Straightening your hair takes time and patience, but a high-quality flat iron can speed up the process, delivering smooth results without frying your strands. After extensively testing factors such as maneuverability, performance and temperature range—and re-evaluating over the course of a year—I landed on the six best hair straighteners. I chose the T3 SinglePass StyleMax as the top pick overall for its excellent straightening and smoothing power.
Here is a full list of the winners, according to my testing:
Best Hair Straightener Overall: T3 SinglePass StyleMax
Best Value Hair Straightener: Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron
Best Luxury Hair Straightener: GHD Platinum+ Styler
Best Compact Hair Straightener: Kristin Ess Mini Flat Iron
Best Cordless Hair Straightener: Dyson Corrale
Best Hair Straightener For Long Hair: Paul Mitchell Express Ion Smooth+
Meanwhile, the Chi Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is my best value pick because of its no-nonsense performance, versatility and ability to create sleek, silky hair with fewer passes. (You can read my in-depth review of the Chi straightener here.) If you need a cordless model for on-the-go styling and don’t mind spending more, I recommend the Dyson Corrale. Below are the best hair straightener winners from my long-term testing, along with a list of the 14 other models I tried that didn’t make the final cut.
Best Hair Straightener Overall
Versatile Styling With Adjustable Heat For Various Hair Types
T3 SinglePass StyleMax
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch x 3.75 inches | Temperature: 260 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 15.5 ounces | Cord length: 8 feet, 4 inches | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- All hair types
- Decreasing frizz and boosting shine
- Versatile styling thanks to floating plates
Skip if:
- You want something compact
- You prefer titanium plates with ultra-high heat
T3’s SinglePass StyleMax has all the features you’d expect from a luxury hair tool at a more palatable price point. It stands out for offering heat customization, which helps you achieve the best setting whether you have thin, fragile hair, a medium-thick wavy mane or tight coils. You can choose from nine manual settings from 260 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit, or opt for three preprogrammed ones—catering to thin, medium or thick hair—that are a foolproof way to keep you from unintentionally frying strands.
This T3 hair straightener works quickly: It’s engineered to give even heat across the plate to reshape hair uniformly as you glide each section through the iron. Ultimately, I found that I could achieve the look I wanted in fewer passes, which helped me avoid exposing my strands to unnecessary excess heat. Generally, I only needed one pass per section, although some more stubborn areas—like the nape of my neck or around my face—required two.
The T3 tool has an exceptionally smooth glide and doesn’t snag. And I loved that it made my hair shiny and tamed frizzy flyaways. The unique shape of the rounded-edge barrel allowed me to create straight styles, loose waves or curls easily, without creases. Other nice-to-have features include a 360-degree swivel cord and universal voltage to allow for international use. The one negative I found with the SinglePass StyleMax, however, is that inputting your hair type or manually selecting a heat setting isn’t immediately intuitive and requires a small learning curve.
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Best Value Hair Straightener
An Affordable Model That Gives Salon-Quality Results
Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch x 3.5 inches | Temperature: 392 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 14.7 ounces | Cord length: 10 feet 11 inches | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Easy maneuverability
- Creating versatile styles, from completely straight to bends to waves
Skip if:
- You want ultra-high heat
- You prefer multiple heat settings
- You feel strongly about having auto shut-off
This Chi flat iron doesn’t have multiple temperature options, but it does have an under 30-second heat-up time and extra-long (over 10 feet) swivel cord that gives you extra reach while styling. Most importantly, it has gloriously smooth ceramic plates with beveled edges that make it a nimble tool for creating everything from pin-straight styles to polished curves at the ends of hair.
The 1-inch plates on this iron make it versatile enough to work well for short or medium-length hair, or on bangs or fine baby hair around the face. “A 1-inch plate allows for a grip tight to the root regardless of hair length,” says Nicole Henry, senior colorist at Warren Tricomi Salon. However, the Chi may be slightly more time-consuming to use on longer hair between the single set temperature and the face that the plates cover less surface area.
