Straightening your hair might take work, but seeing the sleek, smooth, and shiny results can rival the feeling you get from a salon-quality blowout [1]. Possibly the only thing more time consuming than the actual task of straightening your hair, though, is selecting the perfect hot tool [2] for the job.
The available options of flat irons [3] and straighteners on the market are vast, and there are multiple things to consider: you have the different hot-tool sizes, ranging from as small as half an inch to as big as two inches wide; the various performance claims, like the ability to boost shine or prevent heat damage; and, of course, let's not forget price. So how do you choose?
To help you find the best hair straightener for your needs and budget, we've rounded up some of the top-rated flat-iron tools available, from the new Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener [4] to the budget-friendly favourite Conair InfinitiPro 2-in-1 Styler.
Kristin Ess 3-in-One Flat Iron — 1 1/4"
The titanium plates on the Kristin Ess 3-in-One Flat Iron — 1 1/4" [5] ($80) deliver heat faster, while the ionic technology boosts shine. Also notable: it offers auto shutoff for peace of mind.
Conair InfinitiPro 2-in-1 Styler
The Conair InfinitiPro 2-in-1 Styler [6] ($45) offers two hot tools for the price of one. The rounded plates double as both a straightener and curling iron.
Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener
The Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener [7] ($499) is the only straightener with flexing plates that move around your hair, meaning it requires less heat to get the job done and causes less damage and frizz.
GHD Gold Professional Styling Iron
The two-inch GHD Gold Professional Styling Iron [8] ($199) makes straightening thicker hair a breeze.
Bed Head Pixie On Point 1/2'' Tourmaline Ceramic Straightener
The ultraslim Bed Head Pixie On Point 1/2" Tourmaline Ceramic Straightener [9] ($30) is perfect for straightening short hair.
Drybar The Tress Press Digital Styling Iron
The Drybar The Tress Press Digital Styling Iron [10] ($165) contains ionic technology and titanium plates for smooth, shiny hair, plus 60-minute automatic shutoff.
HSI Professional Glider Flat Iron
With over 34,000 reviews on Amazon, the HSI Professional Glider Flat Iron [11] ($40) is a top-rated hot tool for under $50.
Eva NYC Mini Healthy Heat Ceramic Styling Iron — 1/2"
The Eva NYC Mini Healthy Heat Ceramic Styling Iron — 1/2" [12] ($30) was made for travel. The small, portable hot tool makes touch-ups on the go easy.
NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener
The NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener [13] ($179) has an infrared heat strip built in to straighten hair without damage or dryness.
Hot Tools Black Gold Charcoal Infused One-Step Blowout
For straight hair with added body, the Hot Tools Black Gold Charcoal Infused One-Step Blowout [14] ($80) does the job of both a blow dryer and a flat iron.
T3 SinglePass Compact Travel Styling Flat
The T3 SinglePass Compact Travel Styling Flat [15] ($89) comes in a portable size with a heat-resistant cap for quick storage and easy travelling. It's also made to straighten hair in just one pass.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron [16] ($140) comes in three sizes — one inch, one-and-a-half inch, and two inch — and has 50 heat settings up to 450 degrees.
Remington 1" Flat Iron With Anti-Static Technology
The Remington 1" Flat Iron With Anti-Static Technology [17] ($20) is built to eliminate frizz and static.
Bio Ionic 10X Pro Straightening & Styling Iron
The Bio Ionic 10X Pro Straightening & Styling Iron [18] ($230) uses natural volcanic minerals that help hydrate hair while you straighten it to reduce damage.