HOT TOOLS Professional Black Gold Micro-Shine Flat Iron, 1 1/4 Inches

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The Chi Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron has an under-30-second heat-up time and an extra-long ... [+] swivel cord that gives you extra reach while styling. Molly Calhoun For Forbes To gauge maneuverability, I measured factors such as weight, cord length and swivel. These contribute to the overall ease of use of the tool. Another important criteria is temperature. I considered heat-up time, temperature control variability, accuracy and whether the iron has temperature memory and automatic shut-off. Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Styling Iron: This straightener was a standout due to the smooth glide of its nano silver tourmaline floating plates, three heat settings and the fact that it gets 40 minutes of full power from a single charge. It straightened well, but only after two to three passes per section. It took 70 seconds to reach its middle heat setting—longer than non-cordless models by about 45 seconds—and the exterior placement of the power and heat settings button was just where my hand gripped the barrel, making it very easy to accidentally change the setting. GHD Unplugged Styler: This cordless iron offers no-nonsense smoothing and straightening at a safer-for-hair temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s extremely lightweight, feels luxe and comes with a heat resistant storage case. My gripe with this straightener, though, is that it only provides up to 20 minutes of styling time and can’t be used while charging (unlike the Lunata model).

I find smoothing the hair first with a blow dryer allows me to use less heat with a flat iron,” says Henry. Patience and precision are also key. “It’s best to straighten in small, 1-inch sections,” she says. “Start by placing the iron as close to the scalp as possible and gliding it through to the ends. Do not stop on any one area of the section you are ironing because holding it on there too long can cause damage or breakage. Repeat the section if necessary, remembering to keep the iron moving continuously.” How Many Passes Can You Make On The Same Section While Straightening? Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.5 inches x 4 inches | Temperature: 250-410 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 15.8 ounces | Cord length: 8 feet, 11 inches | Warranty: 1 year The temperature of the Hot Tools Pro Signature Digital Straightener is displayed on the LCD screen. However, we did feel that the solid green color it illuminated to when the desired temperature had been reached gave the straighteners a less than premium feel. This was true of the flashing blue display when the styler has been switched off but not removed from the electrical outlet, too. We were also disappointed to find that there was no audible notification to alert you to the fact that the straightener has reached temperature.

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If you’re still overwhelmed by the options, look for added features that you’ll actually use, like an auto shut-off if you're always forgetting to unplug it, ion technology for extra shine and silkiness, vibrating plates if your hair is coarse or curly, or floating plates for less tension and breakage. You might have to pay a little more for a tool that has more than just the basics, but hair pros argue that a nice design can really be worth it. Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 0.75 inch wide, 3 inches long | Temperature: 380 degrees Fahrenheit | Weight: 7.6 ounces | Cord length: 5 feet, 11 inches | Warranty: 2 years Some straighteners come with heat-resistant mats or gloves, which are helpful for keeping countertops or fingers from getting singed. A storage pouch is another plus. If you travel a lot, look for an iron with universal voltage to allow you to use it abroad.

I tested 22 flat irons that—while they’re solid options—didn’t make the cut. Read more on my findings below.When rating irons, I considered four principal criteria. Two criteria—material and plate size—were noted in detail but not considered in the ultimate rating. That’s because material, whether ceramic, tourmaline titanium or some other metal, is something that is often selected based on hair type and needs (more on this in our “How To Choose A Hair Straightener” section below). Similarly, the best plate size for each individual is usually determined by hair length. The rounded tip of the styler means we were able to clamp the plates extremely close to the roots of the hair, and we found one pass at a time was sufficient to smooth any kinks out of fine hair. Tourmaline straighteners are ceramic or metal irons that are coated with the mineral for a smoother finish and better glide. “They’re great for most hair types and for people looking for smoothness and to fight frizz,” says Henry. “The coating allows the flat iron to glide through the hair without pulling or snagging.” Another key factor to consider is plate width. “A 1-inch plate is traditional and works best on all hair types,” says Henry. “It’s excellent for short hair or for use around the hairline or bang area. Larger plates are best for long hair and can save time, as they cover more of the section at once.” Temperature Settings The 1-inch plates on this iron make it versatile enough to work well for short or medium-length hair, or on bangs or fine baby hair around the face. “A 1-inch plate allows for a grip tight to the root regardless of hair length,” says Nicole Henry, senior colorist at Warren Tricomi Salon. However, the Chi may be slightly more time-consuming to use on longer hair between the single set temperature and the face that the plates cover less surface area.

It’s better to start off using lower heat and fewer passes until you see what works best with your hair. “You should expect to pass over the hair one to four times depending on your hair type and texture,” says Bryant. “As straighteners are extremely hot, it’s best to use it on a lower setting at first to see how your hair handles it.” Should You Always Use A Heat Protectant With A Flat Iron?Using a hair straightener can be a time-consuming extra step in your journey toward polished hair. The process requires patience, precision and even some additional upper arm and shoulder strength. You want the payoff—ideally silky, smooth, shiny hair that looks really, really good—to match the effort you’re putting in. The last thing you need is for frizz to start creeping in ten minutes after you walk out the door. There are several factors, like materials and plate width, to consider in a flat iron. We consulted professional hairstylists who have extensive experience with these hot tools. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the best one. Material

Lightweight compared to other hair straighteners we’ve tested, we found the Hot Tools styler glided through hair relatively smoothly, both while straightening and curling. In addition, its rubberized finish certainly made twisting the straighteners to curl hair more manageable.

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After using the GHD Platinum Plus Styler consistently for over a year, I still appreciate the same features I raved about from day 1. The fast, even heat-up time still takes just 20 seconds, which is critical when I’m trying to go for a sleek, pulled-together look while running late. The flexible, coated ceramic plates never snag and always leave my hair looking shiny.