10 Best Flat Irons for Hair in 2022 (Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
Every hairstylist knows that shiny, silky straight hair can't be achieved without a trusty flat iron. A bad hair day can turn into a good one with this versatile, must-have styling tool. Say goodbye to bedhead! If it's your first time purchasing a hair iron or you're looking to replace your previous one, we're here to steer you in the right direction.
Hair irons are especially tricky to buy because of the different options and factors to consider like hair type and length. We've gone ahead and researched the 10 best flat irons and came up with this list. HSI Professional's flat iron took first place for its quick heat-up and versatile styling. Interested to see what else made it to our list? Take a look! And don't miss our buying guide- it was reviewed by a licensed cosmetologist, and has lots of helpful tips.
Quick List - Top Flat Irons For Hair
I'm a hairstylist who works with all types of hair daily. A large part of my job is repairing hair and helping clients restore their hair to a healthy and beautiful place. I'm also an expert on which products and techniques will be best for each person depending on what condition their hair is currently in.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Flat Irons For Hair Ranking
- No. 1HSI Professional | Professional Glider｜ E038
- No. 2Remington | Anti-Static Flat Iron｜S5500
- No. 3Remington | Pearl Ceramic Flat Iron｜S9520
- No. 4Kipozi | Professional Hair Straightener
- No. 5BaByliss Pro | Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron ｜ BABNT3072TN
- 5 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I flat iron my hair?
- Transform Your Hair With These Products
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Cosmetologist Courtney Mack
How to Choose Flat Irons For Hair
With the numerous types and brands of flat irons available on the market, it is confusing to find one ideal for your hair type, length, and style. After intensive research, we've prepared this buying guide to steer you in the right direction. Consider factors like plate material and size, temperature controls, and the like.
Pick a Flat Iron Based on Its Plate Material
The first factor to consider when purchasing a flat iron is the plate material. A flat iron’s straightening plate or heating panel is generally made from either ceramic, tourmaline, titanium, or a mix of all three.
Ceramic Plates Heat Evenly and Work Great on Fine Hair
Ceramic flat irons are the veteran straighteners on the market. If you’ve ever gotten your hair ironed at the salon, they probably used a ceramic-coated flat iron. A ceramic flat iron is versatile and works well with short, coarse, light, or curly hair. However, they work best for straightening fine hair and even giving it a shiny finish.
Ceramic-coated irons heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly. Cheaper models come with only a thin layer of ceramic, which means repeated sliding over a portion of your hair to get it straight.
The more expensive types come with multiple ceramic layers, which makes for a smooth surface; this type does not snag on your hair and is less damaging.
Ceramic plated flat irons are unmatched when it comes to creating shine. When working with clients, I use a ceramic flat iron specifically for styling to give their hair that shiny and polished look. It works exceptionally well for those with fine hair since these plates do not get extremely hot, greatly reducing the risk of heat damage.
Tourmaline Plates Are the Least Damaging to Hair and Trap Moisture
Tourmaline, a type of gemstone, is used to coat the flat iron plate’s exterior to make it more heat resistant. The gemstone plating also helps keep in the moisture your hair needs to stay healthy. This is why this type of flat iron is the least damaging.
Because the heat remains constant and is equally distributed, tourmaline plates can be used at lower temperatures. There’s also no need to go over the same strands of hair over and over again with this type of flat iron. With one run-through, your hair will be straight and shiny.
Tourmaline plated flat irons are the safest option for those who are serious about avoiding heat damage and breakage. These plates produce infrared heat and negative ions. That combination closes the cuticle, preventing frizz. Less frizz and more shine is always ideal for sleek hairstyles. Unfortunately, these flat irons have the shortest lifespan, so be mindful of that when shopping.
Titanium Plates Are Heavy-Duty and Best for Thick, Coarse Hair
Titanium plate flat irons are the newest models of straighteners to hit the market. They are the most durable, corrosion-resistant, and heavy-duty out of all three types. Titanium plates transfer heat to the hair the fastest regardless of hair type. However, they work best on thick, coarse, or curly hair because of the fast heat transfer.
People with fine hair should be careful with this type because the plates’ high heat could scorch and damage fine hair. Those looking for immediate results should go for this flat iron. This type of flat iron has an ionic charge, which means your hair will look smooth effortlessly!
As someone who works mostly with naturally curly and coily hair, titanium plated flat irons are my go-to. Not only do these flat irons heat up quickly, they straighten out even the tightest textured hair into silky tresses. Although, I don't necessarily recommend them for at home use because heat damage is likely when used improperly.
Decide on the Right Plate Size for Your Hair
When choosing a plate size for the flat iron, one size is not for everyone. Generally, flat irons start range from half-inch to two-and-a-half-inch plates. Each size works best for a specific hair length, type, and style.
