Love Your Locks With the Best Flat Iron for Natural Hair
Get salon-worthy results with the best flat iron for natural hair. Tame frizz, enhance shine, and achieve flawless straight styles effortlessly.
On the hunt for the ultimate flat iron to keep your natural hair looking fabulous? Well, you've landed in just the right spot! Keeping your natural hair beautiful, healthy, and easy to manage is truly transformative. But to nail that perfect look, you need the right tool tailored to your hair type. We've been on a little treasure hunt to scope out the best options out there.
In this article, we're excited to share our favorite picks for top-notch flat irons that not only enhance the beauty of your natural tresses but also protect them from any heat woes. Stick around to find out why these flat irons are totally worth your attention!
We hope you discover your next favorite beauty find from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try, but all opinions in this article are our own. And, FYI — GlamourBadger may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy your next favorite beauty find!
How We Choose
After extensive research, we've compiled a list of the best flat irons for natural hair. We understand that finding the right tool is crucial to maintaining the health and integrity of your natural hair.
Our list includes flat irons that not only straighten hair easily but also protect it from heat damage. We've carefully considered factors such as plate material, temperature control, and overall performance, to give you the best options available.
Whether you need a good tool for a silk press or just want to switch up your culry locks for a straight look, these top picks will do the trick.
So, no matter your hair texture - if you have kinky, coily, curly, or thick hair these hair straighteners will work wonders. Trust us, your hair will thank you!
Why We Like It
Introducing the CHI G2 Professional Flat Iron, the world's best traveling flat iron with titanium-infused ceramic plates for a smooth, glossy finish.
Dual voltage allows you to have the confidence to take this tool wherever you go in the world and feel safe that it will work. Each heat range is color-coded so you can easily identify the correct temperature for your hair type, from fine/fragile to coarse/resistant.
The professional salon flat iron features a ceramic heater with advanced technology for a fast 40-second heat-up and an auto shut-off after one hour to protect your hair and your flat iron from overheating. The 11-foot swivel cord gives you added flexibility and comfort while styling your hair.
More to Know
Featuring an upgraded design and advanced technology, this iron offers an even smoother glide and greater durability than ever before.
The ceramic and titanium-infused plates guarantee a consistent heat up to 425°F/220°C, perfect for styling any type of hair. The digital temperature reading display allows you to easily adjust the setting to suit your needs, whether that be fine, medium, or coarse hair.
The G2 Flat Iron has been recognized with multiple awards, including the New Beauty - Best Flat Iron 2015 and the Beauty Launchpad - Reader’s Choice Award 2015, making it a great choice for achieving professional results.
Why We Like It
Upgrade your styling game with the Hot Tools Pro Artist Evolve Ionic Salon Hair Flat Iron. This tool is designed to provide long-lasting results with its cutting-edge ceramic-titanium plates.
Whether you want sleek straight hair or effortless waves, the flat iron can help you to achieve those looks with ease. The tool also features a rotating dial for easy temperature control, as well as an easy-to-read digital LED display.
You’ll even get an audible tone when the desired temperature is reached. Enjoy the power of true salon-level styling from the comfort of your home with the Hot Tools.
More to Know
Whether you’re traveling the world or just heading to the office, this flat iron is perfect for on-the-go styling with its universal dual voltage capabilities and its auto-shut-off feature.
It also comes with a glove for extra protection. With variable heat settings that go up to 455℉ and its rounded edges, you can achieve the perfect, smooth, and shiny styles without compromising the health of your hair.
Plus, this flat iron has an advanced ion generator for maximum ion output, giving you those sought-after silky strands. With Hot Tools, you’re getting the same trusted and stylist-recommended brand that has been a leader since its founding in 1990.
Why We Like It
The Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ flat iron is a must-have beauty staple for all hair types.
A best-seller year after year, this professional-grade flat iron is designed with ceramic plates for maximum efficiency and is engineered with far-infrared technology to protect your hair’s natural luster. Super-charged negative ions seal in moisture to tame unwanted static frizz leaving you with a smooth, shiny finish.
Its unique angling system and curved edges enable you to get close to the scalp while providing effortless styling, and its 9-foot cord offers plenty of maneuverability for all your styling needs. Not to mention its fashionable, stylish design that adds a touch of class to any vanity!
More to Know
This tool gives you fast results and ultimate styling control. This ion flat iron is ready to use in 60 seconds and cools off in less than five seconds, giving you time to style without the wait.
The temperature is easy to adjust with a large digital display and even heats up to 410°F. And with ceramic plates along the entire surface, you get an even heat and less damage to your hair.
