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12 Best Hair Straighteners We've Tested (2023): Flat Irons, Hot Combs, and Straightening Brushes

Posted on April 15, 2023

12 Best Hair Straighteners We've Tested (2023): Flat Irons, Hot Combs, and Straightening Brushes

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What to Look for in a Good Hair Tool

Before You Buy

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Best Overall

Paul Mitchell Express Ion Style+ Ceramic Flat Iron

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$125 at Amazon

Best Budget Straightener

Conair Infiniti Pro

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$31 at Amazon

A Stellar Upgrade

T3 Lucea ID Straightener

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$249 at T3
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Straightening my hair is typically a two-day affair. I wash all the product out the night before and load my hair with hydrating protectants. I let it air-dry, then I braid it before bed so that the next day, the curls are looser and easier to work through. Then, and only then, can I go in with a flat iron.

WIRED's Gear team has an array of curl types, needs, and hair-styling tricks, and we've all tried a lot of hair straighteners in our lifetimes. Some flat irons have left us with crispy ends and cramped hands, while others, like the ones listed here, gave us sleek hair. There's a dizzying number of options around, but hopefully our favorite hair straighteners can help narrow down your search.

Updated April 2023: We've added the Shark FlexStyle as our favorite tool for blowouts. We've also added two cordless honorable mentions, and a note about why we no longer recommend the Revlon One-Step.

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  • Image may contain Human Person Electrical Device and Microphone
    Photograph: Carol Yepes/Getty Images

    What to Look for in a Good Hair Tool

    Before You Buy

    It's all a bit confusing. A straightener can be a flat iron, and a flat iron is a straightener, but not all straighteners are flat irons. And they come in other forms too, including brushes and combs. No matter which you go with, what you call it, or what your budget is, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

    • It should be easy to hold and maneuver. If a flat iron needs all your might to keep the plates closed, you're going to be in pain by the end of your straightening session.
    • It should have a range of easy-to-read temperatures. Dials with no indication of what temperature you're using are frustrating, and you can end up burning your hair or skin.
    • It shouldn't snag hair. This is a common problem among flat irons, as hair can get caught in cheap plates and pulled out. Look for beveled designs, which help prevent this.
    • It should never be used on wet hair. No matter the type, if a product's packaging suggests this, run.

  • Photograph: Ulta

    Best Overall

    Paul Mitchell Express Ion Style+ Ceramic Flat Iron

    I vividly remember the first flat iron my curly-haired family ever owned. It was thick and left our hair looking fried, with clamp marks at the root. Basically, I looked like Witch Hazel from Looney Tunes. It wasn't until college that I discovered the Paul Mitchell flat iron, and I've been using different variations of it since. It proves that the right tool makes a difference, and I've seen it work its magic on several different hair textures and curl patterns. It's worth every penny.

    The plates on this Ion Style+ model are 1 inch, which is a pretty good size for straightening, as well as creating a natural-looking curl. I currently use the similar 1.25-inch Ion Smooth+ model ($125), which is also a good choice if you are used to maneuvering bigger tools. Go with the smaller Style+ if you're inexperienced or have shorter hair. Both have been updated with a digital interface since I first tried them.

    $125 at Amazon
    $125 at Ulta

  • Photograph: Conair

    Best Budget Straightener

    Conair Infiniti Pro

    I love the Paul Mitchell irons, but this cheap Conair is incredible. I doubted it could work well on my unmanageable hair, but it straightened it quickly without it looking fried or frizzy. It has extra long, thin plates that make the whole process easier but they also makes nice curls too. You can probably find this Conair (or similar models) at your local CVS, too.

    ★ Another Cheap Alternative: I've also tested and fallen in love with Remington's Shine Therapy flat iron. It's another $30 device that outperforms hair straighteners that cost three times as much. It straightened my hair quickly, and I didn't have to go over a section more than once.

    $31 at Amazon
    $52 at Walmart

  • Photograph: T3

    A Stellar Upgrade

    T3 Lucea ID Straightener

    The T3 Lucea ID hair straightener would be in our top spot if it wasn't so expensive. But it might be worthwhile if you're concerned about hair damage. Most hot hair tools claim to cause less damage than the competition, but the T3 actually delivers with a unique temperature-finding feature the company calls HeatID Technology. To set the right temperature, select your hair features via the touch controls on the iron's handle: texture (fine, medium, coarse), length (short, medium, long), and if your hair is color-treated. It will then suggest a heat level. I also love its Refresh Mode for touching up hair later at a lower temperature based on previous settings.

    It can create gorgeous curls too. Once you perfect that flick of the wrist, your hair will look like you just came from the salon. If you'd rather have two dedicated hair tools, the company also has a curling iron ($249) with the same HeatID tech.

    ★ More From T3: I've become a huge fan of T3 products over the last few years. The Aireluxe hair dryer is fantastic and weighs almost nothing, and I've recently started using the Switch Kit Curl Trio, an interchangeable curling iron. I use the tiniest barrel for fixing frizzy curls on day two or three hair.

