12 Top-Rated, Bestselling Hair Straighteners 'Cosmo' Staff are Using in 2024 (2024)

Working in the beauty industry, I've tested more hair tools than I can even count—but what do I reach for every morning? This cute CHI hair straightener I bought six whole years ago. No, srsly. I've used it multiple times per week, every week for years, and it still leaves my frizzy, 3A curls looking just as sleek and smooth as it did on day one. One of my Cosmo coworkers used the same CHI straightener for ten years, so it's safe to say it's one of the most durable flat irons out there.

While this long-time bestseller doesn't have the bells and whistles that new, high-tech straighteners do (not even adjustable temperature settings), it does feature "floating" 1-inch ceramic plates that offer even heat distribution and uniform pressure as you move from roots to tips. If you're lucky, you can find it at Ulta in a fun, limited-edition colorway like my blue polka-dot print bb—or you can grab it on Amazon in basic black.

• Auto shut-off: No
• Plates material: Ceramic
• Plate size: 1 inch
• Temperature range: 392°F

Glowing customer review: "My favorite straightener brand on the market. I am not exaggerating when I say these last years. They are fantastic for travel, easy to heat, and cool down after for portability. My hair is thick and curly, and this straightens effortlessly every single time. It takes time off my morning routine and I can always count on this product. Highly recommend."

If your hair ends up looking poofy after a flat iron sesh (been there), it's time to try this top-rated BaBylissPRO straightener. The reviewer-fave is designed with titanium plates that heat up quickly and keep a steady temperature to quickly smooth your hair for a silkier finish. And because the tongs are ultra-narrow, you can easily maneuver them close to your scalp to straighten curly or wavy roots and help tame frizz and flyaways.

Another reason we <3 this particular titanium flat iron: an adjustable temperature range that works for all hair types. Fragile, damaged hair will benefit from using the lower range of 240-350℉, while coarse, difficult-to-handle curls can crank the heat all the way up to 450℉ if they please. The proper heat protection products are essential, regardless of what temperature setting you choose.

• Auto shut-off: No
• Plate material: Titanium
• Plate size: 1 inch, 1 1/2 inch, or 2 inches
• Temperature range: 240℉ to 450℉

Glowing customer review: "I definitely get my money's worth out of this flatiron. I have super thick, long hair and have been flat ironing it for years. The best flat iron—heats up fast, doesn't snag, gets the job done with a couple of passes, and doesn't burn. Leaves my hair looking professionally done with a silky flow to it."

What makes this Bondi Boost straightener so special? Its hot plates are ~aloe-infused~ to help boost shine and smooth out frizz. While there isn't much scientific evidence to back these claims (yet), Cosmo beauty staff who have tested Bondi Boost styling tools confirm the ceramic-coated tourmaline plates glide easily through your hair, leaving it feeling incredibly sleek and smooth. They also raved about how the cord is super long and swivels a full 360° so it doesn't get tangled.

"I've already stashed this Bondi Boost flat iron in my travel bag multiple times since I started testing it because it's soooo easy to use," says Beth Gillette, beauty editor. "Whether I wanna smooth my bob haircut, flip out my ends, add bb bends, or do a full flat-iron curl, this compact iron gets it done. And it does all of this without tugging at my precious fine hair or making it frizzy."

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Aloe-infused, ceramic-coated tourmaline
• Plate size: 1 inch
• Temperature range: 210°F to 480°F

Glowing customer review: "I took an 8-month break from flat irons, and Bondi Boost's Aloe-Infused Flat Iron was my first choice back. It's a game-changer! My hair has never looked this shiny and healthy after using a straightener. The aloe feature really works on frizz. It's so easy to use, no guilt, just sleek hair vibes! I also love the swivel cord, it makes the process so satisfying. Works like a charm."

Don’t let the light vibrations of this Bio Ionic 10X styling iron surprise you when you first clamp down. The oscillating plates encourage your hair to spread out evenly, helping you get a super smooth, super even finish all the way down. While this bad boy works on all hair types and textures, this unique design feature makes it particularly well-suited for thick and curly hair. As does the slightly longer plate size that allows you to straighten more hair at once, further speeding up the process.

