The Best Hair Straighteners
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Some people come out of the womb with hair that stays naturally smooth, shiny, and frizz-free in the face of wind, rain, and suffocating humidity. For the rest of us, we need some mechanical assistance, usually in the form of an electric device designed to flatten our wayward hair into submission. This could be the classic flat iron, a hot comb, or even a dryer/straightener combo. Given the overwhelming number of options on the market at all manner of price points, WIRED's Gear team has put more than 30 hair straighteners to the test over weeks, months, and in some cases, years on a range of hair types, from fine waves to thick, unruly ringlet curls, to bring you our favorite devices in each major category—because as the old adage goes, a good stylist is cheaper than a good therapist. (And even more so if that stylist is you.)
Do I Want Ceramic or Titanium Plates?
Most flat irons come with plates made of either ceramic or titanium, with little explanation on or within the packaging of the differences between the two. Luckily, we're here to help.
Ceramic plates heat up gently and evenly with fewer hot spots, usually maxing out at a lower temperature than titanium. This makes them less damaging to hair that’s thin, fine, breakable, or color-treated. However, they take longer to heat up than titanium, and because they don’t get as hot, they usually necessitate more passes to get hair perfectly flat. This isn’t a problem for hair that’s relatively easy to straighten, but those with especially stubborn curls or texture may find that using ceramic plates makes the whole process take too long, thereby exposing their hair to more heat. Some ceramic plates are also coated or infused with tourmaline, a mineral that emits negative ions to supposedly cancel out the positive ions that cause frizz; copper, which is known for even heating; or aluminum for higher resistance.
Titanium plates heat up much more quickly than ceramic (though typically not as evenly), and they usually can reach a higher temperature—typically 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This means an iron with titanium plates will necessitate fewer passes to get that perfectly straight look, but the higher heat can inflict more damage. Titanium plates are best used by those with thick, coarse, or stubborn hair, and while flat-iron users should always use a heat protectant before straightening, those using titanium plates should definitely use one. See below for some staff favorites.
How We Test Hair Straighteners
For each straightener, I start with freshly washed hair, blow-dried with the same heat protectant (see below for a list of favorites). I then straighten my hair from roots to tip in sections, keeping mindful of how long an iron takes to heat up, how much it weighs (I weigh just the body itself on a kitchen scale), what features are helpful, and how many passes it takes to turn my frizzy locks shiny and smooth. I then go about my daily activities, including walks in my humid Pacific Northwest neighborhood, to see whether my hair stays straight or puffs up again immediately. I then use the straightener for daily touch-ups until it's time to wash my hair again.
For even more style, check out some of our other hair-related guides, including the Best Hair Dryers, Best Curling Irons, Best Beard Trimmers, and Why a Silk Pillowcase Can't Fix Your Curly Hair Problems.
Updated September 2024: We've added the Sutra IR2 Infrared Flat Iron, T3 Singlepass Smooth X, Chi Vibes on the Edge Hairstyling Iron, and two new styling products, removed the Bio Ionic 3-in-1 and Andis Hot Comb, retested some of the top picks, added tables and a new intro, and updated links and prices throughout.
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- Photograph: Kat Merck
Best Overall
Paul Mitchell Express Ion Style+ Ceramic Flat IronWhat makes a “good” hair straightener is subjective, given the wide range of hair types and preferences, but this unassuming iron from Paul Mitchell is likely to satisfy most people. It's sturdy but still reasonably lightweight, with a 9-ounce body, plus its 1-inch plates are easy to maneuver for those who also like to create waves and flips. The buttons on the inside are recessed to avoid accidental pushes, and there's a simple digital display on top to indicate the temperature. The plates are ceramic to minimize damage, but surprisingly, I found them to work almost as well as titanium on my blow-dried 3A curls, That's despite the lower maximum temperature (in this case, 410 degrees Fahrenheit), which takes one minute to heat up, as accurately indicated on the box. This efficacy could be due to the iron's ion technology (see below for an explanation).
I prefer the quick power of the Sutra IR2 for straightening my hair “from scratch” (freshly washed and blow-dried), but this is my favorite iron for daily touch-ups given its size, effectiveness, and maneuverability. It's also former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano's favorite flat iron overall—she's been using an Express Ion Style+ since she was in college. She also recommends the similar 1.25-inch Ion Smooth+ model ($121) for those who are used to maneuvering larger tools.
