The Best Hair Straighteners Tested for Every Hair Type and Budget

We’ve cranked up the heat on 37 hair straighteners from various brands to evaluate important factors like heat damage, durability, ergonomics, travel compatibility, color protection, safety, and versatility. Phewww, it’s a long list …

But we managed to pick 10 that are absolutely worth the splurge.

So here goes …

The Best Hair Straighteners (Updated 2023)

Best Overall

1. GHD Platinum Styler

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The GHD Platinum hair straightening iron is an excellent option for users who want a reliable heat styling tool that heats up fast and provides more control to create the look they want.

It is limited to 365°F (185°C) because the experts who tested it recommend this temperature as the maximum you should use for styling hair. Anything beyond that can cause heat damage. The good thing about not having an adjustable temperature setting is that you don’t have to fiddle around with it. You get the job done fast without the risk of burning your hair.

GHD (short for Good Hair Day) is a UK-based haircare brand known for its professional-quality, high-end hair styling products. They have been in the industry since 2001 and are one of the most trusted brands. You can be sure that when you purchase a GHD product, you will get nothing but quality and performance.

The platinum styler embodies everything that GHD stands for – quality, performance, and innovation. It has the latest technology to provide the best hair styling experience. Aside from that, it comes with a universal voltage feature, so that you can use it anywhere in the world.

Here is the complete list of features of the GHD Platinum hair straightener:

• Ultra-Zone Technology (Smart Sensors):
  The GHD Platinum’s unique Ultra-Zone is a ground-breaking technology that can predict the exact heat required for the hair as it styles. It uses smart sensors to detect hair thickness, length, and styling speed to adjust its temperature accordingly.
• Heat Monitor:
  The GHD styler uses heat sensors (Tri-Zone Technology) that scan the heat on the plates at 250 times per second to ensure it maintains the recommended 185°C optimal styling temperature. There is no risk of overheating, resulting in less damage to the hair.
• Wishbone Hinge for Snag-Free Styling:
  The wishbone hinge on the platinum styler prevents the hair from snagging on the plates. The hinge also makes it easier and more comfortable to hold and use, especially if you have arthritis or other joint issues.
• Floating Plates:
  The floating plates tilt and angle to continuously adjust tension to cushion the hair. They allow you to create sleek, wavy, or curly hair without a single snag!
  Without the floating plates, it can take longer to straighten an entire head of hair inch by inch because the tool can miss parts of the hair at difficult angles.
• Glossy Plates:
  The ceramic plates on the GHD platinum hair straightener have a high-quality glossing finish, making it glide effortlessly along the lengths. These plates also provide extra protection for colored hair and create a mirror-like shine, which looks glamorous for special occasions or when you want to impress your friends.

Overall, the GHD Platinum is a brilliant hair straightener with fixed temperature settings that allows you to focus on styling rather than the device’s controls. The flexing plates make it easy to style long hair, and the glossing finish delivers sleek, straight locks without snagging or pulling.

Plus, the in-built technology to monitor heat and prevent heat damage is a no-brainer. It’s a must-have heat styling tool.

Best for Variable Hairstyles

2. Dyson Corrale

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The Dyson Corrale hair straightener utilizes less heat to match the same results as most professional hair straighteners. Instead of using direct heat, the Dyson Corrale uses thermal flex plates with 15 micro-hinged segments on each for higher precision heat styling that can cover bigger sections of hair in one go.

That’s why it can style hair faster and reduce exposure to heat.

