Hair tools are among our favorite topics of discussion here at Who What Wear Beauty. From tapping celebrity hairstylists to tell us their favorite devices to testing out the buzziest gadgets, we're all about staying in the know on getting professional-looking results at home. In terms of the most important tools for getting smooth, sleek styles, hair straighteners are high on the list—essential, even.
As someone who has straightened her hair consistently for the better part of the last two decades, I know better than just about anyone the importance of a quality flat iron to get the job done quickly and easily. There are so many options out there that are great for some hair types but hopeless for others. And for the longest time, there was really no way to know the difference other than to go through a whole lot of trial and error.
Times have indeed changed, though, and online reviews have opened the door for us all to share our thoughts and experiences will all tools, including hair straighteners, so we can have the best shot at purchasing ones that are best suited for each of our individual needs. I dove into the reviews and comments of mega-retailer Amazon to sniff out the highest-rated irons at every price point. Ahead, check out the 17 straighteners customers can't get enough of.
Average rating: 4/5
Beloved by celebrity hairstylists like Justine Marjan, GHD has been the gold standard for straightening irons for some time now. This classic option is pretty basic in comparison to others from the brand, but according to the reviews, it's still a winner.
Average rating: 4/5
Floating titanium plates that reach 450º and an ergonomic design are what set this iron apart. According to reviews, the one-and-a-half-inch plates move through the hair with ease and straighten even the curliest tresses with just one pass.
Average rating: 4.3/5
This iron has over 34,000 reviews, the majority of which give it top marks. Customers say that its temperature controls make it ideal for all hair types, from course to curly and even fine hair. The tourmaline-infused ceramic plates employ micro-sensors that keep heat evenly distributed so the hair doesn't end up getting scorched.
Average rating: 4.3/5
This pro-approved iron features ultra-smooth titanium plates that conduct even, high heat. The plates are extra long for quicker straightening, and you can control the temperature with 50 different settings up to 450º.
Average rating: 4.4/5
This advanced iron features ceramic floating plates infused with high-grade titanium for more durable, longer-lasting plates that make for smoother, snag-free styling.
Average rating: 4.5/5
This affordable styler features extra-long plates that can help you style wider sections at once. The tourmaline ceramic plates get up to 455º and reduce frizz and flyaways.
Average rating: 4.5/5
This sleek styler is as effective as it is attractive. According to the reviews, it gets nice and hot, has useful indicator lights, and is overall a great buy for the price point. Since some reviewers commented that you can't get that tight of a grip, it's probably best suited for thinner hair types that don't require firm pressure for straightening.
Average rating: 4.5/5
This straightener features one-inch titanium-coated ceramic plates that reach 410º. The plates reduce the number of negatively charged particles in the hair for reduced static and flyaways.
Average rating: 4.5/5
This two-in-one styler functions as both a straightener and a curling iron. It encompasses five different elements (nanosilver, argan oil, ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium) to lock in moisture and keep the hair healthy and protected from heat damage.
Average rating: 4.5/5
Fun fact: Before gaining notoriety as a purveyor of excellent dry shampoos and other haircare products, Amika was a leader in heat tools. This classic iron is still a crowd pleaser. It uses infrared light beam and negative ion projector technology in its titanium plates that penetrate into into the hair cuticle to seal and smooth your strands.
Average rating: 4.6/5
This one-and-a-half-inch ceramic flat iron features wider plates so that longer sections of hair can be straightened faster. It reaches 450º with a digital temperature display and heats up in 30 seconds flat.
Average rating: 4.6/5
These hefty plates measure 1.75 inches in width, making them perfect for straightening long hair faster. Many reviewers remark at the speed at which they're able to straighten the hair with this tool.
Average rating: 4.6/5
If you struggle with frizz, this flat iron could be the remedy you've been searching for. Its ceramic plates are infused with micro-conditioners that get transferred to the hair during styling to minimize frizz and even keep it at bay for several hours.
Average rating: 4.7/5
The reviews for this sleek straightener are filled with more wows and OMGs than any of the others. It's equipped with corrosion-resistant titanium plates coated in a proprietary micro-shine finish for reduced friction and even heat distribution. It also has a soft black outer finish that makes for a more comfortable grip and a super-long cord for more freedom.
Pricier Honorable Mentions
Average rating: 4/5
Long, thick, and coarse hair types will be better served by the wide plates on this advanced iron. It's costly, yes, but it houses a microchip that maintains even temperature throughout its ceramic plates to seal hair cuticles for the shiniest finish.
Average rating: 4.3/5
Lots of commenters for this straightener call out the fact that they have curly, thick, and even natural hair types and that this tool helps to achieve smooth, shiny styles. It's definitely among the pricier options on this list, but if the testimonials and before-and-after photos are any indication, it's totally worth the cost.
Average rating: 4.4/5
This isn't the only GHD flat iron on this list, and that's because the brand really knows that it's doing when it comes to heat tools. This upgraded version of the classic one mentioned earlier will cost you, but in return, you get smart styling the actually predicts what your hair needs. The heat emitted from the plates gets monitored 250 times per second to make sure you're styling at the perfect temperature for smooth, healthy hair.
Up next: This Random Hair Tool Has 20K Reviews on Amazon, so We Tried It for Ourselves
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
