First things first — we do not need more than one best hair straightener (or flat iron, whichever name you prefer) in our arsenal. However, testing a variety of these trusty hair tools made us learn something: not all are created equal.
Sure, you probably still have the same flat iron you’ve had since middle school (and if it’s still going strong, props to you). But, is it making your hair shiny and smooth? Is it one of the best to use?
That’s why we tested the hottest ones on the market — from the Dyson Airstrait to ghd’s best-selling one — to curate a detailed, pros and cons edit of which ones are worth your time and money. After years of testing, we provided detailed notes on use and what to keep in mind before purchasing.
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- Best Overall: T3 SinglePass StyleMax 1-Inch Ceramic Flat Iron
- Best Budget: Remington Shine Therapy 2-Inch Hair Straightener
- Best Splurge: Dyson Airstrait
- Best Straightening Brush: T3 Edge Heated Smoothing & Styling Brush
- Best Multi-Tasking Tool: L’ANGE Le Duo Standard AirFlow Styler
Alongside the best curling irons and wands we rounded up, one of these will help produce pin-straight, healthy locks, guaranteed.
Best Overall: T3 SinglePass StyleMax 1-Inch Ceramic Flat Iron
Pros:
- Mitigate frizz and add shine, thanks to its titanium plates
- Comes with nine heat settings
- Works well on any hair type
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
The T3 SinglePass StyleMax Ceramic Flat Iron is the hair straightener I always turn to, much ado to its quality design and how quickly it takes to heat up and style. I also own the brand’s Switch Kit Interchangeable Ionic Curling Iron ($300) that has been a game-changing beauty product when I style my hair at home.
As far as the SinglePass StyleMax, I never have to worry about my hair frizzing up throughout the day. The clamp never pulls on my hair or makes the ends look battered and dry, and that’s because of its customizable heat settings and even heat retention. From root to tip, there’s never a hair out of place.
Though a splurge, it’s the one hair straightener I use most and recommend to everyone. It’s wonderful for stashing in my duffle bag or luggage as well because of its compact design and trusty working power. It’s the definition of “10/10 recommend.”
Plate Material: Ceramic | Size: 1-inch plates, (Product dimensions) 11.1 x 1.2 x 1.7 | Temperature range: 260-410 Fahrenheit | Special features: Precision control hinge to prevent snagging
Best Budget: Remington Shine Therapy 2-Inch Hair Straightener
Pros:
- Extra-thick plates
- Great for those with excessive flyaways or split ends
Cons:
- Doesn’t heat up as quickly as others tested
After using the Remington Shine Therapy 2-Inch Hair Straightener for years, I still can’t understand how it’s less than $50. It’s that good and especially great for those with thicker hair who want that pin-straight look.
“I’ve had the Remington Shine Therapy hair straightener for the longest time and it’s yet to let me down,” Miska Salemann, commerce writer/reporter, said. “I have naturally dry hair, so a stylist recommended I try a straightener infused with argan oil and keratin (which essentially act as conditioners).”
Previous straighteners she has used left her hair even frizzier than before and certainly added more damage to her ends. This one has had no such effect.
“After straightening, it looks glossier than it did before and feels super silky.,” she added. “I also love that it heats up quick and the ceramic plates are on the wider side so you can get the job done quick.”
It takes an average amount of time to heat up, but that doesn’t deter me from reaching for it. Plus, my hair receives compliments nearly every time I use it (and it makes your hair look great in pictures, in case your Instagram feed is a main consideration).
Plate Material: Ceramic | Size: 2-inch plates | Temperature range: 300-450 Fahrenheit | Special features: Shine enhancing technology
Best for Touch-Ups: CHI Coral Ceramic Flat Iron
Pros:
- Great for naturally straight hair for touching up in a jiffy
- Helps prevent frizz
- Reasonable price point
Cons:
- Doesn’t have any smart settings compared to some other multi-tasking tools on this list, though not a dealbreaker
“As someone with hair that’s (mostly) naturally straight, this CHI flat iron is my secret weapon between wash days when my hair starts to frizz and wave up a bit,” Angelia Tricarico, commerce writer/reporter, said. “I love it because of how simple it is; it’s not too heavy, only has five heat settings, and I find I don’t have to do more than a pass or two to get my hair the way I want.”
Not to mention, it glides through the ceramic plate without tugging. If your hair leans more on the straight side in its natural state, this hair tool has the it-factor for easy, seamless touch-ups.
Plate Material: Ceramic | Size: 1-inch plates | Temperature range: 330-410 Fahrenheit | Special features: 30-second heat up, 11-ft swivel cord, 1-hour shutoff
Best Splurge: Dyson Airstrait
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Results in fewer flyaways
- Doubles as a blow dryer
Cons:
- Higher price point
- The cord is a bit heavy and bulky
OK, Dyson is truly popping off — not only with its best-selling vacuums (which we reviewed) and its waitlist-inducing AirWrap, but with the Airstrait. It’s one of the best in the game because it’s not only a hair straightener; it’s also a blow dryer!