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 160-410 degrees Number of heat settings: 4 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after 1 hour - Photograph: Kat Merck
Best for Unruly Hair
Sutra IR2 Infrared Flat IronI’ve used many a straightener in over 30 years of ironing my 3A curls, and this titanium-plated iron with a thin inlaid infrared strip on the bottom (which Sutra says is part of its proprietary “Healthy Heat” system and helps to seal the hair cuticle) means business. It’s one of the only irons I’ve used that can turn my difficult frizz all-day flat and shiny in one pass.
The Sutra's 1-inch plates heat up to a rip-roaring 450 degrees Fahrenheit in a surprisingly quick 23 seconds with a push of a button. This high temperature is its default setting, for better or worse, so those who like a lower heat might prefer an iron they don’t have to turn down each time they turn it on. Also, the IR2’s matte black and rose gold body, while quite solid, isn’t the lightest I’ve used at 13 ounces, so some people might find their hand getting fatigued. Mine did not, however, even though I have mid-back-length hair.
Specs: Plate type: Titanium Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 190-450 degrees Number of heat settings: 15 Auto-shutoff? Yes
- Photograph: Kat Merck
Best for Easy-to-Straighten Hair
T3 Singlepass Smooth XThis pretty pink flat iron’s claim to fame is its 1-inch ceramic plates being 4 1/2 inches long as opposed to the typical 4 inches, which allows for more straightening surface area. The plates also feature a proprietary “CeraGloss” finish that purportedly adds shine to hair. I wasn’t able to discern a ton of benefit from the extra 1/2 inch of plate, as like most ceramic irons, the Singlepass Smooth X still took three to four passes to fully flatten my blow-dried 3A curls.
There was a slight increase in shine from the CeraGloss, but the real standout benefit to this iron is its nine proprietary heat settings with an internal microchip that controls heat fluctuations. (It's irritating that the heat settings are identified by a strip of indicator lights, not exact temperatures, which are listed in the user manual.) It allows those who prefer ceramic irons to find their Goldilocks setting with the confidence it will be consistent each time. This iron is actually my 73-year-old mother's favorite, as she loves that the power button is on top, not on the underside near the hot plates, and appreciates that she can find even, effective temperatures for her fine waves.
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 240-410 degrees Number of heat settings: 9 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after 1 hour - Photograph: Kat Merck
Best Budget Straightener
Conair Infiniti ProThis was former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano’s favorite low-cost hair straightener, and after using it myself over the course of a week, I agree that it checks a surprising number of boxes for the price. It’s got tourmaline ceramic plates (see above for an explanation of tourmaline's benefits), heats up to an impressive 455 degrees Fahrenheit, and also boasts a mind-boggling 30 heat settings accessible via a small dial on the side. It’s also got a generous five-year warranty.
Granted, it still took multiple passes at max temperature to smooth my blow-dried 3A frizz, which had me worrying a bit near the end of my trail about my hair health, and the iron's 6-ounce body—half the weight of a pricier iron—felt pretty flimsy. It also took significantly longer to heat up than the 15-second claim on the box. But it did indeed straighten my notoriously stubborn hair, albeit in more time and with visibly less shine than imparted by pricier irons. That said, for 25 bucks, it’s definitely worth adding to your arsenal.
Specs: Plate type: Tourmaline ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 320-455 degrees Number of heat settings: 30 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after one hour
- Photograph: Amazon
An Amazon Bestseller
CHI Original Ceramic Flat IronChi is highly regarded, and this straightener in particular is an almost permanent feature at the top of Amazon’s bestsellers list. It comes with a lot of hype, and in my testing it more than lived up to it. Its ceramic plates heat up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit (202 Celsius) in seconds—it’s one of the fastest straighteners I’ve tried—and it creates sleek styles with minimal passes. Its curved edges make it great for creating soft curls and flicks, and it feels super lightweight.
