The Best Flat Irons
Even though textured, fresh-out-of-the-shower hair has been making waves the past few years as beauty magazines embrace the natural beauty look, flat irons are still vastly popular. And it's not hard to see why. When you flip through fashion magazines from the 50s onwards, it becomes clear that the straight and glossy style will always be in, no matter the era or age. But while the popularity of straight hair isn't going anywhere, flat irons themselves have undergone many changes and improvements over the years. Here we've done the research, smoothed out the kinks, and compiled a list of our fav straighteners to give you a bit of that timeless sleekness in your locks.
What to Look For
Choosing the right flat iron isn’t easy, but a few qualities can separate a good flat iron from a great one. First off: is it easy to hold? If the iron doesn’t feel right in your hand, it’s going to be a nuisance to use it on a regular basis. Another factor to consider is whether the heating plates are made of ceramic or titanium. Ceramic plates are generally gentler on the hair shaft, so this might be a good option if your tresses are prone to frizz or damage. Finally, consider the maximum temperature and the precision heat settings offered by the iron. Some of us need high heat, while others are more focused on being able to dial in the settings so that they’re just right. With all that in mind, we landed on a few favorites, like HSI’s Professional Glider. We love how versatile this premium flat iron is, and we also appreciate how gentle it is. But if you’re looking to splurge to get the best of the best, BaBylissPRO’s titanium straightener is probably your pick. Read on to learn more about these and the rest of our favorite flat irons.
HSI Professional Glider Flat Iron
A safer, smoother shine
It’s not every day you stumble upon a product that has so many great features while still doing its main job extraordinarily well, but the HSI Professional Glider is not your run-of-the-beauty-store flat iron. This option is fast and efficient and works with any hair type or texture. The tourmaline-infused ceramic plates heat up in mere seconds at a wide temperature range of 140 to 450 degrees and work to evenly distribute the heat on your strands. With such even heating, you’ll experience less frizz and damage. You’ll also get to style your hair how you want it. And with this much flexibility, why not do more with the same tool? This flat iron’s floating plates also make it possible to curl and flip your hair when you want to shake things up a bit.
Pros:
- Dual voltage for international travel
- Long-length, 360-degree-swivel cord
- Comes with a heat-resistant glove, style guide, travel-size argan oil hair treatment, and carrying case
Cons:
- The temperature dial is kind of hard to read
- No auto shut-off
Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron
Classic and convenient
When we think of hair straighteners, the word “ceramic” comes naturally to mind, but what do ceramic flat irons actually do? Ceramic is commonly used in straighteners because it distributes heat evenly, enabling straighter hair at lower temperatures, which subsequently cuts down the time necessary for the plates to heat up and also reduces long-term damage. Additionally, ceramic plates tend to be smoother, providing a snag-free glide. This iron from Conair is a classic example of ceramic at its finest. With extra-long floating plates that help straighten your locks faster, this double ceramic flat iron will give you flawless softness and gloss every time. Just keep in mind that these specific straighteners tend to work better for finer hair.
Pros:
- Five easy-to-read heat settings up to 410 degrees
- Impressive 30-second heat-up time
- Has an auto-off feature
- Great cost value
Cons:
- Single voltage
- Works best on finer hair
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightener
Professional performance
Used and recommended by hair stylists and clients everywhere, BaByLissPRO’s products are known for their premium quality, and this titanium straightener is no exception. While this flat iron is a bit pricy, we think that spending a bit more for better results makes total sense — especially if you straighten your hair often. With nano-titanium materials that resist corrosion and chipping and five-inch-long plates that straighten wide sections at a time, the BaByLissPro iron will smooth your tresses quickly and efficiently. But this straightener’s most beloved feature comes with a learning curve. The iron gets hot quickly and stays that way, so be careful when handling it or placing it down next to other items.
Pros:
- 50 different heat settings
- Nano-titanium plates
- Slim design for a lightweight handling
Cons:
- Higher price point
- In our opinion, the on/off switch is located too close to the handling point
Nition Professional Salon Hair Straightener
Coated in luxury
Wouldn’t it be convenient to have a straightener that does it all, for all types of hair? Meet Nition’s flat iron hair straightener, which features a ceramic-coated heating plate infused with nano silver, argan oil, tourmaline, and titanium. The combination of these elements in the heating plate locks in natural moisture and allows the plate to glide through any type of hair to leave it shiny, sleek, and without static. Argan oil, for example, delivers a rich mix of nutrients, such as Vitamin E and antioxidants, while also functioning as a heat protectant due to its high smoke point. Normally you would add some oil to your hair before or after the flattening process, but since it’s integrated into the Nition plate, you don’t need to worry about purchasing any other products. Talk about all-in-one.
Pros:
- Six precise temperature options
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Includes a nine-foot cord with hanging hook
- Comes with heat-resistant glove and accessories
Cons:
- The iron gets very hot, so the glove is recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a flat iron every day?
In general, try to only use a straightener once or twice a week. If you’re straightening your hair every day, this will likely damage it over time, especially if you have coarse, dry hair already. Of course, there are some straighteners and heat protectants designed for assisting specifically those customers that are gentler.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up on your glossy locks the rest of the days. Instead, you can use a straightening product to make the hairstyle last longer for those days when you give your hair a break and also try colder showers to minimize the heat exposure your tresses normally get in addition to the hot plates.
How often should I replace my straightener, and how can I tell when it’s time?
This depends on the durability and quality of the hair straightener. In general, we recommend switching up your iron every 2-3 years in order to avoid damage to your hair. Keep your eye out for signs of damage on the plates – the plate may be lifting off the plastic frame or there may be scratches and chips on the plate itself. Sometimes, the heat light can also be an indicator – if it keeps blinking even after the temperature is right, then your straightener may be on its way out.
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