Owning a good hair straightener can solve a lot of problems. They don’t only straighten hair but also give those beautiful loose curls. But there are a lot of options to choose from.
If you go for the cheap one to save some money, you can end up damaging your hair permanently.
Thus, to help you out, we will discuss the best hair straighteners that ensure hair safety as well as style.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Hair Straightener
Comparison of the Best Hair Straighteners
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Are All Hair Straighteners The Same?
All hair straighteners serve the same purpose, but they are designed differently. Some of the aspects that differ in each straightener are.
Heating Material
The heating element of the straightener is the most important part, as it is the one that makes contact with your hair. If you use it regularly, there is a good chance of damage. You should look for the type of plates used in it to determine if they will suit your hair type. The three main types of materials used are:
Ceramic
It is a non-metallic solid that retains its shape when heated. Ceramic plates enable even heat distribution throughout the plates and hence your hair. This will protect your hair from damage as every part will get equal treatment, and you will not have to keep repeating the process to get every strand of hair to look the same. They can lose their ceramic coating over time, though, and take longer to heat up. But they are safer. Most people who have curly hair will prefer this.
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 negative ions from the flat iron will neutralize them. This ends up getting rid of the frizz and makes the hair smooth. Sounds perfect, right? But titanium has its downfalls as well. Since it heats up fast, 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 as a coating on 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 and stable heat. But they are usually more expensive.
Width
The width of the straightener effects how long it takes to straighten all your hair. If you have long and thick hair, you need a wide straightener. The width also determines the type of curls you will get, i.e., loose or tight. The typical size is 1.5 to 2 inches.
Temperature
The maximum temperature limit and the number of temperature options is another way in which hair straighteners differ from one another. Some straighteners don’t have a lot of options, while others give more control over the heat settings. Usually, professional straighteners have higher limits, and people with thin hair prefer lower settings.
Another thing that may differ is the heating element. Straighteners are not just flat irons, but now you also get brushes with heating elements.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Hair Straighteners
Depending on your hair type, your favorite will have different qualities. If you have thick or curly hair, your choice will be completely different than those that have thin or damaged hair. But there are some common things that every flat iron should have.
Durability
Some flat irons can be pretty expensive, but they have hair-protecting characteristics that the cheaper ones don’t generally have. If you are going to be spending money on anything, it should give you years of good service. There are many coatings that can be applied to the plates to ensure that they don’t lose their thermal conductivity over the years. Tourmaline is mainly the one that lasts the longest. Its coating is applied to ceramic sometimes to increase the lifespan of ceramic flat irons.
Safety
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 that have frizz problems, they should use titanium. It is also for those with thick and curly hair.
Manufacturer
When it comes 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 that 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 because nobody reads 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.
Review of the Best Hair Straighteners
Now that we’ve talked about how to pick a good straightener, let’s review some of the best models that you can get your hands on.
Best Overall:
KIPOZI Hair Straightener
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This straightener has a great price for its quality and durability. It is very easy to use and fast. The color and style are very chic, as per customer reports. It can be used anywhere and gives beautiful curls as well. The styling products it comes with are also very convenient.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This straightener has a twist and lock design for setting the temperature. This means you no longer have to worry about accidentally pressing the button and changing the temperature while using it. The 3D plates ensure that your hair won’t tangle, and you will get smooth ends. The temperature range starts at 250 and goes to 450F for all kinds of hair. The Nano-titanium plates give constant and fast heating.
Who Will Use This Most
This hair straightener has settings for all kinds of hair, whether it’s thick or fine. It also heats up quickly within 30 seconds for anyone who straightens their hair in a hurry. The dual voltage means it can be used while traveling. It also comes with a velvet travel pouch, heat resistant gloves, salon comb, and hair clips.
Bottom Line
This is our top pick because it suits every hair type. It is also a great size for traveling. The high-quality heating plates ensure that your hair remains smooth and does not get damaged as much. This is an all-in-one product that gives you great curls, as well as, smooth and sleek straightening.
