Best Flat Irons

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 18, 2023
If you want to have ideally smooth and straight hair, a flat iron will come to help! With this tool at hand, you’ll be able to ...Read more
PROS

This styling tool is fitted with titanium plates that nicely glide over your hair and don't pinch the locks. The negative ion generator that is situated at the base of the plates prevents frizziness.

CONS

The control buttons are easy to accidentally touch. 

OUR VERDICT

The KIPOZI V5 is an elegant straightener that suits for professional and home use. It has a clear and informative display, auto voltage function, and all the safety features. The set includes two hair clips, a protective glow, and a flat iron bag.

detailed parameters
PLATES MATERIAL

Titanium

PLATE WIDTH

1"

HEAT REGULATOR

9 heat settings

TEMPERATURE

250°F - 450°F

HEAT TIME

Less than 60 seconds

AUTO SHUT-OFF

Yes

INDICATOR / DISPLAY

LCD screen

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The HSI Professional E038 is an innovative tool designed for straightening, flipping and curling hair. With one like this at hand, you will create new hairdos every day, experimenting with your looks.

CONS

Hairs may stick between the plates and the body.

OUR VERDICT

The HSI E038 will become the best bet for all travelers who spend a lot of time on the road and often go overseas. It is worldwide dual voltage and it comes with a handy carrying bag for safe travels. 

detailed parameters
PLATES MATERIAL

Ceramic Tourmaline 

PLATE WIDTH

1"

HEAT REGULATOR

Manual

TEMPERATURE

140°F - 450°F

HEAT TIME

~ 20 seconds

AUTO SHUT-OFF

No

INDICATOR / DISPLAY

On indicator light

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The styler features as many as 30 different heat settings to suit every hair type. At the highest mode, it reaches ultra-high 455°F temperature. Due to the optimal width and smooth plates, you may straighten your locks from roots to ends without damage.

CONS

The plates don't touch flush even when they're closed.

OUR VERDICT

Producing salon-quality heat, this straightener can handle even the most unruly curls. At the same time, its oil-infused plates will protect and revitalize your hair.

detailed parameters
PLATES MATERIAL

Ceramic Tourmaline

PLATE WIDTH

1"

HEAT REGULATOR

30 heat settings

TEMPERATURE

140°F - 455°F

HEAT TIME

15 seconds

AUTO SHUT-OFF

Yes

INDICATOR / DISPLAY

On indicator light

WARRANTY

5 years limited

PROS

The length of the plates is around 8 inches, which will allow you to straighten even very long hair with ease. The plates are made of unique material with a glossy exterior that gives your locks incredible shine.

CONS

Sometimes it may not shut off with the on/off button.

OUR VERDICT

The VANESSA Flat Iron offers great straightening results. It has a sleek design and is comfortable to hold. It is ready for use in just 15 seconds and can work worldwide. Suits hair of any type.

detailed parameters
PLATES MATERIAL

Nanometer Silver and Titanium

PLATE WIDTH

1"

HEAT REGULATOR

11 heat settings

TEMPERATURE

265°F - 450°F

HEAT TIME

15 seconds

AUTO SHUT-OFF

Yes

INDICATOR / DISPLAY

LCD screen

WARRANTY

100-day money-back guarantee, 500-day warranty

PROS

The Wet/Dry styling indicator will become green when the styler is ready for use on wet hair and yellow for dry hair. Therefore, you will be able to find a perfect temperature according to the condition of your hair.

CONS

The body gets hot to the touch after continuous work. 

OUR VERDICT

The Remington Wet2Straight Flat Iron will help you save valuable time in the mornings. You can start straightening right out of the shower (the steam vents will remove the excess water).

detailed parameters
PLATES MATERIAL

Ceramic Titanium

PLATE WIDTH

1 3/4"

HEAT REGULATOR

30 heat settings

TEMPERATURE

Up to 420°F

HEAT TIME

30 seconds

AUTO SHUT-OFF

Yes

INDICATOR / DISPLAY

Wet/Dry styling indicator, On/Off indicator

WARRANTY

2 years limited

Professional Device for Straightening and Curling

KIPOZI offers a line of functional hair styling products that are very popular among customers due to their amazing quality and the results they provide, and the KIPOZI V5 is one of those products. This hair styler is one of the best flat irons on the market, and there are multiple reasons for that.

