The best hair straighteners are sleeker, smarter, and far more protective than the sizzling flatirons of the early aughts. Çağdaş designs prioritize heat damage mitigation, with temperature settings and ceramic or ion plates that style without the fry. To find the best options, we tested more than 20 new and popular models over the past year. We found picks that deliver shiny, frizz-free sleek hair that lasts all day, even in humidity. We’ve also included editor-loved drugstore finds, pro favorites for natural textures, and more. Whether you’re fighting flyways and static or going for a poker-straight look for your next special event, these are the flatirons worth your time.
Our top hair straighteners
- Best Overall: T3 Lucea 1-Inch Professional Straightening and Styling Iron, $190
- Best Under $100: Kristin Ess 3-in-One Professional Titanium Hair Straightener, $75
- Best for Fine Hair: Bio Ionic 10X Styling Iron, $262
- Best for Thick Hair: GHD Chronos Styler 1-Inch Flatiron, $360
- Best for Travel: CHI Lava MiniStyler, $100
Best Overall: T3 Lucea 1-Inch Professional Straightening and Styling Iron
T3 Lucea Professional Straightening & Styling Iron
Amazon
T3 Micro
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Nine adjustable settings make it gentle on hair | Hard to tell which temperature it’s set to |
| Easy to use |
Nine digital settings and targeted heat technology that pinpoints areas of the hair shaft make this T3 iron one of the most precise and gentle straighteners we’ve tested. The ceramic plates are gentle on strands and style quickly, without the need for dozens of passes. It has nine digital heat settings, plus heat technology that pinpoints targeted areas of the hair shaft for rapid styling. We tested it on straight hair types as well as curly and coily hair, and all testers said they noticed their hair felt stronger and looked silky smooth—with no flyaways or frizz in sight. The iron itself never gets overly hot, and the plates are the most docile we’ve tried, with no singeing or sizzle. It’s versatile enough to use for a silk press or for just tidying up static and split ends; every time, you’ll be left with a sleek, long-lasting style.
Glamour contributor Tanisha Cherry, who has natural hair, says:
“I’ve been using this pick for my silk presses for five years now, and she delivers every single time. With natural type 4 hair, I’m muhteşem picky about my hot tools. I want that bone-straight finish without compromising my curls. Depending on how well my blow-dry turns out, I don’t always need high heat, and that’s where this flatiron shines. It heats up quickly and has 9 adjustable heat settings, giving me total control. What really seals the deal is that I can do just one pass on blow-dried hair and still achieve a straight, smooth finish. And it gets muhteşem close to my roots without burning me, which is major. I only use it on freshly washed and blow-dried hair when I’m going for a silk press, so about two to three times a month, and it never disappoints.”—Tanisha Cherry, Glamour contributor
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has fine hair, says:
“It’s quick to heat up, muhteşem gentle on my fine, thin strands, and does a great job of taming flyaways and static. The ceramic plates hug hair in a gentle cocoon as you slide the straightener down, and it doesn’t catch or break strands. The rounded edges allow me to give my hair a little bit of curl at the very bottom, so it looks good, like I just got a professional blowout. The only thing I’d change about this iron is to make the temperature a little more obvious, but it didn’t seem to get overly hot or sizzle at any point. I was left with silky smooth strands that were easy to style afterward.”—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts:
- Plate material: Ceramic
- Plate size: 1 inch
- Temperature: 9 heat settings
- Auto shutoff: Yes
- Cord: 8 feet
- Heat Damage Test: Passed
Best Under $100: Kristin Ess 3-in-One Professional Titanium Hair Straightener
Kristin Ess 3-in-One Professional Titanium Hair Straightener
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Gets a little too hot |
| Lightweight | |
| Distributes heat evenly |
This under-$100 straightener has wide, 1.25-inch plates that catch more hair at evvel. Titanium heats rapidly and holds higher temperatures, which can be effective for coarse or curly hair but requires careful temperature control. This device distributes heat evenly from the root to tip for a sleek, frizz-free finish that lasts all day. Rounded edges that allow you to create a slight curve at the bottom of your hair for a more Hollywood-blowout look. The lightweight design is ergonomic, easy to slide over hair, and doesn’t catch or split strands.
