Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brandsSave this storySave this story
Whether straightening your hair is an occasional or daily occurrence, your delicate strands deserve to be styled with one of the best hair straighteners. And just like hair dryers and blow-dryer brushes, today's flatirons come in a dizzying array of options, each designed for a different hair type, texture, or styling goal.
The first decision is plate material. Ceramic plates distribute heat evenly, making them a great choice for fine, damaged, or color-treated hair. Titanium heats up faster and maintains higher temperatures, which is why it's often preferred for thick, coarse, or textured hair that needs extra power. Then there are the newer innovations (many of which have earned Best of Beauty Awards): flexing plates (by Dyson, who else?) that hug the hair, sonic vibrations that distribute heat more evenly, airflow technology that cools and sets your style as it straightens, and smart sensors that adjust heat in real time—all designed to maximize shine while minimizing unnecessary damage.
Our Top Hair Straighteners
- Best Overall: GHD Platinum+ Styler, $319
- Best for Textured Hair: BabylissPro Nano Titanium Ultra-Sleek Hair Straightener, $100
- Best for Frizz: Bio Ionic 10X Styling Iron, $262
- Best for Short Hair: Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil, $30
To find the best hair straighteners, we tested top-rated models and consulted hairstylists to learn which ones are truly worth the investment. Whether you're after pin-straight strands, glossy waves, or a multitasking tool that can do both, there's a flatiron here that'll make your styling routine noticeably smoother. Just remember that applying a heat protectant before styling is crucial.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Are hair straighteners safe for my hair?
- How do I minimize heat damage from my straightener?
- How do hair straighteners work?
- What are the differences between ceramic and titanium plates?
- How should I choose a hair straightener?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: GHD Platinum+ Styler
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GHD
Platinum+ Styler
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the GHD Platinum+ Styler
Shann Shippin
Why it's worth it: To minimize heat damage without sacrificing sleek results, reach for the GHD Platinum+ Styler. Its proprietary Ultra-Zone predictive technology monitors heat 250 times (!) per second, continuously adjusting power to keep both plates at GHD’s optimal styling temperature of 365°F—hot enough to style effectively without unnecessary overheating. Rather than letting the plates cool as you work through larger sections or repeated passes, the tool responds in real time to maintain consistent heat from root to tip for smoother, shinier results.
The Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning styler also features “a rounded barrel, making it just as easy for creating soft waves and curls as it is for sleek, straight styles,” says May Paulina, a hairstylist based in Florida. Another often overlooked feature you'll appreciate every time you style: “The wishbone hinge keeps hair from catching and snagging between the plates,” says Taylor Murphy, a hairstylist based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Shipin before using the GHD Platinum+ Styler
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the GHD Platinum+ Styler
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"In all of my years of straightening (at least 15 years), my repertoire has never had a more heat-safe, versatile, and quality straightener. I've had my current Platinum+ since it launched in 2018, and not once has it crapped out on me; no hint of the coil ripping or the plates loosening. It's practically as good as new—and that's saying something since I straighten my entire head of hair at least once per week." She loves how simple it is to use, too—there's no fancy LED screen and only one button to operate it. —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Plate material: ceramic
- Plate size: 1”
- Heat settings: 1 (365°F)
- Cord length: 8.8 ft.
- Who it’s for: all hair types and concerns, including those with fragile or breakage-prone hair
- Auto shut-off: 30 minutes
Best for Textured Hair: BabylissPro Nano Titanium Ultra-Sleek Hair Straightener
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BabylissPRO
Nano Titanium Ultra-Sleek Straightener
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure creative director Amber Venerable using the BabylissPro Nano Titanium Ultra-Sleek Hair Straightener
Amber Venerable
Why it's worth it: For thick, coarse, or textured hair, “it’s important to use a straightener with a titanium base rather than ceramic,” says Amerah Underwood, a hairstylist based in New York City. That's because titanium heats up faster and maintains a more consistent temperature throughout styling, while ceramic can lose heat with repeated passes—a key distinction, as coarse or kinky hair often requires higher temperatures (350 to 450°F) to straighten effectively. BaBylissPro’s Nano Titanium Ultra-Sleek Hair Straightener has extra-long titanium plates that conduct high heat quickly, enabling it to smooth hair in a single pass, she says. If you want a tool that can also create curls and waves, Underwood recommends the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Prima Ionic Hair Straightener, which pairs the same titanium plates with rounded edges and a heated outer housing that lets you wrap hair around it much like a curling iron.
