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The 10 Best Flat Irons for Every Hair Type, Tested and Reviewed by Editors
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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.
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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.
Although older models may have a reputation for frying hair (most of us have a shared high school experience of watching our hair smoke between the plates), today’s tools are designed with high tech protective features that can regulate the temperature, helping to prevent sizzling, frizz, and unnecessary damage.
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
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
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.
BEST FLAT IRON FOR FINE HAIR
Ghd Platinum+ Styler 1" Flat Iron
Plate Size: 1”
Temperature Range: 365°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes, after 30 minutes
Cord Length: 8.8 ft
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$195.30 $279 30% off
$195.30 $279 30% off
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: $179
Harry Josh 1.25 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron
Plate Size: 1.25”
Temperature Range: 235°F–425°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes, after 60 minutes
Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
$200
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
BEST FLAT IRON FOR NATURAL HAIR
Tymo Ring Straightener Comb
Plate Size: 1.25”
Temperature Range: 266℉- 410℉
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes, after 30 minutes
Cord Length: 6 ft
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$49.99 $59.99 17% off
$49.99
$75.46
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
BEST AFFORDABLE HAIR STRAIGHTENER
Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener
Plate Size: 1”
Temperature Range: 300°F-450°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$24.58 $34.99 30% off
$24.99
$42
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
BEST CORDLESS STRAIGHTENER
Dyson Corrale Styler Straightener
Plate Size: 1.6”
Temperature Range: 330°F—410°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes, after 10 minutes
Cord Length: No cord
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$499
$499
$499.99
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
BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIR STRAIGHTENER
Chi Original Ceramic Hair Straightener
Plate Size: 1”
Temperature Range: 392°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: No
Cord Length: 11 ft
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$69.98 $99.98 30% off
$99.99
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
Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron
Plate Size: 1.25”
Temperature Range: 210°F—430°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes, after 60 minutes
Cord Length: 9 ft
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$149
$149
$149
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
BEST STRAIGHTENER FOR CURLING HAIR
T3 SinglePass StyleMax Professional 1" Ceramic Flat Iron
Plate Size: 1”
Temperature Range: 260°F—410°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes, after 60 minutes
Cord Length: 9 ft
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$149.99
$149.99
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
BEST FLAT IRON FOR CURLY HAIR
BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron
Plate Size: 1.25”
Temperature Range: 300°F—450°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: No
Cord Length: 9 ft
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$159.99
$159.99
$129.98 $159.99 19% off
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
Hot Tools Pro Artist Double Straight Dual Plate Hair Straightener
Plate Size: 0.5”
Temperature Range: 205°F—455°F
Automatic Turn-off Setting: Yes, after 2 hours
Cord Length: 9 ft
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$129.99
$78.79 $129.99 39% off
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
When curling your hair with a flat iron, it’s best to use a tool with beveled edges. Once you have your straightener, complete the above step one, then follow the directions below.
“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.
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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.
Bradley Leake is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles, California. He has worked with Ariana Madix, Chrishell Stause, Hannah Godwin and more.
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.
This article was fact checked and reviewed by Leanna Yip, a veteran copy editor with over 12 years of experience, including eight years text editing researched shopping stories and in-depth product guides across several categories, including fashion, beauty, home, footwear, tech, gifts, and more.
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