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Byrdie / Alli Waataja
There are so many ways to style your beautiful natural hair (braids, locs, twists, just to name a few), but if stick-straight strands are what you're after, you'll need the right flat iron for the job. The best flat irons for natural hair reveal smooth, sleek hair without the need for excessive heat exposure and, in turn, damage. We consulted celebrity hairstylists Kim Kimble and Nigella Miller for their top tips on what to look for in a good flat iron. Unsurprisingly, it all boils down to the plates.
"If you want to switch between wearing your hair straight and curly, look for a flat iron with high-quality ceramic plates," she advises. "But if your hair is kinkier or harder to straighten, titanium plates work really well.” If you can afford it, Kimble recommends investing in two flat irons for the best results. “I like to have two sizes of flat irons available," she admits. "A two-inch iron for straightening a lot of hair and a smaller one for getting really close to the roots.”
Flat irons with ionic technology also add shine and strength while minimizing damage by emitting millions of negative ions to combat the positive ions in water (which help hair hold moisture/make it frizzy). However, having adjustable heat settings is essential so you can straighten at a lower temperature and avoid frying your hair. Also, replace your flat iron if it's become difficult to close—it's important to ensure the hair is straightened evenly so you don't have to go over any areas again, opening up your hair to unnecessary damage.
We conducted hours of research into the best flat irons for natural hair we could find, evaluating each product based on plate material, width, and closure, as well as heat settings and standout features like ionic technology. After consulting with multiple celebrity hairstylists for expert insight and their recommendations, we narrowed down our list to the 14 we think are the best available today.
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Tourmaline plates hold heat better
Adjustable temperature settings
Comes with protective glove
No automatic shut-off
This beloved iron has adjustable temperature settings from 140 all the way up to 450 degrees, which Kimble really appreciates. “Always go for a flat iron with an adjustable temperature that reaches 400+ degrees,” she says. A hotter flat iron can help straighten more textured, natural hair in record time (just know that the hotter you go, the more likely you are to damage your hair)
The tourmaline plates reduce frizz by generating negative ions, and the ceramic is built for durability and lasting results on all hair types (it's also safer for your hair than metal plates). Reviewers especially love that the iron heats up super fast, which is a huge perk if you're constantly short on time (like we often are). The one downside is that it doesn't come with an automatic shut-off feature, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic tourmaline ionic | Voltage: 110/120V | Max Temp: 450 °F
Ceramic produces negative ions and evenly distributes heat. You'll find it in many good irons that aren't super pricey.
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Heats up quickly
Floating plates provide a smoother finish
Has automatic shut-off
Time-consuming on long, thick hair
Maybe you don't straighten your hair that often or maybe you don't want to shell out a ton of money for a flat iron. Or maybe you want to take Kimble's aforementioned advice and invest in two flat irons. Whatever the reason you're looking for a budget-friendly pick, you can't go wrong with this Remington model. The one-inch ceramic plates style the hair quickly while still being gentle. All it takes is 30 quick seconds to heat up and you can adjust the temp to up to 410 degrees on a digital display. There's also a 60-minute automatic shut-off feature for some peace of mind. The only thing we don't love is some users said it takes longer for the one-inch plates to get through longer or thicker hair.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 410 °F
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Byrdie / Ashley Rubell
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Byrdie / Ashley Rubell
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High temperature max
30 different settings
Extra long tourmaline plates
Sometimes turns off automatically
Who doesn't love getting a product that yields salon-quality straight hair from the drugstore? Not only is this flat iron affordable compared to others we reviewed, but you can find it at most drugstore chains, and it does the job well without damaging the hair.