Venerable before using the BabylissPro Nano Titanium Ultra-Sleek Hair Straightener
Amber Venerable
Venerable after using the BabylissPro Nano Titanium Ultra-Sleek Hair Straightener
Amber Venerable
Tester feedback from creative director Amber Venerable
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“Because I have a short pixie, I love that BabylissPro in general has varying small sizes in flatirons that can grab my hair and give me the light curls I desire. This flatiron is also tried-and-true with every hairstylist I've ever had, so I feel like I can maintain my salon look easily days later." —Amber Venerable, creative director
More to know
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- Plate material: titanium
- Plate sizes: ½", 1", 1½", 2"
- Heat settings: 50 adjustable settings, up to 450°F
- Cord length: 9 ft.
- Who it’s for: anyone with thick, coarse, curly, or tightly textured hair who wants sleek, straight results with fewer passes
- Auto shut-off: no
Best for Damaged Hair: T3 SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron 1”
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T3
SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron 1”
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto using the T3 SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron
Alessandra Foresto
If you can never remember the right settings for your hair type, the T3 SinglePass StyleMax takes the guesswork out of the equation. Simply select whether your hair is fine, medium, or coarse, and the tool's StyleMax technology automatically “pairs your hair texture with the right heat setting for maximum shine and smoothness with minimal heat exposure,” says Paulina. Even, consistent heat and slick CeraGloss ceramic plates mean fewer repeat passes—a major plus for damaged or color-treated hair—while the beveled StyleEdge design lets you get close to the roots without scalding your scalp, then glides smoothly through the lengths and ends without snagging. You’ll get a sleek, glossy finish with less frizz, less breakage, and far less opportunity to accidentally fry your strands.
Foresto before using the T3 SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after using the T3 SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“I'm not exaggerating when I say I use this flatiron to create soft waves almost every single day (use heat protectant spray, kids!). I don't even own a curling iron anymore! It features a hair type setting that automatically heats up the flatiron to the right temperature for your hair type to straighten your hair, and a curling mode, which uses that hair type information to set the flatiron at the perfect temperature to curl your hair. Call it magic, but it does really heat up to the perfect degree, and it never feels like I'm scorching my hair. And it lives up to its name too—one pass is all you need! It's the one item I do not forget to pack when I travel!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
More to know
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- Plate material: ceramic
- Plate sizes: 1”
- Heat settings: 9
- Cord length: 9 ft.
- Who it's for: anyone who wants root-to-tip sleekness without searing their scalp in the process
- Auto shut-off: 1 hour
More flatirons we love:
Best for Travel: Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener
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Dyson
Corrale Hair Straightener
Amazon
Why it's worth it: If anyone were going to reinvent the travel flatiron, it would obviously be Dyson. Rather than relying on rigid plates, the Dyson Corrale features patented flexing manganese-copper plates that gently hug each section of hair for greater control, delivering sleek, shiny results with fewer passes and less heat damage than traditional solid-plate straighteners. When you're on the go, its cordless design offers up to 30 minutes of runtime on a full charge (with a handy LCD screen that lets you keep tabs on the battery), while universal voltage means it's ready for international trips with nothing more than a plug adapter. And for extra peace of mind when you’re on the go, the Corrale automatically enters sleep mode after five minutes of inactivity and shuts itself off completely after 10. The built-in battery makes the Corrale noticeably heavier (19.7 oz.) than many flatirons, but it's a worthwhile tradeoff if cordless styling and travel convenience are priorities.
More to know
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- Plate material: manganese copper plates
- Plate size: 1”
- Heat settings: 3 (330°F, 365°F, 410°F)
- Who it’s for: everyone, especially frequent travelers
- Auto shut-off: sleep mode in 5 minutes; auto shut-off in 10 minutes
Best for Frizz: Bio Ionic 10X Styling Iron
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Bio Ionic
10X Styling Iron
Amazon
Why it's worth it: If frizz is your biggest styling frustration, the Bio Ionic 10X Styling Iron features “sonic vibrating plates that minimize friction, so the iron glides effortlessly through hair,” says Murphy. The subtle vibrations also distribute heat more evenly across each section, so you can achieve smoother results with fewer passes—a win for reducing both frizz and unnecessary heat exposure. Meanwhile, the brand's Ion Generating Mineral Complex smooths the cuticle and retains moisture for sleeker, shinier strands. Murphy also appreciates the rounded shape, which "smooths baby hairs and lets you get as close to the roots as possible" for a polished finish.
More to know
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- Plate material: ceramic
- Plate size: 1”
- Heat settings: adjustable up to 450°F
- Cord length: 9 ft.
