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

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.