Here are the essential features of the Dyson Corrale hair straightener:

• Cordless Styling (Up to 30 Minutes):
  The Corrale comes with a 3.2 m cord by default, but you can remove it and use it as a cordless hair straightener. It has a 4-cell lithium-ion battery that can last up to 30 minutes, which is more than enough time for most people. It also has a charging dock that can fully recharge the device in 70 minutes.
• Intelligent Heat Control:
  The Dyson brand is known for its engineering brilliance. And it’s no surprise that their Corrale straightener comes with intelligent features that only the best hair straighteners on the market can deliver. Like the GHD Platinum, the Dyson Corrale also has ingenious heat controls. It uses sensors to constantly monitor the temperature of the plates (100 times per second). If it gets too hot, it will shut down automatically. It’s a cool safety feature.
• Tourmaline Edges:
  Tourmaline is a mineral that naturally emits negative ions when heated, which helps to reduce frizz and static in hair. Using tourmaline edges in the Dyson Corrale straightener means that hair is exposed to a high number of negative ions, resulting in smoother and shinier hair with reduced frizz. The benefits of this technology include a reduction in heat damage to the hair, improved styling results, and longer-lasting pin-straight styles.
• Flexing Copper Plates:
  The Dyson Corrale straightener is fitted with Manganese copper alloy plates that flex to gather and control the hair, allowing a swift and more efficient hair styling experience that reduces heat exposure.
• Create a Variety of Styles:
  The Dyson Corrale hair straightener is not only limited to straight hairstyles. You can also create textured beach waves, soft waves, curls, and more. Check the Dyson website for inspiration.

Best for Thick Long Hair

3. Cloud 9 Wide Iron Pro

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The Cloud 9 Wide Iron Pro is a flat iron with wider plates (1.5 inch). It is ideal for people with thick long hair.

Designed for comfort in mind, its ergonomic shape makes it easy to hold for long styling sessions. The plates are also ultra-thin and heat up in just 20 seconds. We highly recommend this one if you’ve struggled finding a flat iron that works for thick hair.

Here are the features of the Cloud 9 Wide Iron Pro:

• Revive Mode:
  The unique selling point of the Wide Iron Pro is the revive mode. It is a technology feature that makes the flat iron plates vibrate 8000 times per minute at the desired temperature. The Revive mode helps reduce friction while keeping the temperature consistent so the hairstyle can set and last longer.
• Ceramic Coated Plates:
  The Cloud 9 Wide Iron Pro plates are infused with the brand’s signature healing minerals (Sericite and Tourmaline) to seal the hair’s cuticle layer for a smoother and shinier finish.
• Floating Ceramic Plates:
  Plates that float in a flat iron cushion the impact of heat on the hair while also allowing the flexibility to reach angles that other flat irons without floating plates cannot. The floating plates also allow for a more gentle and even heat distribution along the entire hair length. This is especially important for styling fine hair that can easily be damaged by overheating or too much pressure.
• Indicator Lights:
  The Cloud 9 Wide Iron Pro has a digital LCD that shows current temperature, heat settings, and indicator lights to let you know when it’s ready to use.

The Cloud 9 Wide iron is also built with color protection technology that prevents heat from dulling and fading your vibrant hair colors.

Best for Long Curly Thick Hair

4. Revamp Pro Gloss Wide Ultra X Flat Iron

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The Revamp Progloss flat iron has ultra-wide 1.5 inch large ceramic ionic plates, making it a suitable hair straightening tool for people with long, curly, and thick hair types.

The Revamp Progloss flat iron can also be used on artificial hair (wigs and extensions).

It has a digital display that makes it easy to control the temperature settings and an auto-shut off feature for added safety.

Here are the features of the Revamp Progloss straightener:

• Extra Large Plates:
  With wider and longer plates, it allows for styling more hair in larger sections at once, saving time and effort. The plates also float as you style, creating a smooth glide performance that leaves the hair beautifully straight with fewer passes.
• Coated Plates:
  The ceramic floating plates are super smooth and infused with X-Shine technology, keratin oil, argan oil, and coconut oil for a glossy finish and snag-free styling experience when attempting larger sections of hair. This styling iron makes the hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free with every use.
• Multiple Heat Settings for Different Hair Types:
  The temperature settings on the Revamp straightener range from 176°F to 455°F, allowing for a customized hair styling experience depending on the hair type. For example, if you have thick, coarse, or curly hair, select a higher setting, like 450°F. If you have fine and fragile hair, you can use the lowest setting of 176F to ensure that your hair is not damaged by heat. The temperature controls are clearly marked on the flat iron, so you can easily adjust them appropriately.
• One Stroke Styling:
  And finally, the hair straightener comes with a one-stroke feature. This makes hair straight in a shorter amount of time, which is especially convenient for those who are always on the go. It also helps you get an even style every time because there is no need to go over any section more than once.