- Who it’s for: anyone looking to reduce frizz and boost shine
- Auto shut-off: 1 hour
Best for Short Hair: Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil
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Wavytalk
Cool Curl Pencil
Amazon
Wavytalk
Why it's worth it: Attention, people with pixies, bobs, and fringe: The Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil's slim 0.65-inch barrel delivers the precision you need to lift roots, tame textured hairlines, and perfect bangs without accidentally grabbing half your head of hair. "This iron is the perfect size for short haircuts to add volume and smooth out frizz," says Underwood. Even better, 104 air vents surround each section with 360 degrees of cool airflow as you style—think of it as the flatiron equivalent of a blow-dryer's cool-shot button. The cool air sets your style on the spot, so curls and bends last longer while reducing heat exposure, locking moisture into the hair shaft, and leaving strands less likely to look dry or overworked.
More to know
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- Plate material: ceramic
- Plate sizes: 0.65”
- Heat settings: 5 (280°F, 320°F, 360°F, 390°F, 430°F)
- Cord length: 6.5 ft.
- Who it’s for: people with short hair or for styling bangs
- Auto shut-off: 1 hour
Best Multi-Styler: Shark FlexFusion Air & Ceramic Styling System
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Shark
FlexFusion Air & Ceramic Styling System
Amazon
Ever wished your multi-styler had a straightening option? Well, Shark heard your call to action and created the FlexFusion Air & Ceramic Styling System, a multitasking device that comes with a hair straightening attachment. It combines ceramic plates with air-based technology to straighten your hair (even when damp!) without causing significant heat damage. When you don’t feel like using your straightener, you can swap it with one of the four other attachments this hair tool comes with, including curling wands and a blow-dryer brush. “If you want one tool that does it all, this is a great way to cut down on clutter while getting the versatility of multiple styling tools,” says Michele Joseph, a hairstylist based in New Jersey.
More to know
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- Plate material: ceramic
- Plate size: 1”
- Heat settings: 5
- Cord length: 9 ft.
- Who it's for: anyone who wants a multi-styler for a variety of looks
- Auto shut-off: unknown
Best Curling: FHI Innovator The Curve Pro Styling Iron 1”
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FHI Heat
Innovator The Curve Pro Styling Iron 1”
Walmart
Why it's worth it: In the latest round of our Allure Best of Beauty Awards, the FHI Innovator The Curve Pro Styling Iron 1” nabbed a win as our favorite flatiron. As its name suggests, this ceramic-based flatiron has a curved build that takes tension off of both your strands and wrist, making the chore of flatironing your hair surprisingly easier. Along with its ergonomic design, we also love its slender tourmaline ceramic plates, which heat from 265°F to 450°F in just 10 seconds.
Tester feedback from senior copy manager Leslie Lipton
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“The sleek shape of the FHI Innovator The Curve Pro Styling Iron 1” makes flatironing my bob a breeze. The tourmaline ceramic plates heat in seconds and glide through hair, turning my flyaway frizz and unruly waves into smooth, reflective shininess." —Leslie Lipton, senior copy manager
More to know
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- Plate material: ceramic
- Plate size: 1”
- Heat settings: 265°F to 450°F
- Cord length: 9 ft.
- Who it's for: anyone who wants to relieve tension from their wrists and strands
- Auto shut-off: 1 hour
Best for Long Hair: Hot Tools Professional Black Gold Digital Flat Iron
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Hot Tools
Professional Black Gold Digital Flat Iron
Amazon
If you have long, thick hair, every extra pass with a flatiron adds up. The Hot Tools Professional Black Gold Digital Flat Iron speeds things along with 1.25” plates that cover more surface area so that you can straighten larger sections at once. Its ceramic plates are infused with tourmaline and magnesium to lock in moisture and tame frizz, while proprietary HydraHeat Technology releases negative ions that leave hair looking noticeably shinier and silkier. For the impatient (or anyone who's already running late), it heats from 265°F to 450°F in just 10 seconds, so it's ready before you've even finished sectioning your hair. “It’s great at quickly straightening the hair while maintaining its shine and soft feel,” Miguel Luis, a hairstylist based in New York City, attests.
More to know
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- Plate material: hybrid (ceramic and titanium)
- Plate sizes: 1”, 1.25”
- Heat settings: adjustable up to 455°F
- Cord length: 9 ft.
- Who it's for: anyone with thick or long hair who wants a quicker styling experience
- Auto shut-off: 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hair straighteners safe for my hair?
You may be wary of using high heat on your hair, but hair straighteners are perfectly safe when used correctly. "The key is to use them on dry hair and ideally as a finishing tool. I typically recommend smoothing with a round brush before straightening. Always apply a heat protectant before styling to shield your strands from high temperatures," says Los Angeles- based hairstylist Joseph Maine. “Also, it's important to keep the flatiron clean to ensure it heats evenly and doesn't snag your hair.”