It does features ionic, far infrared technology for smoothing hair and combating frizz. “Infrared heat technology will heat your hair from the inside out, helping the hair retain moisture and shine with fewer split ends,” says Erin Bryant, master stylist and creative director of Whip Salon. While it has a two-year warranty, many users comment that it lasts far longer, which is not the case with many ceramic irons because of their generally shorter shelf life than more durable titanium ones.
When I first put this straightener to work, it heated up in just 20 seconds. I sectioned my hair into one-inch pieces, glided the iron through my hair from root to tip, and it went from frizzy to smooth and polished. Despite having just one heat setting of 392 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature was enough to reshape my hair in just one pass, although I did have to do two passes on the layers around my face. This was refreshing because I get a little anxious about heat damage when I have to go over the same section several times.
Over a year later and this Chi straightener remains a powerful, easy-to-maneuver workhorse. The single heat setting easily reshapes my hair from unkempt to sleek and silky. And it still works quickly, with only one to two passes needed per section. I use this straightener when I want pin-straight, smooth hair; I reach for it a couple of times a month. Its extra-long swivel cord and overall compact size make it easy to straighten hair in hard-to-reach places like the crown of my head or at the nape of my neck. I’ve also noticed how many hairstylists I’ve seen opt to use Chi models, specifically this one. When I ask them why, they say they like its no-nonsense speed and versatility for creating everything from straight styles to flatiron waves.
One downside of this model is that while most of Chi’s other irons have an automatic shut-off, this one does not. I also don’t love that this iron doesn’t have a sound notification or digital display telling me when it’s reached its single heat setting. Also, over time the hinge of this iron seems to stick a bit more, making it a little more difficult to squeeze closed. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does cause my wrist to fatigue slightly faster than when using other hair tools.
Best Luxury Hair Straightener
A Luxe Flat Iron For Impossibly Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair
GHD Platinum+ Styler
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch x 3.75 inches | Temperature: 365 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 14.3 ounces | Cord length: 8 feet 8 inches | Warranty: 3 years
Best for:
- Sleek styling with minimal damage
- Color-treated or vulnerable hair
- High shine
Skip if:
- You prefer multiple heat settings
- You want wider plates
The GHD Platinum Plus Styler is like a luxury automobile: It looks and feels expensive, effortlessly does its job and will cause people to stare—at your gorgeous hair. The sleek white barrel grip feels comfortable and satisfying in the hand, and a wishbone-style hinge is one of the iron’s trademarks. Because of its V-shaped, continuous barrel design, it doesn’t have a hinge with a gap that could pinch the palm of your hand as happens with some other models. It not only aligns the plates and gives you precise styling control, but also makes it easy to clamp the tool close to your roots.
The straightener is forgiving on the wrist and is more lightweight compared to most of the other models I tested. It has a well-functioning swivel cord, and it comes with a nice silicone sleeve to keep the iron closed before use, for easy transport and to protect fingers during cool down. Plus, the 30-minute automatic shut-off gives peace of mind.
In testing, it only took 20 seconds for the iron to beep and indicate it was ready. To use this tool, you press the button on the inside of the smart styler, and it heats to 365 degrees. “This standard setting is the ‘sweet spot’ where the heat can break down the hair just enough to mold it into shape and fight frizz without burning it or causing damage,” says Henry. “Maintaining this slightly lower temperature ensures your hair will be healthy, straight and tremendously shiny.” While straightening, predictive sensors in the plates monitor heat 250 times per second to make sure the iron doesn’t overheat and potentially singe your hair.
This gadget worked like a pro; it has a super smooth glide with zero snag, and the slightly longer plate allowed me to include a bit more hair in the iron per pass without compromising the effectiveness, which ultimately saved me time. The floating plates are more versatile than the standard, static plates on many other irons—they compress just the right amount of hair to create smooth and straight styles or a subtle curve at my ends. This model’s beveled edges also allowed me to masterfully create waves or curls.
After using the GHD Platinum Plus Styler consistently for over a year, I still appreciate the same features I raved about from day one. The fast, even heat-up time still takes just 20 seconds, which is critical when I’m trying to go for a sleek, pulled-together look while running late. The flexible, coated ceramic plates never snag and always leave my hair looking shiny.
