15 Best Hair Straighteners and Flat Irons for All Hair

Above all, quality. Like curling irons and any hot tool that comes in direct contact with your strands, hair straighteners have the capacity to inflict very real damage. This doesn’t mean you can’t bargain hunt, but you’ll want to keep a few things in mind for extended use:

Easy-to-understand heat settings: Some hair straighteners operate via a fixed temperature, while others have a manual dial or screen to select your ideal heat setting. Hair pros told The Cut to start with a low heat setting and to avoid going above 450 degrees, lest you risk damaging your strands and natural curl pattern.

Fewer passes: Whatever your ideal heat setting is, you need a straightener that delivers in one or two passes (presses, hair sandwiches, etc.). The more passes, the more cumulative harm.

Ergonomic design: You’ll want a lightweight tool you can wield for extended periods of time, as well as one that has the capacity to swivel if you plan on waving or curling the hair. In terms of design, a set of plates that have a beveled (or rounded) edge will help prevent snagging.

Auto shut-off: While this isn’t a must for everyone, we want to ensure those with one very particular kind of neuroses feel seen. If you’ve ever reversed your commute or gone all day worrying about burning your place down, look for a tool with automatic shut-off. Brands like GHD, Bio Ionic, Remington, Dyson, and more have this feature, but the length of time can vary from five to 30 minutes when not in use.