Other design features we stan: adjustable heat settings, automatic shut-off after an hour, a swivel cord, and a tapered tip that makes it easier to reach your roots and hairline. According to the brand, the plates are infused with a proprietary mineral complex that emits negative ions to help minimize static, too.

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Ceramic
• Plate size: 1 inch
• Temperature range: 280°F to 450°F

Glowing customer review: "I have always had a problem finding a hair straightener that could actually straighten my hair and take the volume away in my hair since I have very thick and very curly hair—this is the hair straightener I will be using every day. Normally takes me two hours to straighten my hair, and I got it done in one hour. Highly recommend if you have thick and curly hair."

The futuristic Dyson Airstrait is the furthest thing from the wet-to-straight flat iron you fried your hair with during the 2000s. Yes, it too can be used on wet hair, but it uses an entirely different method to take your hair from towel-damp to dry and straight. Instead of traditional hot plates, the Dyson Airstrait uses hot air, allowing it to function as both a smoothing blow dryer and a damage-reducing straightener. It's a pricey tool, but testers (including multiple Cosmo staffers) all agree it's deserving of the hefty price tag since it streamlines your hair routine by eliminating the need to blow dry before you straighten.

"Frying my hair with a super hot iron is a thing of the past, thanks to Dyson's innovative Airstrait, " says Jasmine Hyman, associate shopping editor. "This device leaves my hair pin straight and takes just a fraction of the time a typical flatiron would. Plus, it has a bunch of custom temperature settings that dry and style my hair simultaneously."

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Uses hot air instead of hot plates
• Plate size: N/A
• Temperature range: 175°F to 285°F

Glowing customer review: "Getting my hair from my natural to straight used to take me 2-3 hours. I can now have my hair from fully wet to dry and straight in about 20 minutes... The shine and volume I’m able to achieve using this is incredible. I also love that this is not a flat iron, just a really cool blow dryer. I have super fine hair that breaks VERY easily, and since I started using this in place of a flat iron, I’ve noticed significantly less breakage."

As someone with thick, curly hair (especially in the back where it requires multiple mirrors and a neck ache just to see, let alone straighten), I cannot recommend T3's SinglePass styling tools enough. This ceramic straightener has an extra-long plate—which does require some getting used to—that allows you to flat iron more hair at once. As a result, it requires way less time, arm strength, and frustrated second passes to go from tangled mess to tousled waves—and trust me, you'll thank yourself for grabbing T3's SinglePass curling iron while you're at it.

But it's not just the XL plate size that makes this a particularly great ~professional~ flat iron. It has nine different heat settings, including a curl mode that sets the hot plates at just the right temp for curls and waves. Plus, the super sleek design makes me feel fancy af while I use it.

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Ceramic
  
• Plate size: 1 inch
  
• Temperature range: 260°F to 410°F

Glowing customer review: "I am a novice when it comes to flat ironing my hair but this product works brilliantly! The sleek design and manageability make for a beautiful experience. The only drawback I have is that the settings are not that user-friendly. You have to play around with it a bit to get the desired setting. The directions are not very clear on exactly how to do that, but once you figure it out, I think you'll be pretty amazed at how well it works. Definitely worth every penny."

As a frizzball who is constantly on the go, I can't imagine life without my little ghd Unplugged Styler. It's hands-down the best cordless straightener I've ever used, and it's my secret to having bouncy bangs and perfectly tousled waves no matter when or where. Yes, ghd straighteners are pricey, but some quick girl math confirms this bb's cost per use makes for a worthwhile splurge in the long run.

I've used this mini flat iron literally everywhere: at work, at the gym, in the car, at my hotel, on set at a photoshoot, in the airplane bathroom—just to name a few. Its lightweight, compact design (and the little carrying case it comes with) makes it easy to toss in your carry-on, gym bag, or work tote. The ceramic-coated plates heat up fast and they're small enough to reach the bed head right at my roots, flick out the ends, and twist unruly pieces into the perfect beach waves.