My favorite thing about this straightener is that it makes hair sleek, but the flexible plates allow me to maintain a slight bend in my hair so it still has body. Even better, using it a few times a week doesn’t stress me out because it operates on a safer-for-hair 365-degree setting, which is less likely to cause hair damage than higher-temperature titanium irons. And despite being tossed into my overflowing hair tools drawer alongside a variety of curling irons, a blow dryer, brushes and clips, it still looks brand new, functioning just as well as the day I took it out of the box.
Best Compact Hair Straightener
A Small But Mighty Hair Tool
Kristin Ess Mini Flat Iron
Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 0.75 inch wide, 3 inches long | Temperature: 380 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 7.6 ounces | Cord length: 5 feet, 11 inches | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Using while traveling
- Short hair
Skip if:
- You prefer multiple heat settings
- You have fragile, stressed hair
This mini is the straightener you want to stash in your bag for long weekends, trips abroad or just to use at the gym. It heats up in just over 60 seconds to a single heat setting of 380 degrees, which is hot enough to shape hair into super straight strands or perfectly imperfect flatiron waves.
I found this compact model to be lightweight, comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. Its combination of floating plates and rounded barrel helped serve two purposes: avoiding dreaded crimp marks when trying to style hair close to the root and doubling an adept straightener and curling iron alternative. It’s great for touching up second-day hair, especially face-framing pieces or flyways at the roots. It also comes with a heat-resistant travel pouch, and has a 360-degree swivel cord, universal voltage and auto shut-off after 30 minutes.
I noticed the glide of this iron wasn’t as smooth as the ceramic straighteners I tested. And while the compact size makes it ideal for shorter lengths, the small size of the plates meant that it took a while to cover ground on my long, thick hair. But for the space-saving size, effectiveness and price, it can’t be beat.
Best Cordless Hair Straightener
A Reliable Pick That's Easy To Use On The Go
Dyson Corrale
Plate material: Manganese copper alloy |Plate size:1 inch x 3.5 inches | Temperature: 330, 365 and 410 degrees |Weight: 19.7 ounces |Cord length: Cordless |Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Cordless styling
- Smart temperature sensing for less hair damage
- Banishing frizz
Skip if:
- You want a lightweight device
- You don’t style your often and don’t think the cost is justified
Cordless straighteners are ideal for those who want the convenience of not being bound to an outlet or getting wrapped in long, fussy cord while styling. While some cordless straighteners have limited battery lives—for instance, the GHD Unplugged Styler offers only 20 minutes of styling on one charge—the Dyson Corrale offers 30 minutes of unencumbered styling, which can be helpful if you have longer, thicker hair.
Another unique feature of this straightener is its flexing manganese copper alloy plates, which are made up of micro-hinged segments that grab hair and offer greater flexibility and control while styling. “It glides smoothly through my hair and does a great job of eliminating frizz,” says commerce editor Katherine Louie. “The flexing plates and intelligent heat control made my strands feel healthier and less damaged.” It has three temperature settings—330, 365 and 410 degrees—for different hair textures and needs. It automatically responds to your hair’s length, texture and thickness so you get the best results without compromising the health of your hair.
Overall, this flat iron was a standout for creating smooth, sleek styles or those with a bend at the end, although it wasn’t as nimble at creating waves. At over 19 ounces, this is heavier than any other charger we tested, which can take some getting used to. It’s also a bit bulkier than the GHD model, which may matter if you’re looking for something more streamlined.
