Best Mini Flat Irons for Travel and for Women With Short Hair

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 19, 2023
Are you planning a journey and want to look strikingly good wherever you are, on vacation or a business trip? Then, a mini straightening iron is just what you need. We’ve reviewed the 5 best mini flat irons to help you make the right choice. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Plate Width
Plate Material and Coating
Heat Adjustment
Convenience and Safety
Warranty
 
PROS

The Nano Titanium technology ensures excellent heat retention to make every lock perfectly straight. 1-inch wide plates allow grabbing more hair in one go. The high temperature of 440°F is great to use even on unruly hair.

CONS

Might be too hot for fine hair.

OUR VERDICT

The Babyliss Pro mini straightening iron is all about functionality and usability, without any distracting unnecessary features. Choose this model and try its advantages for yourself.

detailed parameters
Plate Width

1.25"

Plate Material and Coating

Nano titanium ceramic

Heat Adjustment

Constant temperature 440°F

Convenience and Safety

Surface with Thumbrest, Indicator light, Dual voltage

Warranty

Limited 4 year

PROS

Advanced ceramic PTC heating element ensures even heating of the plate along its surface, thus protecting your hair from frizz and damage.

CONS

Tongs don't close tightly.

OUR VERDICT

The KIPOZI mini will give you the opportunity to do beautiful styling during travel and business trips. Thanks to the non-slip corrugated case and the heat-resistant cover in the kit, the iron is extremely safe to use and transport.

detailed parameters
Plate Width

0.5" (1" available)

Plate Material and Coating

Ceramic

Heat Adjustment

Constant temperature 392°F

Convenience and Safety

40 seconds heat up, Dual voltage, Indicator light, velvet pouch

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Tourmaline-ceramic coating plates will maintain the natural moisture and elasticity of the hair. Therefore, you can create a beautiful styling without harming your curls.

CONS

The cord is not flexible enough.

OUR VERDICT

Together with the Lovani Mini Portable Flat Iron, you can quickly straighten out unruly curls, no matter where you are. The device is convenient and safe to use, and due to the rounded edges, makes it possible to make light curls.

detailed parameters
Plate Width

0.5"

Plate Material and Coating

Tourmaline Ceramic

Heat Adjustment

Constant temperature 410°F

Convenience and Safety

Dual Voltage, 3D Floating Heating Panel, Hand Cool Tips, On indicator light, non-slip grip, heat resistance bag included

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Flexible temperature adjustments in a wide range of 140°F - 446°F will allow you to adapt to your hair type and structure with maximum precision.

CONS

The on / off switch is too close to the plates.

OUR VERDICT

A compact iron, which will occupy a minimum of space in the travel bag. Its 3D Floating Plates automatically adjust to the thickness of your chosen strand for best results. The special design helps prevent the risk of damaging your hair.

detailed parameters
Plate Width

1"

Plate Material and Coating

Ceramic

Heat Adjustment

Adjustable temperature 140°F - 446°F

Convenience and Safety

60 Minutes Auto Shut-off, On indicator light, 3D floating plates, Dual Voltage, non-slip grip, 30 seconds heat-up

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Turbo Heat boost feature instantly increases the heating temperature of the plates by 36°F, which will allow you to cope with straightening the toughest and most disobedient strands.

CONS

Takes too long to cool (approx 15-20 minutes).

OUR VERDICT

The Conair CS4VCSR is a practical and affordable iron with a thin curved handle that allows you to get as close as possible to the hair roots. The device warms up quickly and does not harm locks of any type.

detailed parameters
Plate Width

0.75 "(2" is available)

Plate Material and Coating

Ceramic

Heat Adjustment

25 heat settings up to 400°F

Convenience and Safety

Floating plates, 30 seconds heat-up, Turbo Heat boost feature, Dual voltage, Auto-off, On indicator light

Warranty

Limited 2 years

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Babyliss Pro BABNT3050 Nano Titanium

Completely Functional

The first requirement for any mini flat iron is that the iron is functional at its primary job of either straightening or curling hair, depending on ones used for it. There are tons of models out there that may barely fit that description of being functional, and many of them have trouble with certain types of hair. Most women who have used any of these for any length of time know this already, so they are always on the hunt for a model that is not only small and portable, but also entirely effective at its job, no matter what type of hair it is used for.

