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My hair lies somewhere smack dab in the middle of wavy and frizzy, especially as it gets more silver. With the right shampoo, enough hair product, and slow diffusing, I can sometimes coax it into almost ringlet-like waves. Other days, I opt for a blowout, and with some fast and hot blow-drying, deft maneuvering of a paddle brush, and a big round brush, I can get it nearly straight. With the aid of a two-inch curling iron, and 45 minutes total time, it’s almost right. Almost.
Just once, I’d like all those efforts to actually result in the silky smooth, shiny, straight hair that you see on those shampoo commercials, or those stars strolling Hollywood’s red carpet. It’s easier said than done, especially if your mane is thick, curly, and coarse, or more akin to a German Shepherd than Gisele Bündchen. (I’ve joked about my “dog hair” ever since a stylist off-handedly referred to mine as such.)
So, I began my search for a salon hair straightener, and my new, much more polite, hairdresser suggested I could work some styling magic with a professional flat iron. My first attempts were pitiful, because, despite her advice, I bought a cheap unit, with plates that were too large and left weird-looking dents everywhere in my hair.
Finally, when I bit the bullet and tried out the best professional blow dryer I could afford, the results were so noteworthy that it convinced me to invest in another one of these professional tools and ditch a whole bunch of other cheapies.
Professional flat irons come with many options. My personal favorites are the nano-ionic models, which reduce frizz and leave you with smooth, sleek hair. Ceramic heaters and titanium-infused plates allow you to style with high heat and less damage.
Whichever professional flat irons you experiment with, I do recommend you start with the very best that you can afford. And let me say, the prices vary wildly. If you’re moved to appreciate high-priced styling tools, you can spend a couple of hundred dollars on a flat iron. If you’re more motivated by price, there’s great news. Some of the most highly-rated salon flat irons are under fifty bucks.
Hair straighteners don’t have to cost a fortune, and in the end, with practice, you really can achieve salon-worthy results, without spending the time and big bucks with your hairdresser. Here are my picks for the best professional flat irons. Get ready to kick your wimpy waves, corkscrew curls, and frustrating frizz to the curb.
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1. ghd Platinum+ Professional Ceramic Flat Iron
Pros:- Built in predictive technology keeps hair healthy and undamaged
- Ceramic plates deliver consistent heat for smooth styling
- Rounded barrel and wishbone hinge make styling easy
- Auto-shutoff feature gives you peace of mind
Cons:- Super expensive
- Gets extremely hot
- Doesn't come with a case
Imagine if your flat iron could predict and react to the texture of your hair to give it exactly the styling control you want, without the worry of damaging your hair. That’s what sets this professional flat iron apart from the rest. Built with predictive technology, it adapts to your hair to deliver the perfect amount of heat. This ceramic styler guarantees consistent heat across the whole plate, which means you’ll get reliable results with every stroke.
For shine and smoothness without the frizz, it operates at a consistent 365 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the premium choice for salon professionals as well as home users, which Marie Claire says is ideal. The easy-to-use rounded barrel and wishbone hinge make it simple to create straight styles, waves, and even curls without odd bumps and crimps. Did we mention it heats up ridiculously fast? It does. That means it’s ready to go whenever you are.
This flat iron features universal voltage, so you can take it on your international travels and never sacrifice great hair. With a nine-foot cord, it’s ideal for salon use, and it features a 30-minute auto-shutoff, so if you’re using it at home you’ll never need to rush back from the office to see if you remembered to unplug it.
Find more ghd Platinum+ Professional Ceramic Flat Iron information and reviews here.
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2. BIO IONIC Onepass Straightening Iron
Pros:- Rated 4.2 out of five stars by users
- Silicone strips allow for smooth use and keep hair from getting snagged
- Adjustable temperature settings let you choose your heat level
- Flexible swivel cord never gets tangled
Cons:- A pretty bit hit to your wallet
- Silicone strips are bothersome to some users
- No auto shutoff
- Some shelf life issues reported
Frequently chosen by professional hair stylists, the OnePass flat iron represents a true breakthrough in straightening iron technology. This amazing flat iron allows you to straighten your hair in half the time, compared to traditional irons.