    $249 at T3
    $249 at Sephora

  • Photograph: Dyson

    A Great Luxury Hair Straightener

    Dyson Corrale

    We love the Dyson Corrale (8/10, WIRED Recommends), but it's really only worth it if you have the money to spend. It makes you feel fancy, like all Dyson tools tend to do, and its flexing plates quickly get your hair straighter with less heat—they curve around the hair, avoiding the splaying out effect and uneven heat distribution that plague other flat irons. Still, it has flaws for a $500 hair straightener. It can be used without a cord, but the battery life is too short to straighten my whole head of hair. The onboard battery also makes it quite heavy.

    $499 at Sephora
    $500 at Dyson

  • Photograph: Amazon

    A Multi-Tool

    Bio Ionic 3-in-1 Styling Iron

    Nearly all flat irons can be used for curling once you get used to the proper hand movement. However, some people prefer separate curling irons. This Bio Ionic tool combines a flat iron, a curling iron (which has a clasp), and a curling wand (which has no clasp) in one. Multi-use tools often don't do all the things well—what we at WIRED call “the spork problem.” But this one is quite impressive.

    On the bottom of the handle is a lock for the flat iron's plates. Push the button down to “Straight" and the plates separate so you can straighten as usual. Push it up to “Curl” to lock the plates together to either clasp or wrap your hair. This tool's best feature, though, has nothing to do with that multi-functionality. It's that there's a rubber tip at the top so you can hold it for stability or readjusting without burning your fingerprints off. My biggest gripe was that rogue hairs often got stuck and pulled while trying to style, which is a problem in the category.

    $149 at Bio Ionic
    $149 at Amazon

  • Photograph: L'ange

    Includes Cool Air

    L’ange Le Duo Airflow Styler

    The L'ange is the first flat iron I've seen with a clasp more similar to a curling iron—most flat iron plates stay apart, and need to be pushed together when you use them. This is the opposite. It took a moment to get used to, but it works just as well as any other iron. That clasp design and the rounded edges make it easier to curl too if you typically find that difficult.

    The real draw here are the air vents that blast out cool air to lock your style in, similarly to when you're blow-drying your hair and you give it a once over with the cold air to cool it down and set it. The fan turns on automatically, but there's a button to turn it off. (Just to clarify, it's not meant to dry your hair—you will not be happy if you try that.) The company recommends a smaller version for shoulder-length hair (or shorter) and the Grande is meant for longer hair.

    $119 at L’ange (For Shorter Hair)
    $169 at L'ange (For Longer Hair)
Most Popular

  • Photograph: Amazon

    A Mini Straightener for Bangs

    BabylissPro Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron

    If you have super short hair or need to tame your bangs like WIRED senior writer Adrienne So, you don't have to spend a lot (or deal with a bulky tool). She uses the BabylissPro Nano, which is just 6 inches long. It won't take up precious bathroom space, and it's easy to travel with. We also like the full-size version of the Nano ($160) for straightening your full head.

    $35 at Amazon
    $35 at Ulta

  • Photograph: Amika

    A Hair Straightening Brush

    Amika Polished Perfection Straightening Brush

    Straightening brushes are not for everyone, but if you have looser waves, they can save a lot of time and energy by combining steps. Most work similarly, but this one from Amika is a standout. For me, it took the curl out of my hair but left it puffy, so I still had to smooth it out with a flat iron. My sister, who has the same coarse hair but with a different curl pattern, was able to get a smooth blow-out look with just this alone.

    It takes some trial and error, but you can also return Amika products bought directly from its website within 30 days, and Sephora also has a solid return policy. Just keep in mind that a straightening brush is not a blow-dry brush and should not be used on wet hair. We do have a recommendation for the latter below.

    $98 at Amika
    $98 at Sephora

  • Photograph: Amazon

    A Hot Comb for Coarse Hair

    Andis Hot Comb

    Hot combs have been around for decades and tend to work well on particularly coarse hair. Many women used to heat these up on a stove to smooth their curls—a friend of mine still uses this type—but these electrical ones don't get as hot, so they're a little safer. Still, it's easy to burn yourself with one, so be extra cautious. This Andis comb works great on coarse hair and is very affordable. My only gripe is the off button's placement; it's easy to accidentally turn it off while using the comb.

    One advantage combs and brushes have is that they give you more of a naturally straight look, instead of the pin straight—and sometimes crispy ends—you get by clamping your hair between two plates.

    $31 at Amazon
    $29 at Walmart
Most Popular

  • Photograph: Tymo

    A New Kind of Comb

    Tymo Ring

    I’d seen the Tymo Ring all over social media for years before trying it, and the wait was worth it. It's like a traditional hot comb and a straightening brush in one, but you can get closer to your roots without burning yourself than you can with a comb, because there's an outer shell covering the hot teeth. Straightening brushes aren't usually a one-stop-shop for my hair, and that was the case here. I did need to go over my hair with a flat iron to smooth out some of the poof left behind, but the Tymo Ring took the curl right out quickly—I didn't have to go over sections more than once or twice.