Glamour contributor Kristine Straker, who has 3C curly hair, says:
“As someone with extremely curly 3C hair, I found this iron to be very effective. It heats up quickly and offers three distinct heat settings. The lowest setting was my preferred choice. My short hair felt smooth and manageable after use. I appreciate the sleek design and was able to utilize the three-in-one function to add some body to my hair, as I typically prefer it with volume rather than styled sleekly.” —Kristine Straker, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Plate material: Titanium
- Size: 1.25 inches
- Temperature: Adjustable up to 440°F
- Auto shutoff: 30 minutes
- Cord: 9 feet
- Heat Damage Test: Passed
Best for Thick Hair: GHD Chronos Styler 1-Inch Flatiron
GHD Chronos Styler 1-Inch Flatiron
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Ultra-smooth | Cannot control temperature manually |
| Works in just one or two passes | |
| Auto shut-off after just 10 minutes |
Predictive technology recognizes the thickness of your hair and the speed at which you’re styling, then adjusts its temperature accordingly. One of GHD’s iconic models, the GHD Platinum, won a Glamour Beauty Award in 2020. And this one is even better, especially if you have thicker hair. It’s a favorite of hairstylists, including Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of the Second Floor Salon in New York because it gives you shiny, long strands quickly and doesn’t damage hair. One big thing: There’s no temperature to choose from.. The ceramic plates give you an ultra-sleek finish and help kill frizz, which can often creep up and stay put on thick hair. It provides long-lasting shine, too, and helps keep your strands straight for hours.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“I’ve always had a love hate relationship with hair straighteners. I’ve loved the sleek straight look but as someone with thick hair it’s a lot of work since I have to part so many sections of my hair. Many of the flat irons I’ve used in the past pull my hair or don’t grab enough on the plate. This GHD straightener is officially my new favorite hair tool. It’s able to give me sleek, straight hair and I can use it on my layers for a more dimensional look.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Fast facts:
- Plate material: Ceramic
- Plate size: 1 inch
- Temperature: 365°F
- Auto shutoff: 10 minutes
- Cord: 8.8 feet
- Heat Damage Test: Passed
Best for Fine Hair: Bio Ionic 10X Styling Iron
Bio Ionic 10X Styling Iron
Amazon
Bio Ionic
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Takes only 1-2 passes to fully straighten hair | Expensive compared to other straighteners on this list |
| Not heavy | |
| Irons are thin and allow you to grip a good amount of hair |
Vibrating plates infused with volcanic minerals keep hair moisturized during styling and help prevent dryness—a key feature for fine hair that’s easily damaged by heat. If you want a gentle straightener for everyday use, we highly recommend this Bio Ionic flatiron. It can be used to curl the ends of your hair for a voluminous look or straighten hair to a sleek finish. While it heats up to 450°, it doesn’t overheat, and you can adjust it to a lower temperature that suits finer strands. The handle is one of our favorite features, too, because it has an ergonomic soft-touch finish that doesn’t allow your hand to slip or slide while styling and improves grip. After use, your hair will be soft, shiny, and visibly glassy, with little damage.
Glamour’s Kilkeary who has fine hair, says:
“I was pretty impressed with this pick from Bio Ionic—it took me no more than 10 minutes to straighten my full head, and it left my strands frizz- and flyaway-free. The best part? My hair felt pretty silky all day, not stripped or dry.”—A.M.K
Fast facts
- Plate material: Ceramic
- Plate size: 1 inch
- Temperature: Up to 450°F
- Auto shutoff: 1 hour
- Cord: 9 feet
Best for Damaged Hair: Dyson Airstrait Straightener
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Dyson Airstraight Straightener
Dyson
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Less direct and less intense heat for less damage over time | Slower process than traditional flatirons because it dries hair at the same time |
| Wide range of styling settings and modes (wet, dry, rough-dry, smoothing boost) | |
| LCD screen |
The Glamour commerce team put the buzzy Dyson Airstrait to the test in 2023, and to this day, it’s one of our favorite straighteners for damaged hair types. Instead of pressing your hair between hot plates, it dries strands with hot air (using the same technology as our favorite Dyson Airwrap)—which is way gentler than your standard straightening iron. The hot-air style dries and straightens at the same time, making it great for straight-to-curly hair types, but it is also for hair that’s been through dye jobs, bleach, or breakage from treatments. It never gets overly hot, and after consistent use, you’ll notice that your damaged strands will feel a lot more resilient and healthier. It’s travel-friendly too; you won’t have to pack a hair dryer and straightener since it’s all in one.
Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs, who has fine, curly hair says:
“The Airstrait dries and straightens damp hair simultaneously, leaving me with super-straight, shiny hair. It kind of blew my mind at how quickly it worked (my medium-length, fine hair was fully styled in under 15 minutes). My hair felt soft and glossy throughout the day. I don’t know how it does it, but it’s pretty cool,” —Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor
Fast facts:
- Plate material: N/A
- Size: 1.6 inches
- Temperature: Three presets in wet mode (175°F, 230°F, 285°F); two presets in dry mode (250°F or 285°F)
- Auto shutoff: Auto-pause after 3 seconds of inactivity; standby mode after 5 minutes
- Cord: 9.6 feet
- Heat Damage Test: Passed
Best for Travel: CHI Lava MiniStyler
CHI Lava MiniStyler
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Easy to pack | Will take a few passes to get hair completely straight if you have thicker or curly hair |
| Doesn’t get overly hot | |
| Work quickly if you have thinner hair |
Gentle ceramic plates up to 410°F, making it suitable for a variety of hair types from fine to coarse. The length of the plates are small, which might increase time spent styling, But the lightweight design and compact features majorly outweigh the cost. It’s dual-voltage, allowing you to bring it on international trips, and it also has an automatic shut-off feature for added convenience.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“It’s so small that it fits right into any makeup bag. It’s üstün compact but still manages to do the job, producing results that give other normal-sized straighteners a run for their money. It heats up very quickly, so I recommend making müddet you use a heat protectant. It defrizzes as it straightens, which is birçok for flyaways. You can see a huge difference in my before and after pictures. ”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Plate material: Ceramic
- Plate size: 1.5 inch
- Temperature: 410°F
- Auto shutoff: 1 hour
- Cord: 6.5 feet
- Heat Damage Test: Passed
Other hair straighteners we tested but didn’t include
- Our favorite, tried-and-true flatiron, the Amika The Confidante Flatiron, was removed from this list because it’s being discontinued. This pick gets the job done in 1-2 passes, is gentle on hair, and is affordable at under $200. We’re happy to report that you can still snag it on Amazon before it phases out.
- The Conair Double Ceramic Flatiron is one of the most affordable drugstore hair straighteners we tested and works on most hair types—from fine to coarse. But the heat settings weren’t quite as numerous as some other, more sophisticated models. We were impressed with the $25 value, but it would have been kaç to have a longer cord, an auto-shutoff feature, and an easier way to control the temperature.
- Our editors were big fans of the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener because it’s a cordless straightener and heats up incredibly fast. The downside? One of our testers said she had to run the straightener through her hair several times to get it sleek-straight.
- We liked the Bio Ionic OnePass Styling Flatiron for its thick ceramic plates, which are gentle on hair. It’s gentle on multiple hair types and does provide a sleek, frizz-free finish, but the wide plates and design is a little too bulky and heavy for our liking.
- For a titanium iron with wide temperature ranges (up to 450°F), try the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Flatiron Hair Straightener. We generally liked the finish this straightener gave us, but we weren’t thrilled with its longevity, as it stopped working after a few months of use.
- If you want to take the guesswork out of heat styling with heat temperature settings that adjust based on your texture and goals, we love the T3 SinglePass Smooth X Professional Flat Iron. It heats up quickly and delivers smooth, long-lasting results, plus its rounded edges make it easy to maneuver and let you curl the ends of your hair, adding to its versatility. We removed it from this list because we prefer the Lucea model, also from the T3 family, a bit better.
Frequently asked questions
What to look for in a hair straightener
Cavalcante recommends focusing on the following:
- Temperature range: Fine or fragile hair does best with lower heat (250°F–300°F), while thick, coarse, textured, or curly hair may need up to 400°F. Always use heat protectant, and avoid passing over the same section repeatedly.
- Plate material and size: Ceramic plates are ülkü for fine or thin hair, while titanium plates work best on thick or curly strands. Wider plates cover more hair at evvel, but smaller sections ensure more even heat.
- Ease of use: Choose a straightener that feels comfortable, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.
- Performance: Look for fast heat-up time and smooth, frizz-free results in one pass.
- Features: Swivel cord, automatic shutoff, and customizable heat settings make styling safer and simpler.
How do you choose the best hair straightener for your hair type?