There are a couple of sacrifices you make for this cheaper price. The hinge has a tendency to trap and pull on the hair, and the outer plastic gets hot while styling, making it uncomfortable to touch. It doesn’t burn the skin, it’s just hotter than other straighteners I’ve tried. Neither of these complaints are enough to outweigh just how good these straighteners are for the price. It’s just worth bearing them in mind. —Victoria Woollaston-Webber
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): N/A, max 392 degrees Number of heat settings: 3 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after one hour - PHOTOGRAPH: Medea Giordano
A Stellar Upgrade
BabylissPro Nano Titanium Prima3100I've tested a lot of flat irons, and other than a few standouts, good ones tend to be similar enough to blur together. But while using BaBylissPro's Nano Titanium Prima3100, I was reminded of how I felt when I first tried the Paul Mitchell: excited and shocked. This is a great flat iron that straightens my coarse hair quickly and easily, without pulling a single strand. There are five temperatures, from 300 to 465 degrees Fahrenheit. The outer stainless steel housing also heats up for easier curling. This means you may need to be a bit more careful around your skin, but all flat irons get hot all the way around anyway. If you typically find it difficult to curl using a straightener, this should help.
It comes in 1-inch, 1 1/4-inch, and 1 1/2-inch plates. I also like that the cord has a fabric casing; it feels resistant to damage. My biggest annoyance is that the temperature buttons are placed right where my hand goes when I'm using it, so I was constantly hitting them. It also came with a heat “glove,” but it only covers your thumb and middle and pointer fingers. It felt more annoying than helpful, so I mostly did without it. There's a silicone cool tip that I could safely touch for easier maneuvering. —Medea Giordano
★A mini alternative: If you have short hair or just need to tame your bangs like reviewer Adrienne So, you don't have to spend a lot (or deal with a bulky tool). She uses the BaBylissPro Nano ($35), which is just 6 inches long. It won't take up precious bathroom space, and it's easy to travel with.
Specs: Plate type: Titanium Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 300 to 465 degrees Number of heat settings: 5 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after 72 minutes
- Photograph: T3
Smart Heat Control
T3 Smooth ID StraightenerThe T3 Smooth ID hair straightener would be in our top spot if it wasn't so expensive. But it might be worthwhile if you're concerned about hair damage. Most hot hair tools claim to cause less damage than the competition, but the T3 actually delivers with a unique temperature-finding feature the company calls HeatID Technology. To set the right temperature, select your hair features via the touch controls on the iron's handle: texture (fine, medium, coarse), length (short, medium, long), and whether your hair is color-treated. It will then suggest a heat level. I also love its Refresh Mode for touching up hair later at a lower temperature based on previous settings.
It can create gorgeous curls too. Once you perfect that flick of the wrist, your hair will look like you just came from the salon. If you'd rather have two dedicated hair tools, the company also has a curling iron ($249) with the same HeatID tech. —Medea Giordano
★ More luxury: We love the Dyson Corrale ($500) (8/10, WIRED Recommends), but it's extremely expensive. It makes you feel fancy, like all Dyson tools tend to do, and its flexing plates quickly get your hair straighter with less heat—they curve around the hair, avoiding the splaying-out effect and uneven heat distribution that plague other flat irons. Still, it has flaws for a $500 hair straightener. It can be used without a cord, but the battery life is too short to straighten my whole head of hair. The onboard battery also makes it quite heavy.
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): N/A Number of heat settings: 9 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after one hour - Photograph: Medea Giordano
A Ceramic Hot-Plate OG
GHD ChronosGHD continues to remind us that it's not only a pioneer of the ceramic hot plate but also a leader in the hair tool space with its newest hair straightener: the GHD Chronos. It's the next step up from the Platinum+, and has the same 1-inch plates, a power button on the inside, and one temperature option—365 degrees Fahrenheit. However, instead of its older Ultra-Zone technology, the Chronos is the only hair tool to include the company's new HD Motion-Responsive technology, which delivers even heat distribution based on your styling motion. With curvier styling plates and a redesigned hinge, it's also better for curling hair.