Best Hair Straightener For Long Hair
Wider Plates That Offer Added Smoothing And Speed
Paul Mitchell Express Ion Smooth+
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.5 inches x 4 inches | Temperature: 250 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 15.8 ounces | Cord length: 8 feet, 11 inches | Warranty: 1 year
Best for:
- Long hair
- All hair textures—from fine to thick—due to its ceramic plates
Skip if:
- You find it difficult to maneuver a larger, paddle-like plate
- You have shorter hair
This Paul Mitchell model is a straightening powerhouse for those with long, thick or coarse hair, and its ceramic construction and temperature variability make it a good fit for fine hair as well. While most flat irons are best when used on 1-inch sections of hair, I found that this iron’s broad plates offered extended surface area to cover bigger sections of hair. This allowed me to work faster to smooth my shoulder blade-length strands and tame frizz from roots to ends. The iron’s ceramic floating plates had an extremely smooth glide, and the plate’s beveled edges let me angle the iron as I moved it through my hair to create waves sans creases.
I especially liked the wide range of temperatures on this iron, which I toggled between for more intense straightening sessions on rainy, humid days or for quick, second-day touchups. It has a clear digital temperature display, and the buttons are conveniently located on the inside of the iron so you don’t accidentally change the temperature while ironing.
One challenge I had with this straightener is that it was difficult to use on short hair around my face—especially baby hairs that have the tendency to curl up. The firm hinge also required slightly more wrist strength than some other hair straighteners.
Other Hair Straighteners I Tested
I tested 14 additional flat irons that—while they’re solid options—didn’t make the cut. Read more on my findings below.
GHD Unplugged Styler: This cordless iron offers no-nonsense smoothing and straightening at a safer-for-hair temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s extremely lightweight, feels luxe and comes with a heat resistant storage case. My gripe with this straightener, though, is that it only provides up to 20 minutes of styling time and can’t be used while charging.
T3 SinglePass Compact: This ceramic flat iron is straightforward to use, with a single 410 degree Fahrenheit setting. It heats evenly and quickly, and has a very smooth, snag-free glide. But it fell short of the Kristin Ess Mini Flat Iron because it wasn’t as maneuverable during styling, and was slightly larger and heavier and therefore less useful for travel.
Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Mini: This top-rated, teeny straightener packs a big punch. It heats up to a powerful 430 degrees Fahrenheit and excels at reaching hair close to the root, especially frizzy flyaways or face-framing pieces. It weighs just 6 ounces—making it the lightest model we tested—and its shorter barrel makes it ideal for travel. Its mini 0.5-inch plate glides smoothly, but I found I couldn’t straighten much of my long hair at once, so it was time consuming to use.
Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Styling Iron: This straightener was a standout due to the smooth glide of its nano silver tourmaline floating plates, three heat settings and the fact that it gets 40 minutes of full power from a single charge. It straightened well, but only after two to three passes per section. It took 70 seconds to reach its middle heat setting—longer than non-cordless models by about 45 seconds—and the exterior placement of the power and heat settings button was just where my hand gripped the barrel, making it very easy to accidentally change the setting.
Bio Ionic One Pass Styling Iron: This ceramic iron was a close runner-up, but I preferred the wider plate on the overall winner for everyday use. This model has an extremely smooth glide and the silicone “speed strips” helped guide my hair into the tool and straighten it after just one pass, which saved time. Another plus was the temperature memory so I didn’t have to recall the last heat setting I’d used.
T3 Smooth ID: Along with a new name, the Smooth ID is a consistently top-rated smart iron, and I love that it has heat personalization and a lower temperature “Refresh” feature for day-after hair. However, the buttons are fussy to press, and I used multiple passes to get my hair smooth.
Kristin Ess 3-In-1 Flatiron: For the price point, this titanium flat iron heats quickly, and its floating plates worked well straightening my waves. It fell short, though, with overall ease of use: The hinge was slightly harder to squeeze and grip, so the iron slipped while I held it. I had some close calls with nearly burning myself.
Moroccanoil Perfectly Polished Titanium Flat Iron: This is a great option for long or thick hair because it has a longer plate, which allows for more hair coverage per pass. Compared to other titanium models, it had a smoother glide and was adept at straightening shorter, face-framing hair and creating flat iron waves and curls. However, when I tested the product’s heat with a digital multimeter, the measured temperature was anywhere from 30 to 80 degrees lower than what was advertised.
BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 1.5-Inch Flat Iron: This model offers five heat settings conveniently placed on the side of the iron, and it covers a lot of ground per pass with its wider plates. But its vents—which are intended to eliminate excess heat—produced a drag, and the iron left crimp marks on my hair because the edges were more straight than beveled.
Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Dual Plate Salon Flat Iron: Many salon professionals love Hot Tools, and for good reason. This dual plate iron performed extremely well with just one pass and allowed for precise heat increases of 10 degrees, which was unique compared to other models. However, while the dual heater controller allows customization on the left and right plates, the buttons were teeny and difficult to press, and the two-hour auto shut-off seemed excessively long.
Amika The Confidante Moisture Maintenance Styler: I loved the digital display and interior button size and placement, but this model snagged my hair and the hinge pinched my palm while using it.
Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil And Keratin 2-Inch Iron: The nine digital settings and smooth glide of this ceramic model made it a standout, but the wide paddles aren’t versatile for use on shorter hair.
Revlon Double Straight Copper + Ceramic Dual Plate Iron: This is an easy-to-use iron, but despite reaching high heat it didn’t leave my hair super smooth because the floating plates were only on one side of the tool. Plus, the short, 6-foot cord made the iron difficult to maneuver.
Conair Infiniti Pro Titanium Flatiron: I didn’t love the hissing sound this ceramic iron made while on, and it left my hair with a significant amount of frizz after several passes.
There were a few brands that I considered testing, but ultimately they weren’t a good fit. The Cloud Nine Original Flat Iron was not widely available enough, and the L’Oreal Professional Steampod—beloved by some—had mixed reviews compared to other similar high-end straighteners.
How I Tested The Best Hair Straighteners
When rating irons, I considered four principal criteria. Two criteria—material and plate size—were noted in detail but not considered in the ultimate rating. That’s because material, whether ceramic, tourmaline titanium or some other metal, is something that is often selected based on hair type and needs. Similarly, the best plate size for each individual is usually determined by hair length.
Maneuverability
To gauge maneuverability, I measured factors such as weight, cord length and swivel. These contribute to the overall ease of use of the tool. Another important criteria is temperature. I considered heat-up time, temperature control variability, accuracy and whether the iron has temperature memory and automatic shut-off.
Performance
For performance, I gauged if the iron works as advertised—specifically, how many passes were required and if hair smoothness lasted. I checked for split ends and broken or dry hair, although it can be difficult to gauge right away whether a flat iron compromises hair health. I also considered the quality of accessories and extra features. I took into account if the iron had convenient extras like a heat-resistant product sleeve, a storage pouch, a Velcro strap to keep the cord tidy, and whether it had dual voltage and can be used for international travel.
Usage
Before using each straightener, I started with freshly washed, conditioned and towel-dried hair. While my hair was wet, I first liberally spritzed a heat protectant (I used this Bumble & Bumble oil) throughout. I then blow dried my hair with a round brush so it was dry, but I didn’t take extra time to style it. I divided my hair into six to eight sections with clips, and began straightening at the nape of my neck, clamping hair in approximately one-inch sections as close to the scalp as possible and gliding the iron downward from root to tip. I continued with each section until I reached the top of my head. I assessed how many passes each flat iron required to make my hair straight, smooth, shiny and free of frizz. I also checked how long the effects lasted, looking for frizz after six and 12 hours.
How To Pick The Best Hair Straightener For You
Using a hair straightener can be a time-consuming extra step in your journey toward polished hair. The process requires patience, precision and even some additional upper arm and shoulder strength. You want the payoff—ideally silky, smooth, shiny hair that looks really, really good—to match the effort you’re putting in. The last thing you need is for frizz to start creeping in ten minutes after you walk out the door. There are several factors, like materials and plate width, to consider in a flat iron. We consulted professional hairstylists who have extensive experience with these hot tools. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the best one.
Material
One of the first decisions to make before purchasing a hair straightener is choosing which material will work well for your hair type—specifically, which will get your hair straight and cause the least amount of damage. “Ceramic, tourmaline and titanium are all good options for flat irons,” says Henry. “The type of hair you have should determine which one is best for you.” Ceramic hair straighteners, she says, are the most common and most gentle, and therefore best for delicate or fine hair, and for color-treated or chemically-stressed hair that’s prone to damage. “Typically, ceramic irons do not get as hot as metal irons,” she says.