First and foremost, this titanium flat iron features high-quality plates that easily glide over your locks without tangling and pulling. The body of the unit is fitted with the negative ion generator (the ion concentration of up to 500) that reduces static electricity on the hair and prevents frizziness, making your locks smooth and silky. Also, the titanium plates are less likely to break your hair or cause split ends since they provide gentle yet efficient straightening.

As for the size of the plates, they are 1-inch wide. Thanks to that and to their slightly rounded shape, you can not only straighten your hair but also make curls with the help of this appliance.

With this model, you get two hair clips that can come in handy for styling extremely long, voluminous hair. Plus, the kit includes a heat protection glove that minimizes the risk of burns. There is also a case that allows you to store the iron and all the accessories neatly.

Best For Thick Hair

Moving on, we would like to say that this professional device is best for ladies with average and thick hair. The temperature range of this model is 250°F - 450°F, so it may not be well-suitable for ladies with thin, fine hair. The device has 9 pre-set temperature settings, which allows you to quickly choose the most optimal one depending on your needs. The model reaches the highest temperature in less than a minute.

Apart from being functional, this model is also safe to use. The unit comes with an auto shut-off feature, so even if you forget to power it down, it will turn off automatically after a few minutes of no-use.

On top of that, this hair straightener can be a good travel companion as it has an auto voltage feature. So, with the KIPOZI V5, your locks will stay sleek and shiny in any corner of the world. It's an amazing flat iron that provides professional hair care and is able to make your locks straight, shiny, and healthy-looking.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $43.06
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B084YSRYFB

Wide Temperature Range

The HSI Tourmaline Flat Iron is a decent model from a trustworthy brand but it comes at a pretty affordable price. This device is one of the best models both for professional hair stylist and users that want their hair look perfect every day.

To begin with, this flat iron boasts an impressive temperature range: from gentle 140°F up to 450°F. If you have thin and damaged hair, we highly recommend using the lower setting. But if you can boast thick hair or if your locks are hard to straighten, select the higher temperature so they will be under control.

As for the controls, the styler has an indicator to inform you whether it is on or off. This tool is manual, with the temperature control dial is situated next to the on/off button. The plates of this device are ceramic with tourmaline cover. They are not very thick. around 1 inch. If you practice enough, you can use it even from creating curls. Thus, with this device, you don’t have to purchase a separate curling iron to have a new hairstyle every week.

The heating time of this model is also quite impressive. This device will get hot in about 20 seconds, no matter what temperature you select. In this case, it is fair to say that the HSI flat iron can compete with expensive high-end models.

Travel-Friendly Model

This model of a flat iron is also very travel-friendly. Apart from the small size and light weight, but it also has a dual voltage. So, if you travel overseas on a frequent basis, this model will fit you to a T. The tool comes with a handy carrying bag for safe travels. It also features a long 360 swivel cord (with a 6-foot length) for convenient use. What we also like about the HSI Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron is hat you get all the perks mentioned before at a very affordable price. You can get the amazing straightening results without going hard on a wallet. 

Lastly, as a nice addition, this professional flat iron comes with a bottle of argan oil for additional hair treatment. 

Unfortunately, the design of the unit is a little bit inconvenient, since the hairs may stick between the plates and the body. In order not to pull hairs while straightening them, we recommend taking a small strand and being a bit more careful.

In short, if you need a full-featured flat iron that will be your trusty assistant both at home and on vacation, the HSI Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron is a perfect option for you. Plus, it comes at a budget-friendly price.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $44.95
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B001MA0QY2

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(5)

Overall, this is a perfect flat iron that can get you straight hair with less heat, great on curly or kinky hair that is blown out.

Size & Weight(4.7)

I would recommend this product if your looking for a straightener thats light weight, gets hot and gets the job done!

Features(4.3)

There is a green power indicator light that shows it is turned on, a good reminder to turn it off or unplug it when you are finished using it.

Power(5)

It heats fast, is easy to operate, the cord is long (thank you!).

Straight and Healthy

In our opinion, the Conair CS710R Infiniti Pro is one of the best hair straighteners with a great price/quality ratio. The reason for that is that it has a very wide range of features to make the hairstyling process comfortable, quick and easy for everyone including those with very thick and unruly hair while coming at a price around 20 bucks. Let's take a closer look at what it offers.