Do Not Use on Wet Hair!

The Revamp Progloss is specifically designed for use on dry hair. The manufacturer does not recommend using this flat iron on wet hair. If you do, it may cause the plates to become extremely hot and burn the hair.

Best for African American Hair

5. T3 Lucea ID Hair Straightening Iron

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The T3 Lucea ID is a smart hair straightener that provides a bespoke hairstyling experience for any hair type. It’s excellent for touching up bangs and edges, short hair, and baby hairs with its quick refresh mode that makes styling second-day hair effortless.

It has glossy ceramic plates that make it ideal for thick and coarse air because it just glides without tangling. For that reason, it works well for people with tight curls and African American hair textures.

With nine heat settings that deliver precise heat for every hair type and texture, it straightens the hair from roots to ends with no frizz or damage.

Here are the notable features of the T3 Lucea ID hair straightener:

• Straightforward Control Panel:
  Input your hair type, and it automatically adjusts the heat. You don’t need to determine the best temperature for your hair type. It has smart features programmed by hair experts to do it for you.
• Wide CeraGloss Ceramic Plates:
  The CeraGloss plates, unique to this styler, enhance the hair’s natural shine for a sleek finish. It’s also gentle enough to use on the most delicate hair types, including color-treated and chemically straightened hair.
• T3 Rapid HeatIQ Technology:
  The Rapid HeatIQ Technology ensures consistent heat across the plates, giving you an even, high-quality finish every time. It’s also built with a smart sensor that automatically adjusts the heat to protect hair from damage.
• StyleEdge Design:
  The StyleEdge design allows the hair straightener to work seamlessly to create different hairstyles like curls, waves, and pin-straight hair without snagging or pulling. It’s also ergonomic with a premium soft-touch finish that is comfortable to hold when styling longer hair.

6. CHI G2 Professional Hair Straightener

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The CHI G2 is a high-quality traditional flat iron designed to deliver silky smooth and frizz-free hair. With its 1.25-inch titanium-infused plates, this straightener offers an even heat distribution, resulting in faster styling and longer-lasting results.

What I like about the CHI G2 is its robustness. You can feel how durable it is when you hold it. It has a sleek design, and the digital temperature display is very useful. It heats up quickly enough (40 seconds) and allows you to select different settings for different hair types. I also like that it comes with a thermal pouch to protect the device when it’s not in use.

Here are some of the key features of the CHI G2 ceramic flat iron:

• Color-Coded Temperature Setting:
  Unlike other straighteners that require manual temperature input, the G2 has preset mode temperature settings designed for 3 types of hair:
  
  
  • BLUE: 0°F – 370°F: for Fine/Fragile hair.
  • GREEN: 375°F – 395°F: for Medium/Wavy hair.
  • RED: 400°F – 425°F : for Coarse/Resistant hair.
  So there’s no guessing.
• Titanium Infused Ceramic Plates:
  The G2 uses ceramic plates infused with titanium, which helps to distribute heat evenly across your hair. This prevents damage from occurring due to overheating and promotes shine. The plates are also curved for a better grip on the hair. It helps prevent the plates from slipping when you’re straightening your hair.

7. L'Oreal Professionnel Steampod

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The L’Oreal Steampod hair straightener combines the power of steam and heat to detangle and straighten the hair simultaneously. The Steampod has a removable comb that enables straightening while the hair is still wet. It is much easier than trying to comb out tangles before styling.

