We all have to agree that it is not always possible to go to a salon to get professional looking hair. But thanks to the advancement in technology, now professional flat irons can be used by any amateurs to get a salon finish hairstyle.
Now since they are professional level that will ofcourse deliver the best service, but each device comes with its special features that might be suitable for some or might not be suitable for all.
So we have mentioned a few factors that can look into before investing.
Plate material
Ceramic- this material is good for hair that has less texture and is easy to straighten. This also helps to control frizzy hair.
Titanium– this material heats up quickly and avoids hotspots that can damage hair.
Plate width
If the hair length is longer than the shoulder length then 1 ½ inches to 2 inches would be suitable.
For shorter length hair 1inch -1 ½ inches would be suitable.
Temperature variation
For fine or chemically treated hair temperature required up to is 300F
For healthy or medium textured hair temperature required up to is 300-380F
For coarse, curly or thick hair temperature required up to is 350-450
These are the basic things that you must consider, for more information you can go through our buying guide where more factors have been listed along with some straightening tips.
And now you can check out our top listed products and get them from amazon.
Best Professional Flat Iron
| professional Flat iron | Plate material | Plate width | Maximum temperature | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BaBylissPRO Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron | Nano Titanium | 1 | 450 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| CHI G2 Ceramic Straightening Iron | Ceramic & Titanium Infused | 1.25 | 425 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| ghd Platinum+ Professional Hair Straightener | ceramic | 1 | 365 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Flat Iron | ceramic | 1.25 | 410 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Mondava Straightening Iron | Ceramic tourmaline | 1.25 | 450 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| HAI Classic Convertable Professional Flat Iron | Ceramic | 1.25 | 410 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| CROC Classic Nano-Titanium Flat Iron | Silver Titanium | 1.5 | 450 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| T3 - Singlepass Hair Straightener | Ceramic | 1.5 | 410 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Solano Sleekheat450 Professional Flat Iron | Ceramic Tourmaline | 1.25 | 450 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Karmin G3 Salon Professional Ceramic Flat Iron | Tourmaline and Ceramic | 1.5 | 450 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. BaBylissPRO Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron
Babyliss is in the grooming industry since 1961 and since then it has been innovating devices that can serve anyone at a professional level.
Design and build
This sleek designed flat iron offers three sizes 1 inch, 1.5 inches and 2 inches. For a detailed review, we have chosen a 1-inch model. But let me tell you that all the product features remain the same, irrespective of the plate width.
This is extremely lightweight and easy to handle. The plates measure 5 inches long and can take a good amount of hair to give a sleek appearance.
Babyliss has nano titanium plates that are excellent conductors of heat and can maintain stability even at high temperature.
Heating
The ultra-smooth straightener offers 50 heat settings and the maximum temperature is 450F. And it just takes 30 seconds to reach this high temperature.
450F is the highest temperature that hair can withstand. so this device can effortlessly straighten the thickest hair.
Babyliss flat iron is paired with ionic technology that gives a sleeker smoother hair with every pass.
The titanium plates heat up quickly and allow standard conductivity throughout the grooming session.
Its boosting speed and effectiveness reduces the stress on the hand and increases styling flexibility.
Product specifications
Dimension- 12 x 1.2 x 7 inches ; 1 pounds
Plate width– 1 inch
Plate material– titanium
Warranty- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Effective for all hair types
- Can be used to create beachy waves
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for long hair
2. CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Straightening Hairstyling Iron
This list could not not miss a Chi flat iron. This is known for its efficiency, making it a favourite among many professionals and beginners.
Design and build
Chi G2 comes with an ergonomic design that increases the reliability of the device. The ceramic and titanium infused plates makes everyday grooming possible without damaging the hair any further.
This flat iron features floating plates which measure 1.25 inches. This smoothens the hair without snagging or pulling the hair strands.
Heating
Chi G2 flat iron is quite versatile. It offers different temperature settings for different hair types. And these are indicated through LED lights for a better understanding.