To begin with, this appliance features as many as 30 heat settings, which allows you to quickly select the optimal temperature according to your hair type. The iron heats up to 450°F, so it can straighten and smooth out even thick locks after just one glide. At the same time, it can also operate at a low temperature of 140°F which makes it safe to use on thin and dyed hair as well. What also positively contributes towards the iron's performance is its plates - they are packed with multiple micro-sensors to ensure even heat-up all across the surface.

It is also worth mentioning that the device gets ready for use in a very short time. Actually, it takes just 15 seconds to reach the highest temperature. So, if you are in a rush, you won’t have to waste a lot of time waiting until the iron gets hot enough for use.

Coming back to the plates, aside from the above-mentioned micro-sensors, they boast great quality and are able to gently smooth out the hair without pulling. To make that possible, the folk at Conair infused them with oils. As a result, the iron can not only straighten your hair in a safe way but also nourish it. The tourmaline coating, in turn, smoothes out the hair cuticles and makes your locks shinier, healthier, and less prone to breaking. Being 1 inch wide, the plates are pretty long and able to cover large hair sections at a time. Therefore, even if you have thick hair, the straightening process shouldn’t take you long.

Eye-Catching Design

As for the design, the iron is available in a bright purple body. It has non-skid handles that ensure a comfortable and secure grip. The control regulator is wisely located between the plates, so you won’t be able to accidentally change the setting while holding it. We also like that the body stays cool to the touch even after continuous use.

Lastly, this hair straightener has a pretty decent service life and comes with a long 5-year warranty, so you can be sure you’re making a worthy investment.

In a word, the Conair CS710R Infiniti Pro Flat Iron is a key to creating a salon-quality hairstyle in the comfort of your own home. The model is versatile and convenient in use and can provide professional-like hair nourishment. Plus, the appliance has a long service life and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $29.97
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B004INQ65S

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4)

I Love everything about this flat iron, from the 15-sec heat-up, adjustable heat settings to how smooth the tourmaline ceramic plates glide through my hair, never grabbing or pulling it.

Size & Weight(5)

Very light weight, gets hot really fast.

Features(4.7)

Love the adjustable temp dial.

Power(4.4)

It's easy to maneuver, the cord is long, the plates are smooth, it heats up quickly and shuts off automatically if I forget.

High-Quality Plates

The VANESSA Titanium Flat Iron is a nice, simple model that can perfectly fit those who seek a device for home hair straightening and curling. With such a styling tool in your arsenal, you will be able to forget about uneven waves and annoying frizz.

First off, this flat iron boasts super-advanced plates made of titanium with nanometer silver. They generate negative ions that help eliminate static electricity and, thus, remove frizz and flyaways. Unlike some of its rivals, this appliance doesn’t remove the moisture from your locks, so they stay well-moisturized and healthy. Plus, these plates can greatly enhance the condition of your locks by adding incredible shine to them.

Moving on to the dimensions of the plates, they are actually among the longest on the market. Thanks to the unusual shape, they allow you to straighten the hair directly from the roots and add body to your hair.

As far as heat settings go, the VANESSA Titanium Flat Iron offers 11 pre-set options in the range from 265°F to 450°F. No matter which one you select, the unit heats very quickly, allowing you to start straightening almost instantly. The digital screen on the handle of the iron, which can't be seen until it lights up, allows checking the selected temperature at a glance.

For Hassle-free Styling

Made with a user's comfort in mind, this product has a 360° swivel cord that ensures freedom of movement while straightening the hair. The cord doesn’t tangle, which makes the straightening process even more enjoyable.

Some users complain that the power button on this iron doesn't always get pushed very well. We aren't sure whether it's a common problem with all of these models or it's just the case of a manufacturing defect, but if you face this kind of issue, you can easily solve it by simply unplugging the iron from the socket, which you would need to do after use anyway. Besides that, the iron has an auto shut-off feature that activates after a few minutes of no use. 

Other than that, there's little to dislike about the VANESSA Titanium Flat Iron. So, if you are looking for a good option for hairstyling at home, this model can be the right choice. Plus, it's supported by a 100-day money-back guarantee and a 500-day warranty.

