A quality flat iron may quickly become the most useful tool in your arsenal. But before you go investing in a straightener, you need to know what to look for.
While shopping, you should consider the flat iron plates, heat settings and your hair type. In fact, celebrity stylist Mia Santiago tells Shop TODAY that "it’s important to factor in your hair type when purchasing a new iron to guarantee that you choose one that will yield the best outcomes for your hair."
Other factors to consider include budget and whether or not the machine has an automatic shutoff feature. Santiago says, "Having an iron that has an automatic shutoff is a nice bonus because we have all been there where we forget to turn things off because we are in a hurry."
She continues, "Having a feature like this just gives some added peace of mind, helps with longevity of the device and can help with energy efficiency.”
We spoke to hairstylists to help break down what makes a good flat iron. Plus, we have options to shop that work for all different types of hair and every budget.
Our top picks
Best flat irons
Expert-approved budget pick
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$25.99
Learn moreSplurge-worthy expert pick
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$89.99
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Budget-friendly pick: Herstyler Colorful Seasons Ceramic Flat Iron
What we like
- Lightweight to hold
- Compact design
- Heats quickly
Something to note
- No clear heat setting display
Plates: Ceramic | Temperature/heat settings: up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: N/A | Hair types: All
This lightweight mini straightener is easy to use and great if you love to travel and need to take your tools with you. It’s so tiny and portable that it can fit into a carry-on bag, and it heats and is ready to use in only 30 seconds. It packs a serious punch, though — its 100% ceramic plates generate six times more negative ions than regular irons for less heat damage and frizz.
Works without "over-drying" hair: Remington Pearl Pro Ceramic Flat Iron
What we like
- Budget-friendly price
- Heats quickly
- Doesn't over-dry hair
Something to note
- Shorter cord
Plates: Ceramic | Temperature/heat settings: up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: Yes | Hair types: All
“The Remington is the most budget-friendly, but don’t think that means it doesn’t perform. It heats up quickly and gets to the right temperature without over-drying,” says hairstylist Michelle Schwartz of B2V Salon in West Hollywood.
However, it’s important for users to be aware that this flat iron comes with a 6-foot cord, which is shorter than what you might typically find.
Ideal for travel: T3 SinglePass Compact Travel Styling Flat Iron with Cap
What we like
- Compact, travel-friendly size
- Heats quickly
Something to note
- Only one heat setting
Plates: Ceramic | Temperature/heat settings: Up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: Yes | Hair types: All
A smaller and compact version of the SinglePass technology, “T3 Micro is the best hands-down flat iron for your hair, says celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Daniel Koye. "You can use this flat iron with both moist and dry hair. One press will get it hot in seconds."
Other flat irons to shopUnder $20: Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron
What we like
- Double-coated ceramic plates
- Even heat distribution
- Adjustable heat settings
Something to note
- Some say results don't last
Plates: Ceramic | Temperature/heat settings: up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: Yes | Hair types: All
This budget-friendly flat iron has a 4.5-star average rating and over 9,600 verified five-star ratings on Amazon. It features double ceramic coated plates to deliver even heat and frizz-free shine. It also has five heat settings with a maximum of 410 degrees Fahrenheit and uniform heat recovery for consistent styling.
Quick heat-up time: Revlon Smooth Brilliance Ceramic Hair Flat Iron
What we like
- 15-second heat-up time
- Auto shutoff
Something to note
- Use heat protectant beforehand
Plates: Ceramic | Temperature/heat settings: up to 455 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: Yes | Hair types: All
With 10 LED-variable heat settings and a maximum temperature of 455 degrees Fahrenheit, this flat iron makes getting silky-straight hair a breeze. It even has a 15-second heat-up time and auto shut-off so you don’t have to worry about whether or not you manually turned it off after you leave the house. Reviewers love this high quality straightener at an affordable price.
For extra shine: Kristin Ess 3-in-One Flat Iron
What we like
- Fast-styling
- Shine-boosting
- Auto shutoff
Something to note
- Some note that it gets dirty quickly (but cleans easily)
Plates: Titanium | Temperature/heat settings: up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: Yes | Hair types: All
With titanium plates delivering fast heat, shine-boosting ionic technology and automatic shutoff after 30 minutes, this flat iron is an easy, breezy, stress-free gateway to smooth locks.
Multitasking hair tool: CHI Tourmaline Ceramic 3-in-1 Styling Iron
Plates: Tourmaline ceramic | Temperature/heat settings: up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: Yes | Hair types: All
Perfect for any hair emergency, this three-in-one styling iron can help you easily smooth, curl or wave your hair in minutes. Reviewers particularly love how it leaves their locks “soft and smooth” and free of frizz.
However, it’s also important to consider that some users have experienced creases in their hair after using the product.