With my coarse and thick hair, I typically crank my flat iron up to the highest heat setting (which ranges between 400 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit). So, I assumed the single 365 degrees Fahrenheit would require multiple passes and take forever to get through all of my hair. I couldn't be more wrong. It not only took one pass per section but I was done in under 10 minutes. My hair also felt extremely healthy, frizz-free, and super shiny—which is exactly how I describe straightening my hair with the more expensive Airstrait ($500). Although I wasn't a fan of the inability to control the temperature at first, it forced me to apply less heat and do less damage to my hair. —Brenda Stolyar
★ A less expensive GHD alternative: The Platinum+ is still a great option. And at $279, it's a little cheaper. It's sleek and comfortable to hold, which makes it great for creating curls and for straight styles. As with the Chronos, it comes with one temperature setting—365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 Celsius). WIRED contributor Victoria Woollaston-Webber says it was enough heat for her fine hair, but it didn't cut it for reviewer Medea Giordano's thick hair.
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 365 degrees Number of heat settings: 1 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after 10 minutes
- Photograph: Medea Giordano
For Total Tension
Drybar Reserve Vibrating Styling IronThis one is the most unique of all the hair straighteners I've used throughout the years—specifically because it comes with vibrating technology. According to Drybar, the feature creates “the perfect amount of tension to avoid harsh pulls.” I was skeptical until I saw it work in real time. I decided to test whether the vibration truly makes a difference by straightening the left side of my head with the feature turned off and the right side of my head with it on (there's a dedicated button to turn it on and off). And I can confirm it does. The left side took me about two to three passes on my coarse, thick strands, while the right side took only one pass. The latter was also noticeably shinier. It was easy to curl my hair with too. My curls held a lot longer throughout the day with the additional tension—even without hairspray. It barely snagged my hair, either. I only saw a few strands in the sink after I was done, but that's normal for me.
It's only available in a 1-inch ceramic plate size, but it still worked well for my longer hair (which reaches a few inches past my shoulders). You'll also have the choice between five heat settings: 250 degrees, 300 degrees, 350 degrees, 400 degrees, and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The company recommends the highest heat setting for thick/coarse hair, but I was able to successfully straighten my hair at 400 degrees in only 10 minutes. My straight, shiny locks also lasted for multiple days before I had to touch up my hair again. It makes me wonder why all flat irons don't incorporate similar vibrations. —Brenda Stolyar
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 250-450 degrees Number of heat settings: 5 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after one hour - Photograph: Amazon
When Two Plates Isn't Enough
Revlon Double Straight Dual Plate Hair StraightenerIf you can look past its slightly odd shape, the Revlon Double Straight’s four-plate design makes a lot of sense. As you pass the Double Straight over your hair, the first two plates straighten, while the second two “reinforce” the style. This effectively allows you to make two passes in one, which reduces both the time it takes to complete the style and the risk of heat damage. I found this to be largely true, although to get the full effect you need to pass it over your hair slightly more slowly than you would do normally, which cuts into the time-saving benefits a little.
Heat-wise, this Revlon offers the most temperature settings of any straighteners I’ve tried. There are 10 to choose from, ranging from 285 degrees Fahrenheit (140 Celsius) up to 455 degrees Fahrenheit (235 Celsius), which makes this a great choice for every hair type. I expected the copper ceramic plates to pull on the hair, due to the fact there are four of them and they’re so far apart, but they glide over it easily. The plates are also smaller than I had imagined—each one is half an inch whereas standard plates measure 1 inch—but they still cover similar widths of hair as standard straighteners. The biggest downside to the design is that it’s much harder to use these straighteners for curls. Not impossible, but difficult. —Victoria Woollaston-Webber
★ A four-plate alternative: Hot Tools sells an almost identical straightener, the Black Gold Dual Plate Flat Iron ($130), with the same cut-out look, the same four-plate design, and the same performance. They even max out at the same top temperature of 455 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot Tools bumps the number of heat settings to 30—three times the already impressive 10 on the Revlon model—but it’s also almost three times the price.
Specs: Plate type: Copper ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 285-455 degrees Number of heat settings: 10 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after 1 hour
- Photograph: Nena Farrell
A 2-in-1 Tool
Tymo AirflowIf you don't need a tool as extensive as the Bio Ionic above, the Tymo Airflow is also a great option. It's almost identical to the L’ange Le Duo Airflow Styler we've tested (below), but this one is a bit more affordable (you can typically find it on sale for under $100). It's a two-in-one device that can curl and straighten your hair. With 3D floating plates, a ceramic finish, and a rounded form factor, it looks like a curler and is also easy to use as a flat iron. But it shines as the latter (though it does a nice job delivering softer curls), leaving my wavy, fine hair smooth and straight hair after each use.