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Ceramic
• Plate size: 1 1/4 inch
• Temperature range: 365°F

Glowing customer review: "I can't believe I spent $299 on a flatiron, but it has been worth it!! I LOVE it! I bought it for a trip abroad and was so happy not to have to worry about electrical outlets and adaptors (except to recharge). It works like a charm on my straight bob that has developed some weird waves in recent years. The charge lasts long enough for me to use twice. I wish it lasted longer, but the no-cord convenience is so worth having to recharge it frequently."

I had blunt bangs for years, and this skinny little ghd styler was the *only* flat iron that made it easy to straighten and smooth them without burning my forehead. The plates are just half an inch wide, so you can precisely maneuver them through shorter, smaller pieces of hair, whether you're touching up curtain bangs or straightening a short hairstyle like a bob or pixie cut. The rounded barrel makes it easy to add texture or flick out your ends.

If you have medium to long hair, the small plate size allows you to create tighter curls and reach right to your roots for enviable smoothness—however, it will take a bit longer to straighten your whole head than it would with one-inch or two-inch plates. Added perks every hair length will enjoy: a speedy 30-second heat-up time, auto shut-off after 30 minutes, and an extra long power cord with 360° swivel.

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Ceramic
• Plate size: 1/2 inch
• Temperature range: 365°F

Glowing customer review: "I am so glad I bought this. It makes working with my short hair much easier than with my old iron with 1-inch plates. It glides through my hair so smoothly, and I love the almost instantaneous heating up."

While this Vanessa hair straightener doesn't come from a big-name brand, I've personally tested it and can confirm it lives up to the hype (i.e., 10,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon). It had no issues straightening my curly hair, and many reviewers raved about its ability to easily straighten coarse, 4b hair without a zillion passes. The one-inch plate size is suitable for all hair types, textures, and styling preferences, making this a safe bet for first-timers and long-time straightener users alike.

Truly, if you're looking for a budget-friendly flat iron that won't leave your hair fried, this is it. The plates are made from solid titanium that offers speedy heat-up times and excellent heat distribution—and according to the brand, they're infused with argan oil for added smoothing benefits. Plus, this baby has eleven temperature settings, a swivel cord, an auto shut-off feature, and dual voltage so you can use it abroad.

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Titanium
• Plate size: 1 inch
• Temperature range: 265℉ to 450℉

Glowing customer review: "This changed my hair completely. I have people asking me if I got my hair professionally straightened (my hair is a crazy mix of frizz, curls, and waves). I'm able to very quickly straighten it. I've tried EVERY big-name iron, some a few hundred dollars and this is the best so far! Works better than some irons 3x the price."

The right flat iron can make all the difference when it comes to straightening long, thick hair. Opting for wider plates, like the 2-inch ones on this Conair InfinitiPro flat iron, can significantly speed up the process by allowing you to straighten more hair at once. Don't be afraid to turn up the temperature to at least 350℉—once you've applied the heat protectant of your choice, that is—to ensure heat penetrates through to every strand.

"I’ve used this affordable straightener from Conair almost daily for the last five years, and she has never failed me," says Samantha Jones, commerce editor. "I have a ton of hair, but I’ve found that the 2-inch plates make it super quick and easy to get every strand straight in just a single pass, even on the lowest heat setting. Plus, I love that the straightener heats up in 30 seconds and has a 30-minute auto shut-off for peace of mind."

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Tourmaline-coated ceramic
• Plate size: 1 inch, 1 1/2 inch, or 2 inches
• Temperature range: 255℉ to 455℉

Glowing customer review: "Okay, maybe I'm nuts, but I have four of these... one in my bathroom, one in my camper, one in my overnight bag, and one for a spare! The oldest one must be about 3 years old now. I straighten my unmanageable hair DAILY without exception. I just really like the way these feel in my hand, they are comfortable and easy to hold/use. Large enough but not clunky or awkward. They have been holding up well, I've had no trouble with any of them so far. They work as well or better for me than super-expensive straighteners. (which I've also tried....)"

Curling your hair with a straightener is no easy feat if your hair isn't straight or wavy to begin with. (I'd know, I have 3A curls that hate a second pass.) Insert the Remington Pro multi-styler that's blowing up on social media. The unique hair straightener features curved plates that assist in creating loose, bouncy curls and tousled waves.

