The Best Hair Straighteners for Salon-Quality Results, Tested by Us (2024)

What Stands Out

  • The optional steam feature straightens while minimizing heat damage

What Could Be Improved

  • The ceramic plates may be a bit too wide for tight curling.

This easy-to-use straightener performed extremely well on all different hair types, gliding smoothly down our strands without tugging or creasing. There are six heat settings ranging between 300°F and 450°F and an optional steam feature that you can adjust to low, high, or turn off completely. This provides a less damaging alternative to hot plates, straightening hair effectively while minimizing direct heat exposure. The attached water lasted through the entire styling session without needing a refill.

Simply put: Our hair looked gorgeous after we finished using this straightener, and it even turned out shinier than it did with other flat irons we tested. We really liked the wide plates for tackling larger sections of hair quickly, too. Just note that fine hair sometimes slipped out from between the plates, and the plates' larger size made it difficult to curl shorter, fine hair.

Most of us only needed to pass through each section twice; those with type 4 curls required a few extra passes on the higher heat setting. It’s also worth mentioning that this straightener has an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in after an hour, which could interrupt the flow of longer styling sessions. Still, we appreciate the safety precaution.

Heat Settings: 6 | Temperature Range: 300–450°F | Plate Type: Ceramic | Plate Size: 1–1 ½ inches | Auto Shut-Off: Yes

Those with thick, curly hair need a top-notch straightener in their arsenal, and the Tymo Ring Plus is the perfect pick. It has nine different temperature settings between 250°F and 410°F to accommodate every hair type. Plus, there are three buttons on the handle: the power button, a plus button, and a minus button for easily adjusting the heat. We would compare this device to a hot brush rather than a traditional straightener.

Words can’t express how easily our hair passed through the Tymo. The wide, comb-like teeth allowed for smooth gliding, and the lightweight design felt great in our hands without causing wrist fatigue. After using at home for a while, hair sometimes got stuck in the brush, especially for those of us with extra coarse curls, so we recommend giving your hair a quick brush before using it. On the other end of that, those of us with finer hair needed to clamp the plates fairly hard to keep the hair in place.

In the end, those of us with thick, coarse curls were able to achieve pin-straight locks. What would have required the highest heat with other straighteners, we were able to achieve with just two passes. While this device excels at straightening, its curling capabilities are pretty abysmal. However, for straightening purposes, it gets the job done, and its performance is especially impressive given its low price tag.

Heat Settings: 9 | Temperature Range: 250–410°F | Plate Type: Ceramic | Auto Shut-Off: Yes

What Stands Out

  • The tool is lightweight, glides smoothly, and creates relatively long-lasting curls.

What Could Be Improved

  • It’s tough to get close to the roots and less effective on curly hair.

This straightener worked wonders on those with finer hair. It has five heat settings that are easily adjusted using the plus and minus buttons. Plus, there’s a handy dual-temperature toggle that lets you turn on just the left plate, just the right plate, or both. We found the settings super easy to control, thanks to the indicator lights.

During testing, it heated up instantly—so quickly that we actually burned our fingers while checking the warmth. Despite its wide plates, the iron glided effortlessly through our hair without tugging or pulling. It was lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it left our hair shiny, smooth, and frizz free.

While those with fine hair often struggle to keep curls, this dual-plate iron proved to be surprisingly effective. Most of us only needed to re-curl a few strands, even those who typically require constant touch-ups. Some of us with thicker hair found it difficult to get close to our roots, though, so they may prefer a tool with more precision.

Heat Settings: 5 | Temperature Range: Up to 450°F | Plate Type: Titanium | Auto Shut-Off: Yes

What Stands Out

  • It can be used to straighten or curl.

What Could Be Improved

  • It doesn’t work as well on coily curls.

Despite what you might think, the BaBylissPro Professional Dual Ionic Flat Iron proves you don’t need a curling iron to create flawless waves: It excelled at crafting both wavy and spiral curls. We really appreciated the long swivel cord, which made it super easy to maneuver. Just keep in mind that this model doesn't have an automatic shut-off feature, so you'll need to remember to turn it off the old-fashioned way.

There are five heat settings between 300°F and 450°F, and its 1.25-inch titanium plates ensure even heat distribution. During testing, we were amazed by how quickly it heated up—within just 20 seconds, it had already reached its highest temperature.

While using it to straighten, we found this tool to be lightweight and easy to maneuver. It glided seamlessly through both fine and wavy hair, without pulling or snagging. Fine hair was sleek after a single pass, while wavy hair required two passes to become just as straight. Curly hair did take a bit more effort. While some of us struggled to get a pin-straight look, others eventually succeeded with the right technique.

One of the best parts about this straightener is that it preserved the hair’s natural volume instead of making it completely flat. We even decided to retire our usual straightener in favor of it.

Heat Settings: 5 | Temperature Range: 300–450°F | Plate Type: Titanium | Plate Size: 1 ¼ inches | Auto Shut-Off: No

What Stands Out

  • The cordless design is travel friendly and easy to maneuver for curling.

What Could Be Improved

  • It isn’t as effective on coarse, textured hair.