The heat settings range from 284 degrees to 428 degrees Fahrenheit, but Tymo has a guide on which one to choose based on your hair type. I use 360 degrees as my preferred heat setting, however, I do wish there were more options than the five presets. It also comes equipped with a second button on the handle that has a little fan symbol on it. This turns on cool air that blows through the 88 ionic air vents on the Tymo Airflow’s barrel, which is where the name comes from. It’s a cool feature, but I didn’t find that my hair stayed straighter or curlier longer after using it. —Nena Farrell
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic tourmaline Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 284-428 degrees Number of heat settings: 5 Auto-shutoff? N/A - Photograph: Amazon
A Straightener That Runs on Steam
L’Oreal SteampodYou might think steam would be the enemy of straight hair, but it actually moisturizes hair while the heat flattens it into shape. According to L’Oreal, this feature allows the Steampod to gently dry the outer shaft without drying the core. When you go outside, especially in humid conditions, the hair then doesn’t absorb any of the extra moisture and remains frizz-free.
To use, first fill up the built-in water tank. Once it reaches the desired temperature—the Steampod ranges from 356 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius) to 410 degrees Fahrenheit (210 Celsius)–it blasts a flow of high-pressure steam over your hair as the plates clamp around it. My hair was shinier and felt less dry when using the Steampod, and as promised, it didn’t become a frizzy mess after a workout. The Steampod doesn’t quite give the poker-straight style I’m used to from hot plates, and the curls I created didn’t hold as long as they usually do. It’s also a little fiddly to use: You have to always have the comb facing down. Yet it left my hair feeling healthy, soft, and less unwieldy, so I’ll make that sacrifice. —Victoria Woollaston-Webber
Specs: Plate type: Aluminum-coated ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 350-410 degrees Number of heat settings: 3 Auto-shutoff? No
- Photograph: Tymo
A New Kind of Comb
Tymo RingI’d seen the Tymo Ring all over social media for years before trying it, and the wait was worth it. It's like a traditional hot comb and a straightening brush in one, but you can get closer to your roots without burning yourself than you can with a comb, because there's an outer shell covering the hot teeth. Straightening brushes aren't usually a one-stop shop for my hair, and that was the case here. I did need to go over my hair with a flat iron to smooth out some of the puffiness left behind, but the Tymo Ring took the curl right out quickly—I didn't have to go over sections more than once or twice.
This bundle includes a hot tool glove, which worked well with the Tymo but burned when I used it with another curling iron that reached that same temperature. Be aware that it's not made for direct contact on a hot plate. —Medea Giordano
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 266-410 degrees Number of heat settings: 5 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after 30 minutes - Photograph: RevAir
A Dryer-Straightener Hybrid
RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer (2022)Straightening my hair used to be a two-day affair. I'd wash all the product out the night before, let it air-dry, then braid it before bed so that the next day, the curls were looser and easier to work through. Then, and only then, could I go in with a flat iron. With the RevAir, I can decide to straighten my hair at literally any time. It's a luxury I've never known before.
If you can afford it, and find a cabinet it fits in, the RevAir is incredible. In goes wet, curly hair, and out comes straight, dry hair without much effort on your part. I was obsessed with the first RevAir and even more impressed with the second iteration (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It's a bit smaller and lighter, but more expensive than the last one. I was terrified that its vacuumlike hose would rip my hair right out, but my follicles are still intact. It creates enough tension to remove the curl without actually pulling, and it works way faster than a blow-dry brush. For me, I still wanted to smooth out my hair with an iron, but those with smoother curls won't need to do that extra step—I tested it on a friend and she ended up with perfectly straight hair after. —Medea Giordano
Specs: Plate type: N/A Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 158 and 220 degrees Number of heat settings: 2 Auto-shutoff? No
- Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
A Wet-to-Dry Straightener
Dyson Airstrait StraightenerI was afraid the new batch of wet-to-dry stylers would sizzle hair off like the ones in the early 2000s. But now there are a few that actually work. Dyson's Airstrait (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has the same form factor as a standard flat iron, but instead of hot plates, it uses airflow to dry and straighten your hair simultaneously. Using one focused jet of air that moves downward, it dries your hair with a natural, smooth finish. You'll also have the option between two main styling modes (wet and dry) and three temperature settings for each. I typically use it on wet mode to fully dry my hair and switch to dry mode to flatten any puffiness. The entire process, which normally takes about 45 minutes, now only takes 12 to 15 minutes.
