Gone are the days where you have to go to a professional to achieve that classy and perfect-looking hair. Everyone is doing it from their homes these days. You might have seen thousands of YouTube tutorials telling you how to get that perfect beachy wave look or sleek dead-straight hair.
They all make it look super-easy, but when you try it, it goes horribly wrong. That is because you don’t have the right tools. A good hair straightener can solve many of your hair styling problems. It really is an all-in-one product. Whether you want straight hair or curly, whether you have thin hair or thick, the right flat iron will help you achieve all the looks you desire.
But where to start? There is no doubt you can find plenty of information online. But quantity does not always mean quality. It can get confusing to absorb all that information. So we have compiled everything you will ever need to know about buying a flat iron in one place, along with the best ones you can buy.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Flat Irons
Comparison of the Best Flat Irons
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What is a Flat Iron?
If you want to get to the technical side of it, a flat iron is basically a device used for straightening hair by pressing and pulling sections of hair between two heated plates made of either ceramic or metal.
KIPOZI Professional Titanium Flat Iron Hair Straightener
But flat irons aren't just for straightening. How you use it is really up to you. What you should take from that definition is the metallic or ceramic part. The two plates in a flat iron are responsible for heating your hair and giving it a new shape. It is, therefore, important to know what these are made of and how they affect your hair, which we will address in the next section.
Some people are confused about the difference between flat irons and straighteners. The simplest answer is that flat irons always have two rectangular flat heating plates. A straighter, however, encompasses other items as well, like straightening brushes, blow dryers, and other devices used to straighten hair.
Are All Flat Irons the Same?
Every flat iron is not the same. They can differ depending on which hair type they are made for, what size plates they have, the type of material they use for the plates, the heating range they have, and more. Here are the main differences between various flat irons.
Plates
A flat iron can have any of the following plate types:
Ceramic
This is a non-metallic solid that retains its shape when heated. Ceramic plates enable even heat distribution throughout the plates, and to your hair. This will protect your hair from damage, as every section will get equal treatment and you will not have to keep repeating the process to get every strand of hair to look the same. These products can lose their ceramic coating over time, though, and take longer to heat up. However, they are safer. Most people who have curly hair will prefer this type.
Titanium
This type of flat iron is more expensive than others, but that is because it has its perks. It lasts much longer than ceramic types and heats up pretty quickly. Titanium uses ionic charges that make your hair look smooth and shiny. This is because our hair is positively charged, and these flat irons produce negative ions to neutralize them. This gets rid of frizz and makes the hair smooth. Sounds perfect, right? But titanium has its downfalls, as well. Since it heats up fast and it can damage thin hair, so you should only use it if you have thick or coarse hair.
Tourmaline
This is similar to a titanium flat iron. These products use ground up tourmaline dust to coat the plates. This increases the heat conductivity of the plates. This coating can be applied to other types of plates for longer-lasting products and more even, stable heat. But they are usually more expensive.
The other thing is the size of the plates, of course. Some plates are thin and can be used by people who don’t have a lot of hair or want to achieve tighter curls. Thicker plates are used by people with more hair and who don’t want to waste all their morning trying to straighten small stands of hair. They can also be used to get loose curls.
The other thing you might want to consider is the temperature range. Some flat irons have only one or two temperatures, and that is great if you are the only one using it for a single type of styling. But if you want more control over the temperature, then there are flat irons with a range of temperature settings. You can decide whether you want the heavy-duty fast heating or not.
How to Choose a Flat Iron
What makes a flat iron great depends on who uses it. If you have thick, curly hair, your choice will be completely different than those with thin hair. But there are some common things every flat iron should have.
Durability
Some flat irons can be pretty expensive, so if you are investing in one, it should give you good service for many years. There are many coatings that can be applied to the plates to ensure they don’t lose their thermal conductivity over the years. Tourmaline is the one that lasts the longest. Its coating is applied to ceramic sometimes to increase the lifespan of ceramic flat irons.
Hair Type
As mentioned before, the type of flat iron that will suit you depends on your hair. Don’t go for the shiniest and the most expensive one just because. You should consider what you will be using it for. If your hair is damaged, then no matter how many people tell you that titanium or tourmaline is the way to go, don’t listen to them. To protect your hair from further damage, use ceramic. And for those with a frizz problem, they should use titanium. It is also for those with thick, curly hair.