Features of the L’Oreal Steampod hair styler:

• Steam Technology:
  The main differentiator of the Steampod is its steam technology, which helps to hydrate and nourish the hair as you straighten. The steam also helps to create smooth layers without frizz. The Steampod has a water tank that is easy to fill and provides continuous steam for styling up to 192m of hair.
• Anodized Coated Plates:
  Anodized coating is a process that involves electrochemically treating metal plates in a hair straightener to form a protective oxide layer. The metal plates in hair straighteners are typically made of aluminum, titanium, or ceramic. Anodized coating is used in hair straighteners to provide a durable, corrosion-resistant surface that is resistant to wear and tear. Anodized plates also provide even heat distribution to prevent hot spots and ensure consistent results when straightening.
• Removable Comb:
  The removable comb in the L’Oreal Steampod functions as a pre-detangler that can also hold the hair in place while styling. The comb is designed to help separate the hair and make it easier to straighten with more control. It also saves time detangling the hair post-shower before styling.

Overall, the L’Oreal Steampod is a unique hair styling tool that combines steam, a pre-detangling comb, and some nifty technological features that make hair styling a breeze.

Best Wet to Dry

8. Remington Wet2Straight Pro Hair Straighteners

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Dry and style your hair in one go with the Remington Wet2Straight hair straightener. Use it straight on towel-dried hair for your desired look, or use it when it is dry for more volume. The ceramic plates heat up to 230°C in just 15 seconds so that you can start immediately.

It is ideal for people who want to get ready quickly in the morning or have always wanted a straightener that can be used on damp hair. The slim design of this Remington hair straightener makes it easy to use, and there’s no need for extra accessories like hair clips.

You don’t have to worry about the heat scorching wet hair as the styler has a built-in venting system that allows hot air to escape.

Here are the features of the Remington Wet to Straight straightener:

• No Need to Blow Dry the Hair:
  Use this styler straight on towel-dried hair. It eliminates the need to use a blow dryer beforehand, which means less heat for your hair and less frizz to tame.
• Dry Mode and Wet Mode:
  You can set the Remington styler to dry mode on non-wash days, and it works like any regular hair straightener. On washdays, use it in its default wet-to-dry mode, and it removes the excess water from the hair as you style.
• Venting System to Remove Excess Water:
  The venting system on the Remington Wet2Straight allows the hot hair to escape as you press it on wet hair. It prevents the water from staying in contact with the heat to avoid heat damage. The venting system also helps to keep the temperature consistent. It keeps the heat from being absorbed by the hair.
• Moisture Sensors:
  The moisture sensors add 3 times more protection against heat damage by constantly regulating the temperature to ensure that the heat is not zapping too much moisture from the hair. This way, the hair stays healthy and balanced.

Best Cordless Option

9. L'ANGE HAIR Le Cordless Glide Rechargeable Titanium Flat Iron

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The L’Ange Hair cordless straightener is designed for busy women on the go.

Pop it into your handbag, touch up your hair at the office or before a date, and you’ll be ready to go. The L’Ange Cordless flat iron is lightweight yet durable and powerful enough to deliver a smooth finish in minutes. It heats up quickly and has a cool touch handle with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to handle.

This cordless hair straightener has a long-lasting battery life, providing up to 55 minutes of styling time on a single charge. You can use it to straighten, curl, or touch up your bangs on the go.

The L’Ange Hair Cordless hair straightener is a stylish addition to anyone’s beauty closet. Whether you’re looking for a quick touch-up during the day or a full-blown hair makeover, this cordless straightener has you covered.

10. GHD Original Styler

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The GHD Original hair styler is a cult classic revamped with GHDs new technological advancements in the hair styling space. It’s been around for over two decades, which is why it’s still one of the most popular hair irons on the market today. The GHD has a lot of benefits that make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to get professional quality results at home.

This hair straightener is designed to deliver even heat distribution across the plates with its patented Single-Zone technology. It helps to reduce damage and frizz while creating smooth hair with a sleek finish.

Another notable feature is its floating plates, which is standard in most GHD straighteners. The floating plates continuously adjust to the shape of the hair so it can glide smoothly without creating snags and tangles.

Loved by professional hairdressers and celebrity hairstylists worldwide, the GHD Original styler is a professional quality hair styling tool that can be safely relied upon.

Hair Straightener Buying Guide

Confidence starts with your hair. And a good hair iron is the only thing that can make it happen.

