No matter the hair type, understanding your styling needs makes it easy to zero in on the best hair straightener. Want to smooth out your roots? An electric hot comb can get the job done thanks to its heated bristles. In need of a voluminous blowout? A hot brush—a hybrid brush and blow dryer—will cover your bases. Crave versatility? Flat irons will help create various hair-smoothing styles, from straight, sleek looks to wavy wonders.
These popular types of hair straighteners have come a long way. “Some have built-in, hair-healthy technology like T3’s Lucea ID 1-inch Flat Iron, while others feature ion boosters and floating plates like Eva NYC’s Healthy Heat Nano Silk Styling Iron,” says Ulta Beauty pro team member Danielle Keasling.
Even with various innovations in the latest models, the heat from flat irons can still be too much for hair to handle, causing damage. As someone who used to use hot tools on a regular basis, I should know. It’s important to apply a heat protectant, which acts as a protective barrier before you begin styling. Ready to skip straight to the good part? Here are the best hair straighteners for sleek, shiny, healthy-looking hair, from brands like Dyson, T3 and GHD. (And if we’ve piqued your interest in a hot brush, check out this TikTok-famous pick.)
- Best Hair Straightener Overall: T3 Lucea ID
- Best Budget Hair Straightener: HSI Professional Glider
- Best Hair Straightener For Thick Hair: Dyson Corrale Straightener
- Best Hair Straightener For Curly Hair: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron
- Best Hair Straightener For Fine Hair: GHD Platinum+ 1-Inch Styler
- Best Hair Straightener For Short Hair: Chi Deep Brilliance Black Titanium Hairstyling Iron
- Best Hair Straightener For Travel: Drybar The Tiny Tress Press Detailing Iron
- Best Hair Straightener For Frizzy Hair: Eva NYC Healthy Heat Nano Silk Styling Iron
Best Hair Straightener Overall
A Bespoke Styling Tool For Creating A Range Of Looks
You’ll get the most customized styling experience with T3’s Lucea ID. The 1-inch ceramic hair straightener intelligently adjusts the heat based on your hair texture, length and color. (You can enter this information straight from the device, thanks to its smart touch interface.) It also oscillates between nine different heat settings to prevent damage. And thanks to its beveled edge, you can use the versatile tool to create gorgeous curls and waves.
Pros
- Several customization features using smart touch interface
- Nine heat settings
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Takes some time to set up
- Doesn’t display temperature
- Requires user input for best results
Best Budget Hair Straightener
A Super Affordable Amazon Bestseller
Although it’s under $50, the HSI Professional Glider offers similar features as higher-priced options: tourmaline-infused ceramic plates that evenly distribute heat, adjustable temperature and floating-edged plates to give you the freedom to straighten, curl or flip your hair. The downside? It may not last as long. Some reviewers reported heating defects, but that didn’t stop over 50,000 Amazon shoppers from giving it a five-star rating. The good news is the device comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Affordable
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t display temperature
- Lifespan
Best Hair Straightener For Thick Hair
A Next-Level Flat Iron From A Beloved Brand
The Dyson Corrale is engineered with adaptive manganese copper alloy plates that move with your hair. This flexibility helps prevent heat damage and cuts down styling time. Additional features that make it the best in this category include an intelligent heat control system that automatically adjusts the tool’s temperature based on hair type, length and thickness, and an auto-shutoff feature that kicks in after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Pros
- Cordless
- Suitable for all hair types
- Includes a stylish charging dock-meets-display stand
Cons
- Needs charging after 30 minutes
- Three heat settings
- Expensive
Best Hair Straightener For Curly Hair
A Consistently Reliable Styler
As someone who uses this styling tool religiously, I can back up several claims: Reviewers dub it a good investment and one of the best on the market that can last for years. I’ve had mine for several. It features titanium plates that heat up to 450 degrees—making silky-straight hair all the easier to achieve even for naturally curly textures.
Pros
- Available in multiple plate sizes
- 50 heat settings
- 4-yr manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Outer material wears easily over time
- Outside of iron gets very hot
Best Hair Straightener For Fine Hair
A Flat Iron That Eliminates The Guesswork
GHD’s best-selling flat iron has a wishbone hinge that gives greater styling control, floating plates that evenly distribute heat throughout the hair and a preset temperature of 365 degrees—ideal for optimal styling. “This heat setting ensures the iron will not get too hot to cause damage,” says celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan. Plus, it has a handy feature that automatically switches it off after 30 minutes. The only downside is if you use it regularly, you may only get two to three years of use according to several reviews.