Last updated price $39.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B08735PR2V

For Dry and Wet Straightening

Do you often find yourself in the morning rush and lack time for proper hair styling? If so, we have a great solution just for you. The Remington Wet2Straight Flat Iron can make your locks silky smooth and straight just like that, even if you've just stepped out from the shower. What's the secret? Unlike many of its rivals, this model comes equipped with special steam vents that remove excess moisture from the locks while styling, making it suitable for use with dry, damp, and even completely wet hair. That way, you won't need to waste any of your precious time blow drying your hair after you wash it and will be able to get down to styling straight away. As a nice touch, the iron features a convenient indicator that flashes green when it can be used on wet hair and yellow when you can it on dry locks.

Speaking of the temperature range, this hair straightening tool is able to heat up to a salon-quality temperature 420°F. This makes it suitable for pretty much any hair type, from damaged and thin to thick and unruly. The device offers 30 pre-set temperature options and the heating time makes around 30 seconds.

Note that the unit tends to get pretty hot after prolonged periods of use, especially if you run it on the highest settings. So, in order to avoid burns, we recommend using a heat protection glove while styling your locks.

Eliminates Frizz

Now a few words about the plates. They are made of ceramic titanium and smoothly glide across your hair without damaging it. So you can expect your hair to become much shinier and less frizzy after styling. Compared to other models from our shortlist, the plates here are also a bit wider, measuring 1 3/4 inches, meaning you will need fewer strokes to finish your hairstyle. But if you're used to 1-inch plates and look for a device that can be used not only for straightening but also curling your hair, the model with 1-inch plates is available as well.

The control panel is situated between the plates. This lowers the risk of accidental changing the temperature setting while holding the device. The on/off indicator is situated there as well.

Last but not least, this model comes with an auto shut-off function that can not only prevent the fire but also serve as an overheat protection and help prolong the service life of the unit.

To wrap the whole thing up, the Remington Wet2Straight Flat Iron can make your hair smooth and dry in a matter of minutes. It has a unique design and excels in its ability to smooth even wet hair.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $14.77
Stock In stock
ASIN B00ISW92IS

What Is a Flat Iron?

If you have unruly curls but want to have straight shiny hair with no frizz, a flat iron is an ideal solution for you. It is easy to use and it works wonders turning frizzy hair into smooth and shiny locks in a matter of minutes. What's more, it can also be used for creating loose waves, which adds to its versatility, making it a great alternative to owning a curling iron.

How does it work? A flat iron uses heat which allows it to solder hair cuticles to deliver a shiny and smooth look. Fitted with an adjustable heat regulator, it can work in a wide range of temperatures allowing everyone to find the most suitable one depending on their hair type. As for the plates, they can slightly vary in shape and size. You will find straight, tapered, wide and thin varieties. Also, they may include a different package of additional accessories, making them perfect for various styling tasks. In general, we recommend you to opt for wider plates if you have long hair since these will help reduce styling time. And if you look for a flat iron to use on short hair (fridges, beards, etc), thinner plates will be a better choice. The good thing is, the market's overrun with various models so you'll definitely find what you need.

In this article, we take a look at the five best flat irons that are available on sale today. We compare their design, functionality, and efficiency to give you our recommendations and help you with your choice.

You may also be interested in checking out our selections of keratin flat irons and steam flat irons.

What Features to Compare

Plates Material

When choosing a flat iron, the most important thing to consider is the material of the plates or, to be more precise, the coating. Most flat irons that are presented on the market have either a tourmaline or ceramic coating. Ceramic plates are good and will get hot in an instant allowing you to style your hair almost immediately. What's more, they perfectly maintain the pre-set temperature throughout the whole use. With regard to the tourmaline plates, these work a tad bit gentler and will better suit owners of thin or weak hair. That said, both materials have proved themselves to be highly effective and safe in use so that they can be applied to all hair types without the risk of damage. Along with ceramic and tourmaline plates, you can find a titanium coating which is considered the safest option among all available. The only flaw: titanium flat irons are quite expensive and will cost you several times more than an average deal.

Plates Size

Another thing to consider is the size of the plates. They can be narrow, measuring in up to 1 inch, and wide, more than 1 inch. The former works wonders straightening thin hair, short hair, and fringes while the latter will allow you to quickly style thick locks, adding to the convenience of use.

