Best Hair Straighteners 2023

The best hair straighteners can withstand even the steamiest weather and the most unfortunate of hair days—without frying hair in the process. While the styling process can take time, flat irons can also be a financial investment, so you want to be sure you’re choosing the right one. After extensively testing factors such as maneuverability, performance and temperature range, I landed on the top models on the market. I found the GHD Platinum Plus Styler to be the best hair straightener overall for its excellent straightening and smoothing power.

I tested 14 flat irons to find the very best hair straighteners on the market today.

The Chi Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is my best value option 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.).

These are the winners from my testing process. You can also scroll down to learn more about the other hair straighteners I tested.

Dermstore

Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch x 3.75 inches | Temperature: 365 degrees | Weight: 14.3 ounces | Cord length: 8 feet 8 inches | Warranty: 3 years

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The GHD Platinum Plus Styler is like a luxury automobile: it looks and feels expensive, it effortlessly does its job and it 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 can happen 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.

The GHD Platinum Plus Styler feels comfortable and satisfying in the hand, and a wishbone-style ... [+] hinge is one of the its trademarks.

To use this iron, 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 (healthy hair has natural shine that the flat iron accentuates).” In testing, it only took 20 seconds for the tool to beep and indicate it was ready.

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. “The lower temperature also allows you to use this styler daily with beautiful results, and it offers protection for longer-lasting color because higher temperatures can dull hair color and its brightness,” says Henry.

While I was skeptical that a single temperature would be able to wrangle my frizz, 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 this iron, my hair was exceptionally shiny and healthy-looking—I received multiple compliments—and the silky look lasted until my next wash.

My 10-month update: After using the Ghd Platinum Plus Styler consistently for almost a year, I appreciate the same features I raved about from day 1. 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 but I’m running behind. The flexible, coated ceramic plates never snag, and it always leaves my hair looking shiny.

As dry winter days have turned into warm spring ones with humidity ramping up, I’ve begun reaching for this hair straightener multiple times a week. My hair has the tendency to frizz in warmer temperatures even after I spend a lot of time tugging it straight with a round brush under a hair dryer. 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.

I worried when I got this luxury straightener that it would scuff easily because its exterior is predominantly white, but 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. It functions just as well as the day I took it out of the box.

Chi

Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch x 3.5 inches | Temperature: 392 degrees | Weight: 14.7 ounces | Cord length: 10 feet 11 inches | Warranty: 2 years

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The Chi Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron also doesn’t have multiple temperature options, but it does have an under-30-second heat-up time and an 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 flips to add polish at the ends of hair. In short, it’s an uncomplicated workhorse that gets the job done—well.

The plates on this iron are one inch, which make them versatile enough to work well for short hair and on bangs or fine baby hair around the face, as well as on longer hair. “A one-inch plate allows for grip tight to the root regardless of hair length,” says Henry. However, the Chi may be slightly more time-consuming to use on longer hair because the plates have less surface area to cover ground on hair quickly.

It’s worth mentioning the high volume of positive reviews on this model from stylists and users alike. “I personally use the 1-inch Chi brand. It heats up fast, provides a sleek finish to the hair and is lightweight,” says Henry.

It also 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 Bryant. 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.

The Chi Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron has an under-30-second heat-up time and an extra-long ... [+] swivel cord that gives you extra reach while styling.

When I 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, 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.

One downside was that while most of Chi’s other irons have an automatic shut-off, this one does not. I also didn’t love that this iron didn’t have a sound notification or digital display telling me when it had reached its single heat setting.

My 10-month update: Nearly a year later and this Chi straightener remains a powerful, easy-to-maneuver workhorse. The single heat setting—392 degrees—easily reshapes my hair from frizzy and wild-looking to sleek and silky. And it works quickly, with only one to two passes needed per section. I use this straightener when I want pin-straight, smooth hair, so while I don’t use it every week, I reach for it a couple of times a month. Its extra-long, 10-foot 360-degree swivel cord and overall minimalist 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.

Something that’s important to mention about this flat iron is that when I have gone to hair salons in the months since first using it, I’ve noticed how many hairstylists opt to use Chi models, and 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 thing that has changed about this iron over time is that the hinge of the iron feels like it sticks 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.

I tested 14 products total, and the following didn’t make the cut. Most recently, I tested Harry Josh’s latest cordless model. More on my findings below.

Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Styling Iron: This brand new flat iron 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. A couple things I didn’t love: It took 1 minute and 10 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 directly where my hand gripped the barrel, making it extremely easy to knock it and 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 iron 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.

Dyson Corrale: The lightning-fast heat-up of this iron and its flexible floating plates allow for serious maneuverability while styling. But the base, charging cord and tool itself took up a lot of real estate on the counter. I didn’t love that it required 70 minutes to charge for only 30 minutes of use. And the iron, while cordless, was about six ounces heavier than most others due to its lithium-ion battery, so it felt cumbersome while straightening.

Kristin Ess 3-in-1 Flatiron: For the price point, this titanium flat iron heats quickly. The floating plates made good contact with my hair, so it 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 titanium iron for long or thick hair because it has a longer plate, which allows for more hair coverage per pass. It’s also nice because at 1 inch wide, it works for most hair lengths. 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 30-80 degrees lower than the advertised temperature.

BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 1.5-Inch Flat Iron: This titanium straightener by BaByliss, a brand often used in hair salons, 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 this model’s 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 ten 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 straight out of the box, 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, six-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 Drybar Tiny Tress Press was too niche-y for our testing criteria. The L’Oreal Professional Steampod, which is beloved by some, had mixed reviews compared to other similar high-end 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 (more on this in our “How To Choose A Hair Straightener” section below). Similarly, the best plate size for each individual is usually determined by hair length.

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.

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.

While testing, I considered four principal criteria: maneuverability, temperature, performance and ... [+] extra features.

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 6 and 12 hours.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

I tested 14 hair straighteners and found the top models to be from Chi and GHD.

For this piece, I wanted shopping guidance from professionals, so I spoke with Nicole Henry, senior colorist at Warren Tricomi Salon, and Erin Bryant, master stylist and creative director of Whip Salon about what to look for in a hair straightener. “You’re going to want to find one that sets itself apart with features that will make your life easier,” says Bryant. “Maybe you’ll look for one that heats up quickly or is durable, but my favorite flat iron feature has to be a tool that has ceramic-coated plates. They help leave your hair shiny and healthy.” During my extensive research and rigorous testing, the flat irons I tried were predominantly ceramic, but I included several top-of-the-line titanium irons as well.

“Never straighten your hair while it’s wet because that’s when your hair is at its most fragile state,” says Bryant. And before styling, always, always apply a heat protectant first.

“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.”

It’s better to start off using lower heat and fewer passes until you see what works best with your hair. “You should expect to pass over the hair one to four times depending on your hair type and texture,” says Bryant. “As straighteners are extremely hot, it’s best to use it on a lower setting at first to see how your hair handles it.”

Yes; this product can be in spray, liquid, cream or oil form and is designed to protect your hair. “Heat protection is key!” says Henry. “My favorite is the new Kerastase Serum Chroma Thermique Hair Serum. This leave-in serum hydrates, protects, smoothes and softens. It provides up to 450-degree heat protection. You apply it on wet hair before you blow dry or air dry.”