Glamour

Hair

The Best Hair Straighteners for Every Hair Type 

 

No fried ends here. 

The best hair straighteners have come a long way in the past decade. The words hair straightener alone are 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 the best hair straighteners get the job done without the damage or the drama. In fact, they often go above and beyond, and can curl, smooth frizz, and even condition your hair. There’s an option for everyone, from the tightest of curls to fine, straight hair.

What are the types of hair straighteners out there?

The three main types are ceramic, tourmaline, and 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 and fewer flyaways.

Tourmaline plates on the hand produce negative ions that fight against frizz. “This not only straightens but also smooths the hair while locking in moisture to keep hair shiny,” says Azadganian. Lastly, titanium plates can handle high heat and reach their full temperature quickly, 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,” said Azadganian.

What should you look out for when shopping for a hair straightener?

A few things to consider before you shop: If your hair is relatively easy to straighten or fine, says Lacy Redway, Unilever stylist and celebrity hair artist, you'll want to set your sights on a hair straightener with ceramic plates. “Ceramic takes longer to heat up and is lighter with passes, which makes it okay to use daily on normal-to-colored or fine hair,” adds Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. What's more, ceramic plates are often combined with tourmaline, “a crystal boron silicate mineral that helps smooth and adds shine while locking in moisture.” Think less static and frizz.

If you have curly or coarse hair, though, you'll likely want to 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 heat setting, the more likely it will damage your hair, so always start with a heat protectant spray before you start straightening. Redway likes the Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant, which she recommends applying to damp hair, and then only once the hair is completely dry, “proceeding with the flat iron at a safe temperature for your hair type.”

What is she ideal heat 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.
Colored hair: Experts recommend limiting heat styling to two or three times a week.

Other helpful tips? Experts say that if your hair requires more heat to straighten, you'll want to make sure to use a protective spray or serum beforehand, and any smoothing oils afterward. As for color-treated hair, Hurtado explains that bleaching and highlighting can dry out hair even more, so it's best to use a straightener sparingly to minimize damage and dryness.

Ready to find your new straightener? We asked Glamour editors with all different hair types and concerns on the best hair straighteners they've ever used. Here are the flat irons that came back with glowing reviews.

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: Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener

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 new 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, contributor

Best for Professional Styler: GHD Platinum+ Styler

Flatirons have come a long way since they first thrilled me as a college student in the early 2000s, but even with the multitude of advancements—tourmaline, ceramic, ionic, titanium—I still haven't found any that smooth my thick, frizzy hair without snagging. The GHD Platinum+ is the first and only I’ve tried that has “loose joints”—my phrase for whatever mechanism it is that allows me to clamp each section easily without any hair getting caught. Plus, there’s no temperature to choose from; 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 the heat accordingly, with an optimum temperature of 365°F. 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. —Perrie Samotin, digital director

Best for Wavy Hair: Chi Lava Ceramic Hairstyling Iron

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, contributor

Best for Curly Hair: Paul Mitchell 1" Neuro Halo Styling Iron

Flatirons are the necessary evil in my beauty regimen, and after years of straightening my curls, I’ve finally found the best one yet. I used to use ceramic ones, but ever since I switched over to titanium plates, my hair is smoother and softer, and has way less breakage. I love the touch screen feature and how I’m able to control the heat. The Neuro Halo has cut my straightening time in half—it takes only one run to completely straighten hair, whereas, before, I would have to run straighteners multiple times over one spot to get the kinks out. It’s also fantastic for curling and flipping—better than a curling wand! If you have wild, thicker hair, this is the best straightener on the market. —Azadeh Valanejad, contributor

Best for Damaged Hair: One 'n Only Argan Heat Ceramic Straightening Iron

I’ve been using this flatiron for no less than a decade. I have long(ish) curly hair and wear it wavy with bangs, so I basically use it every morning. Even with that kind of use, my hair is (drumroll) healthy—my very concerned hairdresser says I must have miracle hair because no one should be able to get away with that without split ends galore. I’m convinced it has something to do with the ceramic plates that are “infused” with argan oil. I have no idea how that works out scientifically, but I believe it. —Shanna Shipin, contributor

Best for Coarse Hair: Hot Tools NanoCeramic Flatiron

The Hot Tools Ceramic Flatiron 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 with no frizz whatsoever. —Tara Gonzalez, contributor

Best for Customizable Heat Settings: T3 Lucea Straightening & Styling Iron

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, contributor

Best for Bangs: Bio Iconic GrapheneMX Styling Iron 1"

My skill at doing my hair is what I’d call beginner level, but even I enjoyed using this flatiron. I have straight hair, but this was perfect for smoothing frizz and taming my bangs into place. My flyaways were shaking. —Anna Moeslein, deputy digital editor

Best for Flatiron Waves: Drybar the Tress Press Digital Styling Iron

I’m mostly inept at using a curling iron, let alone at using a flatiron to do anything other than run it over my already flat-as-a-board hair. 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. —L.S.

Best Straightening Brush: Amika Polished Perfection 2.0

Once again Amika comes through with an insanely easy-to-use hot tool. I’ve always loved the look of super-sleek hair but never put in the effort to use a straightener. Luckily, this one is literally as easy as brushing my hair. If you section out your hair, this will get you a stick-straight look, but where it really excels is gently smoothing frizz and kinks. My hair is somewhere between wavy and straight when left alone, but a quick once-over with this brush gives me perfect, slightly textured hair that looks polished but not lifeless. I also like how light it is and that I can use it with one hand. —Bella Cacciatore, contributor

Best Travel Iron: T3 SinglePass Compact

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.

Best for On-the-Go: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron

If you primarily use a straightener to style your bangs, face-framing hair 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 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, associate beauty editor

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

It's finally happened—I found the holy grail of cordless styling tools. 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 60 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. —Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor

Best for Quickest Heat-Up Time: Chi G2 Ceramic & Titanium 1" Hairstyling Iron

My roots get pretty curly around day three of having a blowout. This flatiron allows me to grip them seamlessly and flatten out every kink and crease along the way. It leaves me looking like I have a fresh silk press every time. —Andrea Navarro, commerce writer