It's worth noting the Airstrait might not work on multiple hair types, despite Dyson's claims. It works great on my short, curly locks regardless of whether they're wet or dry. But reviewer Medea Giordano's hair is very coarse and also much curlier than mine. The Airstrait worked well on her damp and dry hair, but she prefers using the RevAir when styling wet hair because it's faster and dries larger sections. The Airstrait, on the other hand, does a better job of smoothing her hair when it's damp or dry. —Brenda Stolyar
★ An affordable alternative: Drybar's Straight Shot Blow-Drying Flat Iron ($179) is a more affordable hybrid. Even though it uses hot plates (with air vents built in), it only goes up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to help reduce heat damage. It didn't give me the pin-straight hair I'd hoped it would. But it did give me the same voluminous blowout I'd typically get with a round brush and hairdryer—in half the time.
Specs: Plate type: No plates Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 175-285 degrees Number of heat settings: 3 Auto-shutoff? Yes - Photograph: GHD
Another Hybrid Tool
GHD Duet StyleThe GHD Duet Style looks very much like a large flat iron, except that hot air vents are on the center of each arm to dry your wet hair with a single pass. You can stop there, or, if you want to add extra shine, you can switch the Duet Style to Shine Shot Mode. This turns off the air, and turns on two thin ceramic plates, thus transforming the Duet Style into a traditional hot-plate straightener.
In my time testing the Duet Style, the Wet mode was more than enough to create poker straight styles. The only time I used the Shine Shot Mode was when I hadn’t quite managed to straighten the shorter hairs around my hairline. However, if you have thicker or longer hair, you’ll likely find the Shine Shot Mode much more useful. The hot plates are what sets the Duet Style apart from the Airstrait, which by comparison only uses hot air, but in terms of usage and design they produce the same outcome. This means your choice will likely come down to price, or brand loyalty. —Victoria Woollaston-Webber
Specs: Plate type: Ceramic Temperature range (Fahrenheit): 365 degrees Number of heat settings: 1 Auto-shutoff? Yes, after 30 minutes
Photograph: AmazonIf You Prefer Blowouts
Blow-Dry BrushesNot all hair needs to be fried between hot plates to straighten it. Some people can get soft, bouncy blowouts using a blow-dry brush rather than the old dryer and round brush combo. For coarser hair, I recommend the RevAir above.
Revlon Volumizer Plus 2.0 for $37: If you want a cheap brush styler, go with this version from Revlon. We don't recommend the original One Step, as it was recalled in the UK in 2020 over reports of overheating and safety issues. The 2.0 works quickly and is great at bringing second-day hair back to life.
Drybar Double Shot Blow Dryer Brush for $155: WIRED editor Adrienne So says the Drybar Double Shot was nicer than the original Revlon she used, as it made her hair smoother and straighter. However, it's much more expensive and took a bit more time, because the air-flow openings are smaller. It also comes in a smaller version ($155).
Shark FlexStyle Drying & Styling System for $300: Shark's FlexStyle is a great option if you also want to curl and diffuse your hair at other times. It's a nearly perfect dupe of Dyson's Airwrap for several hundred dollars less.
Photograph: Kat MerckMore Straighteners We Tried
Honorable MentionsChi Vibes on the Edge Curved Edge Hairstyling Iron for $110: I’m a longtime Chi devotee, having owned and loved the original ceramic flat iron until it broke after a decade. So I admit, I was excited to zhuzh up my bathroom counter with this metallic-rainbow version from Chi’s Vibes line. The 1.5-inch ceramic plates actually curve around the sides of the tool, allowing the user to get closer to the roots of their hair, as well as create crease-free waves if desired. While this feature did actually do an impressive job of tamping down my flyaways (and I appreciated the unusually long 11-foot cord), I felt like this lack of buffer between a 415-degree Fahrenheit surface and my scalp, face, and ears was too big of a burn risk to use regularly.