1-Inch Plates Are Versatile in Styling Many Hair Types
A good rule to remember is that the smaller the plate is, the more areas you can reach and style. One-inch plates work great on fine, fragile, wavy, and medium-thick hair. This type of plate is a standard size and will work for almost everyone.
With this type of plate, you can easily curl, style, and straighten your hair of any length. Smaller plates below one inch are used for short hair and on bangs.
1-inch flat irons are the most recommended and easiest to find. It works for pretty much every hair length with the exception of those with short pixie cuts. What's great about a 1-inch flat iron is that you are able to get much closer to the root area, which is great for those with curly hair. 1-inch plates also make it easier to curl your hair with the flat iron.
1.5-Inch Plates Are Best for Rebellious Hair
Any flat iron with a plate size bigger than an inch is considered as a large size. This plate size works best on thick, coarse, and curly hair types. Those with hair that's difficult to manage should consider getting plate sizes bigger than an inch.
A larger plate means more hair is styled each time. It will be a bit difficult to reach bangs and shorter hair with this size as it's easier to burn yourself accidentally.
For those with thick hair, the 1.5-inch flat iron will probably work best for you. That extra half inch will cover more surface area, helping you straighten and style your hair much faster. If you have short hair or shorter pieces around your face, this size flat iron may not be the best option for you.
2-Inch Plates Are Great for Long, Sleek Hair
It can be challenging to style long hair with a one-inch plate because that means going over a portion of hair more than once, causing hair damage. This is why those with medium to long hair of any type should get a flat iron with two-inch plates and larger.
It is also easier to do sleek and silky hairstyles with this plate size. Keep in mind that the larger the plate, the bulkier and heavier the flat iron will be.
If you have long hair, no need to even waste your time with the other size flat irons. The 2-inch plates are going to cut your styling time in half. In the salon we use this size for those with hair over 20 inches in length, or those with long extensions.
Choose a Flat Iron With Temperature Control Features
This factor is very important if you want to lessen the damage straightening does to your hair. When the flat iron temperature is adjusted to suit your hair type and length, less hair is damaged.
Those with fragile and easily damaged hair should use irons with a heat set below 250 degrees Fahrenheit. People with naturally straight hair looking to tame waves and stray hair should set the temperature to about 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This also goes for people with fine hair.
Those with curly, thick, and coarse hair should use a flat iron around 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher heat setting smooths thicker and unrulier hair.
Never iron your hair above 450 degrees Fahrenheit if you don’t want to damage your hair. Remember to also use a heat protectant before straightening to help keep your hair healthy and shiny.
The proper temperature setting for your hair will depend on the type of plates your flat iron has as well. Usually you can risk setting your ceramic flat iron at a higher setting than you can with a titanium flat iron. No matter the heat setting you use, try not to do more than two passes of the iron per section.
Make Sure It’s Safe and Easy to Use
No one wants to burn themselves or their house while trying to get that sleek hairstyle. When picking out a flat iron, make sure the product is safe and easy to use. Here are some things to look for.
Safety Features Give Peace of Mind
A convenient feature many flat irons come with is auto shut-off. Usually, if the flat iron is idle while plugged for more than an hour, it will automatically turn off on its own. The time varies from product to product, so check how long it takes for your flat iron to turn off.
Flat irons get quite hot when plugged in, so it's crucial to protect yourself from burns. Some products come with gloves to use while ironing, while others are built with thick handles. If you use a high temperature while straightening, ensure that the handle has enough protection to avoid unwanted hand burns.
It is always advised to unplug your flat iron and other hot tools after using them. Leaving your flat iron on overnight or for an excessive amount of time can quickly lead to a room catching on fire. If you can find a flat iron that has auto shut off, that would be the best option. You should also look into getting a heat-resistant mat to place your flat iron on when using it. This will prevent you from burning or cracking your tabletop.
Features That Make It Easier to Use
If you like to travel with a flat iron, getting one with dual voltage is a good investment. This type of flat iron can work on 110 to 240 volts with the proper adaptor. Check the item descriptions before purchasing a flat iron to see if it has dual voltage features. You could also consider investing in a case for your dual flat iron to protect it while traveling.
Another handy feature to make ironing your hair a breeze is a long, swivel type cord. Some of these cords can even rotate fully! If you don't have an accessible outlet where you plan to iron your hair, these long cords make it easy for you to straighten in any location.
Lastly, a handy feature to look for in a flat iron is an easy-to-read temperature display, either as numbers printed on the flat iron or as an LCD display. With an easy to read temperature display, you'll save yourself time wondering and trying to get the right temperature to iron your hair at.
