As much as we adore beach waves and voluminous, bombshell curls, sometimes we’re in the mood to go sleek. The timeless elegance of shiny, perfectly straight hair somehow makes us feel instantly powerful and put-together.
Taming our not-naturally-straight hair into something resembling supermodel sleekness is easier said than done, however. It requires a good blow dry cream, heat protectant, straightening brush and, of course, a trusty flat iron to finish the look. If it’s been a while since you shopped for flat irons, you’ll be surprised to see how far they’ve come in the past decade. Today’s best flat irons are safer for hair than ever before and offer features like multiple heat settings, ionic technology, damage protection and faster heating time. Many also come with advanced hair care features like titanium, ceramic or keratin-infused plates. Add to that a wide range of prices and shopping for the best flat irons can be quite confusing.
That’s where we come in. We’ve talked to experts, analyzed ratings and browsed customer comments to find the best flat irons for every budget. Click through our picks above and get ready for gorgeous, shiny, sleek hair in minutes.
[ Next: Beyond Straightening: How to Use Your Flat Iron to Create Any Kind of Hair Look ]
best flat irons
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best flat irons #1
These straighteners have Holy Grail status among users. Find out which products made our list of the seven best flat irons for every budget.
Image: Imaxtree
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Dyson
Corrale, $499.99 at Dyson
Always the innovator, Dyson's new tool will get the job done with less heat and almost half the damage. It boasts flexing plates that neatly gather your strands on each pass.
One reviewer called it "amazing."
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GHD
Platinum+ White Styler, $249 at GHD
This pick is pretty smart. It actually predicts your hair needs and adapts the heat level to avoid frying your mane. The sensors in the plates monitor the temperature over 250 times per second.
One reviewer couldn't stop singing its praises: "It isn’t cheap but it is SO worth it. Can style straight, waves, or even curls. Heats up insanely fast. Is comfortable to hold and operate. I’m absolutely thrilled with it."
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Kipozi
Professional Titanium Hair Straightener With Digital LCD Display, $37.06 at Amazon
What sets this flat iron apart is that it can be used on damp hair (unlike most flat irons, which are only safe to use on dry hair). Titanium plates offer even distribution of heat, resulting in shiny, smooth hair — all at a budget-friendly price.
One reviewer raved: "It leaves my hair soft and silky without frying it. Florida weather is hot and humid, but I have not had any issues with frizz after using the iron."
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LumaBella
Keratin Dual Touch Styler, $89 at Amazon
This flat iron has innovative ceramic plates that are infused with keratin micro-conditioners that transfer to the hair during styling, offering unparalleled shine. It can also tell when there's too much heat for your hair and will automatically adjust to a safer, personalized styling temperature.
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Remington
1" Flat Iron With Anti-Static Technology, $17.84 at Amazon
A great budget-savvy option, this best flat iron features extra long floating ceramic plates to give you more control over your style while reducing flyaways and static. Plus, it heats up in just 30 seconds, making it perfect for rushed mornings.
One reviewer praised the straightener's versatility: "I've used it to make beautiful curls and to get my (African American) hair bone-straight."
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BaBylissPro
Nano Titanium 1" Titanium-Plated Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron, $139.95 at Ulta Beauty
This titanium-plated flat iron maintains consistent, high temperatures while emitting negative ions in their most beneficial form. With over 50 different heat settings, extra long plates that cut straightening time in half and an ultra-thin design, you'll love the ease of use and lightness in the hand. The plates glide through the hair without pulling, leaving you with shiny, sleek locks.
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Conair
Infinity PRO 1-inch Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron, $29.99 at Amazon
Here's another affordable option that appears to have it all. Whether your hair is delicate, average or hard to straighten, this flat iron has 30 different settings to find the perfect one for your hair. Tourmaline ceramic technology works to reduce frizz and to protect hair from damage. You can expect 24-hour hold and humidity protection.