You want something that can refashion your hair at the flick of a switch.

You want something that is:

• Easy to use.
• Sensitive to your hair texture.
• Fast and efficient to save you time.
• Easy to handle and doesn’t hurt your wrist.

You want to avoid battle with a clunky old flat iron with a weird mind of its own!

Trust me. I know how it feels when your straightener:

• Pulls your hair: Instead of gliding smoothly.
• Doesn’t have a tight clamp: You must press hard.
• It is too hot to handle: You can’t hold the handle for long.
• Takes forever to work: You need at least 5 passes on each section.
• Has the most idiotic temperature control: That makes no sense.

Or worse …

It has an unreliable auto shut-off.

I bet there are days when you sit in the office wondering if you’ve switched yours off.

I am going to be brutally honest with your here …

When you buy a hair straightener on the cheap, you get what you pay for.

That’s why we added a buying guide here to help you find the best hair straightener for your needs. We know how important it is to find something that works fast and with minimal fuss, especially when you are in a hurry.

So here are some of the things to check when buying a new model:

Plate Material

The plate material of a hair straightener plays an important role in the styling process because it affects the amount of heat transferred to the hair. It can impact the hair’s health and overall appearance.

Some of the common plate materials include:

• Ceramic:
  A popular plate material for hair straighteners that provides even heat distribution to prevent hot spots. Ceramic plates are gentle on the hair and can help reduce frizz and static.
• Tourmaline:
  Tourmaline plates are made from a mineral that naturally emits negative ions when heated. Negative ions can help reduce frizz and static and make the hair appear shiny and smooth. If you want silky hair, go for this option.
• Titanium:
  Tourmaline is a lightweight and durable plate material that heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature. Titanium plates are ideal for those with thick, curly, or coarse hair, as they can help straighten hair more quickly than other plate materials.
• Stainless Steel:
  Stainless steel provides high heat but it can also be damaging to hair if not used properly. Steel plates are also prone to corrosion and rust over time.

Floating Plates

Floating plates in a hair straightener refer to the design of the plates attached to the heating element. These plates are not firmly fixed but can move slightly and adjust to the shape and thickness of the hair when styled.

This design allows the plates to glide smoothly over the hair, reducing the risk of snagging or pulling and creating a more comfortable styling experience. The plates can also maintain even pressure across the entire surface, ensuring an even distribution of heat and reducing the risk of hot spots.

Some popular materials used in floating plates of hair straighteners include ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline. Each of these materials has unique properties, such as heat distribution and frizz reduction, that can contribute to the overall performance of the hair straightener. Floating plates also reduce the need for multiple passes on sections of hair.

Adjustable Heat Settings

A variable temperature setting in a hair straightener is essential because different hair types and textures require different heat levels to achieve the desired styling results. Applying too much heat can cause damage, while not enough heat may not be effective in straightening the hair.

Here’s a table that summarizes the recommended temperature range for different hair types:

Please note that these are general guidelines and that individual factors, such as the hair’s condition, may also impact the appropriate temperature setting. It’s always best to start with a lower temperature setting and gradually increase it as needed.

Durability

A hair straightener with good durability will last longer. It can save you money in the long run. A durable hair straightener is also less likely to break or malfunction. You can rely on it to perform consistently without any risk of damage to your hair.

Look for the quality of the materials used, the brand’s reputation, and customer reviews.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics means comfort, ease of use, reduced risk of injury, and less styling time.

When looking for a new hair straightener, consider factors such as the shape and design of the tool, the weight distribution, and the grip. A hair straightener with good ergonomics will be easier to handle, making it easier to style your hair without frustration.

Dual Voltage

A hair straightener with dual voltage means that the tool can be used internationally without needing a voltage converter. This is particularly important for people who travel frequently or plan to use their hair straightener in different countries.

Some hair straighteners are designed to work with a specific voltage, which may differ from other countries electrical outlets. If a hair straightener is not dual-voltage, it may not work or can get damaged when used in a country with a different voltage.

