Fantasizing about a head of hair that’s frizz-free and poker-straight? Fed up with having more bad hair days than good ones? The best hair straighteners are knights in shining armor when it comes to problem hair, taming flyaways, and imparting gloss and gleam.
Cheap and poor-quality hair straighteners, however, do more harm than good, frying our hair.
The best hair straighteners, on the other hand, are expertly engineered to straighten and smooth without singing your hair in the process. They provide even and predictable heat at the temperature that’s right for your hair type. Plus, they’re so effective that you only need a few passes to achieve salon-quality results, and you don’t have to be a master stylist to use them.
But how to choose between the best hair straighteners? They all boast ingenious additional features, whether that’s ionic technology for extra frizz control, tourmaline plates for a glossy finish, multiple heat settings, or narrower blades for cropped hairstyles.
Our list of the best hair straighteners includes something for everyone, whatever your hair type. As well as standard hair straighteners, we’ve got a hair straightening brush, a steam straightener, and compact and travel-friendly flat irons for those who want an impeccable coiffure wherever they happen to be.
The 12 best hair straighteners
| Rank | Brand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | InStyler CeraSilk | Best overall |
| 2 | Balmain | Best high-end |
| 3 | CHI | Best value |
| 4 | InStyler Glossie | Best for curly, thick, and frizzy hair |
| 5 | GHD Platinum+ | Best for damaged hair |
| 6 | Remington | Best for fine hair |
| 7 | GHD Gold | Best for short hair |
| 8 | T3 | Best for long hair |
| 9 | BaByliss | Best compact |
| 10 | L’Oréal | Best steam |
| 11 | Dyson | Most innovative |
| 12 | HSI | Best budget |
Check our special hair straighteners’ buying guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to when shopping for a hair straightener online.
InStyler CeraSilk: Best overall hair straightener
Weighing up the most important considerations of performance, ease of use, and value for money, InStyler Cerasilk’s styling iron is definitely our new favorite hair straightener.
Using the brand’s patented technology, this styling iron minimizes damage by creating indirect heat pockets that allow heat to pass through the plates and style hair quickly without scorching. The beveled edges ensure no kinks or creases, while digitally-controlled consistent heat allows for even styling and further minimizes damage.
This hair straightener is lightweight and comfortable to hold, and there are four different heat settings too. The swivel cord means no getting tangled in wires during your styling session. Plus, you’re not limited to straightening. You can also use the styling iron to create beautiful bouncy curls.
This CeraSilk flat iron even features an automatic shut-off for total peace of mind.
Best for: Superbly smooth locks without a scorched strand in sight.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic-coated |
| Heat settings: | 4 (150 to 226°C) |
| Color: | White |
Balmain: Best luxury hair straightener
Balmain’s cordless straightener might not be cheap, but can you really put a price on salon-perfect strands?
One of our favorite things about this Balmain titanium flat iron is its cordless design. There’s nothing worse than having to constantly negotiate a wire when you’re straightening those hard-to-reach areas of hair.
With three heat settings, you can personalize the flat iron’s performance accordingly, while the titanium plates allow for a friction-free glide, delivering a silky and oh-so-shiny finish. You can also use the straightener as a curling iron by twisting sections of hair onto the barrel, creating picture-perfect coils and waves.
This Balmain straightener was designed for use backstage at photoshoots and fashion shows, so channel some catwalk glamour with this expert styling iron, bringing haute couture to your coiffure.
Best for: A premium hair-perfecting weapon for high-end hair-styling arsenals.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Titanium |
| Heat settings: | 3 (goes up to 200°C) |
| Color: | A range including black, red, turquoise |
CHI: Best value hair straighteners
The best thing about investing in your own high-quality hair straighteners is the money you save on salon blow drys. So you don’t really want to shell out a small fortune on your flat irons. Hence the appeal of this CHI hair straightener.
An upgrade on the original CHI flat iron, the CHI Pro G2 has been optimized for silk, shine, and frizz reduction. Ceramic floating plates infused with high-grade titanium offer strength and long-lasting durability as well as a totally snag-free and speedy styling experience.