L’ange Le Duo Airflow Styler for $119: This flat iron features a clasp similar to a curling iron. Most flat iron plates stay apart, and need to be pushed together to use, while this is the opposite. It works just as well as any other iron, and the clasp design and the rounded edges make it easier to curl too. The real draw here is the air vents that blast out cool air to lock your style in. The fan turns on automatically, but there's a button to turn it off. (Just to clarify, it's not meant to dry your hair—you will not be happy if you try that.) There's a larger Grande version for $120 meant for longer hair. —Medea Giordano
Sleek'e for $149 and Kosa for $195: These irons are essentially the same tool. Sleek'e confirmed that they are in fact made by the same manufacturer, which is not uncommon. The Kosa felt a little lighter, but neither seemed better or worse to use. They both emit ions and have a strip of infrared lights down the middle of one of the plates, which are supposed to help distribute heat evenly and in a way that won't damage hair. —Medea Giordano
Brilliance New York Smooth Pro Ceramic Flat Iron for $43: WIRED writer and fellow curly girl Louryn Strampe swears by this hair straightener. She impulse-bought it via a Groupon deal in 2014 and still consistently reaches for it, despite having tried several more flat irons since—she even prefers it over the Dyson Corrale. It's lost some of its heat consistency over the years, and the plates occasionally snag her hair, but it still leaves her unruly curls sleek and shiny, and most important, straight. —Medea Giordano
Aesty Cordless Flat Iron for $349: This one is too expensive, but it's cheaper than the Dyson if you're desperate for a cordless flat iron. I found it to be similar to the Corrale, straightening my hair nicely and with all the same bulk and weight. —Medea Giordano
Avoid This One: The Sam Villa Pro Results Cordless Flat Iron for $190 is only for people who absolutely need a tiny iron to take in their purses for emergency touch-ups. It would have taken me an entire day to straighten all my hair with it, and I had to keep pressing the power button while using it. —Medea Giordano
Photograph: Carol Yepes/Getty ImagesWhat to Look for in a Good Hair Tool
Before You BuyIt's all a bit confusing. A straightener can be a flat iron, and a flat iron is a straightener, but not all straighteners are flat irons. They come in other forms too, including brushes and combs. No matter which you go with, what you call it, or what your budget is, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- It should be easy to hold and maneuver. If a flat iron needs all your might to keep the plates closed, you're going to be in pain by the end of your straightening session.
- It should have a range of easy-to-read temperatures. Dials with no indication of what temperature you're using are frustrating, and you can end up burning your hair or skin.
- It shouldn't snag hair. This is a common problem among flat irons, as hair can get caught in cheap plates and pulled out. Look for beveled designs, which help prevent this.
- Flat irons should never be used on wet hair. Only style wet and damp hair if the tool is made for that, like a blow-dry brush or Dyson's Airstrait.
Illustration: Getty ImagesIons, Explained
Do They Really Work?A lot of hot hair tools, including most on our list, claim to release negative ions to protect your hair. I used to chalk this up to marketing-speak, but hairstylists I spoke with say ions are helpful.
London-based hairstylist Hollie Rose Clarke says ions in hair tools keep the cuticle layer of your hair smooth, so you'll get a shinier, frizz-free result. “Think of a strand of your hair as being the size of my arm, covered in fish scales (the cuticles)," she says. "When the hair is damaged, they open slightly, resulting in dry, frizzy, and weak hair. When the hair is healthy they are closed, resulting in your hair feeling smoother and stronger.”
Abra McField, founder of Abra Kadabra Hair and Healing, says hair is usually positively charged due to its water content, and the negative ions these flat irons generate can help dissipate that water. “You get controlled application of the heat you are applying, and you are able to use only as much heat as you need to smooth and straighten your hair, which can prevent damage.”
Ionic hair dryers are similar, with some caveats. “If you have finer hair and you are wanting as much body and volume as possible, the ionic dryer may not be the best,” McField says. "So generally it's best to get a dryer with an ionic option that can be turned on and off.”
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Photograph: Dmytro Betsenko/Getty ImagesHow Often Can I Straighten My Hair?