The Babyliss Pro BABNT3053 Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron is a model that has been engineered to fit all of the criteria that women search for when looking for a mini flat iron. This model is highly functional, featuring 1-inch plates that are thick enough to work with all types of hair, no matter how thin or thick it is. The plates are made of Nano Titanium-Ceramic, giving a great composite material that effectively utilizes the strengths of both titanium and ceramic along with the Ryton housing when it comes to its effect on hair. The 1-inch plates also make this great for those with short hair, and the thin plates allow for easily getting close to the scalp.

Review of Babyliss Pro BABNT3050 Nano Titanium Dual voltage Mini Straightening Iron

Highly Portable

The functionality of this model is aided by the fact that the plates heat up to a constant temperature of 440 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that the irons are always hot enough to handle any type of hair. The only drawback to this is that those with thinner hair may run the risk of burning their hair if not careful, but this tends to not be a problem for most people. The iron also benefits from its titanium-ceramic plating in that the heat-up time is quite fast, meaning that you won't have to wait around forever for the plates to reach maximum temperature. This makes it perfect for those who need to quickly style their hair in a rush.

Along with the high functionality of this device comes a level of portability that is sure to make anyone happy. The iron measures only 6 inches in length, making it the perfect size to easily fit inside a purse or hand bag, and its lightweight construction means that it won't weigh down whatever you are transporting it in. This model even features dual voltage capabilities, meaning that it will work perfectly anywhere in the world, as long as you have the right type of plug adapter for it. For those who need both a highly functional and highly portable mini flat iron, this model is a great choice.

Babyliss Pro BABNT3050 Nano Titanium Dual voltage Mini Straightening Iron in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $34.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B001T0HHAG

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

It's perfect for my short hair and easy to handle. Works for everyday and tiny to take with me on trips.

Key Specs

It heats up quick and does a nice job.

Features

The product was going to be too hot to use on my short hair since it only heats up to one temperature, but I've used it a couple of times now, and it's pretty great.

Power

The cord does not tangle and it cools down fairly fast.
 

KIPOZI Professional Mini 0.5 Inch Ceramic

Great for Short and Thin Hair

Women with short and thin hair often have trouble finding a great mini flat iron that will work effectively for them. Many models with thick plates are not made to work well with short hair, and some with smaller plates may not work at the right temperature to really help straighten or curl their hair. Often such women have to make trade-offs in functionality when they choose a model. However, that doesn't have to be the case.

The KIPOZI Professional Mini 0.5 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener is a model that is made specifically for women with short and thin hair. Featuring 0.5-inch ceramic plates, this mini flat iron is just the right size for providing a great hair straightening or curling experience for those with short hair. The small plate size especially makes it effective at getting close to the scalp, so it is able to straighten the full length of the hair without missing any parts. The small plate size is also great for those who need to straighten or curl their bangs, which many other models seem to not be well suited for. Although it is advertised mainly as a hair straightener, this mini flat iron works equally well at curling, so those who need this functionality are certainly not left out.

Review of KIPOZI Professional Mini 0.5 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener

Style To Your Preference

The great thing about this model's flexibility in use is that even those who have longer or thicker hair will find things to like about it. The ceramic plates ensure a fully equal heating experience, so there is no need to worry about cold spots causing problems with styling. Although ceramic plates tend to take longer than metal ones to heat up, this model does a great job in heating up to the maximum temperature of 392 degrees F / 200 degrees C quickly, taking just 40 seconds. Those who are always in a hurry will find this to be a great time saver for them, as some ceramic models may take up to several minutes to fully heat up.

Along with the fast heat up time, this model has plenty of other features that help make it a top choice. The plates are only 6 inches in length, making the entire mini flat iron small and lightweight enough to easily carry in a purse, or to fit in carry-on luggage. The case itself is corrugated, meaning that it has plenty of friction to not easily slip out of your hands, and the handle has heat protection to help keep you from burning your fingers. This model even comes with a handy travel pouch, and the dual voltage support means you can use it anywhere you go. For anyone with short and thin hair who has had trouble with finding the perfect mini flat iron, your search is now over!