Blue:- 0-370F(for fine or fragile hair)
Green:-375-395 degrees(for medium or wavy hair)
Red:- 400-425 degrees(for coarse or resistant hair)
This device just takes 40 seconds to heat up and instantly creates silky, shiny, and frizz-free hair.
Along with providing the hair with suitable heat it also has an auto shut off safety feature that saves the device from overheating. It can detect the usability of the device and automatically shuts off in an hour when the device is not in use.
Plus this device also works on dual voltage which makes it convenient to easily carry around
Product specification
Dimension– 1 x 0.6 x 3 inches, 15.8 ounces
Plate width– 1.25 inch
Plate material– ceramic and titanium infused
Warranty– 2-year warranty
Pros
- Effective for all hair types
- Can be used to create curls, waves or spirals styles
- Heats up in 40 seconds
Cons
- Does not have any additional accessories
3. ghd Platinum+ Professional Hair Straightener
Our third product is smart and quite innovative. This is engineered to detect the hairs need and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Design and build
This professional flat iron has an exquisite look with its black matte finish. It features ceramic floating plates that are crafted with precision and can effortlessly groom your hair while giving a glossy finish.
It also has a unique wishbone hinge and round barrels that make the product easy to handle to create sleek looks, curls or waves.
Heating
This straightener works on Ultra-zoneTM predictive technology. With this advanced technology, it can recognise the hair thickness and adjusts the temperature. This speeds up styling and saves your valuable time.
This just reduces the human efforts to create ultimate hairstyles and give a professional look. It can monitor heat up to 250x per second and maintain an optimal temperature of 365F. And this optimal temperature allows 70% stronger hair, 20% more shine also 2x colour protection.
Additional features
- This works on dual voltage making it compatible for travelling
- Its 9ft swivel cord can rotate 360 degrees and give enough flexibility and reduces the strain put on hands.
- With auto shut off feature the device powers off within30 minutes of non-use.
Product specification
Dimension- 11 x 1.6 x 1.8 inches ; 1 pounds
Plate width– 1 inch
Plate material– ceramic
Pros
- Works on ultra zone technology
- 360-degree swivel cord
- Heats up in 20 seconds
Cons
- Does not have any warranty
4. Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Flat Iron
Paul Mitchell flat iron gives you professional quality sleek looking hair. So let’s dissect the product and look into its design and heating capabilities.
Design and build
Paul Mitchell flat iron looks modern and sleek with its lovely black finish. The glossy finish gives it a high end feel.
The slim plates are composed of ceramic with beveled edges that smoothly straighten the hair. These plates are 1.25 inches wide.
Heating
While using this flat iron you can leave behind the thought of damaging hair with heat styling, as this device uses infrared heating technology. It produces negative ions that help to lock in the moisture and make your hydrated.
It just takes 60 seconds to heat up and reach a maximum temperature 410F. This also has a great recovery time( 5 seconds ).
The cushion ceramic plates smoothly glide over the hair leaving a glossy finish. Make sure the hair is completely dry before you start straightening.
Additional features
- Different temperatures are displayed on LCD screens for easy reading and understanding.
- Works on dual voltage giving you the convenience of carrying it around the world.
- 9 ft long cord gives you the flexibility to use the straightener at any angle.
Product specification
Dimension- 12.5 x 2 x 4.6 inches, 1 pounds
Plate width– 1.25 inch
Plate material– ceramic
Pros
- Quick heat recovery
- Dual voltage
- Heats up in 60 seconds
Cons
- Does not have any warranty
5. MONDAVA Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener Flat Iron
Mondava is an Italian hair styling brand that has been rendering professional styling tools since 1978. The brand inculcates latest technologies while building its products for the customers to achieve desired results.
This professional hair straightener from the brand helps you get silky straight hair, beachy waves or even curls and works well with all the hair types including thick, delicate, coarse, fine and curly.
Design and build
The hair straightener comes with large 1 ¼ inches plates, so it can be used for long hair, which has crossed the shoulder length.
