case, heat-resistant travel pouch, paddle brush, and detangling comb, plus a charging stand and a charging cable, both of which attach magnetically to the flat iron. It features a press-and-hold power button; a screen that shows battery level, temperature setting, and charging status; flexible plates that “mold shape and gather hair” for greater control while styling; and a flight-safety setting that isolates the heaters from the battery so that you can safely carry the straightener on an airplane. 

Our labs measured the actual high temperature at about 30 degrees below 410° F—the largest variation out of all the flat irons we tested. And at 97 seconds, it was also the slowest to reach 350° F. But once heated, the temperature remained stable. 

It took me a minute to figure out how to take the straightener out of flight safety mode, but once I did it was easy to operate. Dyson’s directions are clear, and the company’s website offers a number of tutorials. The iron makes noises when it turns on, when it reaches the desired temperature, and when it’s idle. 

The cordless styling was a total game-changer—none of the other straighteners we tried had this option. Tara and I were able to achieve our desired style within one to two passes. Alexis had more trouble because she didn’t charge the Dyson completely before use and it kept running out of battery, which resulted in a distracted 60-minute total styling time. 

Tara says the flexible plates helped keep the hair in place: “They don’t just flatten wavy hair but actually straighten all around.”

All of us got soft and shiny results from the Corrale, but we also felt some dryness in texture. 

Cost remains the biggest obstacle for our testers. “This straightener is excellent, but it’s still pricey,” Alexis says. “If you can afford the splurge, it’s great. But you can probably get something almost as good for half the price. This feels like something you buy if you unexpectedly got a little extra on your tax return.”

Dyson’s flight safety mode is nice, but there’s no way I would travel with a $500 appliance in my suitcase. I wouldn’t want to risk losing it with my luggage, plugging it into a foreign outlet with unpredictable voltage levels, or leaving it behind in my hotel room. When it comes to jet-setting, the Conair Double Ceramic 1-inch Flat Iron is a far better option: it’s light, it’s easy to use, and it’s cheap enough that if you were to lose it, it wouldn’t ruin your vacation. 

The Double Ceramic has five settings—ranging from 265° F to 410° F. Our labs measured the actual high temperature at just slightly above 410° F, and it took about 30 seconds for the iron to reach 350° F. Once set, the temperature swung about 6 degrees from its set point, meaning the heating isn’t as constant as the higher-end models we tested. It features a swivel cord, digital controls, and pivoting plates. The power button locks to prevent the iron from accidentally being turned off during use. 

The Double Ceramic is a little clunky to use. The touchpad panel on the handle sometimes takes a couple of taps to activate, and its placement on the handle makes it easy to accidentally bump while styling, which can result in inadvertently changing your settings. It took all of us up to three to four passes to achieve our desired style, and the extra time with the heat resulted in hair that was a little on the dry side. 

But the iron is small, light, and easy to manipulate, which makes it a great choice for travel. “The 1-inch width allowed me to get pretty close to my roots,” Alexis says. 

She also added that she liked the large, bright display of the control panel and liked that it indicated which temperatures work best for certain hair types. “I could see this being a great flat iron for a beginner or a teenager just learning to style their own hair,” she says.

I can’t help but notice that nearly every stylist I’ve encountered uses Hot Tools, so I was curious to find out if that perfect post-salon look could be achieved just by using the same tools as the hairdresser. Turns out (surprise, surprise) technique does count for something, but we were still impressed with how the Hot Tools hair straightener performed—especially given that it’s very reasonably priced. 

In our labs, the Hot Tools straightener heated up fast, though its actual temperature sat just under 350° F. Of all the straighteners, it had the biggest temperature swings—ranging up to 20 degrees from its set point during testing. Like the Conair, its plates are slightly longer at 4¼ inches, which is nice for people with longer hair. It has a long cord and is of average weight, but don’t leave it plugged in—auto shutoff doesn’t kick in until 2 hours of disuse. 

As a styling tool, we found the Hot Tools straightener easy to use. I especially liked the many heat settings, with the lowest being at 205° F. Only the CHI offers a lower setting, 180° F. The rest of the straighteners start at 265° F or higher. The tool is easy to handle and offers snag-free styling. 

