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The 10 Best Flat Irons for Sleek Hair, According to Experts
We tested all of these straighteners, from Dyson to ghd, to find the ones worth shopping
A blow dryer—or a handy blow-dry brush—is a great tool for getting a bouncy style, but for those who prefer a sleeker look, then flat irons are an easy option for smooth hair in a flash. But since straighteners apply more heat and pressure to strands, it's important to use a high-quality tool that will help you achieve your desired style without searing or even snagging hair.
"I have seen so much breakage and heat damage on clients from poor tools that overheated and snapped their hair off," says hairstylist Jackie Seabrooke. "We spend so much money to color and cut our hair a certain way that we owe it to ourselves to buy tools that will protect the quality and integrity of our hair."
The Best Flat Irons
Investing in a good flat iron will save you in the long run. Flat iron tech innovation has come a long way in recent years, from options with heat control to moisture-boosting technology. We tested every straightener recommended here to find the 10 best from editor-approved brands like Dyson, T3, and ghd.
Pros
- Motion-responsive styler
- Universal voltage
- Sleep mode: switches off if not used for 10 minutes
Cons
- No external temperature adjustment
The ghd Chronos has a ton of amazing features, but, most importantly, it boasts motion-detection technology. "This means the iron continuously adapts to your movement while styling your hair, providing even heat across the entire plate with one-stroke results," Seabrooke explains. "I get the best results in the least amount of time."
Temperature Settings: 365ºF
Customer Review: "It's way better than all the older generations of Ghd flat irons. I didn't think it would be that much better because Ghd is already as good as it gets. This goes through hair a lot easier and smoother without snagging. It makes my hair perfectly straight and looks amazing throughout the day and the next few days." -Cristina
Dyson Special Edition Corrale Styler Straightener in Strawberry Bronze
Pros
- Cord-free up to 30 minutes
- Regulates temperature 100 times a second
Cons
- Over $400
While other cordless flat irons are tiny and can only straighten small sections of hair at once, the Dyson Corrale is full-sized, which puts it in a league of its own and means more hair can be covered in less time. Plus, it was designed under Dyson's core tenant: better styling with less heat.
Temperature Settings: 330°F, 365°F, 410°F
Customer Review: "Love the stand and that it’s cordless. I don’t really want to straighten my thin, curly hair because I don’t want to damage it. But it gets curly in the humidity and this helps keep it straighter. I feel better knowing I’m using Dyson and will have the least damage of all flat irons. I only use the 330-degree setting, and would use a lower setting if it were an option." -Parker
Kristin Ess 3-in-One Professional Titanium Hair Straightener
Pros
- Under $100
- Round body can be used to straighten, curl, or add a soft bend to the hair
- 30 minute automatic shut-off
- Dual voltage
Cons
- The lowest setting is 365°, which may be high for some hair types
This affordable, versatile option has gold titanium plates that reduce frizz–especially on wavy or curly hair. "I love that this iron has a round body," says Seabrooke, "perfect for creating soft bends, waves, and curls."
Temperature Settings: 4 settings, from 365°F to 440°F
Customer Review: "This tool has transformed my hairstyling routine. The versatility — being able to straighten, curl, and create waves with just one device — is fantastic. It heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, which leaves my hair looking smooth and shiny every time." -Courtney
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Prima 3000 Flat Iron
Pros
- Heats up instantly & holds a consistent temperature
- Lightweight stainless steel housing
Cons
- Outer plates heat up for easy curling, but you have to be careful not to burn yourself
BaBylissPRO's Titanium flat iron is the best option for achieving a silk press. "I love using this iron when working with very coarse and natural hair," says Seabrooke. "The five heat settings allow me to choose the proper setting based on the individual hair type, texture, and damage." Plus, the iron comes in three size options, ranging from 1 inch to 1.5 inches, depending on your hair thickness and length.
Temperature Settings: 5 LED heat settings, up to 465°F
Customer Review: "I decided to purchase [this] because I don’t always have time to sit in the hair salon for hours but want hair salon quality and this iron was the answer. I was able to get close to my roots and do a phenomenal silk press. And yes my silk press lasted two weeks….I am very conscious of heat damage." -KJ
Pros
- Equipped with advanced ionic technology, it emits negative ions to reduce frizz and static
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- Over $250
Many salon stylists use the Izutech Titanium Flat Iron, and for good reason. "The titanium plates heat up quickly and stay evenly hot, which means you can get that smooth, straight look in just a few passes," says salon stylist Miguel Luis Rios. "[It's] perfect for anyone with thick or unruly hair."