Runner-up:
NITION Professional Salon
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a salon-quality straightener and comes with all the styling products you will need like hair clips, comb, manual, and heat-resistant gloves. It gets rid of frizz completely and gives very smooth results. It works pretty well on thick hair also.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most attractive quality of this straightener is its 5-in-1 heating plate. It has Nanosilver, argon oil, ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium. It is a mixture of things that not only heat up fast and constantly but also protect your hair from damage. It also has a twist-and-lock temperature setting design and LCD display. The 3D plates mean your hair doesn’t pull. It has a C-sensor that checks temperature 30 times in a minute to maintain a constant temperature throughout the plate. This protects your hair from overheating.
Who Will Use This Most
This straightener has a range of 265 to 450F for fine, medium, and thick hair. It is also for those people that get frizz in their hair as it prevents that and gives a shiny look. It can also be used for curling. The dual voltage means you can use it while traveling as well.
Bottom Line
This straightener is very easy to use. It also has a 360-degree swivel cord that does not get in the way while straightening. It has a very sleek design with a long LCD display. The heating element is one of the best you will get anywhere and is definitely worth the money.
Best for the Money:
Remington Wet2Straight S7330A
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a very durable product and styles the hair pretty fast. The quality is very good for its price. It also keeps away frizz and gives smooth hair. The temperature control is good for different styling options. It doesn’t damage the hair as much either.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a wet-to-dry straightener, which means you don’t have to waste time blow-drying your hair. It has vents that remove water and style your hair three times faster. The heat indicator shows when it is safe to use on wet hair and when on dry. The ceramic-coated titanium plates mean fast heating and no frizz.
Who Will Use This Most
This straightener is for those that want quick styling as it removes the need of waiting to dry your hair. The plates are also wide (1¾ inch), so people with long and thick hair can use it too. The highest temperature is 420F, and it has 30 different heat settings, so different kinds of hair are compatible with it. It does not have dual voltage, so it is not great for traveling.
Bottom Line
This is a great straightener for the price. A ceramic and titanium heating element is what you want in your hair straightener to avoid too much damage and give the product a longer lifespan. This is a very convenient straightener for people that don’t have much time for styling their hair.
Best Steam Hair Straightener:
FURIDEN Steam Hair Straightener
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this straightener heats up pretty quickly and gives very shiny hair. It also has great value for money. The water heating element does not get in the way and is easy to use with a simple button. It works for curling as well and can give a good wavy look.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this steam hair straightener to stand out because it has a different design. It has a water tank that gives your hair steam and hydration while styling to keep them healthy and soft. This keeps your hair from breaking and damaging. It gives much longer-lasting results as compared to conventional straighteners and also adds more shine. Adding water is also very easy. You just have to push a button, and the tank comes out. Then you can add the water.
Who Will Use This Most
This straightener has a dual voltage, which makes it good for traveling. It heats up pretty fast and has 38 different temperature settings for all kinds of hair. This is a perfect straightener for damaged hair as it keeps them hydrated and healthy. Its damage is much less than that done by other straighteners.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is not the most conventional straightener, but it works and looks pretty much the same as any other. It just gives your hair some protection by hydration and tries to prevent breakage. The price is very reasonable, as well. It is very easy to use and has an adjustable temperature for different styling and hair options.
Best Straightening Brush:
MiroPure Enhanced Hair Straightener Brush
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product styles thick and curly hair very quickly as compared to normal straighteners. You can get close to the scalp without fear of burning it as well. You don’t need to keep sectioning your hair; you can use it like any other brush, as per user reports. It reduces the styling time from hours to minutes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This straightener is not a flat iron; it’s a brush. It is becoming more and more popular these days as it is much simpler to use. You just have to run it through your hair like any other brush. It has a double ionic generator that keeps your hair shiny and hydrated. The Nanometer comb straightens fast and has anti-static features. It has adjustable temperature and a 360-degree swivel cord for easy use as well.
Who Will Use This Most
This straightener is more for those that have thick hair and don’t curl their hair. The MCH heating element heats up fast, and the high-density teeth design means thick and long hair can be styled easily and quickly. The voltage is only 120V, so it cannot be used while traveling.