Thermoregulator

A thermoregulator is an important feature in a flat iron, especially if your hair is prone to splitting and fraying. It can be of two types: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical thermoregulators are very simple in use; however, they do not allow selecting the temperature with one-degree precision like electronic thermoregulators do. Flat irons with an electronic thermoregulator offer a greater multitude of settings, enabling you to choose from the range of 240°F to 450°F. As a rule, they feature LCD screens or a marked dial and allow customising the heat. General recommendations are to use low settings if your hair is thin and higher mode if your strands are rather thick and unmanageable.

Extra Options

Finally, pay attention to extra options. By this, we mean the heating speed - some models heat up in 30 seconds while others need only 10 seconds to reach the max heat; whether the flat iron has an auto shut-off function allowing you to prevent fire hazards; heat-resistant gloves for comfortable and safe styling; a bag for storing a hot tool, a stand or mat for convenience of use, and more. Such little things as indicators can make a difference too, so make sure to learn what accessories along with a flat iron come in the package before making a final choice.

Did you know?

All the owners of frizzy unruly hair try different ways to keep it a bit under control. With the invention of the straight irons, the life many people became so much easier because now they can rock a smooth silky hairstyle every day. Flat irons can straighten your locks and make them look longer and shinier. However, every rose has a thorn, and such styles are not an exception. Since flat irons use heat to straighten your locks, they can cause a lot of damage to your hairdo. That’s why we decided to share a few tips on how to keep your hair strong and healthy even if you straighten it every day.

Purchase a “soothing” shampoo

Even though such a solution won’t make your hair perfectly straight, it still can leave some positive impact. It adds moisture to your hair and makes it less unruly, thus prepares it for the straightening. You can also try straightening shampoos. They may have a better effect in smoothing your hair out, but they may not be suitable for all hair types. Plus, no shampoos can compete with results the iron gives you.

Always use a conditioner

We are sure there is no need to tell you about all the advantages of using additional hair care products like conditioner or moisturizer. However, we want to stress how important it is not to skip them in your routine if you straighten or curl your hair. Conditioning your hair will nourish your hair and make it look much stronger and healthier even amid the effect of the heat.

Never iron wet hair

Sometimes in a rush, we can break a few rules, but this one is an exception. Never, and we really mean it, never use a flat iron or a straightening brush on wet or damp hair. It can cause so much damage that you may have to cut your locks. If you are limited in time, use a hair dryer first. Although adding more heat to your hair may not like a very good idea, it is still nearly as dangerous as using an iron directly on a wet hair. Some people, who have very strong locks that are hard to straighten, have to use a hair dryer and a straightener each time they style their hair. There are some models of straighteners that are suitable for wet hair, however, their safety is still pretty questionable.

Always use a heat protector

Before straightening your hair, no matter if you are going straight for the flat iron or use a hair dryer first, apply a heat protector. As the name suggests, this product protects your hair and helps to keep it healthy and shiny.

Invest in a good device

No matter how tempting the desire to purchase the cheapest product may be, we recommend investing in a high-quality hair care device. There are many blow dryers and flat irons that use various technologies to reduce the damage your hair gets. Flat irons are completed with plates made of different materials. so you can choose the safest one. They also come with a wide temperature range that allows selecting the perfect one for your hair type. Plus, you can find pretty decent models at a very affordable price.

Following these steps, you can keep your hair healthy and shiny even if you love styling it with the heat on a frequent basis.

Sources:

1. Choosing the Best Hair Straightener for You, Hairfinder.

2. Stella Rose Saint Clair Flatirons: The Perfect Plate For You, Beautylish. September 27, 2012.

3. Phillip Picardi The Top 10 Flatiron Mistakes When Straightening Hair, teenVOGUE. August 14, 2016.

4. Julyne Derrick How to Use a Flat Iron, About. June 27, 2016.

5. Augusta Falletta 17 Useful Tricks For Anyone Who Uses A Hair Straightener, BuzzFeed. July 2, 2015.

6. Anna Jimenez Hair Care: How To Straighten Hair Like a Pro, TotalBeauty.

7. Devri Velazquez Are You Using the Best Flat Iron for Your Hair Type? NATURALLYCurly. October 12, 2015.

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