The tourmaline ceramic plates allow you to straighten your hair in minutes no matter your hair texture (thanks to the heat setting going up to 455) and provide anti-frizz and anti-static results. What's more, it boasts 30 different settings to help you achieve various styles (and protect damaged hair). There's also a trusty automatic shut-off feature if you accidentally forget to unplug it. That said, some users have reported their straightener shuts off randomly while they're still using it.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic tourmaline | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 455 °F
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High heat setting
Adjustable auto shut-off
Has dual voltage for travel
Some reported burning smell
If you're going to spend top dollar on a straightening iron, it better perform like nothing else, and that certainly applies to this Paul Mitchell one. The name Paul Mitchell is synonymous with all things hair, and this flat iron lives up to the name. It features premium titanium plates that glide over the hair with ease, and the SmartSense microchip reduces the number of passes needed to achieve smooth strands (aka less potential for damage). The adjustable temperature control heats up to 450 in just 45 seconds and there's also a customizable auto shut-off feature. Just note that some users reported a burning smell when they used the straightener at higher temperatures.
Plate Width: 1.25 inches | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 450 °F
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Heats up quickly
Has dual voltage for travel
Floating plates for less frizz
Only one heat setting
Curly hair is more likely to be dry and brittle, making it especially prone to damage, which is why hair dryers for curly hair are a thing. Similarly, when you straighten your curly locks, you want to be sure the tools you use are designed to protect them. This flat iron has one heat setting and one heat setting only—365 degrees (which the brand claims is the optimum temperature for perfect straightening without damage). If you prefer to be in control of your iron's temperature, this one is probably not for you, but know that once you get into the 400s you're risking fraying your delicate tresses.
We especially love this pick for all types of waves and curls, including dense 4a curls. It has a 30-second heat-up time and floating plates which help this styler glide effortlessly through hair to straighten, smooth, and eliminate frizz.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 365 °F
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Heats up quickly
Titanium plates
Great for bangs & baby hairs
Doubles as curling iron
Not for all straight hair styles
Most straightening irons worth their salt have floating plates to help you smooth your hair with minimal snagging, but this one has another trick. It has a twist-lock handle, meaning you can easily go from curling your hair to straightening it, depending on your mood. The iron’s ultra-smooth nano titanium plate technology reaches a heat setting of 380 in just 30 seconds, a sweet perk for a styling tool in this price range. It targets the frizz and straightens all kinds of curls in minutes (or creates them, if that's your preference). We love that it's narrow enough to use on bangs and baby hairs.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 450 °F
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Byrdie
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Easy & comfortable to use
Wide temperature range
Titanium plates
Some users reported it stopped working after a few months
If you have colored or otherwise chemically-treated hair, you've probably already been warned by your hair stylists not to mess with hot styling tools too much. But, hey, we all break the rules sometimes, am I right? This flat iron is ergonomically designed so you can have more control over fine or damaged hair and get it smoothed out the first time around. The heat settings go from 200 degrees to a high of 450, allowing you to keep heat lower when going over any sensitive or breakage-prone areas.
The only thing we weren't thrilled about is some users reporting their iron stopped working after only a few months, but those reviews were relatively few and far between.
