The 9 Best Hair Straighteners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron, due to its affordable price point and impressive performance on many hair types. For those with curly hair, we recommend the Hot Tools Pro Signature Steamstyler, which uses steam to straighten hair with less damage than hot plates alone.

Our Testing Process 

To find the best hair straighteners, we tested 22 models in our lab and in real-world conditions. 

In our 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 auto 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.

For real-world testing, 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—that is, temperatures—to adjust to different hair types and needs. "The optimal temperature for flat ironing hair depends on your hair type and condition," says Ryan. 

"For fine or damaged hair, it's recommended to use a lower temperature, around 250–300°F, to prevent further damage. For normal or thick hair, temperatures between 300–425°F may be suitable." She also recommends starting with a lower temperature and increasing it if needed. 

For those with color-treated hair, "the range is from 300–375°F, with the specific temperature depending on your hair's processing level," says Rehkopf. "If your hair is overprocessed, it's advisable to avoid using a flat iron. Always consider the integrity of your hair; higher heat allows for larger sections, but be cautious not to compromise your hair's health."

Plate Type & Size

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 they have a more concentrated, intense heat. 

Plates also can come in various widths, most commonly between an inch and 1.5 inches. Wider plates can make straightening thicker, coarser, or longer hair go faster—Rehkopf notes that "this enhances efficiency during styling." But at the same time, wider plates add heft to the tool, making them harder to use and position near your roots.

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. 

Also, consider length. "Longer hair, regardless of texture, should seek a wider plate for straightening hair," says Peace. "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.

Auto Shut-Off & Other Features

Look for other features while shopping for a hair straightener, such as an extra-long cord, an auto-shut-off function that will hopefully prevent you from starting a fire, and a steam function for straightening hair with less damage. "Or if you intend to use your straightener for creating loose waves or curls, opt for models with rounded plates, curving in at the top," says Rehkopf. "This design is particularly beneficial for achieving beautiful waves.

More Hair Straighteners to Consider 

Drybar Reserve Dual-Plate Styling Iron: We loved how easy this straightener is to use—setting the temperature is very straightforward, and it glides through different types of hair easily. But it's difficult to get close to the roots, and it is noticeably less effective on curly hair.

Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Dual Plate Salon Flat Iron: This straightener has 30 heat settings, giving you the ultimate temperature control. We were particularly impressed with the result on curly hair. Unfortunately, we found that the straightener left creases if you held it in place too long.

Questions You Might Ask 

What type of straightener is the healthiest for hair?

Styling your hair with heat is damaging, no matter what tools you use. 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," says Rehkopf.

First, use a styling cream, then allow your hair to air-dry approximately 40–50%. 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 degrees or 400 degrees," says Rehkopf. "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. 

Generally, ceramic plates can cause less damage than titanium plates. "For those with fine, normal, moderately coarse, or color-treated hair, ceramic is the healthiest option," says Rehkopf. "Ceramic is smooth and glides through hair without snagging, reducing breakage and damage. It emits negative ions, reducing frizz, enhancing shine, and creating smoother styles."

Titanium is known for its strength and durability and applies more intense heat to the hair. "Titanium straighteners are suitable for individuals with thick and coarse hair due to the high temperatures they provide," says Rehkopf. "Thicker sections of hair can be flat ironed in half the time compared to ceramic plates. However, they can easily burn hair if not used carefully."

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," says Rehkopf. "Cheaper hair straighteners often utilize inferior materials, resulting in long-term harm to your hair."

"Investing in a high-quality hair straightener is worthwhile," she continues. "By choosing quality over cost, 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 my experience higher-end irons last for many years," says Ryan.

That said, 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 Stefanie Waldek, a contributing writer for Real Simple with a decade of experience writing about home decor. 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 to provide tips on shopping for hair straighteners.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.