With different heat options, you can choose the temperature that’s right for your hair, whether that’s blue for fine hair, green for medium-density hair, or red for hair that just refuses to submit to your control.
Getting ready in a rush? This Chi hair straightener only takes 40 seconds to heat up, while the ergonomic design makes the entire styling process pain-free.
Best for: The most cost-effective way to ensure a salon-quality coiffure.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic and titanium. |
| Heat settings: | 3 (187 to 218°C) |
| Color: | Black |
InStyler Glossie: Best hair straightening brush for curly, thick, and frizzy hair
If you’re blessed with a thick head of curly or frizzy hair and have found that most hair straighteners just don’t deliver the results, then we highly recommend getting hold of this InStyler Glossie Ceramic Styling Brush.
With its brush-style design, this hair straightener offers an innovative take on your classic flat iron. The increased surface area means you can handle sections of hair four times larger than that of a traditional straightener. And the patented Precision Press™ technology, in combination with the powerful ceramic and tourmaline heaters, allows for impressive straightening with far fewer passes.
The result? Super speedy styling. Plus, this Glossie straightening brush features ionic-tipped bristles for a frizz-free finish, ideal for those of you forever trying to control flyaways. Definitely the best hair straightener for thick hair.
Best for: High-powered frizz elimination for even the curliest heads of hair.
| Ionic technology: | Yes |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic and tourmaline |
| Heat settings: | 4 (150 to 230°C) |
| Color: | Black & white |
GHD Platinum+: Best hair straightener for damaged hair
Too much time spent using poor-quality hair straighteners can leave your locks lackluster, to say the least. But that doesn’t mean you need to surrender your wish for sleek and straight hair. Instead, get your hands on the best flat iron for damaged hair: GHD Platinum+.
This GHD hair straightener is changing the hairstyling game with its predictive technology. The styler monitors heat output 250 times per second, allowing it to maintain the 185°C temperature that’s perfect for styling. This SMART technology also recognizes the thickness of your hair and how fast you’re styling, adjusting accordingly.
The result? Superior protection for your hair, minimal breakage, and color treatment that remains vibrant for longer. Because straight hair shouldn’t mean sickly hair.
Finally, this GHD Platinum+ hair straightener features a wishbone hinge that ensures the plates stay aligned and there’s no snagging or tangling.
Best for: Taming your tresses without leaving them worn-out and damaged.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic |
| Heat settings: | 1 (185°C) |
| Color: | A range including black, red, and pink. |
Remington: Best hair straightener for fine hair
This Remington hair straightener is our pick for the best flat iron for fine hair. Fine hair is far more prone to static, which either means all your hair stands on end or clings tightly to your skull. Neither is a great look.
This flat iron features anti-static technology which delivers 50% less static and way fewer flyaways. The addition of tourmaline, a semi-precious gemstone, further reduces static and frizz. Double thumbs up from us.
The Remington’s long thin ceramic plates allow for an ultra-smooth glide, whether you’re straightening or curling, while the intense 210°C works faster so you don’t overexpose your hair to heat. But you can use any of the 5 different heat settings to find the one that’s right for you.
Best for: Adding frizz-free volume to fine hair with personalized heat settings.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic and tourmaline |
| Heat settings: | 6 (up to 210°C) |
| Color: | Coral or purple |
GHD Gold Professional: Best flat iron for short hair
GHD is one of the best and biggest brands in the hairstyling business so it was inevitable they would feature more than once on this list. And this GHD Gold Professional flat iron is our ultimate choice for those of you with short hair.
The large plates of most flat irons make it impossible to get close enough to your skull to straighten pixie cuts or other cropped hairstyles. But these mini flat irons make styling short hair simple and straightforward with narrow gold plates for precision straightening right up to your roots.
It’s also ideal for straightening fringes too. Plus, you can use the contoured edges of the straightener to create curls and waves.
This GHD straightener also features dual-zone sensors to monitor heat, ensuring an optimal styling temperature that’s efficient without damaging your hair.