As the plates are made of ceramic tourmaline, you can use the flat iron even on thin hair as the ceramic material prevents damage to the hair and also controls the frizz. Meanwhile, the tourmaline material makes sure the plates get heated quickly, so you can completely straighten your long hair in 8 minutes.
The plates can be locked whenever you want, so this straightener becomes a portable option.
Heating
With the digital temperature controller, you can select the temperature from 300 to 450F. So, this straightener can suit even the chemically treated hair at the lowest heat setting.
As the plates contain ceramic, the heat distribution is even, so there’s no damage to the hair even at the highest heat setting.
With the ability to generate 3 million negative ions per minute, the plates heat up quickly in less than a minute.
Product specifications
Dimension- 13.45 x 5.2 x 2 inches; 1.7 pounds
Plate width– 1 1/4 inch
Plate material– ceramic tourmaline
Warranty- not clearly mentioned
Pros
- 360-degrees rotatable cord never tangles.
- Dual voltage input for worldwide use.
- Looks stylish.
- Portable.
- Can be used for straightening and curling.
Cons
- As the plates are painted red, the paint tends to chip off.
6. HAI Classic Convertable Professional Flat Iron
Hai promises to give a one pass styling experience and lets you have a healthier and voluptuous looking hair.
Design and build
This flat iron is lightweight and easy to hold and maneuver. The ceramic plates smoothly glide over the hair. The 1.25 inches plates take a good amount of hair to give a sleek look.
And its ergonomic design relieves the stress from your hand while grooming.
Heating
This flat iron is appropriate for all hair types. It offers a wide heating range for different hair types.
250F-300F for fine hair
300F-380F for colour treated hair
350F-400F for human extensions
400F-410F for textured hair
It also emits negative ions that smooths the hair cuticle and reduces the static electricity. This gives a smooth and hassle free styling experience.
Its advanced technology allows fast heating and instant recovery. And the even distribution of heat avoids any hotspots that can damage the hair.
Product specification
Dimension– 11 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches, 1 pounds
Plate width– 1.25 inch
Plate material– ceramic
Maximum temperature-410F
Warranty– 3 year
Pros
- Offer different temperature setting
- Even distribution of heat
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- The hinge might not be very smooth
7. CROC Classic Nano-Titanium Flat Iron
This is a combination of professionalism and luxury. Croc is a common choice maong many professionals and beginners. So without any further ado let’s look at this product in detail.
Design and build
Its ergonomic design makes it easy to use. It features a slipless design that gives a secure and tight grip.
The late size measures 1.5 inches and these are floating plates which smoothly straighten the hair without pulling or snagging. The plates are structured with titanium and silver that reduces the frizziness and makes the hair look sleek and shiny.
Heating
Crocs flat iron has built in ceramic heaters that heats the device quickly and also offer a quick heat recovery. The negative ions produce close cuticles and add shine to hair.
This device boasts itself in making your hair healthy by locking in the moisture and reducing static energy while grooming.
It offers a different temperature setting from 280-450 degrees and you can choose the one depending on your hair type.
When the device is unattended for some time the temperature drops to 370F and saves power wastage.
Additional features
- Auto shut off features switches off the device of 30 minutes of non use
- Offers dual voltage capabilities and allows it to be carried around the globe.
- 9ft swivel cord gives flexibility to use the device in angle
Product specification
Dimension– 12.4 x 4.4 x 2.7 inches, 1 pounds
Plate width– 1.5 inch
Plate material– silver titanium
Maximum temperature- 450F
Warranty– 1 year
Pros
- 60% faster and effective straightening
- Seals moisture
- Complete digital operation
Cons
- Few consumers question the durability
8. T3 – Singlepass Hair Straightener
Our eighth product is specially designed to treat thick, long hair. It can unravel all unruly locks and make your hair manageable.
Design and build
T3 flat iron comes in beautiful white and rose gold colour. The plates measure 1.5 inches and come with an extended handle that gives a proper grip. The plates are made of custom blend ceramic that can smoothen the hair in just one pass.