I was able to achieve my desired style without my hair feeling parched afterward, which is a big win. The straightener itself is simple—it’s not fancy or flashy like the Dyson and GHD models, but it gets the job done. If you’re looking for a deal, Hot Tools is the way to go—maybe that’s why so many stylists use it.

The CHI was the gold standard straightener of the early aughts. I was a college student at the time, and owning a CHI meant fielding lots of requests to borrow the straightener before a big night out. I was lucky enough to have a roommate who was happy to allow me to use hers. She was also the first person to introduce me to the necessity of using a good heat protectant (thanks, Paige!). 

But it has been almost two decades, and the salad days of straighteners are over. CHI now has a lot of competition, and I was eager to see how this formerly beloved brand performed against new entries into the market. Unfortunately, the results from our labs revealed average marks across the board. The actual high temperature was 390° F, compared with the advertised temperature of 410° F. It took 46 seconds to heat up, and our sensors showed moderate temperature swings of about 10 degrees when stable. At 15 ounces, it’s in the middle of the pack when it comes to weight, and the cord is a little short, measuring 78 inches. 

The straightener comes with a thermal mat with elastic bands attached so the mat can be wrapped around the tool. This is something I like because it takes about 20 minutes for the tool to cool. I don’t have the bathroom counter space to leave anything out, so I’m constantly throwing still-hot hair tools back into my front hall closet, where they share space with scarves and other items that could get singed. So far, I haven’t started any fires, but the possibility is never far from my mind. 

The straightener itself is straightforward—maybe a little too straightforward. “There are literally no bells and whistles to this one,” Alexis wrote in her review. “The indicator light goes from flashing to solid when it’s ready. It would be fairly easy to pick up when hot.” 

The way the temperatures are noted on the dial makes it difficult to select a precise heat setting. Tara guessed that she had set it somewhere between 300° F and 360° F, while Alexis estimated somewhere between 360° F and 410° F. That’s a pretty wide range, and when you have fine, damaged hair like I do, 50 degrees can make a big difference. 

The placement of the dial also made it easy to knock while styling. And the thicker plates on this straightener made it difficult to get all the way down to the root. This makes it a less ideal choice for people with bangs and curlier hair. 

That said, the CHI did deliver the soft, shiny results that I remember from my college days.

What to Look For in a Straightener

When it comes to hot tools, it’s critical to choose one that offers a range of temperature settings.

According to Michele Green , a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, “Hot hair tools should have distinct settings in terms of what temperature the tool reaches and how hot or cool the tool can get, so the user has control over how much heat is delivered to the hair and can adjust based on hair type.”

Beyond that, Gregorio Ruggeri , a master colorist and board-certified trichologist based in New York City, counsels shoppers to “dig deep and have a look at your favorite stylists’ tools of choice. Don’t be fooled by overpriced hot tools; even the most expensive can create serious damage.”

Straighteners work by clamping onto the hair and pulling it through two heated plates. The material of those plates determines how evenly the heat is spread across the plates, how quickly they heat, and how hot they get. Today, you can find straighteners made with ceramic plates, titanium plates, metal and glass plates, and plates containing tourmaline, as well as plates made of some combination of these materials. 

Green recommends that those with fine, thin, or damaged hair use straighteners with ceramic plates. These plates tend to take longer to heat up but are more gentle on the hair. That said, she cautions that these tools may take more passes to achieve desired results. 

Titanium, meanwhile, heats up more quickly. According to Green, titanium’s heat conductivity may make it more suitable for those with coarse or thick hair that is more difficult to smooth and straighten. 

Many straighteners have plates composed of more than one material.

“Newer styling tools may include tourmaline, a naturally occurring element that emits negatively charged ions to eliminate static and reduce frizz,” Green says. “Tourmaline is often incorporated into titanium styling tools that have the benefit of heating up quickly.”

Finally, straighteners with metal or glass plates tend to be cheaper, but buyer beware: Green warns that these materials don’t distribute heat as evenly, which can cause hot spots and burn the hair. 

How to Avoid Damage When Styling

Hair is most fragile when it’s wet, Green says, so to protect your hair while styling, step 1 is to make sure that it’s completely dry before you start. She recommends that people with curly hair blow dry their hair to ensure hair is completely dry. Blow drying can also smooth out the strands a little, which can minimize how much time you need to spend straightening. Those with wavy, straight, or fine hair, however, can get away with air drying.