Best for: Getting up close to your cropped cut without singing your skin.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic |
| Heat settings: | 1 (185°C) |
| Color: | Black |
T3: Best hair straightener for long hair
Looking for a hair straightener for your luscious long locks that won’t snag and tangle tresses as it goes? This T3 SinglePass X flat iron is a great choice.
The aptly named SinglePass X is designed to straighten hair extra efficiently and quickly—perfect if you’ve got a lot to get through. The extra-wide plates along with the SinglePass technology, allow you to straighten more hair faster while the internal microchip keeps plates at an even temperature, sealing the hair cuticle for a glossy finish.
There are also five different heat settings so you can choose the right level for your hair type or needs. Finally, this T3 flat iron features an easy-to-use audio-visual interface, making the entire process straightforward and stress-free. You definitely won’t miss the salon.
Best for: Simple maneuverability for even the longest of manes.
| Ionic technology: | Yes |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic |
| Heat settings: | 5 (126 to 210°C) |
| Color: | White |
BaByliss: Best compact hair straightener
On the hunt for hair straighteners that you can take on the road with you? Something compact and lightweight that won’t take up valuable bathroom space? Check out this mini straightening iron from BaByliss.
This cute little flat iron still packs a punch despite its diminutive side, offering even heat distribution at up to 226°C with no dangerous hot spots that might damage your hair. And negative ions will leave your hair with an enviable mirror-like shine.
With dual voltage for worldwide use and only 6 cm in length, you can pop this BaByliss hair straightener into your cabin bag for salon-grade locks, whatever your location.
Best for: Space-saving hair-straightening for ultra-sleek strands on the go.
| Ionic technology: | Yes |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic |
| Heat settings: | 1 (up to 226°C) |
| Color: | Blue |
L’Oréal: Best steam hair straightener
The advantage of a steam hair straightener is that it adds moisture to your locks while simultaneously straightening, preventing over-drying and damage. Hence why we love the cutting-edge L’Oréal Steampod 3.0 which uses steam technology to shape your hair.
This steam styler is a progressive alternative to traditional hair straighteners and one that prioritizes hair health and well-being. Worried it might not have the same power as your standard straightener?
Think again. The smoothness and softness imparted by this steam hair straightener can last for days, withstanding even rain and humidity.
The L’Oréal Steampod 3.0 also works twice as fast as a regular styling plate, while pro-keratin technology minimizes heat damage. Double plates allow for smooth gliding with no tugging, reducing the appearance of split ends and creating a polished and complement-worthy finish.
Best for: Uber-effective styling that doesn’t leave hair crisp and dry.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic |
| Heat settings: | 3 (180 to 210°C) |
| Color: | White |
Dyson: Most innovative hair straightener
Why stick to traditional hair styling tools when you could have a pioneering creation like the Dyson Corrale? This highly innovative hair-straightening instrument uses patented flexing manganese copper alloy plates to mold around the hair, gripping it gently and allowing you to straighten your strands in just a single stroke with only the minimum heat necessary.
This hair straightener may not be cheap, but it certainly gets the job done, with three precise temperature settings that allow you to choose the right intensity for your hair type. It’s also been weight balanced for a comfortable hold, and you can keep an eye on the settings on the OLED display.
With its cordless design, it’s ideal for reaching awkward angles. The 30-minute battery life should be enough for most manes, but if not, simply attach the magnetic 360° cord.
The Dyson Corrale also boasts universal voltage, which makes it fantastically travel-friendly. Simply use the flight-ready feature when packing the hair straightener in your carry-on bag for holidays.
Best for: Less damage, less effort, more time for more important things.
| Ionic technology: | No |
| Type of plates: | Manganese copper alloy |
| Heat settings: | 3 (up to 210°C) |
| Color: | Black and fuschia |
HSI: Best budget flat iron
It’s hard to believe you can pick up the HSI hair straightener for under $50, given all the features included in that price tag.
We’re talking micro-sensors to regulate temperature, distribute heat, and prevent hair damage. A combination of ceramic and tourmaline crystal ion plates creates a shiny and silky finish. A totally adjustable heat range for greater control and specificity. And dual voltage so you can take it with you everywhere.