The patented silicone speed strips in the plates provide faster straightening and increased shine, while high levels of negative ions and far-reaching infrared energy produce silky, smooth, conditioned hair. BioCeramic heaters heat up OnePass to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, with instant recovery for smooth results, from roots to ends.
The plates on this salon flat iron emit natural negative ions and far-infrared energy. They break down surface water clusters into smaller molecules that penetrate deeper, hydrating your hair, removing frizzies, and creating healthy shine.
Its multi-level heat controller and nine-foot swivel cord make your styling experience easy and specific to your hair type and thickness. All these reasons add up to why we picked it as one of the best professional flat irons.
Because straightening your hair works best a section at a time, get some large clips to part out sections. These clips are silicone lined to prevent them from leaving marks on your hair. And, be sure to protect your bathroom countertop from hot tool damage with the BIO IONIC thermal station mat.
Find more BIO IONIC Onepass Straightening Iron information and reviews here.
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3. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Straightening Iron
Pros:- Rated four out of five stars by users
- Effectively straightens even thick, coarse and curly hair
- Multiple heat settings allow a customized experience
- 360 degree cord makes it easy to use
Cons:- Care required when using highest heat to avoid burned fingers and hair
- More expensive than many
- Hot tools can damage hair with frequent use
- Some reliability issues reported
The BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Professional Digital Ionic Straightener with nano titanium technology yields maximum far-infrared heat, penetrating your hair from within, for gentle straightening without damaging your lovely locks. Because nano titanium is an excellent conductor of heat, and maintains stability in ultra-high temperatures, hair straightening becomes fast and efficient.
The ionic technology paired with the benefits of pure titanium-plated plates means you’ll get smooth, sleek styling with less frizz. If you’re looking for a sleeker, smaller straightener that features narrower places, consider the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Prima Ionic Straightening Iron. Another beneficial trick to protect your hair from hot tools is to use a heat protection spray. PHYTO SPECIFIC Thermoperfect protects your hair from heat up to 450 degrees.
To jump-start your hair protection efforts, wash your hair first with PHYTO SPECIFIC Ultra-Smoothing Shampoo and avoid using hot tools on hair that’s dirty or has layers of regular hairspray.
Find more BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Straightening Iron information and reviews here.
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4. Karmin G3 Salon Professional Ceramic Flat Iron
Pros:- Rated 4.2 out of five stars by users
- Solid ceramic plates deliver even heat with no hot spots
- Adjustable temperature settings allow for effective hair straightening
- Automatic shut-off after one hour
Cons:- Pretty darned spendy
- Temperature dial is difficult to read
- May not be suited to extremely thick and curly hair
Karmin has created a top-of-the-line flat iron with the G3 series. These irons feature 100 percent ceramic, one-inch floating plates. It features professional-grade heating elements that get to temp quickly and stay hot. This professional flat iron features negative ion and far-infrared technologies which help to reduce static and frizz and seal in your hair’s natural oils, helping to create silky smooth, shiny hair.
With an adjustable temperature setting from 210 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit, this salon hair straightener is great for all hair textures and types. The adjustable setting also creates versatility, allowing you to experiment with different styles. The extra-long cord is a bonus as well.
With this versatile tool, not only can you straighten, but you can turn up the heat and use the rounded edges to create flips, curls, and even spirals. The automatic safety shut-off gives you peace of mind, and best yet, this hair straightener comes with a three-year warranty.
If you’re just starting out as a hot tool user, it’s easy to occasionally get burns when they’re cranked to their hottest settings. Consider a flexible, heat-resistant glove, at least until you get your technique down. And consider giving your hair and nails a boost by adding a Biotin supplement to your daily beauty regimen.
Find more Karmin G3 Salon Professional Ceramic Flat Iron information and reviews here.
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5. DUVOLLE Rendezvous Titanium Styling Iron
Pros:- Extra long curved titanium plates allow for more flexible styling options
- Titanium plates heat up faster than ceramic
- Heat settings from 320 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit makes it great for all hair textures and types
- 360 degree swivel cord makes it easier to use
Cons:- Highest temperature settings may cause heat damage if used without protectant
- Not as simple to make curls and waves as expected
- Still tends to catch and snag hair somewhat
When you’re looking for a flat iron that heats up wicked fast, the DUVOLLE titanium flat iron is an option that lets you choose a variety of heat settings from 320 up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The extra-long titanium plates are a real bonus thanks to their unique curved edges, so they’re much less likely to leave bends and bumps in your newly smoothed style. They also make this tool more versatile because you can do gentle curls as well as straighten hair.