Reviewers agree that it takes a few tries to learn how to curl hair with a flat iron—but the device seriously speeds up the styling process once you've nailed your technique. Many point out how great the curved plates are for styling bangs and updos, too. Imho, the affordable price point alone makes it worth a try.

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Ceramic-coated titanium
• Plate size: 1 inch
• Temperature range: 300°F to 450°F

Glowing customer review: "When I first used it, I thought it didn’t work to curl my hair, but that’s because I was using it in the same way as a straightening iron thinking I’d magically get a curl. What you actually have to do is take a piece of hair, twist your wrist 180 degrees (basically as far as your wrist will twist) toward the direction you want the curl, and *slowly* pass the iron down. If you don’t do it slowly, heat isn’t applied long enough—you have to think of it more like the duration you’d keep a curling iron on a piece of hair. This doesn’t give me total ringlets but it gives me loose bouncy curled-out curls. It’s very similar to the effect of doing a blowout with a round brush and blow dryer... I almost bought a Dyson Air Wrap for this but this gives me the same effect as I’ve seen in Air Wrap videos, but for much less money and effort."

First, let me state the obvious: The Dyson Corrale is a very expensive hair straightener, but according to numerous testers on the Cosmo staff, it's 100% worth the splurge (especially if you can score it on sale). When you consider how much you'll save on salon blowouts, this treat-yourself moment will pay itself off in no time. Unlike the Dyson Airstrait, which utilizes hot air, the Coralle relies on copper hot plates with a flexible design that moves with your hair for more even heat distribution and less hair damage. Other than this, the main difference between the two is that the Airstrait can be used on wet hair, while the Corralle cannot.

"Back in high school, I fried my hair into oblivion in pursuit of sleek straight hair with my flat iron. After having done excess damage to my strands, I began to develop some trust issues with my set of styling tools. The Dyson Corrale, however? Let’s just say it healed my inner child who’s always been insecure about her wavy hair," says Daisy Maldonado, associate shopping editor. "Between the flexible plates that gather around the section I’m styling to the even distribution and tension it provides, I couldn’t love it even more if I tried. The control this unique shape gives me is next level and makes it so I don’t have to repeat passing my hair multiple times. Bye bye heat damage."

• Auto shut-off: Yes
• Plate material: Copper
• Plate size: 1 inch
• Temperature range: 330℉ to 410℉

Glowing customer review: "This is crazy expensive, but not if you flat iron your hair daily and/or go to the salon weekly. This paid my $ back in a month. Being cordless is great, and not having any heat on your scalp is also great... If you flat iron daily, it’s worth it. After my cats, in a fire, I will grab this."

Neither a ceramic straightener nor a titanium one is necessarily better or worse—it's just that one plate is likely better for your specific hair type. “Ceramic plates are often ‘safest’ for dry, damaged, or fragile hair,” says hairstylist Amy Abramite, adding that these plates, in general, don’t get overly hot, so the overall temperature of ceramic irons stays in a relatively safe range.

The only potential downside? Ceramic usually takes a little longer to heat up. Meanwhile, titanium plates heat up very quickly and can reach higher temperatures than ceramic irons, which is why they’re recommended for thick and curly hair that requires extra heat to get smooth.

But those aren’t the only types of plates out there. Here’s a quick breakdown of the four most common types of plates in a hair straightener:

• Ceramic: Heats evenly and slowly and can be less damaging on fine and fragile hair because it often doesn’t reach high temperatures
• Titanium: Heats very quickly to high temperatures, so it requires fewer passes, making it great for thick, curly, and coarse hair
• Tourmaline: A coating that can be added on top of ceramic plates that heats quickly, adds shine to hair, and is good for all hair types
• Copper: Plates get an even amount of heat very quickly, so it’s suitable for all hair types

All of these will straighten your hair, but the type of plates on the iron you choose should align with your hair type and goals. When in doubt, a tourmaline flat iron can work for almost all hair types, while titanium should be reserved for hair that is hard to straighten.