Editor favorite: BaBylissPRO Flat Iron Hair Straightener
What we like
- Editor-favorite flat iron
- Multiple heat settings
- Highly reviewed
Something to note
- May chip or scratch
Plates: Nano-Titanium | Temperature/Heat Settings: up to 450 degrees | Automatic Shutoff: N/A | Hair Types: All
This ultra-thin straightening iron has over 8,000 verified five-star reviews on Amazon and a 4.6 average rating. It has 50 heat settings up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and a 5-inch extended plate for faster straightening. One five-star reviewer even called it “salon quality.”
Shannon Garlin, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, has the 1.5-inch version of this flat iron. She says, "I’ve had this straightener for over 10 years and it works as well as it did on Day 1." She continues, "I love how quickly it heats up and how smooth and sleek my hair looks. It’s also been through the ringer; I travel with it and pack it in suitcases that get thrown around. And I’ve dropped it multiples times."
Worth the splurge: Drybar Tress Press 1 Inch Flat Iron
Plates: Titanium | Temperature/heat settings: up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Automatic shutoff: Yes | Hair types: All
A mix of titanium plates and ionic technology, this flat iron will leave hair smooth and shiny, but get the job done quickly, making it the best of all worlds.
What to look for in a flat ironWhen looking for straightening irons, Santiago recommends paying attention to a few important features. “Choose models with ceramic plates, as they are gentler on your hair and provide better heat distribution."
Hair expert and stylist Gina Rivera also says, "Ceramic tourmaline heating plates will ensure safe, even heat through the plates, ensuring that there are not any hot spots which can create damage, [and] also sealing in the moisture for a smooth and shiny [hairdo]. And it eliminates frizz."
Santiago goes on, "Additionally, if you can find one that has an auto shutoff feature and a locking mechanism, that’s even better! These added features offer extra safety and convenience for styling on the go.”
That's not all, though: “Infrared is so beneficial being that the wavelengths are longer and can penetrate deeper into the cuticle heating the hair from the inside out, keeping your hair’s own natural moisture, leaving the hair smooth [and] shiny and keeping it extremely healthy, versus other conventional styling tools that actually pull moisture out of the hair, leaving the hair dry, brittle, dull and damaged,” says hair expert and stylist Rivera.
How to select the right flat iron for your hair typeRegular and repeated exposure to higher temperatures causes permanent damage to the hair; so it’s important to select the right heat setting for your hair type.
“Invest in tools that have a digital temperature that you can adjust. With internal custom heaters and temperature control, you can protect your hair by lowering the temperature and only holding your hair on the iron for a couple seconds,” says Beachwaver founder and celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa.
For example, if you have thick hair, you will want to use a higher heat setting than someone with thin or fine hair.
“If you have color-treated hair, the cuticle is more open and the internals of your hair strands are more exposed so they actually curl easier and don’t need as much heat! Adjusting the heat setting to your hair type will ensure that your curls last and the health of your hair is maintained,” said Potempa.
“The temperature of the iron can determine the curl pattern on hair that tends to fall easily, as you might need a higher heat to lock in the pattern closer to the root,” she added.
“The internal components of the irons also can determine the curl pattern, and that is why it is important to invest in custom, high-end tools that contain internal heaters that go the entire length of the barrel. The higher the heat, the stronger the curl will essentially be. Low heat will produce a softer finish."
Plus, flat iron plates come in different sizes and thicknesses. Santiago recommends that “using a wider plate can help when dealing with longer, thicker hair, as it allows for a more efficient styling experience.”
Frequently asked questions
According to Santiago, flat iron plates generally come in two main types: ceramic and titanium.
She points out that “ceramic plates provide even heat distribution and are gentler on fine or thin hair." Santiago continues, "On the other hand, titanium plates heat up quickly, allowing for faster styling and are more suitable for thicker or coarser hair types.”
“When it comes to flat irons, I truly feel that you get what you pay for,” says Matii Salon Artistic Director Stacey Smoker. The cheaper the flat iron, the less consistent the heat through the blade and the longer the heat recovery time.
“Every time you close a flat iron on the hair, the temperature drops. The bigger the fluctuation in temperature, the more passes the user is inclined to take (and) the hotter the temp they are inclined to set the iron at,” says Smoker.
The Shop TODAY team selected the hair straighteners on our list by considering a range of factors. Key aspects include the design of the plates, temperature and heat settings, safety features like automatic shutoff, budget constraints and compatibility with different hair types.
Meet the experts- Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of a luxury hair and scalp spa called Headspace by Mia.
- Gina Rivera is a hair expert, stylist, and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.
- Sarah Potempa is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of the Beachwaver.
- Stacey Smoker is a hairstylist and the Artistic Director of the New York City-based Matii Salon.
- Daniel Koye is a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist.
- Michelle Schwartz is a hairstylist at the B2V Salon in West Hollywood.
Aly Walansky
Aly Walansky is a New York City-based food and lifestyle writer with nearly two decades of writing experience for various digital publications. She's focused on the latest in dining trends and budget meal-planning tips.
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Courtney Leiva, a recognized name in lifestyle journalism, has over a decade of experience producing content for numerous digital media including features, breaking news stories, e-commerce buying guides, trends and evergreen pieces.
