We asked three professional stylists to share their favorite straighteners for all hair types and textures. These are their go-to tools.
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For all the '00s trends making their present-day return into the zeitgeist, one we'd like to leave in the past is the damage from constant flat ironing to achieve pop star levels of sleek, straight hair. Heat protection and taking breaks from hot tools altogether are important parts of prevention, but having the right iron is everything. Or in the case of the seven suggestions below, using straighteners that have earned the respect and approval of those who understand hair best.
The experts ahead offer a deep understanding, not only of a range of hair types and textures but the industry-wide market. They include Priscilla Valles, a celebrity extensionist who works with the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Megan Fox, Hailey Bieber, and multiple members of the Kardashian/Jenner family. Monae Everett also weighs in as an educator, author, and stylist whose work has appeared on covers for Essence, Time, and Ebony. Furthermore, salon owner as well as extension and bridal-hair specialist Susan Williams shares the singular "'hole in the wall' find" she says is the only straightener she uses.
Ahead, explore more straightener recommendations and the specific reasons these stylists give their stamp of approval.
BeachWaver
"Not only is this rose gold, tourmaline iron beautiful," says Everett of the BeachWaver Coast Pro, "it can be used on all hair textures and is best for fine hair and hair that isn't super thick." This product offers adjustable heat at the touch of a button and a handy visible temperature display. Everett also shares that when choosing any straightener, materials make a big difference, hence her preference for tourmaline, ceramic, or titanium. "Most of the time I lean toward tourmaline or titanium. They usually get hotter (up to 450 degrees), the heat is evenly distributed across the iron, they fight frizz, and they last longer," she says.
T3
For celebrity extension expert Valles, one of her favorite straighteners also happens to be one of the most advanced options. "T3 just came out with one. It's great because it allows you to customize your texture," says Valles, referencing the devices' Lucea ID which adjusts the settings to best suit individual hair types, taking into account the length of the hair and if it's been chemically treated. "It's personalized heat, an amazing flat iron," she adds.
Fittingly, Valles emphasizes how important it is to have multiple settings within one tool. "The more options you have with an iron the better because you can use it for whatever look you're going for. For stick straight, you would want the heat really high. Other times you just want to smooth it out a little bit and then the heat doesn't need to be as high."
BaBylissPRo
With a quick Google search, you'll find that this design by BaBylissPRO has racked up tens of thousands of positive reviews across retail sites such as Amazon, Ulta, and Bed Bath & Beyond. But one of the strongest reviews comes from Everett. "This is a go-to iron for straightening curly and coily hair and creating silk press styles," she says, calling out the iron which makes it "easy to straighten hair all the way to the scalp." While Everett uses this product for creating smooth, straight results, she says it's multifunctional, too. "The thin plates also make this iron great for creating waves and curls."
Sally Beauty
For Williams, there are certain specifications she looks for in a straightener. "I prefer flat irons that have rounded edges," she shares. "This offers more styling options, like curling or bending. In addition, I find that the plate pinches less when it is ceramic and has flexible plates." There's one and only one choice that comes to mind for her.
"My favorite flat iron is actually a 'hole in the wall' find for me," shares the salon owner, "and I haven't veered off the path much yet because it works great for me and my needs as a stylist!" Her choice is the Generic Value Product 1 Inch Black Ceramic Flat Iron, retailing for $60. It earns the best value title considering how often Williams has had to replace it. "I have only bought three of these flat irons in my 11 years as a professional stylist. For using them 3-5 days a week, all day long, I have been very happy with it and highly recommend it."
GHD
Valles also calls out the GHD Platinum+ Styler - 1" Flat Iron, a straightener that's earned high praise from consumers and beauty editors alike. The built-in technology ensures the iron remains at 365°F, with heat distributed evenly throughout the plates, resulting in optimal results and preserved hair health. "What's really cool is that on the edges you can create a wave with that iron," says Valles of one of her favorite features.
FHI Heat
For Everett, the FHI straightener is one of her go-to tools. "It works on all hair textures and densities," she says, adding, "I love to use this on hair that is medium length or longer." Furthermore, Everett shares that she loves this tourmaline ceramic iron for its reliability. "I use this iron quite often backstage at runway shows. This iron is sturdy and dependable, which is really important to me as a hairstylist."
As a proactive tip, Everett also offers some advice: "I ensure that the irons come with a warranty, just in case anything happens to the iron, since I travel with my irons often."
Glam Seamless
Finally, Valles calls out the Glam Seamless 2-In-1 Styling Iron as a tool that works for all hair types — extensions included, of course — and has both straightening and curling functions thanks to its rounded barrel-like shape. "I love this iron because it's really universal," says Valles, stating that it offers the same results for all. This iron also comes in a complete kit, packaged with a protective glove, silicon mat, and hair clip for sectioning pieces while you use it.
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If you use any type of heat styling tool on your hair — whether it's a hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener — a heat protectant is a must-have. Without a properly applied protectant, the heat will dry out your hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage. These are the best heat protectant sprays.
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