If you dislike being tethered to an outlet during your hair routine, the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener offers unmatched convenience with its cordless, rechargeable design. It has three heat settings that can be adjusted using the plus and minus buttons, and it heats up in just seconds (we were notified with a sound when it was ready to use). We found the middle setting to be just right for providing enough heat to straighten and curl without causing damage.

Since it’s cordless, we found it incredibly easy to maneuver, especially while curling. It held our hair in place and moved super smoothly, allowing us to control how tight or loose our curls were. Even those of us who have never curled with a straightener before found the process to be a breeze.

On the downside, some of us with coarse hair had trouble getting close to the roots and needed to go over sections multiple times to achieve the desired texture. The battery in this device is also pretty heavy and may not last long enough to sustain longer tasks. Nevertheless, this model is a must-have for those seeking a convenient, travel-friendly straightener.

Heat Settings: 3 | Temperature Range: 330–410°F | Plate Type: Manganese copper alloy | Plate Size: 1–1 ½ inches | Auto Shut-Off: Yes

Final Verdict

The Hot Tools Pro Signature SteamStyler blew the competition out of the water in testing. We were impressed by how smoothly this tool glided through all hair types, and we loved the option to use steam instead of the hot plates. If you’re looking for a versatile option that excels at both straightening and curling, we recommend the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron.

Our Testing Process

To find the best hair straighteners, we tested 22 models in our Des Moines lab and in our own homes. In the lab, we measured the cord length, recorded the time it took to heat to multiple temperature settings, checked the temperature accuracy with a temperature gun, and tested the automatic shut-off function, if applicable. Then, we used the straightener on four different hair extensions, each with a different texture, straightening and curling the hair and recording the tool's overall ease of use. After letting the hair sit for an hour, we evaluated how well the hair stayed straightened or curled.

At home, we tested each straightener on different hair types. We started by reading manufacturer instructions, examining the buttons on the straightener, and choosing the temperature setting based on each hair type. We then straightened and curled our hair following specific instructions, repeating the process multiple times over two weeks. Finally, we recorded our insights on the experience, assessing its ease of use, glide, value, and overall performance.

How to Shop for Hair Straighteners Like a Pro

Heat Settings

Most straighteners have various heat settings, or temperatures, to accommodate different hair types and needs. The optimal temperature for flat ironing hair depends on your hair type and condition.

For fine or damaged hair, Ryan recommends a lower temperature to prevent further damage (around 250°F to 300°F). For normal or thick hair, she says temperatures between 300°F to 425°F may be suitable. If you're not sure where your hair falls on the spectrum, consider starting with a lower temperature and increasing it if needed.

For those with color-treated hair, Rehkopf suggests staying within a 300°F to 375°F temperature range, with the specific temperature depending on your hair's processing level. "If your hair is overprocessed, it's advisable to avoid using a flat iron," she says. "Always consider the integrity of your hair; higher heat allows for larger sections, but be cautious not to compromise your hair's health."

Plate Material

There are two primary materials for hair straightener plates: ceramic and titanium. Ceramic hair straighteners are better for thin, damaged, or wavy hair that only needs a lighter hand to achieve that sleek finish. But for those with thick, coarse, or textured hair, we recommend titanium, as it allows for a more concentrated, intense heat.

Plate Shape & Size

Plates are typically either round or flat. Round plates offer more versatility, as you can use them for both straightening and curling. The curved edges can also help them glide more smoothly through your hair. If your goal is to straighten, you might opt for a flat-plate iron. Flat plates create a sleek, uniform look and can tackle large amounts of hair at once, speeding up the straightening process.

Plates can also come in various widths, most commonly between an inch and 1.5 inches. Wider plates are ideal for thick, coarse, or long hair, as they enhance efficiency and speed up the styling process. When used for curling, wider plates create looser, bouncier curls. At the same time, wider plates can add bulkiness to the tool, making it harder to use and position near your roots. Thinner plates are better suited for those with fine or short hair.

Hair Type

Ultimately, hair type dictates what straightener you should buy. Hair types 1 and 2 (straight and wavy) should look for straighteners with lower temperature ranges, while hair types 3 and 4 (curly) will likely need higher temperature ranges.

Length also plays a role. Regardless of texture, Peace says those with longer hair should seek a wider plate for straightening, as this will allow a faster styling process. Meanwhile, shorter hair will require smaller plates. Of course, these are just guidelines—you may have personal preferences when straightening your hair.

Automatic Shut-Off & Other Features

Hair straighteners can come with several handy features, with automatic shut-off being one of the most important. As you'd expect, automatic shut-off causes the straightener to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time, reducing energy consumption and providing peace of mind. You should also look for straighteners with an extra-long cord for a wider range of motion. Some straighteners, like the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener, are even cordless.

Temperature lock is another useful feature, preventing you from accidentally changing the heat setting while you style. Some straighteners, like the Hot Tools Pro Signature SteamStyler, also have a steam function for straightening your hair with less damage.

And while storage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when buying a straightener, a heat-resistant pouch is worth considering. These pouches can help protect your counter from heat damage and make the straightener easier to travel with.