Plate Width: 1.5 inches | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 450 °F
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Graphite, titanium, ceramic, & ionic technologies
Gentler on damaged hair
Has dual voltage for travel
Some say the plastic body feels cheap
Yes, straightening irons are designed to straighten hair first and foremost, but a good one will also help smooth out your strands so you look like you just stepped out of the salon. This 1" flatiron uses not one, but four smoothing technologies to give you the sleekest look around. The plates are a mix of graphite, titanium, and ceramic (each material is designed to send targeted heat to your tresses with minimal damage). The straightener also employs ionic technology, which removes the positive ions from damp hair, canceling out its frizz effect.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 450 °F
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50 heat settings
Thin design
Wide temperature range
Can't handle thick sections of hair as well
We love a thin flat iron that has longer plates—it helps us get the job done much faster and without missing any spots. When surveying the top flat irons on the market, this model received numerous rave reviews for its ultra-thin design and five-inch plate, allowing for wider sections to be straightened quickly and efficiently. It also has 50 different heat settings up to 450 degrees and smooth titanium plates which can create super straight or wavy styles without tiring out your arms. We did want to note though that just because this flat iron can take on wider areas of hair doesn't mean you can load it up with thick sections of hair. That won't necessarily harm it, but will likely leave you with less than perfectly straight strands.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 450 °F
Read Full Review: The BaByliss Iron Gave Me Straight Strands in Under 10 Minutes
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Heats up to 450 degrees
Long titanium plates
Automatic shut-off
Some reviewers noticed plates tarnished
Perhaps the biggest advantage to a flat iron with titanium plates is it heats up super fast. It can also stand up to wear and tear better than ceramic plates. This iron has extra-long four-inch titanium plates that maximize surface area for fast performance and even heat distribution, even on long hair. The titanium plates glide smoothly and effortlessly for silky, frizz-free styles, adding extra shine. The digital display gives precise temperature control of up to the typical high of 450 degrees. It'll also shut off automatically after 60 minutes. The only downside we noted is some reviews said their plates were tarnished.
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Titanium | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 450 °F
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Great for staticky hair
Has dual voltage for travel
Lower heat for damaged hair
No temperature settings
CHI flat irons are known for their quality and this one, in particular, targets frizz, reduces any static electricity, and creates silky shiny hair after one swipe with its ceramic plates. It has a maximum heat setting of 392 degrees, but we found it heats up very quickly. Since it's only 1 inch wide, it's super easy to use for making curls and waves, and it has a long swivel chord so you won't get tied up in knots while using it. We love the durability of this iron—one of our editors still has hers after 11 years—and that it's less expensive than many of its competitors. The only thing we don't love is there are no temperature settings, so you can't tailor the heat to match your hair (although it is set at a temperature that should be safe for most hair types).
Plate Width: 1 inch | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Dual voltage | Max Temp: 392 °F
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Hydrates with argan oil
Tourmaline plates
Includes protective glove
Warranty is just one year
This flat iron has a neat little trick for handling frizz and restoring dry, brittle hair: it uses vapor infused with argan oil to put moisture and shine back into the hair. The combination of hydrating steam, infrared heat technology, and tourmaline-infused plates will allow you to straighten hair quickly without overdrying it. They work together to seal moisture into the hair cuticles for the smoothest results. We do wish the warranty was longer though—most other flat irons we reviewed have a warranty of two years or more.
Plate Width: 1.25 inches | Plate Type: Tourmaline | Voltage: 120V | Max Temp: 450 °F
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Allows closer root access
Good for travel
30-second heat-up time
Plates aren't very long
We love a compact flat iron that works fast and efficiently, and this one from ghd is that in a nutshell. It's skinny, half-inch plates can make it easier to get super close to your roots to more effectively smooth out textured or tightly coiled hair. But it's also the smaller size of the original we love so much and comes with the same high-level performance. Its ceramic plates heat up in just 30 seconds to 365 degrees—the perfect temperature for smoothing those shorter locks. In addition to allowing for better root access, the compact size is conveniently packable and has a universal plug, aka perfect for travel. It also has a protective plate guard as an extra safety measure when you need to style on the go.
Plate Width: 0.5 inches | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Universal | Max Temp: 365 °F
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Compact and packable
SinglePass technology reduces damage
Allows for closer root access
Temperature isn't adjustable
Looking for something you can pack for trips? Go with the T3 SinglePass Compact Iron. As the name suggests, the compact design features skinny plates less than 1 inch wide. And, like the ghd mini above, it comes with a heat guard cap so you can quickly pack it up after use if you need to (although we suggest waiting till it cools down considerably before doing so, especially since reviews note it can get pretty hot).
Thanks to the brand's SinglePass technology (there's a microchip in the device that helps maintain even heat distribution), you can smooth your hair in just one swipe rather than continuously running the hot plates over it and potentially causing damage. Though the temperature isn't adjustable, we appreciate how the narrower plates help you get closer to the roots.