KIPOZI Professional Mini 0.5 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07CYJWCTX

 

Lovani Mini Portable Flat Iron

Keep Your Hair Healthy

Using a curling iron of any type can be hit or miss at times. They require a bit of care when using, not just to prevent injuries to your hand, but also to your hair. Using it for too long can cause unfortunate damage to your hair, while using it for too short of a time will most often not yield desirable results. It can often take a lot of practice to get it just right in order to get the desired results while keeping your hair healthy, and many people just don't have the time to spend getting it right.

The Lovani Mini Portable Flat Iron Tourmaline Ceramic Dual Voltage Travel Iron For Worldwide was made with this dilemna in mind. This mini flat iron uses ceramic plates to heat the flat iron, maintaining a great temperature that gives you the results that you need all while protecting the natural beauty and health of your hair. The 3D floating plate provides for better contact with your hair than most other flat irons, giving you straight results that will make your hair look fantastic. The 0.5 inch plates provide the perfect size for those with thin to medium hair thickness. maintaining a constant temperature that won't fluctuate, ensuring your hair is straightened quickly without too much effort.

Review of Lovani Mini Portable Flat Iron Tourmaline Ceramic Dual Voltage Travel Iron For Worldwide

All-Around Convenience

The performance of this mini flat iron is enhanced by its quick heat-up time of just 30 seconds, which is rather quick for a model with ceramic plates. This ensures that you won't have to spend all day waiting for it to heat up before use, letting you get to straightening your hair and out the door in record time.  For those who might need to curl rather than straighten their hair, the rounded edges of the plates let you effectively do this without much trouble, making this a great 2-in-1 straightener and curler.

Along with its great performance, there are plenty of added features that enhance the overall convenience of this model. The whole size of this mini flat iron is quite small, making it quite easy to carry with you anywhere without taking up much space. The iron comes with a heat resistant travel pouch that allows for easy storage and carrying, letting you stow it away before it cools down entirely without risk of burning yourself or the pouch. For those who often travel overseas, you will be pleased to note that this mini flat iron works with both US and foreign voltages, so only a plug adapter will be necessary for use in other countries. All of the features of this mini flat iron add up to a highly convenient package that make it a worthy purchase.

Lovani Mini Portable Flat Iron Tourmaline Ceramic Dual Voltage Travel Iron For Worldwide in the use
Last updated price $15.97
Stock In stock
ASIN B075QZWTJJ

 

Sabuy 038

Great Precision

A quick look at most of the mini flat irons on the market shows that they often don't allow for very precise control over the temperature settings. While this is a feature that is not uncommon with large irons, mini flat irons often leave this out. This can be bad for those who have delicate hair who need to use the flat iron at a precise temperature in order to get good results without damaging their hair. Even many of the mini flat irons that do have temperature controls only give a few presets, which still doesn't help much if a person needs a different temperature.

The Sabuy 038 Ceramic Flat Iron for Hair seems to be the answer to those who have prayed for a mini flat iron with more precise temperature controls. This model includes flexible temperature adjustments in a wide range from 140 to 446 degrees F, will allows any user to adapt the temperature to the precise one they need for their hair in order to achieve the best results without the risk of burning or otherwise damaging their hair. This makes this mini flat iron perfect for those of all hair types, something that seems to be a rare occurrence with such devices. In short, if you need precise temperature adjustments on your mini flat iron, this model deserves a close look.

Review of Sabuy 038 Ceramic Flat Iron for Hair, Professional 1 Inch Hair Straightener, Dual Voltage for Worldwide Traveling

Compact Design

Usually, when there's a really great feature on a mini flat iron that isn't often found on other models, that often means that the model is lacking in other areas. Fortunately, this is not the case with the Sabuy 038 Ceramic Flat Iron. Among the great features included with this model is its small, compact design, which gives the flat iron a small footprint and ultra light weight, lending itself to easy carrying and storing. Although it doesn't come with a travel pouch, the small size of this device along with its strong outer casing means that one really isn't necessary. You can easily carry it in a purse or travel bag without fear of it getting damaged.

Many other great features are included in this travel iron. This model features a dual voltage design that lets it work fine no matter where you are, making it a great option for frequent fliers. The 3D floating heads also give you precise control of your hair, letting you get the best results without fear of burning. The 360-degree swivel cord makes it quite easy to move around your head without the cord getting tangled up or wrapped around a part of your body. There is even an auto shut-off feature that prevents the iron from burning anything if it is inactive for a period of time. All in all, this mini travel iron will be a great choice for anyone who needs precise temperature controls coupled with a well thought-out design.

