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Gilbert Carrasquillo
Straightening irons got a bad rep in the 2000s when
chunky highlights and fried-flat hair reigned. Thankfully, we’ve moved past that look and into a more elevated era of “liquid hair,” think: Naomi Campbell’s extra-long strands moving like a shiny, silk curtain as she walks. But with tons of straighteners on the market, we could use some guidance on which ones are best. So we asked the experts. Stylists who’ve worked with celebs like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Olivia Rodrigo, and all The Kardashians (a.k.a. our hair goal icons) weigh in on the best
tools on the market.
Shop the best flat iron deals on Amazon
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For Quick Results
Edge Heated Brush T3
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Best Root Tamer
Gold Mini Styler ghd
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Best For Soft Waves
Lucea 1” Straightening & Styling Flat Iron T3 Micro
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Most Affordable
Mini Straightening Iron with Travel Pouch BaBylissPRO
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Best For Silky Hair
Platinum+ Professional Performance Hair Styler ghd
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Ahead, our celebrity hairstylists tell us about their favorite straighteners, which include options that heat quickly, multi-taskers that double as tools for making waves, and more. They’re also here to provide some tips and tricks for achieving the sleekest, smoothest strands. Read on to find a new straightener you can add to
cart right away.
For Quick Results
T3
Edge Heated Brush
Best Root Tamer
ghd
Gold Mini Styler
Best For Soft Waves
T3 Micro
Lucea 1” Straightening & Styling Flat Iron
Most Affordable
BaBylissPRO
Mini Straightening Iron with Travel Pouch
Best For Silky Hair
ghd
Platinum+ Professional Performance Hair Styler
Best For Adding Shine
Hot Tools
Pro Artist Black Gold Dual Plate Flat Iron
Best For On The Go
Dyson
Corrale Hair Straightener
Best For Fighting Frizz
Moroccanoil
Perfectly Polished Titanium Flat Iron
Best For Healthy Hair
ghd
Gold Professional Styler
Best Lightweight Option
Babyliss PRO
Nano Titanium Ionic Straightening Iron
Best For Curls And Waves
L’ange
Le Duo 360 Airflow Styler
Best For Shiny Hair
Harry Josh Pro Tools
Ceramic Flat Styling Iron
Best For Thick Hair
BaBylissPRO
Nano Titanium 1" Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron
The Cult Classic Flat Iron
ghd
Original Styler - 1" Flat Iron
Best For All Styles
T3
SinglePass Styling Iron
Best For Coarse Hair
KARMIN
G3 Salon Pro Hair Straightener Iron
What do I need to do before straightening my hair?
There’s one thing nearly every hair stylist will agree on: the importance of a heat protectant. Before diving into straightening your hair (or using any heat for that matter), make sure to apply a heat protectant like the Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray, which provides protection from 450° Farenheit and UV rays.
How can I prolong my sleek style?
To prolong your style, make sure to add a lightweight hairspray at the end. For additional smoothing at the roots, stylist Lacy Redway recommends spritzing the top of your head with a hairspray like the Nexxus Weightless Hold Ultra Fine Hair Spray, and then smoothing down the flyaways with the edge of the can.
At night, tie your hair into a loose bun or ponytail with a silk scrunchie like Crown Affair’s The
Scrunchie No. 003. Sleeping on a silk pillow case, like the
Slip cases, can also help protect your strands and prolong your style.
Can I curl my hair with a straightener?
Yes, of course! Straighteners that have a rounded outside edge are great for creating soft curls or beachy weaves. Opt for a 1" flat iron to easy wrap the hair around.