Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (2024)

TL;DR

The best straightener overall is the Chi Lava 4D Hairstyling Iron. It heats up within seconds and gives the hair a sleek and healthy sheen with just one pass. If you’re looking for an option under $100, we recommend the Tymo Ring Plus. Its comb shape easily glides through the hair to provide straight (but voluminous) shape.

If you heat-style your hair (aka the majority of us), you’ll know that using the right straightener is vital for a sleek, flawless hairstyle. But, picking one can get confusing with so many options available. Are ceramic or titanium plates better? Will a more expensive option get my hair straighter and quicker? The key deciding factor should be that it can get your hair texture straight in one to two passes. “The right flat iron ensures you don’t need to pass your hair several times and further increase the likelihood of damage,” says hairstylist Gina Rivera.

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (1)

Straighteners are a huge market, so the Byrdie team has tested over 40 for the past three years.We’ve used these picks for weeks at home and in our NYC-based testing lab. We curated this list based on our years of testing insights and poring through hundreds of shopper ratings. We also consulted four hair experts for their recommendations.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Works quickly to get hair completely straight

  • Adds shine and reduces static

  • Has a long cord and auto shutoff

What to Consider

  • Slightly bulky

  • Preset temperature settings

Plate Type: Ceramic | Max Temperature: 450 F | Plate Width: 1 inch

This iron gives us everything we want in a straightening tool: smooth, glossy hair in one pass that stays frizz-free all day. As the name suggests, this unique iron has volcanic lava minerals in the ceramic plates, making it easier for the hair to get straight at a lower temperature with fewer passes on each strand. During testing, we loved that it heated up within seconds and glided through the hair smoothly without getting caught in snags or knots. The tool has an 11-foot cord that made it easy to move around the entire head, and while it was somewhat bulky, it was comfortable to hold for an extended period. It also has a lock feature, which we found beneficial for easy storage and traveling, and it shuts off automatically after about an hour. While we didn’t love that it only has fixed temperature settings (370, 390, 410, 430, and 450 degrees), we’re still giving it top honors for the beautiful results we achieved.

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (3)

The Chi Lava 4D Testers

Kayla Friedman, former commerce intern with 2b hair (pictured): “It only took one pass to get my wavy hair completely straight, and I was able to straighten it in 15 minutes. I was very happy with the results, as my hair was shiny and smooth, and I achieved a slight bend at the bottom.”


Mandy, tester with 1a hair: “The iron glided through my hair effortlessly, which made the process very easy. My hair looks beautifully straight, and I achieved my desired results with just one to two passes.”

What We Like

  • Under $100

  • Passes smoothly through tangle-prone hair

  • Lightweight and easy to hold

What to Consider

  • Not as easy to add curls compared to a standard flat iron

  • May take several passes for a sleek look

Plate Type: Ceramic | Max Temperature: 410 F | Plate Width: n/a

A straightener doesn’t have to break the bank. We’re big fans of the $70 Tymo Ring Plus, a comb-like straightening brush you’ve probably seen all over your TikTok feed for straightening all hair types easily and quickly. It has ionic ceramic plates that run smoothly through tangled hair to create a sleek but bouncy shape. We love that it comes with various accessories, including a separate detangling brush, a heat-protecting glove, clips, and a carrying bag so you have everything you need to style your hair. It’s very light and feels comfortable in the hands even when straightening for a long time, which is a must for thicker hair types. We think this is an impressive pick for those who find using a standard flat iron makes their strands look thin and lifeless, as this boosts the hair’s volume. You will need a separate styling tool if you like to add curls after straightening, but we still love that it’s so easy to use and gives excellent results.

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (5)

The Tymo Ring Plus Testers

Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor with 2b/2c hair (pictured): “I love that it’s a comb instead of a two-pronged flat iron that squishes and flattens my hair. It gave me flippy, voluminous ends with straight strands.”