Sabuy 038 Ceramic Flat Iron for Hair, Professional 1 Inch Hair Straightener, Dual Voltage for Worldwide Traveling in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B079L41VZS

 

Conair CS4VCSR

Straighten The Toughest Curls

Have you ever had a problem with straightening your hair when there's a group of curls or waves that just won't straighten out at all? Those with thick, curly hair have often experienced this issue, and many flat irons just aren't made to handle it very well. Usually they at most have a few present temperatures that give you little choice in which temperature to use, and even when you can adjust it to a higher temperature, the iron often takes a while to heat up to that temperature. This just doesn't work for those who need to straighten their hair in a hurry.

If you frequently encounter this issue, then fear not. The Conair CS4VCSR Instant Heat 3/4-inch Ceramic Flat Iron was made to handle just this type of problem. Featured in this model is a Turbo Heat mode, which quickly heats up the plates by 36 degrees F, letting you cope with straightening the toughest and most disobedient strands. Even the thickest curls will fall prey to this mode, letting you straighten them out quickly and easily. If you have been looking for a mini flat iron with such a feature, then you will certainly want to give this model a test drive. You are certain to not be disappointed with the results, just like many others who have given this feature high marks.

Review of Conair CS4VCSR Instant Heat 3/4-inch Ceramic Flat Iron

Sleek Design

Many mini flat irons tend to be ugly looking devices, meaning that they are often not something you want to show off to other people. With this model, though, nothing could be further from the truth. The casing of this mini flat iron utilizes a sleek, compact design that makes handling it a pleasure. The entire device features a slightly curved shape that lets it sit naturally in your hand while you are using it, with the controls conveniently located so that you can adjust them without even having to look at it. The device is also quite light, so you shouldn't experience arm fatigue even with a long straightening session.

For those who are often disappointed with the heat settings of mini flat irons, it will probably be a pleasant surprise to know that this device includes a range of 25 heat settings, letting you adjust the temperature to settings that are needed for any type of hair. The device itself heats up quickly, taking just 30 seconds to heat up to the desired temperature. If there is a fault with the device, it would be that it takes an unusually long time to cool down once it is turned off, so be careful with it once you turn it off. Outside of that, the included features with this mini flat iron make it a must-have for those who need a great budget flat iron that is rich with its performance.

Conair CS4VCSR Instant Heat 3/4-inch Ceramic Flat Iron in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $14.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0000AHS9X

 

What Is a Mini Flat Iron?

Mini flat irons are really small hair tools created for on-the-go styling, similar to a hair iron. Being compact (6”- 8” long and 0.5” – 1” wide) and lightweight, they fit in your handbag or cosmetic bag nicely. These appliances can be corded or cordless, depending on the type. Corded models often possess a dual voltage option that allows you to use them worldwide while the cordless ones can even be used during camping or hiking.

However, you should understand that it’s difficult to equip small appliances with a large number of functions. That’s why mini flat irons normally have only one temperature setting. Models that have multiple temperature settings are usually larger variants that wouldn't be considered portable like a mini flat iron.

The size also affects the time needed for hair styling, so be ready to spend about 20-30 minutes on straightening or curling (yes, it's possible to do with a flat iron) your hair, although the amount of time it takes can largely depend on a number of different factors. Regardless, you will want to take these peculiarities into consideration before you choose the mini flat iron that meets your requirements best.

For home or salon use, it’s better to choose professional flat irons.
Best Mini Flat Irons 2017

What Features to Compare

Before mentioning anything else, it is important to note that mini flat irons are slightly different than a normal hair iron. Due to their size and portability, they usually are less fully featured than a regular curling or straightening iron. However, that doesn't mean that they are any less effective at their job. Far from it, in fact, although this will largely depend on the model that you purchase. Some mini flat irons will work better for certain people than others, and it largely comes down to the differences between the different models. Here are some of the characteristics and features of mini flat irons that you will want to look for.

