Using a hair straightener is not a "one size fits all" situation. Every hair type comes with its own list of best practices. That often means using different types of technologies and settings whenever you use a hair straightener, blow dryer, or curling iron. For example, curly hair types and fine hair types will want to look for hot tools with adjustable temperature settings as their hair is more fragile than others. On the other hand, people with coarse hair or thick hair may want to use a wider straightener with higher heat settings and single-pass technology so they can cut down on time while also minimizing heat damage.
You'll also want to consider what hairstyle you're going for before picking out the right straightener for you. A classic ceramic-plated option will transform frizzy hair into sleek, smooth locks while a hair straightening brush can give you a softer, more rounded look similar to a blowout. If you want to also use your straightener in place of your curling wand to create soft curls and waves, you'll want to look for an option featuring floating plates as these are more flexible and can create loose curls without also causing dents.
Below, we're sharing a few of the best hair straighteners for different hair types. We've even included a travel-friendly option to bring with you on your next vacation–whenever that may be. Read on and get yourself one step closer to healthy, straight hair.
1. FOXYBAE HAIR Mini Travel Flat Iron
The Best for Travel:
It's only natural to want to make sure that your hair looks fab while you're away on vacation, but if you're living that carry-on-only life, hair tools can quickly take up a lot of precious luggage space. For an easy solution to that problem, invest in this small but mighty travel-sized flat iron.
This marble and rose gold mini iron comes with ceramic plates which help to distribute heat evenly across every hair section. It also uses tourmaline technology that emits negative ions and helps to close the cuticle layer, creating smoother, healthier hair. Pro tip: While this little flat iron is great for your travels, you can also use it at home to tame flyaways and polish the ends of short hair like a pixie cut.
"This is really tiny and super cute," writes Ipster verysherryberry. "I only turned it on the once to try it out and it gets pretty hot! I tossed it right into my travel bag for my next vacation."
2. SLEEK'E HAIR Pro Infrared Titanium Flat Iron — 2"
The Best for Thick Hair:
If you have thick hair, you probably already know that styling your hair with hot tools can take what feels like an eternity. One easy way to cut down on styling time is to veer away from ultra-thin straightening irons and instead use a hair straightener like this 2" titanium flat iron. Wider plates will help to straighten more hair at once, cutting down on styling time overall. This high-tech styler also comes with an infrared heat strip. This type of heat emits negative ions to lock in moisture and create a gentler process overall. As a result, you can expect less frizz and healthier-looking hair in the long run.
3. THEORIE Quantum 1” Flat Iron
The Best for Sleek, Smooth Hair:
Here's another option that'll hit hair with that ceramic and titanium one-two punch, a killer combo for course, frizz-prone hair types. The titanium plates ensure quick and even heat distribution, while ceramic technology does a top-notch job of eliminating frizz, leaving hair smooth, shiny, and super sleek.
This straightening iron also comes with a 60-minute auto safety shutoff, so even if you leave the house and get hit with that dreaded fear that you may have left it on, you'll know you're covered.
4. FOXYBAE Rose Gold Straightening Brush
The Best for Quick-and-Easy Straightening:
If those straightening plates tend to make your hair a little too straight for your liking, instead try this innovative straightening brush to give the hair a softer, more rounded look. As a bonus, it's also extremely easy to use: simply brush this tool through dry hair and watch the smoothing magic happen.
In addition to effortless hairstyling capabilities, it also offers professional performance. This hot tool comes outfitted with practically everything you'd want from a great styling tool. Ceramic, tourmaline, and infrared technology work together to protect against heat damage and condition the hair as you use it. Meanwhile, heat settings can be adjusted to suit different hair types. It even comes with nanotechnology which works to prevent bacterial growth for cleaner tresses overall.
5. EVA NYC Healthy Heat Nano Silk Styling Iron
The Best for Fine Hair:
Give your beauty drawer a fun pick-me-up with this brightly colored lavender hair straightener. This option comes with ultra-gentle nano silk plates which makes it one of the best straighteners for fine and delicate hair types (curly hair types should also take note). While it's usually crucial to make sure your hair is fully dry before using a flat iron, this type of plate can also be used on slightly damp hair. So, if you typically use a hair dryer before styling, you can cut that time in half, creating less damage and breakage as a result.
This is also dual voltage (great for international travel) and features floating plates, which means they can move just enough to be able to flex. This feature makes it a great option for creating loose waves and curls with your straightener.
Remember, no matter what hair type you have it's always a good idea to use a heat protectant before using any kind of hot tool. For an easy, natural option try applying a small amount of argan oil to towel-dried hair to nourish it while also protecting it from flat irons, blow dryers, and curling wands. And if you're not sure what settings are best for your hair type, consult your hairstylist!
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