Before we get into the “best” straightener for damaged hair, you need to know that all hair straighteners can be damaging to some extent, especially with repeated use, so there’s no magical hair straightener that will inflict zero damage on already damaged hair. You’re putting your hair in between two super-hot plates, and if it’s not a good iron, you’re likely going over and over the same piece of hair to flatten it. This can all lead to dryness, split ends, dullness (especially if your hair is color-treated), flyaways, and hair breakage.

Still, there are a few features in a straightener that is best for damaged hair, specifically a hair straightener with ceramic plates, super customizable heat settings, and excellent reviews backing up claims that it really does straighten in one pass, since more passes = more damage, even at low heat, says hairstylist Anthony Dickey. And when you do flat-iron your hair, keep the temp low (under 350°F) and dial up the temp little by little. Final reminder? Always, always use a heat protectant first to help your hair resist some of the damage.

How much money you spend on a hair straightener definitely comes down to preference. Expensive hair tools aren’t necessarily “better;” they often just have more accessories and controls—basically, the difference between a five- and three-star hotel. If you want a tool with unique features (like cordless, “smart” technology, copper and ion-infused plates, etc.), you should expect to pay a bit more.

But if you just want to efficiently straighten your hair on a budget, give it a beachy wave once in a while, or use your hair straightener four times a year max, you can absolutely find an excellent iron for less than $50 (ahem, see the options above).

I wish the only factor to take into account when buying a new hair straightener was the price, but that's really only a fraction of the decision. Of course, the price tag might help you narrow down the selection, but you still gotta decide between all the devices within your budget. So while shopping, remember to:

Consider your hair type and condition.

The best hair straightener will depend on your hair's thickness, texture, length, and condition. Thin, fragile, or damaged hair should stick with flat irons with lower heat settings. “Hair that's finely textured, or compromised by chemicals, or already damaged may not be able to handle hot temperatures and still remain healthy,” says Abramite, so instead look for a hair straightener with adjustable controls and low-heat options (like 350°F to 375°F). But hair that’s coarse, curly, and thick will likely need an iron that heats to 400°F or higher.

Long hair that takes forever to straighten will appreciate an iron with extra-long and wide (like one-and-a-half or two-inch plates) plates that can fit larger sections of hair to cut down on styling time. But if your hair is short, you’ll maybe prefer a shorter, narrower iron that can get close to the root. Think about what you love and hate about straightening your hair (give me low heat that doesn’t fry my fragile hair all day, pls)—choose your hair straightener based on those parameters.

Compare the features.

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.

“A well-designed flat iron should close evenly on the hair to prevent pulling or uneven tension,” says Abramite. “It should glide smoothly through the strands and feel comfortable when maneuvering.” So if you try a hair straightener and it snags, pulls, or leaves your hair feeling anything but good on the first try, check the return policy (Sephora and Ulta will always let you return within 30 days, even if the box is opened, but check your Amazon seller before purchasing as they can have varying return policies).

Factor in the intended use.

Are you wanting a hair straightener for both straightening your hair and curling it? Are you using it to style bangs or a short pixie cut and need something that can get close to the root? Are you planning on traveling with your hair straightener? These are all questions to ask yourself before clicking that Place Order button so you don't end up with a device that doesn't fit your needs.

Because at the end of the day, even the best hair straightener won't do you any good if it doesn't have the shape, design, features, and modes that you're looking for.

• Amy Abramite is a hairstylist and the creative director at Maxine Salon in Chicago, IL. She’s an expert in hair cutting, styling with flat irons and curling irons, and blowouts.
• Anthony Dickey is a hairstylist and the founder of Hair Rules salon in New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Atlanta, GA and Hair Rules, a line of hair products for every texture. He is known for his ability to work with and enhance all hair textures through haircutting and styling.

Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with 10 years of experience researching, writing, and editing haircare stories in print and digital, including the best leave-in conditioners and the best hair-thickening shampoos. Her hair straightener picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.

Sarah Maberry is a commerce writer at Hearst Magazines with over four years of experience researching and writing beauty content, covering topics ranging from red carpet hair trends to anti-frizz hair products. She has tested hundreds of styling products, hot tools, and viral TikTok hair trends on her frizzy, type 3A curls.