Manufacturer
When you come to things you put on your face or your hair, you should always consider where they come from. Not every company follows the same standards. HSI is probably the most known and trusted one. Other companies might say their products are safe and will not damage your hair, but that is not always true. The advertisements say one thing, and the warning signs on the package say another. Rarely does anyone read those. But you definitely should read them and do your research before buying flat irons. If not used properly, they can leave your hair seriously damaged.
Quick Take - Best Flat Irons
In a hurry? Here are the best flat irons:
Review of the Best Flat Irons
To help you pick only the best of the best, we’ve reviewed some of the top flat irons available in the market that could make a great purchase.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This HSI product is one of their best. It uses new hair protecting technologies and comes at a comparatively low price. It is very easy to use with all the different temperature settings. It heats up quickly and saves a lot of time when you are in a hurry. The customer service is great and they help fix any problems and send replacement models if needed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Tourmaline is a relatively new technology being used in flat irons. It is much safer and better than simple ceramic or even titanium. But this model uses both ceramic and tourmaline. The ceramic ensures even heat distribution, and the tourmaline makes heating up faster and eliminates any chances of frizz. This flat iron has a good range of temperatures of different hair types, and it comes with a heat-protective glove, guide, and argan oil hair treatment. It also uses eight micro-sensors that help with even distribution of heat.
Who Will Use This Most
This flat iron has floating plates that make flipping easier. This is needed for creating curls and waves. So this product can be used for both straightening and curing. The tourmaline and ceramic combination makes it perfect for those with frizzy hair and those with thin hair and want to avoid too much damage. This is a small and light flat iron that you can take with you anywhere. It comes with a silk casing you can use to store and transport it. If your hair is very thick, it might take longer because its plate size is one-inch. But that size lets you use it easily on your bangs if you have any.
Bottom Line
HSI makes the best hair products overall, there is no doubt in that. They make sure to protect your hair and give you the best service. This flat iron includes an oil treatment to keep your hair healthy and shiny and a glove to keep your hands safe from burns. This really is a product for anyone and everyone.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People with thick, curly hair love this straightener. The thick plates let you use it easily on long, thick hair. It is much faster than smaller ones. It heats up quickly and does not produce too much frizz. Its price is also very reasonable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron uses nano-titanium and PTC heating to give you faster results. You will not have to wait too long for the plates to heat up, and the large size means you can straighten more hair in one strand. It has an LCD screen you can use to control the temperature, and for safety and power-saving, it will turn off automatically after not being used for 60 minutes. Its 360° swivel cord has a length of 18 feet, which makes it easy to use. The heat is also distributed pretty evenly. It also has different temperature settings for different hairs. 270°F for fragile hair, 350°F for colored and damaged hair, and 410°F for healthy hair.
Who Will Use This Most?
This flat iron is made for people with thick, curly, and wavy hair. If your hair has a frizz problem, it will solve that too. The 1.75-inch thick titanium plates let you style your hair much quicker than normal 1-inch plates. You can also use it for curling your hair, and for both longer and shorter hair. Like most electric appliances, it has a dual-voltage system so you can use it anywhere in the world. It comes with a velvet storage bag for easy transportation and storage.
Bottom Line
This flat iron is perfect for longer, thicker hair. There are people that need heavy-duty straightening because their hair is too curly and frizzy or just too thick for normal straighteners to handle. That is why this product deserves to be at the top of your list. It gives instant heating and a high temperature while not damaging your hair much. The even heat distribution and temperature settings make sure of that.
Best for the Money:
Remington S5500 1" Anti-Static Flat Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many people seem to have a problem with the burning smell this device produces. It does not go away. But it does heat up quickly and lets you style your hair faster at high temperatures. You don’t have to keep doing a single strand over and over again. It is mainly used for people without wavy or thick hair.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron uses ceramic floating plates coated with titanium. This results in even heat distribution and faster heat up. You can turn the temperature up to 410°F for even faster operation. It claims to have an anti-static technology that will reduce frizz in your hair. The LCD display and temperature control let you choose the type of styling you want. There is also an auto shut-off mode for power saving. It also has a Turbo Boost function that lets you adjust to the highest temperature in one click. It takes only 30 seconds to heat up.