Tina, tester with 2a hair: “My hair was as smooth as butter. Although I went over my hair more than usual, the sleekness of the iron made it less troublesome to continue straightening.”

What We Like

  • Can customize temperature for top and bottom plates to minimize damage

  • Ergonomic with nonslip material

  • Makes the hair smooth and static-free

What to Consider

  • Only has a plus and minus button to adjust the heat, can’t see the specific temperature

Plate Type: Titanium | Max Temperature: 450 F | Plate Width: 0.5 inch

Those with damaged hair should stay away from heat entirely, but we recommend this one if you have to use a flat iron. Its shape may look strange initially, but the gap between the plates on either side minimizes heat exposure, leading to fewer damaged strands. You can also customize the temperature for the top and bottom plates if your hair is super sensitive to heat (or you’re just trying to be vigilant about damage). While using it, we loved that it didn’t pull at our strands and added a nice, healthy shine to the hair. This is most likely due to the ionic technology, which can reduce static for a smooth style. It can effectively straighten all hair types with an ergonomic shape that’s easy to hold. Our one drawback is that it doesn’t display the temperature, but there are five heat settings up to 450 degrees.

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (7)

The Drybar Reserve Dual-Plate Tester

Emily Cieslak, associate commerce editor with 1b hair: “I like the gap between the plates to reduce exposure to heat and damage. I mostly will use this iron for touch-ups here and there, so it offers the right amount of straightening power.”

What We Like

  • Easy to hold for long periods of time

  • Stylish appearance

  • Digital temperature display

What to Consider

  • Plates are somewhat clunky

Plate Type: Titanium | Max Temperature: 440 F | Plate Width: 1.25 inch

This flat iron has a lightweight construction that’s easy to hold and doesn’t cause sore arms or tiredness after hours of styling (and its white-and-gold colorway will look chic on your vanity). The iron also has multiple features that make the process easier and quicker, like a digital display that stops flashing once it reaches the desired temperature, a 30-minute automatic shutoff, and ionic plates that reduce static. The rounded floating plates are probably the best part, as you can quickly straighten, curl, and add waves to the hair with just this one tool. It can be tricky to reach the roots since the plates are slightly thick, but it becomes easier with continued use.

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The Kristin Ess 3-in-1 Testers

Shannon Stubbs, commerce writer with 4b/c hair (pictured): “I love how lightweight the iron is and how smoothly it glided through my hair. It only took me one pass to get my hair completely straight, and it made my hair sleek and static-free.”


Nasya, tester with 2a hair: “This flat iron was very easy to use and comfortable to hold for an extended period of time. My wavy hair looks beautifully straight after only using one to two passes per section, and I was pleased it heated up very fast.”

What We Like

  • Has numerous special features, such as cordless straightening and automatic heat adjustment

  • Charges fully in 70 minutes

  • Straightens quickly

What to Consider

  • Heavy, battery can pull at the hair slightly

Plate Type: Manganese copper alloy | Max Temperature: 410 F | Plate Width: 1.6 inch

If you don’t mind splurging and want to get the most out of your money, Dyson’s Corrale Straightener is the one for you. The iron has various features—it’s cordless and has automatic temperature adjustments, flexing plates to create more tension, auto shutoff, and even an airplane mode option for traveling. While it is a little heavy, its high-end technology efficiently straightens—and you get super-sleek results on all hair types. It heats up in seconds and gets the hair pin-straight in one to three passes (depending on hair type and temperature). We also love that you can rest the iron between each hair section on the included charging dock that charges fully in 30 minutes.

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (11)

The Dyson Corrale Straightener Testers

Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor with 1b/2a hair (pictured): “It took me only one pass to straighten a section of my hair—two for a really clean look. My hair was completed in record time because of it. Overall, I was really happy with the sleek, effortless results.”


Danielle, tester with 3b/c hair: “The high-quality construction, features, and technology make the Dyson well worth the splurge. The straightening capabilities are immaculate, and it never made my hair feel crispy or dry.”

