There are several methods to style your lovely natural hair (braids, locs, twists, to name a few), but if you want stick-straight strands, you’ll need the correct flat iron for the job. The finest flat irons for natural hair provide silky, straight hair without the use of high heat and, as a result, damage. We asked celebrity hairstylists Kim Kimble and Nigella Miller for their best recommendations on where to locate them. It all comes down to the plates, unsurprisingly.
“Look for a flat iron with high-quality ceramic plates if you want to transition between wearing your hair straight and wavy,” she suggests. “However, if your hair is kinkier or more difficult to straighten, titanium plates work fantastically.”
Kimble suggests investing in two flat irons if you can afford it for the greatest results. “I prefer to have two sizes of flat irons on hand,” she says. “A two-inch iron for straightening a large amount of hair and a smaller one for reaching close to the roots.”
Ionic technology flat irons offer shine and strength while minimal damage. However, having changeable heat settings is vital so that you may straighten your hair at a lesser degree without frying it. Also, change your flat iron if it’s gotten difficult to close—critical it’s to ensure the hair is straightened uniformly so you don’t have to go over any sections again, perhaps damaging your hair.
Here are the finest flat irons for natural hair, without further ado.
1. Overall winner: Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron HSI Professional Glider
This favorite iron has temperature settings that range from 140 to 450 degrees, which Kimble appreciates. “Always use a flat iron with an adjustable temperature that can reach 400+ degrees,” she recommends.
The tourmaline plates generate negative ions, which decrease frizz, and the ceramic is designed for durability and long-lasting results on all hair types. Reviewers really like how quickly the iron heats up, which is perfect if you’re often pressed for time. The only drawback is that it lacks an automated shut-off option, which may be a deal breaker for some.
What We Like
- Plates made of tourmaline
- Budget-friendly
- It includes a protective glove.
What We Don’t Like
- There is no automated shut-off.
2. Remington 1-Inch Anti-Static Flat Iron is the best budget option.
Perhaps you don’t straighten your hair very regularly. Or perhaps you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a flat iron. Alternatively, you might follow Kimble’s advise and get two flat irons. Whatever the cause, this low-cost option is the way to go.
The one-inch ceramic plates style the hair fast yet gently. It just takes 30 seconds to heat up and you can control the temperature to up to 410 degrees on a digital display. For further security, there is a 60-minute automated shut-off option.
What We Like
- It immediately heats up.
- Plates made of ceramic
- Has an automated shut-off feature
What We Don’t Like
- Long, thick hair takes time to style.
3. Conair Infiniti Pro Flat Iron, Best Drugstore
This is another flat iron that is inexpensive and does a good job without hurting the hair. The tourmaline ceramic plates straighten hair quickly and give anti-frizz and anti-static benefits. It has a heat setting that can reach 455 degrees and 30 distinct settings to help you create diverse looks. There’s also an automated shut-off option in case you forget to disconnect it.
What We Like
- Temperature setting on high
- Plates made of tourmaline
- Inexpensive
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes it shuts off by itself.
4. The ghd Classic Styler is ideal for curly hair.
This flat iron has only one heat setting—an optimal 365 degrees—so if you want to customize the temperature of your iron, this one is probably not for you. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent choice for all sorts of waves and curls, particularly deep 4a curls. The floating plates and 30-second heat-up time let this styler to slide gently over hair to straighten, smooth, and eradicate frizz.
What We Like
- It immediately heats up.
- For travel, it has dual voltage.
- Floating plates to reduce frizz
What We Don’t Like
- There is only one heat setting.
5. CROC Classic Black Titanium 1.5″ Flat Iron is ideal for damaged hair.
This flat iron has an ergonomic design that allows you to have better control over fine or damaged hair. The heat settings range from 200 degrees to 450 degrees, allowing you to apply heat to any delicate or breakage-prone regions.
What We Like
- Simple and comfortable to use
- Temperature range is broad.
- Plates made of titanium
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
6. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra Thin Straightening Iron with the Best Heat Settings
This flat iron has garnered several positive reviews for its ultra-thin design and five-inch plate, which allows for faster and more effective straightening of larger areas. It offers 50 heat settings ranging from 200 to 450 degrees, and the smooth titanium plates can create very straight or wavy styles without wearing out your arms.
What We Like
- 50 different heat settings
- slim design
- Temperature range is broad.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
7. Moroccanoil Perfectly Polished Titanium Flat Iron is ideal for use with titanium plates.
This iron includes four-inch titanium plates that are extra-long to enhance surface area for quick performance and equal heat distribution. The titanium plates glide softly and effortlessly, resulting in silky, frizz-free styles with added shine. The digital monitor allows for exact temperature adjustment up to 450 degrees. It will also turn itself off after 60 minutes.
What We Like
- Excellent for long hair
- Plates made of titanium
- Automatic power off
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
FAQ
What to Look for in a Natural Hair Flat Iron?
The Ideal Plate Material
Kimble and Miller both think that ceramic plates are a wonderful option for flat ironing natural hair because of their ability to properly disperse heat while reducing hair damage. “Ceramic warms up more slowly but more evenly than titanium,” explains Miller.
“In addition, ceramic takes fewer passes to straighten the hair, which lessens heat damage.” Kimble, on the other hand, believes that titanium plates are a better alternative for kinkier, more difficult-to-straighten textures since they heat up quickly and distribute heat to the hair much faster than ceramic plates.
Technology Based on Ions
Miller also suggests shopping for a flat iron that uses ion technology. “Ionic hair straighteners are intended to straighten and smooth the hair while also strengthening it,” she explains. This will result in a completed style that is lustrous, frizz-free, and damage-free.
Heat Settings Can Be Changed
Kimble recommends choosing a device with changeable heat settings so that you may alter the temperature to create the desired look. Furthermore, the safest and most effective temperature will be determined by your specific hair texture, so having alternatives is essential.
Excellent Plate Closure
Finally, Kimble emphasizes the need of locating a flat iron with good, uniform closure between the plates, which is required to straighten the hair properly. If your present iron has become loose or is not shutting correctly, it is time to replace it.
What is the finest flat iron for natural hair?
Both ceramic and titanium plates will work for natural hair, according to Kimble, but which one is ideal depends on your specific texture. She recommends ceramic plates for switching between straight and curly styles, while titanium plates are better for people with kinkier coils or hair that is more difficult to straighten.
Ion technology is required to leave the hair smooth, lustrous, and frizz-free. It’s also vital to look for a style that has changeable heat settings so you can obtain your desired look without singeing your hair.
How hot should a flat iron be for natural hair?
Kimble claims that the best flat iron temperature to straighten natural hair varies depending on hair structure. “With thick hair, you can normally go up to 450 degrees—but, again, it depends on your hair,” she explains. “If you have thin, fine hair, keep it under 400 degrees.”