Flat irons with an easy-to-read temperature display are becoming more and more popular. Since it's important to be aware of what temperature setting you are using, purchasing a flat iron that has the setting easy to view would be a great buy. Flat irons with a digital screen are even better, so you can be extremely accurate with what temperature setting your flat iron is on.
10 Best Flat Irons For Hair Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HSI Professional Professional Glider｜ E038 | | Feel Like a Professional With This Highly-Rated Iron | |
2 | Remington Anti-Static Flat Iron｜S5500 | | Popular Anti-Static 1-Inch Flat Iron | |
3 | Remington Pearl Ceramic Flat Iron｜S9520 | | Ceramic 2-Inch Plates for That Smooth Glide | |
4 | Kipozi Professional Hair Straightener | | Travel-Friendly Flat Iron Suitable for All Hair Types | |
5 | BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron ｜ BABNT3072TN | | A Slim Flat Iron That's Easy to Hold | |
6 | Kipozi Pencil Flat Iron｜QY-1088A | | A Tiny Iron for Beards and Short Hair | |
7 | Nition Platinum Professional Styler | | Infused Heating Plates for Healthy Styling | |
8 | Chi G2｜ GF7057 | | Durable Flat Iron With Color-Coded Controls | |
9 | VIBRAstrait Vibrating Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron | | Flat Iron With Vibrating Plates and See-Through Display | |
10 | Vanessa Flat Iron Hair Straightener and Curler | | Sleek and Elegant Flat Iron With Rounded Tips |
Feel Like a Professional With This Highly-Rated Iron
Style, straighten, curl, or add some waves to your hair with this versatile flat iron. A highly-rated product on Amazon, this flat iron is popular worldwide. It comes with a one-inch hot plate, dual voltage, and adjustable heat settings.
The straightener's plates are made of ceramic infused with tourmaline, which helps reduce frizziness and static. This product also evenly distributes heat and does less damage to your hair during styling. Lastly, the flat iron's swivel cord can be rotated 360 degrees for hassle-free styling!
Buyers with thick hair do not recommend this product saying that it took them multiple tries to get a patch of hair straightened, but other happy buyers loved the fast heat-up and shiny finish from this flat iron. Customers said that their hair did not feel damaged and was left looking sleek and straight!
Popular Anti-Static 1-Inch Flat Iron
This flat iron is a popular choice for first-timers looking to style their hair. Remington's one-inch flat iron comes with anti-static technology that reduces the amount of static while styling. The handy product only takes 30 seconds to heat up and also comes with six preset heat settings.
This iron has an LCD display that shows the straightener's current temperature setting. The auto shut-off feature is also there to protect you when you forget about unplugging the product.
A recurring problem unhappy customers had with that the plates don't touch fully without squeezing. A couple also said that the handle got too hot and did not offer that much protection.
However, many people had a lot of positive things to say about the product as well. The fast heat-up, floating plates, and handy LCD screen was a hit for satisfied customers. Those with thick, frizzy hair should consider getting this, as commented by multiple buyers.
Ceramic 2-Inch Plates for That Smooth Glide
A common issue with flat irons is that they do not get hot enough to straighten hair. you won't have that problem with this flat iron since it goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is roughly what salons use. The large two-inch floating ceramic plates ensure a one-pass straightening with every glide.
Other notable features of this flat iron are the auto shut-off after 60 minutes, LCD display, nine heat settings, hinge lock, and swivel cord. There's no wasted time with this flat iron, as it only takes 15 seconds for it to heat up!
Multiple reviewers were not thrilled with the durability of this flat iron. Many said that it tended to malfunction after a couple of years of use. However, buyers were happy with the iron's broad plates that made straightening hair faster and easier. Some commented that it leaves hair looking shiny!
Travel-Friendly Flat Iron Suitable for All Hair Types
No need to worry about your flat iron not working in another country with this dual-voltage straightener. It comes with titanium plates that are suitable for thick, curly, and wavy hair. Whether you have short or long hair, this flat iron can do the job of versatile styling! You can straighten, curl, and shape your hair with ease.
This flat iron comes with an LCD display and temperature settings. You can set the temperate to match your hair type. The eight-foot-long swivel cord is convenient when an outlet is not in close proximity.
One negative remark buyers had for this straightener was about its clamping mechanism. People said that the flat iron was bulky and required some force when gliding through the hair. However, satisfied customers noted that the product did not snag on the hair and heated up quickly. It also comes in a fancy package that many customers liked.
BaByliss ProNano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron ｜ BABNT3072TN
A Slim Flat Iron That's Easy to Hold
Straightening your hair with a flat iron can be tiring for your arm and hand muscles, especially if you have a lot of hair to work on. This flat iron is light, easy to hold, and designed for maximum comfort. You can purchase the product in one, one-and-a-half, or two-inch plates.