What We Like

  • Super smooth plates that don’t get caught on knots

  • Has a good grip to create tension for smooth, straight hair

  • Heats up quickly

What to Consider

  • Can’t tell when it reaches the desired temperature

Plate Type: Ceramic | Max Temperature: 450 F | Plate Width: 1 inch

Thick hair types know that not every flat iron can get their hair pin-straight, especially if it’s curly or coarse. This pick from Ion has magnesium-ceramic plates to distribute the heat evenly throughout each strand, leaving the hair soft and perfectly sleek with one pass. It also reaches 450 degrees, the recommended temperature for straightening coarse hair types. While testing, we loved that the slightly wider plates created a lot of tension to make larger sections of hair smooth and straight. The outside of the iron has a matte, grippy texture, so it didn’t slip even after hours of use (and sweaty hands). The result was hair that looked super healthy without any frizz.

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The Ion Magnesium Testers

Shannon Stubbs, 4b/c hair (pictured): “I loved that this iron had smooth plates that didn't snag in my hair whatsoever, which can happen frequently since my blow-dry usually isn't that straight. It has a wide shape that can grab a bigger section of hair at once as well.”


Mandy, tester with 1a hair: “My hair looks beautifully straight, and I achieved my desired results with just two passes per section. It tamed the frizz well, even in rainy weather. I also really like how my ends look after running this flat iron through it—they don’t appear damaged.”

What We Like

  • Gets the hair pin-straight in one to two passes

  • Very lightweight and comfortable to hold

  • Glides through the hair smoothly

  • Preset settings by hair type and texture

What to Consider

  • Can run hotter than normal

Plate Type: Ceramic | Max Temperature: 410 F | Plate Width: 1 inch

True to its name, this iron can give a variety of hair types completely straight hair with fewer passes than other straighteners. It comes with wide ceramic plates that glide smoothly through the strands, and it’s easy to straighten large sections of hair. While testing, we loved that it heated up quickly and was easy to maneuver and grab the hair from all angles. Even without brushing the hair all the way out, we still got the sleek results we desired. It comes with nine preset temperature settings, but you can also select your hair texture (fine, medium, or coarse), and it’ll select a specific temperature. Even if you’re accustomed to using a particular amount of heat, we recommend using this function as the iron can run quite hot—and we were able to straighten our hair with the selected setting (even though it was lower than what we usually use).

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The T3 SinglePass Tester

Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director with 2b hair: “I did two passes on every section and then went over my head with big passes at the end for a final smooth. It went from wavy to pin-straight in that time. That seems like fewer passes to me than other irons I’ve used.”

What We Like

  • Has a slim shape that makes straightening and adding curls easy

  • Innovative features

  • Added volume and shine

What to Consider

  • Difficult to style bigger sections of hair

Plate Type: Ceramic and titanium | Max Temperature: 455 F | Plate Width: 1 inch

If you like to add curls after straightening but don’t necessarily want to whip out a curling iron every time, you should try this straightener from Hot Tools. It has slim plates and rounded edges that easily straighten your strands and add curls or a bend at the ends. It’s also a great pick if you prefer a voluminous style over hair that’s pin-straight. Regarding features, it heats up to the maximum temperature in less than a minute (and dings so you know it’s ready). This flat iron also has an LED temperature display and combo ceramic-titanium plates that distribute the heat evenly throughout each section to reduce damage. Since it’s thinner than other options on this list, you might have to start with smaller sections of hair—but its shape makes it easier to get to your roots (a plus for thick or coarse hair types).

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The Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Tester

Kayla Friedman, 2b hair: “I was very happy with the results because it created a really pretty bend and slight volume around my face-framing pieces. The rounded edges on this iron make it perfect for styling, especially if you do not prefer a stick-straight look.”