It's important to remember that flat irons can cause heat damage–especially if you're using your straightener often. Straightening it not only dries out your hair cuticle (the outermost layer of your hair) but also alters the structure of your hair proteins. This type of damage can materialize in the form of breakage, split ends, rough texture, frizz, or super dry strands. So, it's best to try and limit how often you reach for your flat iron.
As Byrdie points out, the general rule (regardless of hair type) is to limit it to two or three times per week. But for specific hair types, the frequency varies. For curly hair, you should only straighten it a maximum of two times per week. With coily, wavy, and straight hair, it's best to use a straightener as little as possible. As Byrdie notes, you can apply a higher heat setting (between 400 and 420 degrees Fahrenheit) to coily hair while a lower temperature setting should be applied to straight hair (between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature range is a bit wider for wavy hair. You should keep the straightener between 250 degrees and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Photograph: Kat MerckOur Favorite Hair Styling Products and Heat Protectants
Regardless of your hair type, you should always use a heat protectant before using a flat iron on your hair. As per SkinKraft, it adds a layer to your strands that seals in moisture to help smooth the cuticle of your hair. It doesn't fully prevent heat damage to your hair, but it helps to minimize it.
Heat protectants come in a spray, oil, or cream–depending on the brand. It's easy to apply to your hair too. Simply towel-dry your hair after washing it, section your hair, and apply the heat protectant onto each section of hair. If you're using a cream or oil, distribute it evenly within each section using your fingers. Since it's a leave-in product, you don't have to wash it out of your hair. All you have to do is let it dry (either air-dry or using a blow-dryer) before using your straightener.
Below, we've gathered a few of our favorite WIRED-approved heat protectants and styling aids.
- Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream for $59 and Post-Style Serum for $59: Dyson’s first foray into the world of hair styling products, this luxe duo features chitosan derived from oyster mushrooms (for its structural benefits, says Dyson) and comes in four formulations for the pre-style cream: straight/wavy and curly/coily, both in either “light” or “rich” conditioning. I tried the curly/coily rich conditioning cream before using a round brush to blow-dry my thick curls, which I was shocked to see become straight even without a flat iron. Adding the post-style serum after touching up with a straightening iron felt like gilding the lily, but my locks stayed flawlessly smooth and flat even after walking around on a foggy evening and sitting in front of a fan.
- Curlsmith Miracle Shield for $28: This is WIRED reviewer Louyrn Strampe's go-to heat protectant. She says it can be used even if you’re not heat styling and also adds protection from the sun’s UV rays. It’s lightweight, not greasy, and smells fantastic. It also helps her curls diffuse with zero frizz. —Medea Giordano
- Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray for $27: I bought this on a whim at Sephora one day based solely on a recommendation from one of the sales associates, and now refuse to use anything but. It's a detangler that doubles as a heat protectant, which is necessary for my curly post-shower strands. It doesn't weigh my hair down, makes it easy to brush out my knots, and leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft after straightening it. —Brenda Stolyar
- Proclaim Color & Heat Protection Glossing Polish for $11: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano's hair is coarse without a lot of natural shine, so she likes to use an oil heat protectant, particularly when using a flat iron. A little goes a very long way to add shine and softness, without being greasy. Some of it may build up on the edge of your flat iron, but it's easy enough to wipe away once it's cool. She also recommends a similar one from the Fantasia brand ($9).
- It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product for $23: I've been using this brand since I was in high school, after dyeing my hair started to take a toll. I could both see and feel a difference in my hair after using the Miracle Leave-In. After only a few uses, it turned my hair from damaged and dry to silky and smooth. It's worth noting that it's not as lightweight as other heat protectants I've used, so I recommend limiting the amount you spray on each section of your hair (you'll want to go with the Lite version [$21] if your hair is short or fine). —Brenda Stolyar
- Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray for $12: I live in the Pacific Northwest, one of the great proving grounds for anti-humidity hair products, and this blow-dryer-activated anti-frizz and humidity spray is both affordable and keeps my straightened hair flat no matter what the weather is trying to do to it. It might be too heavy for those with lightly wavy and/or fine hair, but for those who need industrial-strength help with their frizz, this stuff is the real deal. (Though be forewarned: Even for those with the curliest of locks, a little goes a long way.)
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