Multiple buyers complained that the product did not close all the way and a tiny gap between the plates could be seen. However, what reviewers loved most about the product is that one pass through the hair does the trick. It's also lightweight and heats up quickly. The adjustable heat settings were also a big hit with customers.
A Tiny Iron for Beards and Short Hair
This three-tenths-inch flat iron is the only styling tool you'll need if you want to style short hair or a beard. The titanium plates offer even heat distribution and keep your hair moisturized.
The iron itself is easy to hold and comes with a non-slip design and temperature controls. The hairs around your ears and nape area can easily be reached with this flat iron. Conveniently, it also comes with dual voltage so you can use it when you travel.
But despite being advertised as reaching up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, multiple reviewers found that the flat iron did not get hot enough. Many said that they had to run the product a couple of times over the same strands of hair to get it to work.
This tiny iron was a hit with buyers who had short hair. Many said that they could iron all the way to their roots without fear of burning themselves. Reviewers also noted that the customer service of the company was also very helpful and responded quickly.
Infused Heating Plates for Healthy Styling
A big worry people have about using flat irons is the damage it does to the hair. With Nition's flat iron, though, those worries can be cast aside. This straightener's ceramic plates are infused with nano silver, argan oil, tourmaline, and titanium, all of which keep your hair healthy and shiny.
These elements work together to trap the moisture in your hair which leaves you with sleek, static-free, straight hair. The product also comes with six temperature options that are operated through a rotary switch. Easy to use and great for the hair, this flat iron is a wonderful buy!
The majority of the negative feedback this flat iron received was on the unstable temperature controls. Still, loads of buyers loved this product for its fast heat-up, locking feature, and no-pull glide. A couple of buyers liked how you could iron thin portions of your hair without burning or pulling them out.
Durable Flat Iron With Color-Coded Controls
A pioneer in the flat iron market, the brand Chi is known for its durable and long-lasting irons made of ceramic and titanium. This flat iron comes with a one-and-one-quarter-inch hot plate, dual voltage, and a 40-second heat-up.
The popular feature of this iron is its color-coded temperature settings for delicate or fragile hair, medium or wavy, and coarse or resistant. Simply choose the right setting to match your hair type.
Many of the negative comments on this product say it may be a fake. Make sure to purchase directly from Amazon and not a third-party seller, or use Chi's website. Apart from that, buyers loved this iron for its temperature adjustment, easy usage, and quick heat-up, and that it really works!
VIBRAstrait Vibrating Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron
Flat Iron With Vibrating Plates and See-Through Display
Why not style and straighten your hair with this innovative flat iron with plates that vibrates 7,500 times a minute? Designed for all hair types, this flat iron boasts the vibration gives a smooth glide while styling.
Once turned on, it only takes eight seconds for the iron to heat up. A tangle-free cord, 50-minute automatic shut off, and temperature control buttons - this flat iron has it all!
A couple of reviewers found this flat iron a bit too noisy when in use. They said that the vibrations can be a bit loud. However, satisfied customers had a lot of positive feedback. The flat iron's quick heat-up, ease of use, and overall style quality were a hit for many.
Sleek and Elegant Flat Iron With Rounded Tips
Style your hair with this luxurious flat iron with rounded edges. This product comes with an elegant design and shiny titanium plates. It only requires 15 seconds to heat up, and it works on all types of hair.
User-friendly and easy to hold, this flat iron is great for straightening and curling hair. The dual voltage feature also makes it travel-friendly. Transform any bad hair day into a good one with this flat iron!
Most disappointed reviewers commented that the product tended to snag and pull on hair when straightening a thick portion at a time. They recommend styling in small batches to avoid snagging, but this also doubles your styling time.
Other than that, happy customers loved the fancy design of this product. Reviewers commented that the flat iron stayed hot and did not leave hair frizzy. The case included with the product was a plus for some buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Courtney took the time to answer a commonly asked question about flat irons for hair.
How do I flat iron my hair?
Courtney explains, "For the best results, you should start with clean blow-dried hair. The smoother your blow dry job is, the less work you have to do with the flat iron.
Next, make sure your hair is prepped with a lightweight heat protectant. From there you will take small sections, gliding the flat iron down your hair. You can chase a flat iron with a comb to maximize smoothness and reduce tangling."
Transform Your Hair With These Products
Need more products to style your hair with? We can help you find the right ones no matter what type of hair you have or what style you want!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Cosmetologist Courtney Mack
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Flat Irons For Hair
No. 1: HSI Professional｜Professional Glider｜ E038
No. 2: Remington｜Anti-Static Flat Iron｜S5500
No. 3: Remington｜Pearl Ceramic Flat Iron｜S9520
No. 4: Kipozi｜Professional Hair Straightener
No. 5: BaByliss Pro｜Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron ｜ BABNT3072TN
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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