Plus, it’s equipped with rounded edges to give you more styling options, whether you like sleek straight hair or glamorous waves. You can travel worry-free with the automatic one-hour shut-off and dual voltage compatibility (110-240V).
Why We Like It
Experience the high-end salon styling of the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Flat Iron.
Crafted with an ultra-thin profile, these irons are exceptionally lightweight and easy to maneuver, allowing you to take your styling experience to the next level.
The extra-long five-inch plates make it possible to work with longer hair faster, plus they evenly distribute 450°F of heat for amazing styling control and a polished, radiant shine. And thanks to their thin plate design, you can get close to the scalp for versatile looks that last all day.
More to Know
This is a professional tool designed to give you smooth and shiny hair with every use. This flat iron features Nano Titanium™ plates, designed to provide superior heat transfer and instantly smooth and shine your hair.
It also features a dual voltage ceramic heater with 50 different heat settings, allowing you to find the perfect heat setting from a range of 275-450°F for all types of hair. In addition, the slim and ultra-lightweight design of this flat iron makes it incredibly comfortable to use.
Plus, the Ryton housing resists ultra-high heat, while the 9 ft swivel cord ensures a tangle-free user experience.
Why We Like It
Style your hair like a pro with the Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener Iron. This advanced styling tool features advanced ceramic plates that contain more ceramic than standard models.
These plates are infused with argan oil, keratin, and a special micro-conditioner to provide even heat distribution. With the innovative 2x Shine-Enhancing Technology, you can say goodbye to dull and frizzy hair.
As you use this tool, the micro-conditioner combines with the advanced ceramic to give your hair a smooth and radiant shine. This sophisticated and reliable styling tool is perfect for creating sleek, straight hairstyles. It's easy to use and provides consistent results every time.
More to Know
Featuring a two-inch wide flat iron that won’t leave out any strand, this professional hair straightener technology will have your hair looking super sleek and shining like never before.
Rejuvenating your hair’s inner glow, the Shine Therapy ceramic can boost your hair’s health and shine for up to 50% more.
The flat iron also features floating plates for the ultimate silky glide to keep your locks looking smooth.
Best Flat Iron for Natural Hair FAQs
What type of flat iron is best for natural hair?
In general, the best flat irons for natural hair have ceramic plates or tourmaline-infused ceramic plates as they help reduce frizz and create sleek styles without damaging the hair.
It's also important that the iron has adjustable temperature settings so you can customize the heat depending on your specific needs as well as on your hair type and texture.
Additionally, look for an iron with floating plates with smoother edges so you can move more freely throughout your hair without snagging it.
The CHI G2 Digital Ceramic 1" Hairstyling Iron is a great choice because of its versatility and durability. It has 9 digital temperature settings ranging from 140°F to 410°F so you can easily adjust the heat based on your desired style and/or texture of the strand being styled.
The electronic temperature control offers precise styling all over creating smooth, long-lasting results each time you use this product. Its titanium-infused ceramic plates add extra shine while eliminating static by reducing frizziness; ensuring that every style looks polished and perfect every single time.
How do you flat iron natural hair without frizz?
The first step is to make sure your hair is properly prepped before flat ironing. Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to help prevent stripping away natural oils from your scalp and cuticles.
Follow up with a deep conditioner before rinsing out all of the excess moisture.
After conditioning, use a leave-in product that suits your particular needs such as an anti-frizz cream or serum specifically designed for curly/kinky hair textures. This will help smooth down the cuticles prior to applying heat so you don’t end up with that dreaded frizzy effect afterward.
Do I always need a heat protectant when using a flat iron?
Yes! Using a heat protectant is essential when using a flat iron. Heat styling tools can reach temperatures upwards of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and without proper protection, this could cause serious damage to your hair’s cuticles – leading to split ends and breakage.
A good heat protectant will work as a barrier between your chosen styling tool and the hair itself, locking in natural oils while also protecting from the heat generated by these tools.
Many products of this type contain nourishing ingredients that not only shield your strands but also help them look healthy.
What’s the difference between titanium and ceramic plates?
Titanium is a lightweight metal that heats up quickly and evenly. It’s great for quickly straightening thick, coarse hair as its heat penetrates deep into the roots to smooth out tangled strands while minimizing damage caused by high temperatures.
Titanium also has a reputation of maintaining heat evenly across larger surface areas better than other materials, making it great for styling large sections of hair all at once or taking on longer tasks without worrying about hot spots or inconsistent results.
