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A well-known brand with a die-hard following, the CHI offers heat settings based on your hair type so you can't go wrong.
A well-known brand with a die-hard following, the CHI offers heat settings based on your hair type so you can't go wrong.
We love the color-coded heat settings based on hair type on its digital display. With its new titanium-infused plates, it is even smoother than its previous models. Sleek and ergonomic design. Includes thermal mat.
The on-off switch and temperature controls are on the inside of the handle, which can be awkward until you get used to it.
Specifically designed with a cylindrical body for both straightening and curling with lots of nice features for a professional result.
Specifically designed with a cylindrical body for both straightening and curling with lots of nice features for a professional result.
Solves a common problem with an extra-long cord. Has a convenient swivel base so you can style from any angle. Heats in 15 seconds with 5 heating settings, each labeled with the temperature. Automatic shutoff and a safety lock for traveling are nice safety features.
Curling with the iron may take some practice, but it is easy to use as a straightener.
Extra-long plates are great for getting super close to the scalp or styling bangs.
Extra-long plates are great for getting super close to the scalp or styling bangs.
With a full two-year warranty, you can feel safe trying out this flat iron. Temperature controls between 265 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Features LCD display. "Mirror" titanium plates are super smooth, creating sleek and shiny hair.
Some users have noted that their curly hair can get caught on the plates if they are not precise when placing their hair.
A high-end flat iron with a solid reputation that offers a digital temperature display and titanium plates.
A high-end flat iron with a solid reputation that offers a digital temperature display and titanium plates.
Offers professional features such as super-smooth plates. It has 25 heat settings and a precise system to maintain heat to avoid scorching hair. The nano-silver technology offers sanitation and deodorization benefits. Keeps your hair smelling fresh and clean.
Not great for flat-iron curls, since the edges get very hot.
Professional quality made for casual use with features specifically designed to smooth hair.
Professional quality made for casual use with features specifically designed to smooth hair.
Gets lots of notice for its ability to create sleek styles with ease. Smooths and polishes hair to make it shiny. A digital display makes it easy to see the exact temperature you are using, which you can change from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
No automatic shutoff feature.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Updated December 2021
If you like your hair sleek and pin-straight, or just smooth and frizz-free – and want that style to last more than a day – then you should invest in a premium flat iron. You really will see a difference in both how your hair turns out, ease of use, less damage, and longer lasting results. Why are they better? The titanium or tourmaline heat plates are safer and let hair slip through easily, and more expensive models offer customized heat settings so that you aren’t using a setting that is too high for your hair, or too low to be effective. They also usually come with warranties and other safety gear, like heat-protecting gloves, so you can rest assured in your splurge. A premium flat iron will cost about $125.
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