Irons: the best rated favorites
Have you ever wondered how he does it? The girl with the fabulous hairstyle? I bet she used one of my favorite hair gadgets of all time, a straightening iron. With so many flat irons on the beauty market, how do you choose which one is right for you? I have you covered. I’ve put together expert and customer picks below, to give you insight into some of the most popular, best-selling and highly praised flat irons on the market so you can find the right tool for you. Irons, straightening irons, styling irons… which one suits you best?
Ceramic Hair Straightener MK3 GHD 1″
Alias: the international favorite
Already a best seller in the UK and Australia, the GHD MK3 straightener is rapidly developing a loyal fan base here in the US. Even heat conduction allows for a faster heat-up time than a conventional straightener , and the long-lasting temperature leads to optimal hair straightening in minutes. Just brilliant!
Plus: GHD has expertly formulated a line of hair care and heat protectants to accompany your heat styling efforts for ultimate hair bliss.
Chi Original 1″ Ceramic Straightening Iron
Aliases: The Original
Great hairstyles are simple with the right tool; CHI proves it over and over again. With an extensive product line and many different irons to choose from, I have to agree with their loyal customers, you can’t go wrong with CHI, but the original model is one of my favorites, and it’s sure to be one of yours! Known in the industry for continually creating new limited edition plates in trendy colors, CHI is ideal for fashion lovers.
Bonus: CHI has a great hair care line to keep your hair silky smooth!
Maxiglide
Alias: The Cult Favorite
Smooth, shiny, straight and snag-free! That’s what I keep hearing from Maxiglide users. Exclusive Steamburst technology and ceramic detangling pins make this iron unlike any other, in a good way. Not only does this straightener get consistently high reviews on beauty sites, but Maxiglide customers are very passionate about this straightener; they keep raving about it over and over again. There’s a reason it’s a bestseller. Need I say more?
Plus: The Maxiglide also has a slimmer and smaller version: the Miniglide. It’s the perfect travel companion for touch-ups on the go.
GHD Ceramic Hair Styler and Hair Straightener, Flat Iron MK4
Also Known As: The Rookie
The highly anticipated release of the newest addition to the GHD family is already causing a stir in the media and it does not disappoint! Being one of the lucky few to take a look, I love love love this iron. Incorporating state-of-the-art styling technology, this heat styler curls as easily as it straightens, giving you the ultimate in versatility. Plus, it automatically adjusts for international voltages, has a stronger cord, and a new sleep mode that automatically turns off after 15 minutes. That’s one smart stylist!
More: Just to make sure you have the “technical knowledge” of styling, there’s a step-by-step DVD included in the box. Beware of the competition, there’s a new player in town, the GHD MK4 has arrived.
CHI Wet to Dry Ceramic Flat Iron Automatic Digital Hair Straightener
Also Known As: The Powerhouse
Specially designed for damp hair, the CHI Wet-to-Dry Straightener uses ceramic ionic technology to eliminate frizz while straightening it, transforming hair into super-smooth, shiny locks right out of the shower. State-of-the-art digital technology lets you set the precise temperature and even has a timer with auto shut-off. Ideal for all hair types, CHI wet-to-dry straightens the most voluminous and unruly strands with ease.
Plus: CHI works just as well on dry hair, making it perfect for every grooming situation. Sometimes I’m late, you know?
HAI Twig Flat Iron 3/8″ Ceramic Styling Iron
Aliases: The Mini Sleeker
Tame even the thickest, frizziest short hair into smooth, shiny locks with HAI Twig. One use and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The thin 3/8″ ceramic plates work wonders on bangs and those whispery strands we love so much. For best results and styling control, you should never use a wider plate width than necessary, and now you don’t have to. Now everyone can have the same results as the pros, Twig makes it so easy!
Plus: This sleek styler features the same rapid heating element and adjustable temperature settings as the larger HAI models, making it a great choice for anyone looking to style shorter sections in seconds.
FHI Heat Technique Ceramic Ionic 1-3/4″ Professional Flat Iron
Middle Name: Big Daddy
If you have long, thick, coarse, or unruly hair, the FHI Heat Technique Professional 1-3/4″ Ceramic Ionic Straightening Iron is your one-way ticket to straightening it. FHI’s ceramic tourmaline technology generates negative ions to neutralize ions positives found in thick hair dry, dry, damaged hair, and the set temperature ensures even heat distribution every time you use it.If you’ve ever set aside a few hours to straighten your thick, huge mop, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this iron tames your hair.
Plus: FHI is an amazing heat protectant: FHI Heat Hot Sauce. It has a moisturizing base, and when used with a flat iron, it actually penetrates to the core of your hair to deeply rebuild and condition from the inside out. Talk about protection.
CHI Nano Digital Ceramic Flat Iron 1-1/4″ Hair Straightener
Aliases: The Mac Daddy of Techno
Do you love to take control? With the CHI Nano Digital Flat Iron, you get a precise set temperature that ensures perfect, even heat every time you style. No more overheating, over-drying, excessive damage to your hair. What could not be loved? Plus, it has advanced Nano Silver technology that kills bacteria and creates a germ-free styling environment. It is a sterilized straightening with each style.
Bonus: The CHI Nano Digital Straightening Iron looks as good as it works! I love its main drawback and I never want to keep it. Looks great on any dresser (on top of a heat resistant rug, of course!) I love an appliance that’s stylish.
Hot Tools 1″ Ceramic Far Infrared Heat Straightening Iron
Nickname: The Professional
A separate heating system for each heating plate ensures superior styling performance and puts the “hot” in Hot Tools. Professional Soft Heat(TM) technology produces gentle far-infrared heat for more efficient heating, faster styling and shinier hair, and ceramic-titanium technology provides snag-free styling as it glides smoothly through strands. Any hair appliance that doesn’t snag or pull on an overworked hairstyle gets an A+ in my book. Thanks hot tools.
More: This iron proves that you can get great technology at a great price!
FHI Technique Professional Pink 1″ Hair Straightener
Second Name: Versatility
One straightener, with all the styling capabilities you’ll ever need. You can straighten, flip, and even curl your hair in seconds with this babe in our favorite shade, PINK. FHI uses Nano Technology to maximize the effects of negative ions during styling. Additionally, Nano Titanium Oxide and Nano Silver technology help remove harmful chemicals and kill bacteria. This means you have shinier, healthier hair with FHI, and who doesn’t love pink?
Plus: Smooth, sleek or sexy curls, change your style as often as a celebrity with this FHI Pink flat iron. And you thought flat irons were only for straight styles!
HAI 1-1/4″ Convertible Ceramic Flat Iron
Aliases: The Multitasker
The HAI Convertible’s sapphire ceramic plates are unmatched for even heat distribution and the ergonomic design makes it easy to press, hold, style, twist and curl hair. Speaking of multitasking! People love this iron, and you will too.
Plus: HAI is great for straightening hair and creating loose waves, perfect for those who like to mix it up! And who doesn’t love sapphire?
As you can see, there are many great flat irons that are perfect for your individual hair type and styling needs. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to use a heat protectant. All of these ceramic ionic styling tools get very hot and can cause dryness or damage if care is not taken. Using a heat protectant on your hair before styling should always be your first priority. It will keep your hair healthy and shiny and will enhance the styling potential of any flat iron you choose.