However, titanium requires very precise temperature regulation in order to protect delicate strands from scorching which can be tricky when using on finer hair textures because if the temperature is too low it won't be effective enough but if it's too high then it can lead to excessive damage.
Ceramic plates offer gentle yet effective heating capabilities that are great for styling wavy and curly hair with minimal risk of burning. Ceramic plates also retain more moisture than other materials so they help keep each strand well-hydrated while locking in style and providing a glossy finish after use; this makes them ideal for those who want their hairstyles to last throughout the day without having to reapply products over time due to dryness or frizziness caused by heated tools like flat irons.
However, ceramic isn’t quite as powerful as titanium so you may need more passes over each section when straightening your locks which could result in increased damage if not monitored carefully and frequently checked during the process (especially when dealing with fine hairs).
What kind of flat irons do professionals use?
Some popular choices for professionals include:
GHD Platinum+ Styler - This is an exceptional flat iron with tri-zone technology that helps prevent hair damage due to over-styling. The cleverly designed plates provide an even heat distribution on every part of your hair, allowing you to style it efficiently without damaging your locks or drying them out excessively.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium - Boasting incredibly strong plates, this titanium model promises easier straightening and less time spent in front of the mirror preparing your look for any occasion thanks to its impressive one-inch size, which covers large sections quickly and easily. The temperature control also allows you to customize your heating settings up to 450ºF (232°C).
Remington T Studio Pearl Ceramic Wide Straightener - With mineral-infused ceramic plates that uses infrared heat technology, this wide professional iron can do wonders on all types of hair from thick tresses down to short strands; its extra-wide design allows you to make styling faster while protecting each strand from over styling owing its consistent temperature control system between 356 ºF – 445 ºF (180°C – 230°C).
How often can you flat iron natural hair without damaging it?
Generally speaking, it’s best to limit yourself when heat styling natural tresses to no more than two times per week; every other week if possible. The longer in between styling heat exposure the better.
What type of flat iron is used for a silk press?
Ceramic-coated models tend to perform better because ceramic has more even heat distribution than other materials, which helps keep hair straight and smudge-free all day long without causing damage due to uneven temperatures on certain patches of hair (which Teflon models can suffer from).
Plus, having rounded tourmaline plates makes them easier and faster to style compared with traditional metal ones while maintaining optimum temperature throughout styling so there's less risk of burning individual strands or suffering breakage due to too much pressure being applied at once—creating far superior results.
How do you make a silk press stay straight?
The key to making a silk press stay straight is to ensure you’re taking the necessary steps during the styling process. Firstly, it’s important to always use the correct products such as heat protectants and moisturizers.
Secondly, start by prepping your hair with a flat brush before you blowdry. This will help stretch out any knots or tangles to get an overall smoother finish for when you apply the heat of your straightening tool.
Thirdly, make sure you keep your sections thin and even - too thick a section can result in uneven distribution of heat which won't create a smooth look at all!
Fourthly, use just enough product on each section but not too much so that it doesn't weigh down your strands once it's dry- this way there will be more body left in the hair for lasting volume and hold.
Lastly, make sure that while using hot tools (like irons) on individual sections do not move them back and forth multiple times as this could cause heat damage or scorching, which would ruin your entire hairstyle altogether.
What is the difference between a silk press and a flat iron?
A silk press is a type of thermal straightening technique used to smooth the hair shaft and reduce frizz without completely altering the natural curl pattern.
The process involves using a combination of specific oils, heat protectants, hot combs, or flat irons on medium to low heat settings, followed by pressing it with a heated metal comb. This process flips the cuticle layer which gives it an effect similar to that of blow drying—without losing any moisture from the hair's cuticles.
In contrast, a flat iron is simply an electric tool designed to flatten out strands of hair with its slim plates between high temperatures (anything between 300-450°F).
Unlike silk presses where you don't need to use significant pressure on your strand because most products have already been added, you do need significant pressure when using a flat iron—applying weight directly on your strands while moving it down your head.
What do you put in your hair after straightening it?
After finishing with all sections with a flat iron, comb through your neatly styled locks with either an anti-frizz serum or natural oil like argan oil or jojoba oil to seal in moisture and add extra shine - although using too much oil can weigh curls down so make sure you don't overapply!
Finally, finish off by spritzing some hairspray on each section, if you'd like. This will give hold without adding weight.
Bottom Line
So, you know how crucial hair tools are in any woman's beauty arsenal, right? No matter your style, the right tools can seriously elevate your hair game, helping you keep those locks looking fabulous all day long.
Thanks a bunch for checking out our article. Now, why not go out there and turn heads with your stunning, shiny hair? Go rock it!
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