What We Like

  • Adds shine and reduces static for a smooth, sleek look

  • Wide plates can grab bigger sections of hair at once

  • Heats up in 30 seconds

What to Consider

  • Doesn’t get hot enough for super coarse hair textures

Plate Type: Ceramic | Max Temperature: 365 F | Plate Width: 2 inches

Naturally frizzy hair types know that not all flat irons effectively reduce static, and some can even worsen it. For a completely frizz-free style, we recommend the GHD Max Styler. A lab test done by the brand showed that it could reduce twice the amount of frizz and add 80% more shine for hair that looks healthy and glossy. In our own test, we loved that it heated up in exactly 30 seconds, felt lightweight, and only took two passes to get the hair completely straight. The wide plates are great for flat ironing larger sections, and it has a 9-foot cord for easy styling. We only wish it had more temperature options since the only heat setting is 365 degrees.

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (19)

The GHD Max Styler Tester

Alyssa Kaplan, associate commerce editor with 2a hair: “It glides through the hair really nicely without getting stuck. I wish it was a bit thinner so I could get closer to my roots, but it does glide and maneuver nicely.”

What to Look for in a Hair Straightener

  • Plate Width: Most flat irons range from a width of 0.5 to 2 inches, and there are different benefits to the different sizes. “Wide plates can style more hair at once, while thinner plates are better for travel or creating curls,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. “In general, thinner plates are best for short to medium length hair and detailed styling, while wider plates are ideal for long hair.” During testing, we also found that straighteners with slimmer plates made it easier to reach and straighten the roots on thicker hair types, while irons with wider plates worked best for those who straighten their hair quickly in big sections.
  • Maneuverability: Depending on your hair type and texture, straightening your entire head can sometimes take an hour or more. Since it can be a strenuous task, you’ll want to ensure you have a tool that’s easy to maneuver. We chose picks that were lightweight and didn’t slip in our hands while going over each section, and many of our favorites had a somewhat grippy texture that made them easy to hold for long periods of time. You’ll also want to pay attention to features such as cord length, as a short cord can make it difficult to move the tool around your head comfortably.
  • Special Features: Many options come with all the bells and whistles a heat tool can have, but some features are more needed than others. Fitzsimons says that safety features are the most important, specifically automatic shutoff (usually after an hour) and easily adjustable heat settings. We also prefer ones that let you know once the iron has reached its desired temperature, whether that be through a flashing light or a sound. Ultimately, you’ll want to pick a flat iron with features that align with your specific hair goals. For example, if you mostly use one to straighten and add curls to your hair, you might want to pick one with straightening and curling settings. If you’re worried about heat damage, you should look for one with auto temperature adjustments based on your hair type.
  • Temperature Range: "A temperature dial that allows you to adjust the heat settings is essential," says hairstylist Rachel Redd. "It enables you to select the right temperature for your specific hair texture,preventing damage while ensuring effective styling." Some irons have a sliding scale of temperatures, while some only have three to four specific settings with no options in between. Before purchasing, make sure that your option is able to get to your preferred temperature(s) for straightening, curling, and even touching up.

How We Tested Hair Straighteners

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (20)

Whether in the lab or at home, The Byrdie team is continuallytesting productstoprovide the most accurate insights and recommendations to our readers.

  • Straighteners Tested: 41
  • Testing Period: Three years (and testing is still underway)
  • Methodology: We’ve tested hair straighteners at home and in our NYC-based lab over the past couple of years, with testing conducted on various hair textures (from type 1 to type 4). While testing, we paid close attention to which irons made our hair straight and silky without frying our strands and which we felt we would reach for again and again. The ones that appear on this list impressed us the most.
  • Factors Considered: Plate type, plate width, weight, extra features (auto shutoff, temperature adjustments, etc.), cord length, ease of use, temperature settings, price, final results