Bottom Line
This is a great straightener for people with thick and curly hair. It is very convenient, easy to use, which is one of its selling points. You don’t have to worry about the space between the plates and whether your hair will get heating on both sides.
Best Travel Hair Straightener:
Rosily Flat Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This straightener is very fast and can straighten curly hair as well. There is no frizz at all, and the results are smooth and shiny. The styling stays for long periods of time. The different temperature settings are good for different styling options. The lowest temperature is great for thin hair.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This straightener heats up within 30 seconds with MHC heaters and titanium plates. It maintains its temperature and gives constant heating throughout the plate. The plates are very smooth, and you don’t have to pull on your hair a lot. The 360-degree swivel cord keeps out of your way. It also works on damp hair, so it reduces styling time as well. It also has a 60 minute automatic shut-off for safety.
Who Will Use This Most
This straightener is good for long and thick hair. Its size is 4.75 inches, which makes styling longer hair easier. The temperature goes as high as 450F, which is good for thick hair. You can also use it while traveling because of the dual voltage.
Bottom Line
This is a good all-purpose hair straightener. It gives shiny hair and is very smooth. The long swivel cord makes it easy to use. It is great to take with you when traveling, and its price is also very reasonable. The temperature starts at 290F and ends at 450F, which means people of any hair type can use it.
Best Mini Straightener:
KIPOZI Mini Straightener
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent reviews, this is a perfect little straightener that is very easy to use. It is very nice and compact and doesn’t leave a lot of frizz. Users also state that the price is a great plus for anyone, and it is also very durable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a perfect small-sized straightener for traveling and bangs. It maintains a constant temperature throughout the plates. The plates are iron with ceramic coating, which heats up fast. They are also floating plates, so they are smoother, and you get straight ends. It also has dual voltage. The PTC heating element means you won’t get frizz.
Who Will Use This Most
Having a big and thick heating element is not always preferred. Many people like smaller ones for their short and thin hair. This hair straightener is perfect for that. It can be used on bangs, because it has a constant temperature of 390F, you might not be able to use it on very thick hair. It is a very budget-friendly straightener as well.
Bottom Line
This is a straightener that gives great value for money. This is a perfect on-the-go straightener that you can take anywhere without having to worry about space. Many people with sort hair find it difficult to style their hair with normal straighteners as you can’t get too close to the ends. This is a perfect solution for them.
Best Hair Straightener for Thick Hair:
CHI G2 1 1/4" Straightening Hairstyling Iron
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This straightener gets generally good reviews. Users state that it heats up quickly and gives shiny looking hair. In addition to that, they state that it is definitely worth the money and easy to use. Thus, nearly all of them find this to be a great pick.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This straightener has titanium-infused ceramic plates, which means fast heating and no frizz. It has an LCD display for temperature that has color coding for different hair types. Blue is for fragile hair, green for medium and wavy, and red for coarse and thick. It also has a 60 minute automatic shutoff and a 2-year warranty.
Who Will Use This Most
This straightener is for all kinds of hair with its different temperature settings that go as high as 425F. Its length and thickness are good for long hair as well. It works for those that have frizz problems as well, adding to its versatility.
Bottom Line
The good temperature range and fast heating make it suitable for thick hair. The warranty and price are reasonable for a straightener. CHI is one of the more known straightener brands. It is a name that people trust and prefer to buy over others.
Best Hair Straightener for Curly Hair:
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated
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 over it. It heats up quickly and does not waste a lot of time. It takes longer on people with very thick hair; however, users don’t seem to have a problem with that.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron uses Nano-titanium coating to heat up quickly and reduce any frizz from your hair. It will give you smooth and healthy-looking hair. The coating is done on ceramic plates, so you get an even distribution of heat, which protects your hair from heat spots. The various different heat settings let you choose the right one for your hair.