Tourmaline straighteners are ceramic or metal irons that are coated with the mineral for a smoother finish and better glide. “They’re great for most hair types and for people looking for smoothness and to fight frizz,” says Henry. “The coating allows the flat iron to glide through the hair without pulling or snagging.”
Lastly, titanium irons are more durable than ceramic irons and tend to get the hottest. “They’re best for coarse or thick hair and for super curly hair,” she says. In our tests we considered ceramic, ceramic tourmaline and titanium irons, and even one manganese copper alloy iron by Dyson.
Plate Width
Another key factor to consider is plate width. “A 1-inch plate is traditional and works best on all hair types,” says Henry. “It’s excellent for short hair or for use around the hairline or bang area. Larger plates are best for long hair and can save time, as they cover more of the section at once.”
Temperature Settings
You may want a flat iron with higher or lower temperatures depending on your hair health and texture. Some flat irons will have a range of settings. “Right after highlights or a color service, your hair may be more sensitive,” says Henry. “Lower heat will be best to ensure no damage. High humidity days and [having] thick hair may require higher heat levels to keep the frizz down and get super straight results.” Also, auto shut-off is always good for peace of mind, says Henry. “Too many times we leave the house and wonder if we unplugged the iron.”
Maneuverability
Consider nice-to-have features that will make styling your hair easier. Swivel cords and extra-long cords are a big perk to enhance ease of use as you work around your head.
Extra Features
Some straighteners come with heat-resistant mats or gloves, which are helpful for keeping countertops or fingers from getting singed. A storage pouch is another plus. If you travel a lot, look for an iron with universal voltage to allow you to use it abroad.
My Expertise
I’ve spent years trying to tame my long, wavy, medium-thick, color-treated hair into smooth submission. As a magazine writer, I’ve tested and written about hair detanglers, smoothing shampoos, hot rollers and curling irons. I’ve interviewed—and painstakingly observed—celebrity hairstylists on countless photoshoots. To get my desired look, I’ve tried various keratin and straightening treatments, and I’ve invested in a long list of flat irons in just about every price point and material.
For this piece, I tapped two experts: These are Nicole Henry, senior colorist at Warren Tricomi Salon, and Erin Bryant, master stylist and creative director of Whip Salon. Both Henry and Bryant tapped into their industry knowledge to share the key factors you should consider when purchasing a hair straightener. This tested package was overseen by deputy editor Jane Sung, who manages the Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming section and has more than 15 years’ experience covering lifestyle topics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Least Damaging Hair Straightener?
The least damaging hair straighteners are made with ceramic plates and offer multiple heat settings, like our best overall pick the T3 SinglePass StyleMax. Ceramic plates don’t get as hot as titanium ones, which means they’re less likely to fry brittle, dry strands. If you have thin or color-treated hair, you can prevent damage by keeping the straightener’s temperature setting below 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, Bryant says, “Never straighten your hair while it’s wet because that’s when your hair is at its most fragile state. And before styling, always,always apply a heat protectant first."
Are Expensive Hair Straighteners Worth It?
It can be worth it to spend a little more on a high-quality hair straightener, rather than going straight to the least expensive model. A high-end hair straightener, like the GHD Platinum+ Styler, will last longer than a cheaper alternative, and it will also be kinder to your hair. That being said, you don’t have to break the bank: My top value pick, the Chi Original 1-Inch, offers frizz-smoothing results for under $100.
What’s The Best Way To Flat Iron Hair?
“I find smoothing the hair first with a blow dryer allows me to use less heat with a flat iron,” says Henry. Patience and precision are also key. “It’s best to straighten in small, 1-inch sections,” she says. “Start by placing the iron as close to the scalp as possible and gliding it through to the ends. Do not stop on any one area of the section you are ironing because holding it on there too long can cause damage or breakage. Repeat the section if necessary, remembering to keep the iron moving continuously.”