Who Will Use This Most
This flat iron produces amazing loose curls. The one-inch long plates let you create those curls fast and easily. Since it is thin, people with thick hair will not get the desired results. It might take them longer. The high-temperature range lets it be used on curly hair, but it is mostly marketed for people with straight hair who want loose curls or waves.
Bottom Line
This flat iron might not have the flexibility of use of the other two, but it delivers what it promises. And considering the price it comes with, it is acceptable. You will get a fast heat up and six different temperature settings for different styles. Crank up the heat on days where you are running late and turn it down when you have plenty of time.
Best Flat Iron for Thick Hair:
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This flat iron seems not to last too long. But when it does, it can straighten your hair like any salon-quality flat iron. People with extremely curly and frizzy hair report great results. It is a very inexpensive hair straightener, per customer reviews.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron goes higher on the temperature scale and gives you up to a 455°F heating. This might sound like too much for some people, but those with very thick, curly hair will find this a lifesaver. It heats up quickly and gives you straight hair faster than other irons because of its long plates. It also has an auto shut-off mode and temperature control. If you don’t want as high of a temperature, you can turn it down.
Who Will Use This Most
This flat iron is mainly for people with long, thick, and curly hair. For people with thinner or damaged hair, there are other products that might suit them better. This flat iron has long, floating plates, so if you want, you can use it for creating waves, as well.
Bottom Line
This is a very low-priced product. That means it does not have all the features that more expensive ones might have, but it gets the job done. For normal use on difficult hair that will otherwise not straighten, this flat iron gives you great results.
Best Flat Iron for Fine Hair:
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This flat iron gives excellent straightening results, even on the curliest hair. Its high-temperature setting is great, and it gives good control. It heats up quickly and does not waste a lot of time. It takes longer on people with very thick hair.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron uses the nano-titanium coating to heat up fast and reduce any frizz from your hair. It will give you smooth and healthy-looking hair. The coating on the ceramic plates gives an even distribution of heat, which protects your hair from hot spots. The various different heat settings let you choose the right one for your hair.
Who Will Use This Most
It is suggested for use by people with medium-length hair because it has thin plates. If you have curly hair, it can give you the dead-straight look you want when you turn it to the highest temperature. For people with fine hair, it can go down to one of 50 different settings.
Bottom Line
Fine and thin hair can see a lot of damage from styling products. They need more care and less heat. This flat iron uses nano-titanium and ceramic to make sure your hair does not get too much damage. The many temperature settings are something every straightener should have for ease of use and safety.
Best Titanium Flat Iron:
KIPOZI Flat Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The flat iron is very easy to use with its temperature settings and control buttons. It heats up very quickly and saves a lot of time. The ion generator works to make your hair look healthy and smooth. There is no snagging of hair between the plates like other flat irons.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron again uses a nano-titanium coating. It also has a separate ion generator, so you get amazing silky and smooth hair. It uses PTC ceramic heating to heat up quickly in under 30 seconds. The 3D floating plates ensure your hair won’t get stuck and can pass through smoothly. It will tell you the temperature for each hair type on the LCD display. This will keep you from damaging your hair too much. You can also change the temperature unit from Celsius to Fahrenheit, depending on your preference.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is for all kinds of hair. It shows you what type of hair goes with what temperature. It has three preset modes you can get by pressing the “P" key. You can choose which one will suit your hair. It is great for traveling, as well. It’s not too heavy and has a 360° swivel cord for ease of use and storage.
Bottom Line
The nano-titanium coating is a great way of protecting your hair from frizz. There are many flat irons that use this method, but this KIPOZI flat iron is one of the best. It makes styling much easier and faster. The hanging cord and rotatable swivel cord add to the ease of use. There are many different modes to choose from, depending on what you want that day.
Best Mini Flat Iron:
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The dual voltage and small size make it a favorite with travelers. It does not take too long to heat and style. The handles don’t get too hot, so you can use it easily and it also works on thick hair. The titanium ensures fast heating.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Mini straighteners can be great for short and medium hair. This flat iron uses nano-tourmaline coating and ceramic for even and quick heat. There is little frizz as a result of this product. You can take the temperature up to 440°F, which is great for fast use and thick hair. It also has a great heat-retention quality.