Plate Width

The plate width of a mini flat iron refers to the size of the plates where the hair is curled or straightened. Plate width is important to note because the size of the plates can affect how hair is styled for different hair length and thickness. Generally, short plates (0.5 to 0.75 inches) are better for short, thin hair, while thicker plates will work better for thicker, longer hair. Of course, the plate thickness will vary between models, and it is far from the only factor regarding how effective the mini flat iron will be, but it is important to note nonetheless.

Plate Material and Coating

Another important consideration here is the type of material or coating used for the plates. The two most common types of materials that are used are ceramic and titanium, and each one has its own peculiarities when it comes to its effectiveness. Titanium plates tend to heat up much faster than ceramic plates, but they are also known to have cold spots, whereas ceramic plates can often heat up slowly, but the heat distribution tends to be much more even. Of course, all of this will come down to personal preference, so which type you will want to choose will be based on which one you prefer.

Heating and Maximum Temperature

One of the most important differences between a regular sized hair iron and a mini flat iron is that almost all models of mini flat irons lack the ability to adjust the temperature. This means that the temperature that works best with your hair will define which model you should purchase. On the other hand, some models tend to get too hot for certain types of hair, so care should be taken to make sure that the model you choose isn't too hot for your hair.

Convenience and Safety Features

Last but not least, it's a good idea to check what convenience and safety features are included with your flat iron. If you often travel to different countries, you will want to make sure that your flat iron is dual voltage to support the differing voltages between the US and other parts of the world. Other features can include indicator lights for showing when it is currently heating, thumb rests or other features to prevent you from burning your hands, and even something like a travel pouch. Any of these or other features are included in various types of flat irons, so make sure the features that you want or need are included in the model of your choice.

Did you know?

Curling vs. Straightening: The Differences

All of the products reviewed here are flat irons, which are most commonly used with straightening hair as opposed to curling. However, there sometimes seems to be confusion about what should be used for curling as opposed to straightening. Is there a big difference between a mini flat iron and a curling wand? Let's find out what the differences are, and what you can use each device for.

Curling Wand

Curling wands (or irons) are devices that are meant to be used primarily for curling hair. As they are often called wands, that's because of their shape. Curling wands usually look like a long wand that has a ceramic or metal rod that the hair is wrapped around. The wrapping of the hair ensures that the hair will stay curly after it is heated for a specific amount of time, and the strength of the curls can often be affected by how long the hair is wrapped around the wand. Curling irons are mostly just used for curling hair, and are not very effective at straightening it.

Flat Iron

A flat iron is just the opposite of a curling wand. Instead of having a wand shape, a flat iron consists of two plates, usually either metal or ceramic, that are meant to close together with the hair in between them. The hair is straightened by closing the plates with the hair held between, and then moving the flat irons slowly along the length of the hair. Often a comb is used to help straighten the hair beforehand, with some people often using it at the same time as the flat iron to ensure that their hair stays straight.

Flat Iron for Curling?

One of the biggest differences between a flat iron and a curling iron is that while you can't use a curling wand to straighten your hair, you can use a flat iron to curl your hair. In fact, some flat irons are often advertised as being dual use, meant for both straightening and curling, although there are few differences between flat irons advertised as such and those that aren't. The fact is, you can use virtually any flat iron for curling hair.

How to Curl With a Flat Iron

The steps for curling hair with a flat iron are a little different than for straightening hair. First, it is best to make sure that your hair has been both shampooed and conditioned. with your hair left damp during the preparation process. Optionally, you can use a detangling and/or volumizing spray to help give your hair that extra bit of help. Some kind of heat protection for your hair is also recommended.

Once your hair has been prepped, it is recommended that you blowdry your hair, being careful not to spend too much time drying in one place, as this can damage your hair and make it harder to curl effectively. Use a brush while blowdrying to make sure that your hair remains disentangled and flowing freely. Make sure that your hair is completely dry before using the flat iron.

For curling your hair with a flat iron, it is best to use a model that has a rounded barrel rather than a flat or blocky barrel. Thankfully, most models you will find should have enough roundness to them to work well for this. Section your hair off like you would with a curling iron, and then put a section between the plates and curl it around the barrel, Then slowly move the flat iron away from your scalp, keeping your hair curled around it up to the end. Once it is at the end, twist the flat iron away to give it that extra curly action. With practice, you should be able to curl your hair just as effectively with a flat iron as with a curling iron.


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Publish Date: 2017-08-03 15:54:19