The HSI flat iron can straighten, flip, and curl, putting a whole range of super-chic hairstyles within easy reach of amateur hairstylists. Check out the freestyle guide, which is included along with a travel-size argan oil leave-in hair treatment.
Best for: Minimal damage, minimal cost, maximum power.
| Ionic technology: | Yes |
| Type of plates: | Ceramic and tourmaline |
| Heat settings: | 60 to 230°C |
| Color: | Black |
Buyers guide: how to choose the best hair straighteners
Choosing a pair of hair straighteners can be a challenge with so many different options on the market. You want to choose the right one for your hair type and specific hair needs. Here’s what you need to know:
Straightener vs. flat iron: what’s the difference?
Hair straightener is a term used to refer to any kind of hair styling device that flattens and straightens hair. This includes flat irons, but it can also include styling brushes and combs.
Different temperature settings
Most hair straighteners come with a range of temperature settings that you can adjust according to your hair type and hair needs. Thicker and coarser hair will require a higher temperature than fine hair or areas of hair that are damaged and brittle.
The temperature range of hair straighteners also varies, but they typically go up to around 230°C.
Ionic technology
This technology is used to smooth hair and impart shine. By releasing negative ions to reduce the positive charge on hairs, ionic technology dissipates water and smooths the cuticle layer, minimizing frizz and creating a smooth appearance. It can also reduce static and flyaways.
Ionic technology is a good choice for those with fine or damaged hair because it offers smoothness without additional heat.
Plate materials
Different hair straighteners feature plates made from different materials. These include titanium, ceramic, and tourmaline. Often you’ll find hair straighteners made from a combination of the three.
Ceramic
This is the most affordable material and provides even heat distribution and an effortless glide. However, ceramic plates don’t get as hot as titanium plates, which means the straightening process can be slower and less effective on really curly or coarse hair.
Nevertheless, this is better for your hair health in the long term.
Titanium
Titanium plates heat up the quickest out of the three materials, creating an ultra-efficient straightening experience with very slick results and fewer passes needed. But the extra heat can damage your hair. Titanium flat irons are also more expensive.
Tourmaline
This is a semi-precious stone that can help smooth the hair cuticle as well as impart negative ions, minimizing frizz. Tourmaline plates also offer very uniform heating with no hot spots that could cause hair damage.
Plate width and size
The best size of heating plates for you will depend on your hair type. Obviously, the larger the plates, the faster you can straighten your hair, as you can do bigger sections at a time.
However, those of you with short hair will prefer a smaller hair straightener with narrower plates, allowing you to get up close to your roots without burning your scalp.
Top tips for using hair straighteners
- Use a smoothing conditioner (and maybe even a hair growth shampoo) when showering to add moisture and start the straightening process. Afterward, pat your hair dry with a towel, then roughly blow-dry. Let the rest air dry.
- Don’t use your hair straighteners until your hair is completely dry because the water can heat up and break the follicle, creating even more frizz.
- Add a thermal protectant spray to serve as a shield against the heat.
- If you can, use a lower heat setting, even if this takes longer, as this means less damage. Opt for a temperature around 150°C.
- Split your hair into sections and work methodically. Hold the hair taut so the flat iron can glide over it effectively, minimizing the need for a second pass.
- Clean your hair straightener regularly to avoid the build-up of oil and dust.
Frequently asked questions about hair straighteners
The best hair straighteners are the InStyler CeraSilk Styling Irons, which provide an effective straightening and smoothing experience but also minimize hair damage by allowing heat to pass through to the hair quickly and efficiently without burning it.
The best brand for hair straighteners is InStyler, which makes affordable, powerful, and damage-minimizing hair straighteners. GHD is another great hair straightener brand. Check out our list of the best hair straighteners for more inspiration.
The InStyler CeraSilk Styling Iron is arguably better than GHD hair straighteners because it’s cheaper but just as effective and also provides four different heat settings so you can adjust the temperature according to your hair type or needs.