The smooth polished plates glide through hair, reducing static and helping to eliminate pulling and tangling. It also helps to lock in moisture leaving your hair shiny as well as smooth and silky. This professional salon tool comes with a heat-resistant styling glove to keep your pinkies protected while you’re working with heated strands.
The 360-degree swivel cord makes this flat iron easy to use in both salon settings as well as for home use. It is recommended that you consider testing your hair on lower heats first to see which setting is most beneficial for your specific hair texture and type.
Find more DUVOLLE Rendezvous Titanium Styling Iron information and reviews here.
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6. Mondava Ceramic Tourmaline Professional Flat Iron
Pros:- Leaves your hair silky smooth and tangle free
- Heats up in just 5 seconds saving you time
- Generates up to three million negative ions per minute to condition your hair
- Automatic shut off feature
Cons:- Temperature control isn't as easy to read as some
- Doesn't seem as hot as others even at the highest temps
- May not be best for very thick hair
Get beautifully silky hair with this Mondava professional flat iron, featuring 1.25-inch ionic ceramic tourmaline infused plates that generate up to three million negatively charged ions per minute to smooth down frizz and give you sleek, straight, and super shiny hair. You get a smooth shine, and at the same time, you’re protecting your hair cuticles from over-exposure to high heat.
Another plus is that the plates in this salon hair straightener heat up in just five seconds so you don’t have to lose any time waiting. With great adjustability, you can choose your perfect heat settings, between 180-450°F, via the LED temperature control. That way you can customize your hair straightening experience to suit your particular hair type and texture. This flat iron doesn’t catch or snag hair, leaving your locks smooth and tangle-free.
For extra difficult to manage texture, a professional hair straightening brush is another option for smooth, straight hair. You can add to your success in achieving beautiful straight hair by using a good straightening product like Brazilian Blowout.
The auto-shutoff feature gives you added peace of mind, and the tangle-free cord makes it a pleasure to use. It also comes with hair clips, a heat-resistant glove, and a convenient travel pouch.
Find more Mondava Ceramic Tourmaline Professional Flat Iron information and reviews here.
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7. Wazor Ceramic Ionic Professional Flat Iron
Pros:- Rated highly by users
- Very budget friendly
- High heat allows for efficient straightening
- Digital readout makes for easy heat control
Cons:- Blades are shorter than some
- Not everyone loves variable temp control
- Thin power cord can get tangled more easily than some
- Some reliability issues reported
Personally, I’m a big fan of the Wazor professional blow dryer, so it wasn’t a big stretch for me to like this Wazor professional flat iron too. For an incredibly affordable price, this ceramic flat iron has an impressive list of features.
The ceramic tourmaline-coated plates give your hair added protection when heat styling. This technology enables the plates to produce a potent mass of negative ions, which help to eliminate frizz, and also seal the hair cuticle to create smoother, more shiny hair. You get faster styling with less hair damage as a result.
The 3D floating plates ensure smooth styling without pulling and snagging your hair, and at just one inch wide, they’re narrow enough to even style your bangs. With an LED display, it’s easy to set and control this flat iron’s temperature, which ranges from 284 degrees up to 446 degrees.
For a little added peace of mind, this salon hair straightener shuts off automatically after 30 minutes. It also features a 360-degree, tangle-free, salon-length swivel cord.
If you struggle to get the hang of curling your hair with your flat iron, Wazor’s tapered curling iron is another useful hair tool. If you’ve got curly hair and like to mix up your styles between curly and straight, Wazor’s blow dryer with both a diffuser and a concentrator is the one to have in your cupboard.
Find more Wazor Ceramic Ionic Professional Flat Iron information and reviews here.