More to Consider

T3 Smooth ID Flat Iron: Thanks to its smart technology, this straightener automatically adjusts to the ideal temperature setting based on your hair type to help prevent heat damage. It’s also one of the smoothest we tried. However, we wish we could crank up the heat a bit for straighter hair or longer-lasting curls.

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Dual Plate Salon Flat Iron: With 30 heat settings, this straightener gives you ultimate temperature control. We were particularly impressed with the result on curly hair, though we found it left creases when we held it in place for too long.

L'Oreal Professionnel Steampod Flat Iron & Styler: This is one of the easiest flat irons we’ve ever used, and it drastically cut our styling time. Unfortunately, it didn’t curl as well as we had hoped, and we expected more than three temperature settings considering the high price.

Dyson Airstrait: This straightener can be used on wet or dry hair and proved to be especially effective on curly hair. That said, it’s more effective on wet hair than dry hair, so it may not be as practical for last-minute touch ups.

Questions You Might Ask

What type of straightener is the healthiest for hair?

Regardless of what tools you use, styling your hair with heat is damaging. Any straightener with hot plates creates damage to some extent, so it's best to opt for tools that use steam or hot air.

The best way to keep your hair healthy while straightening is with ample prep work. "With over 13 years of experience in the industry and witnessing numerous clients with damaged hair due to improper flat iron use, I strongly advise a specific approach," Rehkopf says.

First, use a styling cream, then allow your hair to air-dry approximately 40% to 50%. Next, blow dry your hair with a vent brush for 100% dryness. "Only then should you reach for your hair straightener, typically set at 375°F or 400°F," Rehkopf says. "Commencing with the blow dryer minimizes direct heat exposure from styling tools, ensuring a longer-lasting style, especially for those dealing with frizzy or unruly hair."

Are ceramic or titanium plates better on a hair straightener?

Better is a relative term—whether you choose a ceramic or titanium hair straightener depends on your hair type and the results you seek. Ceramic plates heat up from the inside out, which Ryan says provides a more insulated heat.

Since the heat is more evenly distributed across the surface, this helps prevent hot spots and minimizes damage. She says titanium plates distribute heat evenly but have a more concentrated intense heat, making them ideal for thick or coarse textured hair that requires higher temperatures for straightening.

When determining which material is best for your needs, consider your unique hair type and texture. For those with fine, normal, moderately coarse, or color-treated hair, Rehkopf says ceramic is the healthiest option. "Ceramic is smooth and glides through hair without snagging, reducing breakage and damage," she says. "It emits negative ions, reducing frizz, enhancing shine, and creating smoother styles."

Alternatively, titanium straighteners are better suited for individuals with thick and coarse hair due to the high temperatures they provide. "Thicker sections of hair can be flat ironed in half the time compared to ceramic plates," Rehkopf says. Just keep in mind that they can easily burn your hair if not used carefully.

What type of hair straightener is best for curling?

If you're looking to curl with your straightener, be sure to consider the shape of the plates. "If you intend to use your straightener for creating loose waves or curls, opt for models with rounded plates, curving in at the top," Rehkopf says. This design is particularly beneficial for achieving beautiful waves.

Plate size can also play a role when styling. While thinner plates are better for tighter, more coiled curls, wider plates can help achieve loose waves.

What straightener is best for travel?

There are two key factors to consider when buying a travel-friendly straightener: voltage and portability. For international travel, opt for a dual-voltage straightener (110 to 240 volts) that can be used without a voltage converter. In terms of portability, a lightweight or travel-sized straightener will take up the least space in your luggage. Some even come with heat-resistant pouches, which provide extra storage and protection for those doing touch-ups right before leaving the house.

Are expensive hair straighteners worth it?

According to our experts, quality hair straighteners are worth the higher cost. "Opting for a lower-cost option may seem economical, but it comes with the trade-off of extended styling time, leading to a higher likelihood of hair damage," Rehkopf says. "Cheaper hair straighteners often utilize inferior materials, resulting in long-term harm to your hair."

By choosing quality over cost, Rehkopf says you not only save money on potential repairs but also spare your hair from unnecessary damage. Plus, more expensive straighteners tend to be more durable than cheaper ones. In Ryan's experience, higher-end irons last for many years.

Quality aside, some hair straighteners are expensive for "bonus" technology, like cordless design. In that case, the price may be unnecessarily exorbitant—you can focus on high-quality materials and a range of temperature settings.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Real Simple. Jamie loves styling her hair at home and has experimented with several different hair tools. After much practice, she has finally mastered the art of curling with a straightener, which she actually finds easier than curling with a curling iron.

To come up with these recommendations, we tested a variety of hair straighteners, evaluating them on heat settings and temperature regulation, effectiveness for straightening and curling, and overall ease of use. We also tapped master barber stylist Darrius Peace; Lindsay Ryan, senior stylist at Mirror Mirror; and hair stylist Terri Rehkopf of Ippodaro Natural Salon.

The Best Hair Straighteners for Salon-Quality Results, Tested by Us (2024)

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