Who Will Use This Most
This flat iron is perfect for traveling because of its small size. Anyone can use it by changing the temperature to meet their hair requirements. It is probably not great for those with very long hair, but if you have short or medium-length hair, you will get great results.
Bottom Line
This mini flat iron uses the latest nano coating technology with ceramic plates to keep your hair from damage and give you the smooth, silky look you want. Its high temperature and heat retention ability make it great for when you want fast results. It is very easy to handle and store, as well for traveling and just general use.
Best Flat Iron Curling Iron Combos:
JINRI 2-in-1 Travel Hair Straightener and Curler Flat Iron Curling Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The many different settings of this two-in-one product make it perfect for everyone. The temperature range is good. It heats up quickly and the styling stays in place for the entire day. It is great for traveling, as well. You have to be careful when using it too close to the scalp or on bangs.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product can be enjoyed by everyone. It gives you curls and also straightens your hair. There is just a single button you need to press to achieve the switch. The temperature goes high enough for reasonably thick hair. It has an auto shut-off mode and a safety lock for traveling. The cord is long for ease of use. The tourmaline coating produces ions to keep your hair from frizzing.
Who Will Use This Most
This straightener+curler has different temperature settings for different hair types. Anyone can use it whether they have thin, normal, or thick hair. The safety lock and dual voltages make it usable in different locations around the world.
Bottom Line
Simple straighteners can also be used to get beautiful curls, but if you want those perfect, even curls, a curling iron is a way to go. This product gives you both. What’s not to love about that? You get control over the temperature and it does not take too long to style either.
Best Chi Flat Iron:
CHI Expert Classic Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Straightening Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This flat iron generally gets good reviews. It can straighten curly hair, as well. Heating up does not take too long. The extra-large swivel cord makes it very convenient and easy to use. It also comes at a good price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron is supposed to produce extra ions and far-infrared technology to eliminate any static electricity and frizz. There is a temperature dial to choose the different settings for your hair and style. It also uses floating plates and long cord for ease of use. The one-hour auto shutoff feature saves electricity and makes things safer.
Who Will Use This Most
This flat iron can be used for straightening, curling, waves, and smoothing. The various temperature settings make it suitable for all hair types. You can also use it when traveling because it has a dual-voltage feature.
Bottom Line
CHI makes many different hair care and styling products. This flat iron is one of their best. It will not cause too much damage and gives fast heating technology at a reasonable price.
Best Babyliss Flat Iron:
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Wet-to-Dry Ultra-thin Straightening Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This straightener is durable and people have been using the BabylissPro for several years. It gives straight hair quickly. There is no need to wait for it to dry completely. It also causes minimal frizz. Overall, according to reviews, this product gives good value for money.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Normal flat irons can be dangerous to use with wet hair. This titanium-coated flat iron has vents in the plates and housing that let out the steam produced by the damp hair. It is lightweight and easy to use, and the nano-titanium makes the styles last longer. It uses Ryton housing, which resists high heat and makes holding the handle easier and safer.
Who Will Use This Most
This flat iron has five-inch long plates that result in faster straightening, and since you can use it on damp hair, it will not take too long to style. You can choose from 50 different temperature settings, so all types of hair can be straightened with this product.
Bottom Line
There are many Babyliss flat irons on our list. It goes to show that they produce some of the very best ones and at reasonable prices. This flat iron is one of their best. The wet-to-dry technology makes things faster, as it allows you to style even wet hair. The nano-titanium keeps the frizz out.
Pros and Cons of Flat Irons
If you don't have it all figured out by now, here is a quick overview of everything that is right and wrong with flat irons.
Pros
Let’s first take a look at all the benefits you’ll get:
Versatility
They can be a two-in-one product. They can make your hair straight, neat, and professional when you need and curly and playful at other times. Meanwhile, if you use a curling iron, you really don’t have the option of straightening, and the same goes for the straining brushes everyone has been using these days. Each type only has one purpose. They cannot be used for waves and curls, and sometimes, you need waves for a night out or a casual look.
Convenience and Ease
Using a flat iron instead of going to the salon every time is much easier. Imagine having to wake up early to go to a salon and get your hair done before work. Even thinking about it is tiring. But this is almost unthinkable these days. Every person can have a flat iron in their homes for daily use.