We reviewed this splurge-worthy flat iron and can’t say enough good things about it. Its cord is a bit bulky but that’s not a dealbreaker because of its multi-purpose design and ability to render my hair into pin-straight greatness every time. Plus, it’s my favorite to travel with because I no longer have to bring multiple drying and styling tools.
Plate Material: Glass and nickel | Temperature range: 175-280 Fahrenheit | Special features: Can safely be used on wet hair, prevent heat damage
Best for Stick-Straight Locks: Dyson Corrale
Pros:
- Simple to achieve pin-straight hair
- Heats up in only 20 seconds
- Flexible plates allow for a customizable blowout
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Heavy straightener compared to most others tested
“I’ve had the Dyson Corrale Straightener for upwards of five years now, and not only does it look new but it performs just as well as it did on day one,” Kendall Cornish, commerce writer/editor, shared. “This is, in my opinion, the best-designed classic straightener on the market.”
It’s smooth all around, from hot plates to the surrounding curves, making it easy to get stick-straight locks, big waves, or tight curls. “My favorite part? It heats up in full in a matter of 20 seconds, so she’s both put-together and never late for work now,” Cornish added.
Not that it even gets all that hot — the flexing plate design actually moves with your hair rather than against it, so less heat has more straightening (or curling) power. “I went through a phase of using the Corrale every day for months and my hair somehow looked and felt better than it did before I started,” she noted.
Plate Material: Nickel and copper | Size: (Product dimensions) 11.5 x 1.6 x 1.8 | Temperature range: 330-410 Fahrenheit | Special features: Cord-free design; rechargeable after 70 minutes
Best Compact: amika The Confidante Hair Straightener
Pros:
- Slim design
- Incredibly fast to heat up
- Leaves hair shiny
Cons:
- More than $100
- Isn’t the best for thicker hair types
If I could write a love letter to any beauty brand, it would be amika. I reviewed its blow-dryer brush (and tried all its products) and can attest it’s my ride-or-die. With The Confidante Hair Straightener, you’ll be ready in a jiffy since it was the fastest to heat up out of all the models I tested.
It’s pretty incredible, performance-wise, leaving hair looking shiny and natural looking (like you just hopped off the salon chair). For $150, it’s pricier but it will last for years.
Plate Material: Ceramic | Size: .9 inches| Temperature range: 140-450 Fahrenheit | Special features: Floating plates that prevent heat damage
Best for Long Hair: ghd Original 1-Inch Styler
Pros:
- Travel-friendly design
- Top-rated and easily accessible online
- High-quality plates
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
- Can tug on your hair if you’re rushing to style your hair
I have been using the ghd 1-Inch Original Flat Iron Styler for years after hearing about the brand from a YouTube beauty video (if you know, you know). I have been colored impressed by its compact size; it even comes with a heat-protective, silicone “head” to protect the plates when traveling.
Additionally, I love how the plates fare well on my long hair. Because of its premium plates, I never feel like it’s tugging and, whether I section off my hair or go freestyle, I always have bouncy, silky smooth straightness every time.
One thing to note about this model is that it’s not meant to be used in a hurry — since its plates are so durable (and a bit heavier than others I tested), it can tug at your hair, which is a hairdresser’s no-no. Be sure to take your time when styling with the ghd, but otherwise it’s a top-rated product for a reason. Plus, I always use the ghd Bodyguard Heat Protectant Spray ($28) before flat-ironing.
Plate Material: Ceramic | Size: 1 inch plates, (Product dimensions) 12 x 3.5 x 3 | Temperature range: 260-365 Fahrenheit | Special features: Heats up in 30 seconds
Best Straightening Brush: T3 Edge Heated Smoothing & Styling Brush
Pros:
- Great for the minimalist
- Gives your hair a natural finish
- Versatile heating options
Cons:
- Doesn’t leave the hair as pin-straight as other models tested
- Price point may be unreachable for some
As you can tell based on the best hair straightener overall, I love T3. Its Airebrush Duo that I reviewed as well is still is a product I rotate on my hair-wash days, but its Edge Heated Smoothing & Styling Brush is something else entirely.
If you prefer the look of a fresh blowout (and lean more toward straighter hairstyles than curly), this is a great product. While it won’t get your hair pin-straight, it’s great for reducing frizz and taming your hair to a near-perfect state.