Pros
- Safe for all hair types and color-treated hair
- Heats up in 20 seconds
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Only one preset temperature
- Heavy
- Lifespan
Best Hair Straightener For Short Hair
A Simple But Effective Tool For Short Strands
If you’ve ever tried to straighten, curl or flip super short hair, then you know that it’s a job best left to the slimmest of styling tools. Enter Chi’s Deep Brilliance Black Titanium Hairstyling Iron, which features 0.5-inch titanium plates that warm up to 410 degrees and polish strands with every pass. Reviewers also point out that this tool is incredibly easy to use and small enough to get close to the scalp for a good lift.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature
- Ideal for pixie-length hair
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Short titanium plates
- Basic design
Best Hair Straightener For Travel
A Compact Styler That’s Great For Bringing On The Go
Whether you’re pressed for space or time, Drybar’s mini flat iron will come in handy. The compact styling tool comes with a heat protection pad that doubles as a travel pouch and is small enough to stash in totes and gym bags. With titanium plates that warm up to 400 degrees in under a minute, it’s ideal for smoothing down flyaways on the go. Disclaimer: The outside of this tool gets very hot (I learned the hard way), so be sure to hold it at the base when styling your strands.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Lightweight
- Great for short hair
Cons
- Has a short cord
- Only one preset temperature
- Not ideal for styling
Best Hair Straightener For Frizzy Hair
An Option That Works On Both Wet And Dry Hair
Just as effective on wet hair as it is on dry hair, this flat iron is designed with nano-silk plates that lock in moisture and as a result, smooths down the hair cuticle, which helps to eliminates frizz. And as a bonus, the plates float across hair, which make curls and wave easier to achieve.
Pros
- Auto shut-off feature
- Heat-resistant handle
- Affordable
Cons
- May require multiple passes for thicker textures
- Slightly shorter length of iron than most
What To Consider When Buying A Hair Straightener
“You have to be comfortable with the tool you’re using,” says Keasling. “Styling our hair should be an enjoyable experience, and with all of the new technology, tools and great products out there, we shouldn’t be feeling like it’s a struggle.” To help you narrow down your selection and find the best hair straightener for your needs, consider these key factors.
- Hair type: “It’s important to know your hair type so you know how difficult it will be to straighten your hair and if you need to take more precautions to preserve the integrity of your hair,” says Marjan. As an example, a ceramic flatiron that only reaches up to 365 degrees may be more suitable for fine hair, as opposed to a titanium flat iron that heats up to 450.
- Materials: Understanding which materials work best for your haircare regimen can help prevent heat damage. “If you want something powerful that packs a punch for once or twice a week straightening, titanium can really deliver,” says Keasling. But if you’re someone who uses a flat iron daily, she recommends opting for one with tourmaline ceramic plates as a safer, less damaging bet.
- Settings: Flat iron settings have gotten better over the years. Now they can include modes for color-treated hair and even second-day styling. Yet, the heat settings tend to be what make or break the deal.
- Max temperature: “A single heat setting of 365 degrees ensures the iron will not get too hot to cause damage,” says Marjan. But higher temperature may be required for various hair textures and hairstyles.
- Portability: If you want a flat iron that makes it convenient to touch up while on the go, you may want to consider a cordless option or one that’s lightweight or small enough to fit in your bag.
- Safety features: “We’ve all freaked out that we’ve left an iron on,” says Marjan. Hair straighteners with an auto shut-off feature are a godsend on days when you forget to unplug. Not only do they lessen the chances of starting a fire, but they also provide some peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Straighteners
What Is The Least Damaging Way To Straighten Your Hair?
Using a hair straightener of any kind makes hair susceptible to heat damage, especially when using too high of a temperature. Use the lowest setting that still works for your hair. “If your hair is seeing results at 250 degrees, why crank up the temperature to 350? Use the heat setting that does the job, no need for the hottest setting,” says Keasling, who recommends always using a heat protectant.
Is Titanium Or Ceramic Better For Hair?
“The biggest difference between titanium and ceramic plates is the rate and method which it heats the hair. Ceramic flat irons transfer heat through infrared technology," says Keasling. In general, this means that it’s a gentler process, which is a bonus for those who have fine hair or hair that’s prone to breakage. Titanium plates, however, heat up quickly, so she notes they’re great for professional use.
What Is The Difference Between A Hair Straightener And A Flat Iron?
“Hair straighteners are a category of heat styling tools, and the flat iron is just a type of straightener,” says Keasling. Hot combs and heated styling brushes also fall under this category.