Temperature Settings: Adjustable settings, ranging from 265°F to 450°F
Customer Review: "One pass and hair is smooth, shiny, and silky. Curling the hair with this Izutech is beyond expectations. It’s a beautiful iron." -Paisley
Pros
- Moisturizing Heat™ technology ensures strands stay smooth, hydrated, and frizz-free
- Silicone speed strips provide faster straightening & increased shine
- Universal Voltage
- Auto shut-off
Cons
Think of this BioIonic styler as a glass of water for your hair. The device has a technology that micronizes water molecules to penetrate the hair and leave it feeling softer and straighter. "For anyone with dry or frizzy hair, the BioIonic OnePass Styling Iron is a game-changer," says Rios. "It uses this cool moisture-lock technology to help hydrate and lock in shine as you style. You get that smooth, glossy finish without all the damage that typically comes with heat styling."
Temperature Settings: 450°F
Customer Review: "It truly does the job with one pass and I was amazed that my hair looked like I had it done professionally. When you have the right tools, you'll love your hair even more. It only took about 15 minutes and I was done!" -Nina
FHI Heat Platform Tourmaline Ceramic Professional Styling Flat Iron
Pros
- Professional 12-foot swivel cord
- Works in dual voltage
Cons
- Most effective on short hair
The FHI Heat Signatura Pro Styler is all about lightweight performance. "The ceramic plates smooth the hair without adding any extra frizz, " says Rios. "And, it’s so easy to control. Whether you’re going for a straight look or soft waves, this tool does it all."
Temperature Settings: Adjustable settings, ranging from 140°F to 450°F
Customer Review: "This is my second flat iron. The first one lasted 8 years. Worth every penny." -Elizabeth
Dyson Airstrait™ Straightener
Pros
- Dries & straightens hair
- Intelligent heat control
Cons
- May not get the hair as straight as a titanium iron in a single pass
- Not great for curly roots
- Cannot be used overseas with a travel converter
Getting a salon-worthy blowout sans blow dryer has never been easier, thanks to the Dyson Airstrait. Using hot air in a flat iron model, this tool dries the hair while smoothing it flat to cut down damage and styling time.
Temperature Settings: 175°F, 230°F, and 285°F
Customer Review: "If you typically straighten your hair, this tool is a game changer. For reference, I have long, curly hair that is thick and fine. I normally let my hair air dry overnight and use a flat iron in the morning to straighten it. It takes so much time, I usually hate hair day. With this tool, I was able to go from wet hair to completely dry and straight in 30 minutes." -Kristin
Pros
- Extra-long ceramic plates
Cons
This iron's extra-long ceramic plates, which are 20 percent longer than typical styles, means you can straighten more hair in less time, leaving behind a glossy finish.
Temperature Settings: 9 settings
Customer Review: "This flat iron is a dream! I love the blush color that it comes in, and it’s very easy to use and adjust the settings. I also love that I never get any heat damage with this tool, my curls always revert really well after a wash. This is the best straightener I’ve used." -J
Pros
- Aloe infusaed plates
Cons
- Cannot be used overseas with a travel converter
This aloe-infused iron offers frizz and flyaway reduction at a sub $100 price point.
Temperature Settings: Various settings, ranging between 210°F and 480°F
Customer Review: "I have been flat ironing my hair for almost 15 years, no lie- every straightener I have owned had a flaw. I am in LOVE with this one! I can not find a design flaw. The buttons are in a good place, so you won't accidentally turn it off while using it. It warms up fast. It does not pull your hair. I have already purchased another one for my mom's Christmas gift." -Alayna
Meet the experts
• Jackie Seabrooke is a hairstylist specializing in bridal styling.
• Miguel Luis Rios is a hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon.
Are ceramic or titanium plates gentler on the hair?
The type of plate you use is more a matter of preference and experience. "Titanium flat irons are the best," Rios notes. "They omit fast, even heat which is best for styling purposes."
However, Seabrooke peitions for ceramic plates, as they can be gentler. "Ceramic irons are more gentle and less damaging on the hair as the plates require more time to heat up, which preserves the moisture in your hair and shields against frizz," she explains. "They also reduce breakage as they glide more smoothly and do not snag on the hair."
You can't go wrong either way if the iron fits your needs.
What is the best way to use a flat iron without damaging your hair?
First things first: Make sure your hair is completely dry (unless you're using the Dyson Airstrait, in which case hair can be towel-dried) before using your flat iron and ensure you apply a heat protectant.
"I love the Rahua Heat Protectant Shield because it can be used on both wet and dry hair," says Seabrooke. "Then, I like to use a fine toothcomb and work in small sections. This means more precision, less passes of heat, and of course, more smooth and shiny hair. When sections are too big, you end up going over the same section multiple times using more heat than is needed and it never looks as seamless."
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