Automatic Shut Off

Automatic shut off in a hair straightener is an essential safety feature. It turns the straightener off after a period of inactivity, which helps prevent accidents and fire hazards. It saves you time and worry about having to remember to turn off the straightener yourself, especially if you are busy or forgetful.

Travel-Friendly

A hair straightener can be considered travel-friendly if it’s compact, lightweight has dual voltage, and has a heat-resistant protective pouch or case.

When buying a new travel hair straightener, you should look for the following features:

Size and weight: Choose a compact and lightweight model that can easily fit in your luggage.

Dual voltage: A hair straightener with dual voltage is ideal for traveling as it can adjust to the local voltage, making it compatible with different electrical outlets worldwide.

Protective pouch or case: A heat-resistant protective pouch or case can help keep the straightener safe while traveling and prevent it from being damaged in transit.

Airplane mode: Most new hair straighteners with digital features have airplane mode to ensure the device is disengaged for safety during a flight.

Long Swivel Cord

A long swivel cord provides more freedom of movement, allowing you to style your hair from different angles without feeling restricted by a short cord that does not rotate as you move. A non-swivel cord tends to tangle, which can be frustrating to undo after a styling session.

A long swivel cord provides extra reach, making it easier to style the back of your head or other areas.

Heat-Resistant Mat

A heat-resistant mat helps to protect the surface you are placing the straightener on from being damaged by heat from the device.

It can prevent burn marks and other surface damage, providing a stable and safe place to set the straightener when not in use. Heat-resistant mats are also sticky, preventing the hair straightener from accidentally slipping and causing accidents, especially if there are kids around.

Warranty

A warranty provides peace of mind and protection in case of any defects or issues with the product.

A warranty can vary in length and coverage. Still, it typically covers repair or replacement of the product if it stops working or malfunctions within a certain period. A warranty can save you money and inconvenience in the long run, as it can cover repairs or replacements that would otherwise have to be paid out of pocket. Additionally, a warranty is a sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of their product and their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Look for a product that offers a minimum of 2 years warranty.

Product Warranties may only be applicable when you buy the product directly from the manufacturer’s official website. Please check with the seller if you are buying from Amazon, eBay, or Walmart.

Which Hair Straightener is Best for Your Hair Type?

Here’s a guide on how to pick the best hair straightener for different hair types:

How Do You Know If You Need a New Hair Straightener?

Here are the signs that indicate that it’s time to replace your current hair straightener:

• Heat inconsistency:
  If your hair straightener is no longer heating evenly, it may be time to replace it. This can result in patchy, uneven styling and make it difficult to achieve the desired results.
• Damaged plates:
  If the plates on your hair straightener are damaged, chipped, or warped, it’s time to replace it. Damaged plates can cause hair to snag or pull, leading to damage and breakage.
• Poor performance:
  If your straightener is no longer straightening your hair effectively, it may be time to replace it. This can be due to various factors, such as worn-out heating elements or a decrease in the overall quality of the tool.
• Safety concerns:
  If your hair straightener is no longer safe to use, such as if the cord is frayed or if the tool is overheating, it’s time to replace it. This can help to prevent accidents and protect your hair and scalp from damage.
• Increased repair costs:
  If you find yourself constantly repairing your hair straightener, replacing it may be more cost-effective. Over time, the cost of repairs can add up, making investing in a new, high-quality tool more economical.

It’s important to consider these signs and replace your hair straightener as needed to ensure that you use a safe and effective styling tool. By investing in a high-quality hair straightener, you can achieve better styling results and protect your hair from damage.

Is It Time to Replace Yours?

If your current straightener is not getting the job done or is showing signs of wear and tear, don’t risk heat damage to your hair.

Check our curated list of the newest hair straighteners on the market and invest in one that will save you time and make your hair styling routine effortless.

Charlene Latreuille

Writer and Editor

Charlene has been blogging for over 10 years and has a background in digital marketing. She's also a certified yoga teacher and loves to travel.

When she's not working on her next article, she can be found spending time with her two young daughters or planning her next big travel adventure.

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