It’s critical to apply a heat protectant before styling. “Heat protectants work by acting as a barrier between the hair and the tool, and slowing down the conduction of heat,” Green says.

For a protective barrier that doesn’t cause buildup in the hair, Green suggests looking for a protectant composed of water-soluble silicones. Some protectants may contain beneficial oils that not only protect hair but also nourish it. However, it’s important that the oils are lightweight and have a high smoke point, Green says.

“Denser oils with low smoke points will sizzle the hair when the tool is applied, leading to significant damage,” she says. “Argan oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil can be beneficial heat protectants.”

Finally, choose the right temperature for your hair. Green says 325° F to 375° F is ideal but adds that “the temperature should be adjusted depending on hair type.” Those with fine or damaged hair should opt for the lower end of the range, and those with thick or coarse hair should opt for the higher end. For those who have been burned before, it may be tempting to go even lower, but Green cautions against this. “Be careful using settings below 300° F, as you may be inclined to do multiple passes for the desired results, which can cause more damage in the process.”

Lastly, don’t overdo it. Ruggeri advises using hot tools as little as possible, “once to twice a week for irons, tongs, or barrel brushes. Blow dry every third day if you can, and try to use a medium setting.”

To combat moisture loss from all the heat, he suggests using a hair mask every week. 

“Listen to your stylist,” Ruggeri says. “If they say there is damage from excessive use of hot tools, listen to what they suggest” for alleviating that damage. 

How to Get Pin-Straight Hair

When it comes to achieving that sleek, pin-straight, early-aughts look, I turned to Ted Gibson , an influencer, hairdresser, and celebrity stylist with a client list that includes stars such as Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, and many more. 

Gibson straightens 1.5-inch sections at a time. “If you have finer hair, you can take a little larger section,” he says. “If you have coarser hair, I might even take a half-inch or inch section instead of the inch and a half.”

After straightening, he recommends using a flexible-hold hairspray and then brushing the hair. “This gives more shine,” he says, “and helps to give control to the freshly straightened hair.” He also likes to add a little shine oil for added glossiness. 

The most important thing, Gibson stresses, is to give yourself enough time to achieve your desired style. “Make sure your hair is 100 percent dry, use the right product for your hair type, and never try to do it all in one piece.”

This product evaluation is part of Consumer Reports’ Outside the Labs reviews program, which is separate from our laboratory testing and ratings. Our Outside the Labs reviews are performed at home and in other native settings by individuals, including our journalists, with specialized subject matter experience or familiarity and are designed to offer another important perspective for consumers as they shop. While the products or services mentioned in this article might not currently be in CR’s ratings, they could eventually be tested in our laboratories and rated according to an objective, scientific protocol.

Like all CR evaluations of products and services, our Outside the Labs reviews are independent and free from advertising. If you’d like to learn more about the criteria for our lab testing, please go to  CR’s Research & Testing page .

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2023, Consumer Reports, Inc.

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Flash Deal! Walmart Has a 2-in-1 Flat Iron on Sale for Just $7.87

Straighten and curl your hair with this 2-in-1 professional tool for just $7.87.

By Lilian Gonzalez

Lilian Gonzalez

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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

When it comes to choosing the ideal straightener , versatility is essential. Although it can be challenging, you might want to seek out crucial features such as adjustable heat and protection sensors that can cater to your hair type .

You Can Subscribe to Walmart+ for 50% Off — Pay Just $49 for the Year

Trending on billboard, professional flat iron—2 in 1 hair straightener curling iron.

With its easy-to-use design and lightweight construction, you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go. According to Walmart, the ceramic coated plates are “infused with keratin and almond.” Keratin is a protein that can be found in skin, hair, and nails. It’s often used to repair damaged hair. So, if you are looking for stronger, smoother, shinier hair, and better control, this is for you.

In addition to this, its energy-efficient ceramic heater allows for “one-pass styling” for your hair. While one pass sounds nice, it’s important to also note that every hair type is different, ranging from curly to fine hair.

This affordable iron is easy to use. With just the press of a button, you can effortlessly achieve your desired hairstyle. Its quality performance paired with its budget-friendly price makes it an ideal choice for anyone.

For more product recommendations , check out this roundup of hair care essentials , Dyson Airwrap dupes , and alternative TikTok viral heating tools .

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