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8. Xtava Time to Shine Steam Straightener
Pros:- Rated highly by users
- Amazing price compared to many
- Two temperature options
- Effectively straightens hair
Cons:- May not get hot enough for some
- Doesn’t deliver as much steam as expected
- Some water leakage issues reported
- May not be best for very thick hair
I have to admit it. I wouldn’t have thought using steam to straighten hair was a great idea. Anytime I get moisture near mine, it gets busy kinking up. But then, considering how well a steam iron works to smooth out fabric, I realized this could be a real breakthrough in hair straightening.
The xtava Time to Shine Steam Flat Iron is designed with nano ceramic and tourmaline plates to straighten thick or coarse hair, without over drying the follicles. Cold conditioning steam infuses moisture and shine back into your hair while your straighten, packing the ultimate one-two punch for sleek and shiny locks.
You can choose your perfect straightening temperature, between 350 degrees for delicate and normal hair and 450 degrees for thick or coarse hair. Then all you do is activate the steam and go.
The highly rated xtava Pro-Satin Infrared Straightener uses far infrared technology to protect your hair from over-drying, and gets a nod as Amazon’s Choice for best professional flat iron. For huge styling variety, consider xtava’s five-in-one styling kit.
Find more xtava Time to Shine Steam Straightener information and reviews here.
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9. HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron
Pros:- Rated highly by users
- Dual voltage for international travel
- High heat option effectively straightens thick, coarse hair
- Reasonably priced compared to most
Cons:- No automatic shut-off
- Controls inside the iron make it difficult to manage heat settings during use
- Some issues maintaining heat have been reported
- Highest heat settings may damage hair
If you’re looking to transform your dull, frizzy hair into silky, straight, sleek locks, the professional flat iron from HSI is a great opportunity to give it a try. In addition to straightening, this flat iron curls and flips hair easily and beautifully.
Its one-inch plates are extra-easy to control, so no matter your hair type, you’ll find it simple to style and go. It offers flash quick heating, so you won’t be wasting your precious morning time, and you can have an extra cup of coffee instead.
The long swivel cord keeps this hair straightener from getting tangled up during use. The ergonomically designed grip makes for an easier hold, and versatile heat settings provide you with total styling control. Solid ceramic plates deliver moist heat while maintaining an even temperature throughout styling.
To make this package an even better deal, it comes with a heat-resistant glove to keep your pinkies safe from burns, along with an Argan oil hair treatment, and a nifty red satin storage back to keep your hair straightener from getting tangled up with your other hot tools.
If you fall in love with Argan oil, you can get shampoo and conditioner with this precious ingredient that’s getting rave reviews from users. Argan oil helps to tame frizzies and treats split ends.
Find more HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron information and reviews here.
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10. FoxyBae Baby Blush Wavy Baby Triple Waver
Pros:- Gives great lift and style
- Swivel cord makes usage easy
- Heats up quickly
Cons:- May be a learning curve at first
- Natural curls might look crimped
- Larger size can make it tough to use
This Baby Blush Wavy Baby Triple Waver gem from FoxyBae makes it a breeze to create beachy, natural waves, no matter your hair type, and it’s safe for fine, damaged, or thin hair. The tourmaline-infused, ceramic 3-barrel iron conveniently heats up fast and comes with multiple, gentle heat settings to protect the hair. It also maintains moisture and leaves your hair shiny and healthy-looking.
The iron’s insulated barrel ends, nonslip handle, auto-shutoff, and 360° tangle-free, rotatable cord makes the unit safe and super easy to use.
Find more FoxyBae Baby Blush Wavy Baby Triple Waver information and reviews here.
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11. RUSK Engineering Heat Freak Professional Ceramic & Tourmaline Str8 Iron
Pros:- Rated highly by users
- Controlled heat protects hair from damage
- Straightens hair quickly and efficiently
- Plates glide smoothly over hair with not tugging and tangling
Cons:- Side temperature controls make it easy to accidentally change the setting
- Pretty darned expensive compared to some
- No indicator light to let you know when its up to temp
- Heavy compared to some
This RUSK flat iron is a professional-grade, salon hair straightener. The 1-inch ceramic straight iron features a ceramic heater and titanium-infused ceramic plates, with sol-gel technology. This combination yields ultimate heat and unprecedented performance, while your hands are protected from the heat. A big plus.