Other Options We Tested

  • BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic Flat Iron: This flat iron is popular with both stylists and amateurs because it makes the hair sleek and static-free. During testing, however, we found the shape to be a bit clunky, which made it difficult to straighten our roots. We also found that it gets very hot on the hair, making us worried about damage—we think this pick is more suited for professionals.
  • L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod Flat Iron & Styler: While we love that this iron utilizes steam to smooth the strands while limiting heat damage, we found that it didn’t give us the silky straight results we desired—we had more of a blowout look. We also found it a little too heavy while styling for those with a lot of hair.
  • GHD Unplugged Styler: This iron is compact and lightweight, and it's cordless for easy, comfortable styling. However, it takes about two hours to charge fully and would only last about 20 minutes before dying, which we found inconvenient.

FAQ

  • What’s the difference between a ceramic and titanium straightener?

    The majority of flat irons have either ceramic or titanium plates. “Ceramic flat irons distribute heat evenly and are less harsh on hair, while titanium flat irons heat up rapidly and retain a higher temperature, offering a smoother finish and faster styling,” says Fitzsimons. He recommends ceramic irons for those with fine or damaged hair, as they can be gentler on your strands. Hairstylist Yene Damtew also recommends ceramic plates for those with textured hair who like to go back and forth between curly and straight styles, as it distributes the heat gently to not affect the natural curl pattern. Titanium irons are best for those with thick or coarse hair who are more experienced and want to style their hair quickly (as titanium options get much hotter and faster). If you have trouble deciding which is best for you, Fitzsimons recommends consulting with your stylist.

  • How often can you straighten the hair without causing damage?

    According to Fitzsimons, you shouldn’t use a flat iron more than two to three times a week, and aheat protectantshould be applied with everyuse. “To use a flat iron while avoiding damage, use the lowest heat setting necessary for your hair type,” he says. “Fine or damaged hair requires lower temperatures around 300 degrees, and thicker hair can withstand higher heat up to 450 degrees.”

Meet Our Experts

To compile this list, we consulted four hairstylists to find out what makes an excellent hair straightener that will give you the style you desire without damage.

  • Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist with clients that include Khloe Kardashian and Megan Fox. He is the founder of the haircare brand Andrew Fitzsimons Hair.
  • Gina Rivera is a Las Vegas-based hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.
  • Yene Damtew is a hairstylist and salon owner based in Virginia. She is known for being the hairstylist to the Obama family.
  • Rachel Redd is a professional hairstylist who specializes in textured hair types. She is also an ambassador for haircare brands Redken and Mizani.

Add to Cart

Before you check out, here are some other hair straightening products to get the silky-smooth hair of your dreams.

  • Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil: We love a multiuse product, and this hair oil can be used as a heat protectant and to tamp down static after heat styling. It’s made with the brand's patented bond-building technology, so it can also prevent damage while giving the hair a healthy sheen.
  • Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment: If you have naturally curly or thick hair, your straight style won't stand a chance against the elements—especially in the summer. Try thisanti-frizz spray from Color Wownext time you heat-style. It forms an invisible “coat” over the hair to protect it from humidity. It also provides heat protection and adds shine that should last three to four shampoos.
  • Mason Pearson Detangling Comb: Detangling is an absolute must before using a straightener, as snags and knots can get caught in the iron and cause damage. We love this comb from Mason Pearson, which gently and effectively detangles the hair without snagging or pulling on your scalp.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shannon Stubbs is a beauty writer and editor with six years of experience, and she has been a commerce writer on the Byrdie team since 2022. She has type 4 hair but has flat-ironed biweekly for the past decade, so she knows what makes a good flat iron for even the thickest hair types. To compile this list, she gathered insights from Byrdie editors, lab testers, and hairstylists to decide which were the best options for getting the hair straight without causing damage. She also paid attention to extra features, like how easy the straightener was to use on a daily basis and how well the style would last throughout the week.

Byrdie Editors Tested Hair Straighteners for Three Years—These 9 Are the Hall of Fame (2024)
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