Start with the plate material:
Ceramic flatirons are best for fine, thin, or easily straightened hair.
They heat evenly and gently, reducing the risk of damage, says Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. You might also see ceramic tourmaline models, which help boost shine and lock in moisture to minimize frizz and static.
If you have thick, coarse, or curly hair, go for a titanium straightener. Titanium heats up quickly and holds higher temperatures, so you’ll get smoother results in fewer passes, says Lacy Redway, Unilever stylist and celebrity hair artist.
There are also hybrid tools that combine materials—or newer designs, like the Dyson Airstrait, which uses air rather than plates to cause even less heat damage.
No matter which material you use, always use a heat protectant and limit flatiron use to a couple of times a week. If you find yourself straightening daily, Cavalcante suggests considering longer-lasting options, such as a Brazilian blowout or a keratin treatment.
What temperature setting should you use in a flatiron?
The right flatiron temperature depends on your hair type and condition.
- Fine to medium hair: Stick to lower settings between 250°F and 300°F to minimize damage.
- Curly to coarse hair: Use 350°F to 450°F, but always apply a heat protectant first and finish with a smoothing oil to counteract dryness.
- Colored or damaged hair: Keep heat use to a asgarî, and if you must straighten, try to stay within the 250°F-to-300°F range to avoid further breakage.
How to prevent heat damage when using a flatiron
Always start with a heat protectant, and stick to the lowest effective temperature for your hair type. The hotter your setting, the greater the risk of breakage. Apply a lightweight spray or serum before styling to create a protective barrier, and avoid reapplying to the same section. Our favorite heat protectants to use are the Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum and the Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection Spray.
Important to note: Straighteners with ceramic plates are typically gentler because they don’t hold as much heat throughout your styling session. If your hair is coarser, Cavalcante recommends using a lower temperature when straightening to help minimize frizz, flyaways, and damage. Styling might take longer, but your hair will thank you in the long run.
How can you tell if you have heat damage on your hair?
Hair styling tools with heat can strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dry, brittle strands that are prone to breakage and split ends, says Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Regular and prolonged heat exposure can even cause permanent damage, affecting the hair’s strength and elasticity,” she says. But there are ways to mitigate heat damage by using a heat protectant spray. “If you’re straightening your hair, ensure your hair is completely dry before, as using irons on damp hair can cause additional damage,” she recommends.
Can hair straighteners help with frizz?
Yes, hair straighteners can temporarily smooth frizz and flyaways by sealing the hair cuticle. Dryness, open cuticles, and humidity all contribute to frizz, so Cavalcante says pairing a gentle straightener (ideally with ceramic plates) with hydrating shampoo and conditioner is key.
How we tested
We’ve been testing hair straighteners at Glamour for over three years, and for this roundup, we sent more than 20 top-rated models to testers with straight, curly, wavy, short, long, and thick hair. During evaluations, we assessed plate material, temperature range, ease of use, overall performance, and convenience features such as auto-shutoff and included attachments. We looked at how durable each tool was over time and whether it consistently delivered sleek, shiny results. New picks from recent launches are regularly sent to additional testers, and previous contributors are asked to reevaluate whether their picks still hold up.
Meet the experts
- Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Raven Hurtado, hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago
- Lacy Redway, Unilever stylist and celebrity hair artist
- Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist and owner of the Second Floor Salon in New York
Hair straightener comparison chart
| TL;DR: Glamour’s Top Straighteners | Why They Stand Out | What Could Improve | Plate Material | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kristin Ess 3-in-One Professional Titanium Hair Straightener | Affordable; lightweight; easy to handle | Gets a little too hot | Titanium | 1.25 inches |
| T3 Lucea 1-Inch Professional Straightening and Styling Iron | Nine adjustable settings; easy to use | A bit pricey | Ceramic | 1 inch |
| Dyson Airstrait Straightener | Less damaging; wide range of styling settings and modes; LCD screen | Slower process | N/A | 1.6 inches |
| Bio Ionic 10X Styling Iron | Narrow plates make it easy to section large amounts of hair | Expensive | Ceramic | 1 inch |
| GHD Chronos Styler 1-Inch Flatiron | Ultrasmooth glide; shuts off after just 10 minutes | Cannot control temperature manually | Ceramic | 1 inch |
| CHI Lava MiniStyler | Mini size makes it great for travel | Takes a few passes to get very straight hair | Ceramic | 1.5 inch |