Plate Material: Ceramic | Size: (Product dimensions) | Temperature range: Three settings: Straight, Wavy, Curly | Special features: PrecisionEdge Design to volumize roots and polish ends
Best Multi-Tasking Tool: L’ANGE Le Duo Standard AirFlow Styler
Pros:
- Makes your hair super shiny
- Quick to heat up
- Reasonable price point
Cons:
- May not be the best for extremely thick hair
If there’s a hair straightener to buy from this list that’ll offer a great value, it’s the L’ANGE Le Duo Standard AirFlow Styler. Not only does it boast an excellent design with a beautiful light pink exterior but its titanium plates left my hair feeling the smoothest and shiniest.
Moreover, it doesn’t take long to heat up and when it’s in my hand, it feels super durable. Its extra-thick plates are exactly my preference (especially for medium-thick hair to really ensure your locks are nice and even) and the price point is reasonable.
Plate Material: Titanium | Size: 1 inch plates, (Product dimensions) 10.4 x 2.1 x 2.1 | Temperature range: 280-430 Fahrenheit | Special features: Doubles as a curling wand
Best for Beginners: Hot Tools Pro Artist Ionic Flat Iron
Pros:
- Slim design
- Long-lasting finish
- Comes with heat protectant glove
Cons:
- Doesn’t reduce frizz as much as other models tested
Hot Tools brings me back to my middle school days — and the brand’s Pro Artist Ionic Flat Iron is an elevated version of the rainbow and zebra-patterned flat iron I used before heading to class.
Though it didn’t completely mitigate the look of flyaways, it’s a sharp option that’s versatile for styling and has been leaving my hair smooth. It’s the ideal option for beginners, mainly for its ease of use, compact design and efficacy.
Plate Material: Titanium, Ceramic | Size: 1 1/4 inch plates, (Product dimensions) 10.4 x 2.1 x 2.1 | Temperature range: 280-430 Fahrenheit | Special features: Rounded edges for extra smooth results
How we tested
After testing hair straighteners on different hair types and textures for four years straight, this is the criteria the Post Wanted team kept in mind while assessing each model:
- Ease of use: Above anything else, if a hair straightener isn’t simple to use, the styling process isn’t ideal. When testing out each straightener, we determined how user-friendly the settings were, as well as the overall experience.
- Efficacy: Whether you’re going for a pin-straight vibe or a more natural finish, we took note of how the styling process was from beginning to end, from root to tip.
- Size of plates: Larger plates are usually more ideal as they accommodate both thin and thick hair types. However, there are pros and cons to each, so we described each one we reviewed in detail.
- Heat distribution and retention: We assessed how quickly each straightener heated up fully before use, as well as how evenly its heat distributed onto our hairs (after using a heat protectant, of course). This is a major review note we made sure to look out for as poor heat retention can lead to unwanted frizz.
- Versatility: With so many hair straighteners on the market, some double as blow dryers or curling irons. Additionally, some are full-on straightening brushes. We remarked on each model tested based on its design.
- Price: You typically get what you pay for, and we detailed if each model was worth the splurge for each flat iron tested.
An FAQ on Hair Straighteners
What is the healthiest type of hair straightener?
When looking for a hair straightener with health in mind, it’s critical to use a heat protectant (first and foremost!) and to key in on features that minimize heat damage and protect your hair. Here are some options to consider:
- Ceramic Straighteners: These are popular because they distribute heat evenly, reducing hot spots that can burn or damage hair. They are generally a good choice for minimizing damage.
- Tourmaline Straighteners: Tourmaline is a type of crystal that can be added to ceramic plates. It emits negative ions and infrared heat, which can help reduce frizz and seal in moisture, leading to less heat damage.
- Titanium Straighteners: Titanium plates heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature. They are lightweight and durable, and they can be a good choice if you need high heat for thick or curly hair, but be cautious as they can get very hot, which might increase the risk of damage if not used properly.
- Adjustable Temperature Settings: Look for a straightener with adjustable temperature settings. Being able to control the heat allows you to use a lower temperature for finer or more delicate hair, which can help reduce damage.
Is titanium or ceramic better?
Though based on preference, ceramic hair straighteners tend to boast even heat distribution, allowing your hair tool to heat up evenly and efficiently. They’re also gentle on the hair strands and good for every day use, largely in part to their even heating.
Ceramic plates emit negative ions when heated. These ions help to neutralize positive ions in the hair, which are often responsible for frizz and static. As a result, it helps diminish frizz and have you styling your hair quicker.
Titanium hair straighteners offer high heat and fast heating which is most beneficial for thick or coarse hair. They’re said to be more durable than ceramic and resistant to scratches over time. They’re generally more lightweight as well, lending itself to being more ergonomic during your styling routine.
What is the least damaging way to straighten hair?
Aside from using a heat protectant, look for a hair straightener with adjustable temperature settings. This will come in handy to customize your experience, with hair health in mind, based on your thickness and texture. Thicker, coarser hair can handle higher heat settings.
Try sectioning your hair as well to nurture each piece and style accordingly. We recommend the Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips ($19) for the job.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.