Plate Width: 0.8 inches | Plate Type: Ceramic | Voltage: Universal | Max Temp: 410 °F
Where We Stand
When it comes to flat irons that’ll leave natural textures sleek sans heat damage, we’re giving top honors to the HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron. A great all-around flat iron, its tourmaline plates reduce frizz by generating negative ions, plus it features adjustable temperature settings to ensure you won’t fry your hair. For extra curly textures, the ghd Classic Styler is a great option. While it only heats up to 365 degrees, its floating plates make it easy to straighten, smooth, and eliminate frizz, even on the most dense of curls. For dryer hair types, we’re looking at the Kim Kimble Vapor Infusion Iron with Silk Argan Oil Shine Beauty Treatment. It uses an argan oil infusion vapor that smoothes and softens even the most unmanageable frizz, while tourmaline-infused plates and infrared heat technology straighten the hair in one single sweep, preventing future damage.
How We Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—including heat technology, plate material, and smoothing power—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own experiences testing some of these products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best, and one being the worst). Finally, we consulted with hair experts to round out our list of top picks.
Other attributes we considered in our research:
- Durability
- Temperature control
- Automatic shutoff capability
What to Look For in a Flat Iron for Natural Hair
- The Right Plate Material: Both Kimble and Miller agree that when it comes to flat ironing natural hair, ceramic plates are a great option for their ability to evenly distribute heat while minimizing damage to the hair. The ghd Original Styler is a great option with ceramic plates.
- “Compared to titanium, ceramic heats up more slowly but more evenly,” says Miller. “Ceramic also requires less passes to straighten the hair, which reduces heat damage.” However, Kimble points out that titanium plates can be a better option for kinkier, harder-to-straighten textures since they heat up quickly and transfer heat to the hair much faster than ceramic.
- Ionic Technology: Miller also recommends looking for a flat iron with ion technology. “Ionic hair straighteners are designed to straighten and smooth the hair while also improving its strength,” she says. This will lead to a finished style that's shiny, frizz-free, and free of damage. With that in mind, you really can't go wrong with the HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron.
- Adjustable Heat Settings: Kimble says to opt for a model with adjustable heat settings, like the Paul Mitchell Neuro Smooth Titanium Flat Iron, so you can customize the temperature to achieve your desired style. The safest and most effective temperature will depend on your hair texture, so having options is key.
- Good Closure Between Plates: Finally, Kimble mentions the importance of finding a flat iron that has good, even closure between the plates, which is necessary to straighten the hair evenly. If your current iron is becoming loose or not closing properly, it may be time to replace it.
- Narrow Plates: Narrow plates will allow you to get closure to the roots, a crucial feature when straightening tight curls and textures. Something skinnier than an inch is ideal, like the ghd Mini Styler, which has half-inch plates.
Why Trust Byrdie
Marriska Fernandes is a digital and print writer and has been a beauty writer for Byrdie since 2020. She has extensive knowledge of flat irons for natural hair (she has gorgeous, curly locks herself), and searched high and low for the best ones that work well on women with similar hair. The article was checked and updated by Ally Hirschlag, a Senior Beauty Editor, and beauty product fanatic who loves a great, curl-friendly flat iron.
Additional guidance was provided by stylists Kim Kimble and Nigella Miller. Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of haircare and hair tool line Kim Kimble Beauty. Not only does she work with the likes of Beyoncé and Zendaya, but her work has been featured across top fashion publications, campaigns, and other projects—including Beyoncé's Lemonade.
Nigella Miller is a hairstylist and natural hair and grooming expert whose celebrity clientele includes Jhene Aiko Chloe and Halle. She’s the founder of Nigella Hair Studio in Brooklyn, New York. You can find her work in numerous fashion editorials and her expert advice across multiple beauty publications.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any alcohol-free hairspray from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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