    This bundle includes a hot tool glove, which worked well with the Tymo but burned when I used it with another curling iron that reached that same temperature. Be aware that it's not made for direct contact on a hot plate.

    $50 at Amazon
    $60 at Tymo

  • Photograph: RevAir

    A Dryer-Straightener Hybrid

    RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer (2022)

    There are a bunch of good straighteners on this list, but the RevAir is the only product that has made straightening my hair less of a chore (and something I can choose to do without hours of planning). If you can afford it, and find a cabinet it fits in, the RevAir is incredible. In goes wet, curly hair and out comes straight dry hair without much effort on your part. I was obsessed with the first RevAir and even more impressed with the second iteration (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It's a bit smaller and lighter, but more expensive than the last one.

    I was terrified that its vacuum-like hose would rip my hair right out, but my follicles are still intact. It creates enough tension to remove the curl without actually pulling, and it works way faster than a blow-dry brush. For me, I still wanted to smooth out my hair with an iron, but those with smoother curls won't need to do that extra step—I tested it on a friend and she ended up with perfectly straight hair after.

    $399 at RevAir (Device Only)
    $469 at RevAir (Total Package Bundle)

  • Photograph: Shark

    A Multi-Use Tool for Blowouts

    Shark FlexStyle Drying & Styling System

    Hot-air brushes are becoming more popular for at-home blowouts. They cause less heat damage than flat irons and might take less time depending on your hair type. We've tried a bunch, but Shark's FlexStyle is a great option if you also want to curl and diffuse your hair at other times too. It's a perfect dupe of Dyson's Airwrap for several hundred dollars less.

    ★ Another Alternative: T3's Airebrush Duo ($190) is a solid option too that comes with two types of brush attachments. Some people may find that the round brush straightens their hair better than the paddle brush, and vice versa. It's also extremely light without feeling cheap. We have even more options in our hair dryer guide.

    $270 at Amazon (For Straight and Wavy Hair)
    $270 at Shark (For Curly Hair)
    $250 at Shark (Choose 3 Kit)
Most Popular
  • Photograph: Sleek'e

    More Straighteners We Tried

    Honorable Mentions
    • Sleek'e ($149) and Kosa ($195): These irons are essentially the same tool. Sleek'e confirmed that they are in fact made by the same manufacturer, which is not uncommon. Both work well, and I like the pink color (though both are also available in black). The Kosa felt a little lighter, but neither seemed better or worse to use. They both emit ions and have a strip of infrared lights down the middle of one of the plates, which are supposed to help distribute heat evenly and in a way that won't damage hair. Both brands have larger irons available too, and Kosa has one with teeny half-inch plates ($95). I also love Kosa's light hair dryer ($159).
    • Brilliance New York Smooth Pro Ceramic Flat Iron ($69): WIRED writer and fellow curly-girl Louryn Strampe swears by this hair straightener. She impulse-bought it via a Groupon deal in 2014 and still consistently reaches for it, despite having tried several more flat irons since—she even prefers it over the Dyson Corrale. It's lost some of its heat consistency over the years, and the plates occasionally snag her hair, but it still leaves her unruly curls sleek and shiny, and most importantly, straight.
    • Aesty Cordless Flat Iron ($314): This one is too expensive, but it's cheaper than the Dyson if you're desperate for a cordless flat iron. I found it to be similar to the Corrale, straightening my hair nicely and with all the same bulk and weight.
    • Sam Villa Cordless Flat Iron ($179): This mini iron is only for people who absolutely need a tiny iron to take in their purses for emergency touch-ups. It would have taken me an entire day to straighten all my hair with it, and I had to keep pressing the power button while using it.

    ★ A Note About Revlon: We don't currently recommend the cheap and popular Revlon One-Step. Despite performing well in our testing, it has been reportedly overheating, sparking, and in some cases, catching fire. See our hair dryers guide for more.

  • Illustration: Getty Images 

    Ions, Explained

    Do They Really Work?

    A lot of hot hair tools, including most on our list, claim to release negative ions to protect your hair. I used to chalk this up to marketing-speak, but hairstylists I spoke with say ions are helpful.

    London-based hairstylist Hollie Rose Clarke says ions in hair tools keep the cuticle layer of your hair smooth, so you'll get a shinier, frizz-free result. “Think of a strand of your hair as being the size of my arm, covered in fish scales (the cuticles)," she says. "When the hair is damaged, they open slightly, resulting in dry, frizzy, and weak hair. When the hair is healthy they are closed, resulting in your hair feeling smoother and stronger.”

    Abra McField, founder of Abra Kadabra Hair and Healing, says hair is usually positively charged due to its water content, and the negative ions these flat irons generate can help dissipate that water. “You get controlled application of the heat you are applying, and you are able to use only as much heat as you need to smooth and straighten your hair, which can prevent damage.”

    Ionic hair dryers are similar, with some caveats. “If you have finer hair and you are wanting as much body and volume as possible, the ionic dryer may not be the best,” McField says. "So generally it's best to get a dryer with an ionic option that can be turned on and off.”

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