How do I minimize heat damage from my straightener?
Heat damage is avoidable with the right high-quality tool and prep routine. Sure, there are tons of flatiron options out there, and some are lower in price than others. But what you don’t pay in money, you might pay in results, as low-quality heated tools (regardless of their price tag) can quickly lead to scorched strands and breakage. When it comes to a searing-hot device you’re sandwiching your delicate strands between, it’s worth investing in quality.
What makes a hair straightener stand out? Here’s the gist: You’ll want a device with multiple heat settings to suit your hair type and plates made of ceramic, titanium, or a mix of both.
Beyond the tool you’re using, every hairstylist we chatted with agreed that the most important part of preventing heat damage is using a heat protectant. “I tell all my clients to think of it as a lightweight shield that keeps the cuticle sealed while the heat does its work,” says Kaprisha Gipson, a New York City-based hairstylist. A heat protectant creates a barrier over your strands and adds slip between your hair and heated plates to help prevent moisture loss and keep your hair from becoming brittle from exposure to extremely high temperatures.
New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth suggests avoiding passing over the same section of hair. “It's better to go over it once, slowly,” he explains. “People tend to have more damage in their face-framing area of hair because they hit it with the iron too many times to get it just right." Another key to safely straightening is to be mindful of your flatiron's temperature. According to Toth, the optimal temperature to avoid burning is 365 degrees Fahrenheit, but it truly depends on your hair type and needs. “Fine hair generally needs much less heat than coarse hair or curly textures,” says Eddie Parra, a hairstylist based in New York City.
How do hair straighteners work?
"Flatirons work by using heated plates to temporarily alter the structure of your hair, making it straight," says Maine. "When you apply the heated plates to your hair, the heat breaks down the hydrogen bonds in the hair's cortex, causing it to straighten. Once your hair cools down or gets wet, these bonds reform, and your hair goes back to its natural state," Maine adds that varying materials like ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline have different effects on the heat distribution and speed of the straightening process.
What are the differences between ceramic and titanium plates?
These two materials are both effective at straightening hair, which is why they’re the most popular options for flatiron plates, but each caters to different needs. According to all the stylists we spoke with, ceramic is the gentler of the two, making it suitable for all hair types, especially fine or fragile strands. “Ceramic plates reduce the risk of hot spots that can burn the hair,” notes Parra.
As for titanium, these plates do provide quicker, straighter results, but their heat can make them too intense for finer hair types. “Titanium plates deliver smooth and shiny hair that is noticeable under any lights; they deliver heat very quickly, and usually a professional would use these types of straighteners,” explains Luis. Overall, we recommend titanium plates for those who have thicker hair types that are more resilient to heat damage.
How should I choose a hair straightener?
Picking a hair straightener is a personal choice and largely depends on your hair type and styling desires. "For fine or damaged hair, look for a flatiron with adjustable heat settings to prevent overheating—ceramic plates are great for even heat distribution without getting too hot," Maine tells Allure. He adds that if your hair is on the thicker or coarser side, a hair straightener with titanium plates is ideal because they "can handle higher heat and manage frizz more effectively."
Toth explains that plate size and shape are key to selecting a hair straightener. "The wider the plate, the straighter the hair will look. So if you like to really bend and bevel the ends of your hair, then choose a narrower plate," says Toth. Maine echoes Toth, explaining that a "wider plate can straighten more hair at a time, which is useful for thicker hair, while a narrower plate is better for short hair, detailed styling like bangs, or achieving specialized styles like flatiron waves or curls.
According to Maine, you should also consider the type of plate edges featured on a hair straightener before making your purchase. "If the plates of the flatiron are slightly protruding out of the iron and the edges of the plates are beveled, then you will be able to effortlessly make curls with this tool," he states. "If the plates are not protruding with beveled edges, then the iron is mainly designed for straightening hair."
Meet the experts
- Kaprisha Gipson, a New York City-based hairstylist
- Michele Joseph, a hairstylist and founder of Seam and Strand based in New Jersey
- Miguel Luis, a hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City
- Joseph Maine, a hairstylist and founder of Trademark Beauty based in Los Angeles
- Taylor Murphy, a hairstylist based in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Eddie Parra, a hairstylist at Benjamin Salon New York in New York City
- May Paulina, a hairstylist based in Florida
- Devin Toth, a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City
- Amerah Underwood, a hairstylist and founder of Umi Salon based in New York City
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best hair straighteners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists with varying hair types and desired styling outcomes, and whether one product was tested across multiple hair types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety, ease of use, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