Who Will Use This Most
It is suggested to be used 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 to the highest temperature. For people with thin hair, it can go down to one of the 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 Hair Straightener for Fine Hair:
KIPOZI Professional
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People with thick and curly hair love this straightener. The thick plates let you use it easily on long and thick hair. It is much faster than smaller ones. It heats up quickly and does not produce too much frizziness. Its price is also very reasonable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flat iron uses Nano-titanium and PTC heating to give you results faster. You will not have to wait too long for the plates to heat up, and the large size means you can take more hair in one strand. It has an LCD screen that 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. Plus, there are different temperature settings for different hair types. 270F is for fragile hair, 350F is for colored and damaged hair, and 410F is for healthy hair.
Who Will Use This Most
This flat iron is made for every hair type. 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 can be used 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 is at the top of your list. It gives instant heating and high temperature while not damaging your hair too much. The even heat distribution and temperature setting make sure of that.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Hair Straightener
Owning a good quality hair straightener if you style your hair often you need it to have many benefits. Some of these include:
Safe
A good quality straightener will have ionic plates that don’t damage the hair as much, and the voltage will remain stable, so there will be little chance of overheating and burning. Some people use permanent straightening on their hair, which is the last thing you should do. They put a lot of chemicals on your head and don’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 room to try different styles each day.
Two-in-One
They are 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 straining, and the same goes for the straightening brushes everyone has been using these days. They cannot be used for waves and curls, and sometimes you need waves for a night out and a casual look.
Convenience
Using flat irons instead of going to the salon every time is much easier. Imagine having to wake up early so you can 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 has a flat iron in their homes for daily use.
How to Use a Hair Straightener
Using a hair straightener is very simple. You can follow these simple steps.
- Spray heat protectant on your hair.
- Divide your hair into two sections, i.e., bottom and top.
- Tie up the upper portion.
- Take a section of hair from the bottom portion (thickness depending on hair type).
- Start from the top of the hair and slowly go down.
- Repeat the process on all sections.
- Divide the upper portion again on the right side and tie up the rest.
- Start straightening the next portion the same way.
- Do the same for the left side and tie the rest up.
- The important thing is to make small sections and keep styled and un-styled hair away.
- For volume on front sections, straighten them on the opposite side.
- Put small amounts of oil on the ends.
For more tips and details, make sure to watch the video below.
Conclusion
A hair straightener is a product that everyone needs to have in their styling kit. You just cannot get ready without it. And because we use it so often, we need to make sure it’s safe. The products on our list mostly have heat protecting features and durability. But which one you buy really depends on your hair type. Make sure you choose wisely!
People Also Ask
If you still have some questions regarding hair straighteners, you can read these frequently asked questions below.
Is Ceramic or Titanium Better For Hair?
For thin and delicate hair, ceramic is the better option. Titanium heats up very fast and is preferred by people with thick hair that want fast results. But overall, ceramic is the safer option for all hair types.
How Do You Know If You Need a New Straightener?
There are many ways you can tell if you need a new straightener. The first will be, of course, that it takes too long for your unit to straighten or just doesn’t straighten at all. The other thing can be overheating or flashing lights.
Are Old Straighteners Bad For Your Hair?
Like everything electric, hair straighteners also have a limited lifespan. After that, their hardware will start to decay. This means that it can overheat or have voltage surges that can damage your hair, so it is always a good idea to buy a new one.
Is It Better to Straighten Hair Before Curling?
If you have naturally straight hair, you don’t need to do it before curling. But if you have wavy or curly hair, it is a good idea to straighten them first to get the perfect soft curls.
How Long Do Hair Straighteners Last?
Different manufacturers give different time frames for their products, but on average, a hair straightener will last you for four years. After that, it is always good to buy a new one.
How Can I Straighten My Hair Without Damaging It?
There are many things you can do to protect your hair from heat damage. The thing that everyone stresses the most on is using a thermal protectant or heat protecting spray before straightening. Some other things you can do include using ceramic plates, low temperatures, and oiling.
Can You Get Cancer From Straightening Your Hair?
National Institute of Health has released a study that says that women who do permanent/chemical straightening have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Is it Okay to Use a Hair Straightener Every Day?
It is never advised to use hair straighteners daily. Even if you use thermal protectants and ceramic plates, there is always a chance of damage if you use any heat, whether it is a curler, dryer, or straightener. So you should limit it to special occasions.