Heating
This device runs on Digital T3 SinglePass technology. With this, you can ensure to straighten the hair in just one pass making the grooming process really quick and efficient. The wide 1.5 inch plates are made of ceramic and these are quite powerful to make your hair shiny and smooth.
The styling is also made efficient with iron that is enhanced with an internal microchip. This ensures even temperature across the entire plate and this results in uniform heating, avoiding exposure to unnecessary heat.
Product specification
Dimension- 10.3 x 1.8 x 2.2 inches, 10.2 ounces
Plate width– 1.5 inch
Plate material– ceramic
Maximum temperature-410F
Pros
- Fast styling
- Even distribution of heat
- Comes in rose gold colour
Cons
- Can heat up very fast
9. Solano Sleekheat450 Professional Flat Iron
Solano is a local brand that offers high-quality hair styling tools and accessories like hair dryers, flat irons, diffusers and other attachments.
This professional flat iron from the brand is built with ionic technology to keep your hair smooth and prevent any flyways all day long.
Design and build
Having 1.25 inch wide plates, the flat iron is suitable for long and thick hair. With the capacity to accommodate more hair strands at once, the styling becomes quick and easy.
The plates are made of both ceramic and tourmaline, so your hair is sure to get that long lasting shine. Moreover, these plates heat up quickly in 60 seconds.
There’s a 9-feet long cord attached to the flat iron that is tangle-free and allows you to use the appliance comfortably at any angle.
Heating
The tourmaline material of the plates makes sure the flat iron reaches up to 450F in less than 60 seconds. So, if you are a person with voluminous hair or thick curls, this straightener can make your hair flat and smooth in no time.
Product specifications
Dimension- 11.25 x 1.75 x 3 inches; 1 Pounds
Plate width– 1.25 inch
Plate material– ceramic tourmaline
Warranty- 2 years
Pros
- Best quality materials.
- Appealing design.
- The outer material stays cool.
- The brand offers good customer service.
- Suits long and thick hair.
Cons
- Nothing specific to mention.
10. Karmin G3 Salon Professional Ceramic Flat Iron
Karmin flat iron comes in a higher range but it is totally worth it. This gives a professional experience and a salon-quality hairstyle in just a few seconds.
Design and build
The flat iron features tourmaline and ceramic plates that measure 1 inch. This can work great for short length hair. The black glossy finish gives it an elegant look.
Heating
Karmin flat iron features a wide range of temperature giving you total control to choose according to your hair type. The temperature ranges from 250F- 460F. And it just takes 20 seconds to heat up.
This option of temperature ranges reduces the chances of hair damage and enhance styling.
The new heating technology uses 12 microsensors that distribute the heat evenly and protects the hair from any damage. This also results in quick styling.
Additional features
- Its swivel cord measures 3m that can rotate 360 degrees giving you the flexibility to use the device at any angle.
- This product comes with an additional heat mat and carrying case
Product specification
Dimension- 11 x 1 x 1 inches ; 12 ounces
Plate width- 1 inch
Plate material- ceramic and tourmaline
Maximum temperature-450F
Warranty– 2 year
Pros
- 360-degree cord
- Additional accessories
- Heats up in 20 seconds
Cons
- Not suitable for long length hair
Things to consider while buying chi flat iron
In this section, we would be discussing factors that can help you with precise buying. So make sure to go through them.
1. Temperature variation
This is one of the most important things that you should consider while buying a flat iron or straightener.
For thick hair, an iron with a high temperature should be preferred. However, if your hair is brittle a low heat setting would be better.
But the good thing is that most of the flat irons provide a wide range of temperature, so you can surely find the best one for yourself.
Fine or chemically treated hair: up to 300F
Healthy or medium textured hair: 300-380F
Coarse, curly or thick hair: 350-450F
2. Plate width
Depending on your hair thickness and length consider the plate size. For example, if your hair is long and thick consider buying an iron with more than 1 inch of width. And less than an inch for thin short hair.
Plate size can also help determine the hairstyle.