Using this iron will leave your hair straight, smooth, and shiny. The lightweight, titanium-infused tool gives even heat transfer from roots to ends. Sol-gel technology provides a smooth glide while leaving your hair in optimal condition.
As always, the key to truly smooth styling is positioning the iron as close to the roots as possible, and then slowly guiding the flat iron from root to end. RUSK Thermal Serum with Argan Oil helps eliminate frizz and increase shine if you frequently use hot tools on your hair.
For a professional blow-drying experience with less hand and arm fatigue, check out the RUSK Engineering W8less Professional 2000 Watt Dryer.
Find more RUSK Engineering CTC Technology Professional Straight Iron information and reviews here.
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12. Solano Sleekheat450 Professional Flat Iron
Pros:- Rated four out of five stars by users
- Salon quality hair straightening
- Effectively reduces frizz
- Cool touch tips prevent burned fingers and face
Cons:- Super spendy
- No automatic shutoff
- Can cause hair damage with overuse
- Some reports of a short shelf life
The Solano Sleekheat450, with its four-sided, beveled ceramic plates, ensures a smooth glide through your hair along with styling versatility. The far infrared heat dries your hair from the inside out, helping you achieve overall healthier hair.
Ionic technology improves the level of moisture in your hair, and at the same time, minimizes static electricity, which is a bonus. I hate it when my hair looks like someone rubbed a balloon on it. Tourmaline adds shine and helps to smooth your hair, while helping to eliminate flyaways.
The cool touch tips are an extra-cool feature. They are resistant to heat, meaning you’ll have a more comfortable, and safe styling experience. This well-rated hot tool has a variable temperature control, with settings from 170°F to 450°F. That makes it suitable for all heads of hair from thick to thin.
Protect your fingers from your hot hair, and smooth it as you go with the Herstyler Easy Comb. Always remember to safely store your hot styling tools in a heat resistant bag, before tucking them into a drawer or cupboard.
Find more Solano Sleekheat450 Professional Flat Iron information and reviews here.
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13. INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron
Pros:- Users love it and say it works very well
- Heats up super quickly
- Even the low setting is quite effective
Cons:- Some found they needed extra heat protectant with use
- May not be ideal for drier hair
- Surface near plates get very hot
The INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron is professional-grade and comes with not one but five heat settings, a floating plate, and quality ceramic technology that heats evenly up to 455 degrees and quickly too – it just takes a matter of seconds.
Ideal for any hair type, you’ll enjoy more shine, less frizz and static, and long-lasting versatile styles and volume with this easy-to-use iron – whether you’re going for sleek straight, sultry waves, or something in between.
Find more INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron information and reviews here.
What's the Best Flat Iron for Thick Hair?
If you have thick, coarse, or curly hair, there's no doubt you'll need a flat iron with lots of heat settings and plates that minimize snagging and pulling. In our tests, we didn't find a single one that universally smoothed and straightened with a single stroke for those with hair that's not naturally straight.
We did find that the most effective tools had high heats, but according to the stylists in this comparison of ceramic and titanium flat irons from The Zoe Report, none of us should be styling at temps above 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
While we understand plenty about heat damage, for those of us with crazy curly manes, that temp simply seems too tame and ineffective.
What's the Best Flat Iron for Fine Hair?
If you've got fine hair, there's no arguing about the fact that it loves to get tangled with no effort at all. That's when we recommend a flat iron with tourmaline-coated plates that easily allow the hair to glide over the surface without snagging and pulling.
You also will want to style at lower heat settings because fine hair is at a higher risk of suffering heat damage.
Should I Use Heat Protection Spray?
Anyone who regularly uses hot tools, from blow dryers and curling irons to flat irons would benefit from using a heat protection spray to minimize hair damage. According to Elle, these sprays create a physical barrier between your hair and what's hot, much like the way sunscreen protects your skin.
Some are infused with botanical ingredients natural oils like coconut and argan, and almost all rely on hair-friendly silicones to coat and protect the locks. Another upside to these sprays? They help moisturize your hair as well as minimize frizz. The downside? They can simply be too heavy for fine or medium-weight hair, leaving it limp and looking greasy. Never a bonus.
Regardless of what weight and texture your hair might be, using a light touch with these sprays is the best idea.