Quick and Doesn’t Need Help
Some people use permanent straightening on their hair, which is the last thing you should do. It involves putting a lot of chemicals on your head and doesn’t work with dyed hair. Flat irons are much faster and easier to use. You don’t need any assistance, and you don’t have to sit for hours to do it. This also gives you more freedom to try different styles each day.
Cons
There’s another side to the story, as well. A flat iron presents the following issue:
Preventing Damage is a Task
Flat irons use many techniques to ensure your hair does not get damaged, and there are things you can do, as well. You can use oil and other hair treatments. But that means more work and more effort. No matter how careful you are, if you use the flat iron daily, you will see some effects over the years, if not immediately. But it’s not always a problem because companies have become much more careful and provide preventative measures.
How to Use Flat Irons
If you want to know how to use a flat iron, you can follow these steps.
- Choose the temperature you want.
- Before using a flat iron, apply thermal protectant/heat protectant to your hair.
- You can apply a small amount of oil on the ends for a shiny look.
- When the thermal spray is dry, start dividing your hair into sections.
- Tie the rest of the hair up to keep it out of the way.
- Hold the flat iron by the base.
- Put the hair section in between the two plates and slowly slide the iron down the length of your hair.
- You can use a brush or comb to keep the hair tangle-free.
- Repeat the process on the strand if needed and then on other strands.
- Don’t keep the iron in one place for too long.
For more details and tips, you can refer to the video below.
How to Clean a Flat Iron
You might not have thought about this before, but cleaning is an important factor that can change the performance of your flat iron. When you use a flat iron, it can become covered with all the styling products and heat protectant from your hair. The more buildup of those things there is on the plates, the more uneven the heat. Over time, you will notice it takes longer to do your entire hair. So, always clean the flat iron after use. You can follow these simple steps to do that.
- Turn the flat iron off and let it cool down.
- When cool, spray some warm water on the plates.
- Take a smooth cleaning cloth and rub the plates.
- You can also use rubbing alcohol if warm water does not get the desired result.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has answered all your questions about flat irons and how to use them. Our top picks are based on manufacturing quality and the level of protection they provide to your hair. If you have found a flat iron for your hair type, no matter what it is, then we have done our job. Make sure to read the instructions and make using a heat protectant a rule, just like using sunblock.
People Also Ask
If you have some unanswered questions about flat irons, you can read these frequently asked questions for guidance.
How Often Can You Straighten Your Hair Without Damaging it?
The less artificial heat you use on your hair, the better. People who use straighteners every day can really damage their hair quickly. The number of times you use it depends on your hair condition. If it’s too damaged, then perhaps only do it on special occasions. Other people recommend using it once a week for healthy hair, and only if you properly clean your hair and use a heat protectant first.
How Often Should You Replace Flat Iron?
Two to four years seems to be the common answer for when to change your flat iron. It can change depending on how often you use it and at what temperature. There are signs that will tell you that it’s time to buy a new straightener. If your hair takes longer to straighten, if the heat is not even or if the plates are damaged, then it means it’s time for a change. Any decrease in quality will tell you that you need to change your product.
Is Tourmaline Better Than Ceramic?
Depending on your hair type, either of them could be good. For thinner or damaged hair, ceramic is better. It produces a more evenly distributed heat. But if you use cheap ceramic irons, the coating might peel off after some use. Tourmaline, on the other hand, lasts longer and produces more negative ions that make your hair shiny and smooth. If you want the best of both worlds, there are irons that have ceramic plates with a tourmaline coating. They are much better at protecting your hair and reducing frizz.
How Many Years Do Flat Irons Last?
This will be the same as the number of years after which you should replace your flat iron. Generally, these things last for about four years.
Does Flat Ironing Your Hair Make it Thinner?
Flat irons use high heat to change the structure of your hair to make it either straight or wavy. This can cause heat damage to the hair, which may lead to hair loss. Any type of styling product that uses heat will cause damage to your hair. You can avoid it by keeping the heat low or using hair oil.
Flat Iron Guides
Below is all the content we have that relates to flat irons. To make things a bit easier, we've compiled all the buyer guides in one place. Feel free to search through a few and find just what you need.
Types of Flat Irons
Brand Reviews
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