1″ plates- waves and curls on many hair types
1 1/2″ plates- best for thick, coarse or curly hairstyles
2″ plates- best for sleek, long hairstyles
3. Composition of plate
After deciding the size of your plate, you can look for its composition. The most popular type is ceramic and titanium. Ceramic plates heat up evenly and give you a smoother finish. But if you are looking for durability than titanium is a better option.
4. Multipurpose
If you are not looking to clutter your closet with too many devices and just one device that can serve your needs. Then get an iron that can straighten as well as curl your hair.
5. Strength of your scalp
Straightening might hurt. It might tug your hair and cause pain. This pain might also be caused due to scalp sensitivity. To solve this problem you must choose an iron with floating plates. These are slightly different structured and tug your hair less as compared to a traditional iron.
6. Dual voltage capacity
If you are a frequent overseas traveller. Then check if your iron has dual voltage capacity. 110V and 220V are the two options of dual voltage. This will let you use it at home and also abroad.
7. Safety timer
If you are a forgetful one and always wondering if you have plugged or unplugged your flat iron. Then here is an ideal feature for you.
Some flat irons come with 60-minute auto shut off and pre-programmed heat settings. This gives you peace of mind and it doesn’t even cost higher than the iron that does not have this feature.
8. Warranty
It is always better if your product comes with a warranty. This just makes the product more reliable as compared to others.
9. Titanium or Ceramic
Now that you know iron plates are usually of ceramic or titanium. You must be curious to know what are its advantages and disadvantages.
Ceramic is a favourite choice among many. As it smoothy straightens your hair with its evenly heat distributed technology. It is also efficient to increase the moisture which is required for hair straightening. And the best part is ceramic plates use ionic technology that uses negative ions, balances the hair and makes it relax and smooth.
Now titanium- a naturally occurring element. This is lightweight metal and gets heated up in a very short time. This property makes it ideal for all busy women. Being lightweight and durable makes it convenient for straightening.
This is most suitable for thick, coarse and stubborn hair.
So you can choose the material depending on your hair type. If your hair is not stubborn then a ceramic flat iron would work best. While if the nature of your hair is thick and coarse, then go for a titanium flat iron.
Steps to straighten thick hair
1. Wash and condition hair
It is always advisable to wash the hair before straightening. If your hair is dry use a hydrating shampoo and clean your hair. Or choose another shampoo depending on the hair type.
Also apply a conditioner once you are done washing with shampoo. Leave the conditioner for 5-7 minutes and then wash off.
2. Towel dry hair
After you have washed the hair. Use a towel to dry it. This step will reduce the task of a blow dryer. For towel drying use a microfiber, this fabric is more absorbent and softer than cotton.
3. Use a heat protector
Since thick hair requires high temperature it is better to use a heat protector. Apply this before you start straightening. This will coat the hair and prevent it from burning out or drying.
4. Blow dry using a round brush
Thick hair requires a bit more effort for straightening. While blow drying the hair use a round bristle brush to pull it straight. This step will also reduce the effort required by a flat iron. And make sure the hair is completely dry before you start straightening.
5. Section and comb
After this prepping is done section your hair and comb it well. Sectioning will make sure no hair strand is left behind and combing it well will prevent the flat iron to pass over any tangles.
6. Swiftly move the flat iron
Start heating the hair from at least 2 inches away from the roots. Glide the iron fast instead of holding in one spot for long.
7. Apply serum
After you are done with straightening apply a serum to add a shine to your hair. This will make the hair look glossy and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Well it should be cleaned frequently preferably after any use. If you see any hair or residue on the plates clean immediately. Perform this when the device is cool down.
Yes, you can surely curl your hair with flat irons. Though it might take longer to do so.
Well it depends on how you handle the device. But it is always better to take precautions. Wearing gloves can prevent your hand from burn
Conclusion
Finally we come to an end. We hope this article served your purpose. We have picked the best products on the basis of highest reviews and efficiency.
But among these best products we have our favourite and that is BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron. This is extremely lightweight and easy to handle. It offers 50 heat settings and a maximum of 450F. This can treat even the coarsest of hair. Plus it comes with 3 year of warranty.