Top 10 Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair – 2024

There is something magical about natural hair, and that is- its versatility. With this kind of hair, you can opt to wear curly, wavy, or straight hair, which means a new style each day. However, when changing your style, there are several hair tools that one must adapt with the most common being- a flat iron. Flat irons feature two plates that heat up, making it easier to straighten natural hair. The only risk of using a flat iron would be to use a low-quality straightener which would result in heat damage. For this reason, picking the best flat irons for natural hair is a must so that you can safeguard your hair from split ends, dryness, and hair breakage.

To help with this, below are the top 10 hair straighteners that you should buy. Have a look to avoid settling for poorly made straighteners that are likely to damage your hair.

Related: 15 Best Flat Irons And Hair Straighteners In 2024

Our Best Selection

10 Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair Of 2024

1. Best Overall: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron

Straighten your hair fast and efficiently once you get the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Straightening Iron. This is an ultra-light flat iron that features 50 heat settings. Hence, you can customize the delivered heat allowing you to choose the ideal heat level depending on your hair type. The straightener can heat up to 450°F. Because of this, you can use it on a range of hair types including thick and resistant hair.

The straightener is recommended for use by people with short to medium-length hair so that you can get shiny, smooth, silky, and frizz-free hair. It features 1″ titanium-plated ultra-smooth plates that conduct ultra-high heat.

The plates resist corrosion which assures you of getting a flat iron that is designed to last. You can get the straightener as the answer to a flat iron for natural hair that is easy to use because of the slim and ultra-lightweight design. Also, the flat iron is a perfect choice for a hair straightener that is designed to deliver fast results because the ceramic heater is designed to provide instant heat and quick recovery. For more information about the product, watch this video.

Benefits

• Ryton housing guarantees a safe touch.
• Super lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• Ultra-thin plates conduct heat fast.
• 5” extended plates guarantee faster straightening.

Drawbacks

• Single voltage design.
• No loop to hang it.
• No automatic shutoff feature.
• The outer casing gets hot.

2. Best Ceramic Plates: CHI G2 Professional Hair Straightener

Create silky, shiny, and frizz-free hair instantly, once you get the G2 Ceramic and Titanium Straightening Hairstyling Iron. The iron features 1¼” ceramic plates designed to enhance the easy styling of long hair. The ceramic floating plates are infused with high-grade titanium. Because of this, you can get the flat iron when looking for a straightening hairstyling iron that is designed to offer greater durability and a longer lifespan.

The hairstyling iron features a mode button with preset temperatures to enhance ease of use. Also, there is a ceramic heater. The heater adopts an advanced technology designed to enhance a 40seconds heat up of up to 425°F. As a result, you can be sure to achieve fast styling results after settling for this device.

You can get this straightener as a perfect travel flat iron for natural hair because of the dual voltage design. Furthermore, the straightening iron is a perfect choice for a straightener that is easy to use because of its ergonomic design. The CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium 1 1/4″ Straightening Hairstyling Iron includes a digital temperature reading displayed on a color-coded LCD screen. The blue color represents 0-370°F, which is suitable for delicate or fragile hair. Green represents a 375°F-395°F ideal for medium or wavy hair, while 400°F-425°F is designed for coarse or resistant hair. Therefore, this means that you can be sure to have an easy time trying to figure out the ideal temperature level based on your hair type. This youtube review helps you to know more details about the product.

Benefits

• Extra-long electrical cord enhances a greater reach.
• The plates get hot fast and glide through hair smoothly.
• The temperature setting is easy to adjust.
• High-grade titanium ceramic plates guarantee durability.
• Color-coded LCD screen guarantees ease of use.

Drawbacks

• The cord gets tangled.
• The iron makes some noise when turned on.

3. Best For Beachy Waves: FHI HEAT Platform Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

Are you looking for a flat iron for natural hair that is designed to let you create different looks? If that is the case, the FHI Platform Professional Hair Styling Iron is a great pick. With the durable design and red ceramic plates, the flat iron can maintain its performance and heat level, style after style, which makes it suitable for years of use. Besides that, the flat iron features a ceramic heater.

The heater can deliver even heat distribution and high-speed heat recovery, which assures you of achieving professional styling results within a short time. The FHI Heat’s Platform Styling Iron includes three layers of baked ceramic plates infused with tourmaline.

This allows it to deliver even heat distribution and release moisture-locking negative ions that seal in vital moisture and repel humidity to reduce frizz and eliminate static. Also, there are beveled plates. These plates allow you to create multiple styles ranging from glamorous waves and curls to straight and smooth styles, which makes it suitable for people looking forward to creating diverse looks. For more details about the product, please visit the video.

Benefits

• The plates heat up fast.
• The flat iron is easy to use.
• Hang-up hook makes the flat iron easy to store.
• 12feet swivel cord provides a greater reach.
• One-hour shutoff feature guarantees safety.
• Self-gripping closure on the swivel cord enhances easy storage.

Drawbacks

• The temperature settings aren’t printed on the dial.
• It is challenging to use around the root area.

4. Best For Styling: RUSK Engineering Heat Freak Str8 Iron

Designed for heavy-duty use, the Heat Freak Professional Str8 Iron is a perfect choice for a flat iron that is designed for professional use. The iron features plates infused with ceramic and tourmaline. As a result, you can get it as a perfect choice for a hair straightener that is designed to eliminate static and frizz. What’s more, it delivers Far-infrared heat. This heat can penetrate the hair profoundly enabling it to produce a frizz-free shine.

The straightening iron features two plate sizes 1” & 1.5” that can help you choose the tools for different types of hair. The flat iron provides the highest temperature setting up to 450°F.

Benefits

• Plates heat up fast.
• Lightweight and easy to carry.
• The plates are wide and glide through hair smoothly.
• Adjustable heat settings make it suitable for different types of hair.​​
• Extra-long cord enhances a greater reach.

Drawbacks

• No automatic shutoff.
• The finish peels off after some time.
• The light doesn’t change its color, which makes it difficult to determine when the flat iron is ready for use.

Related: Paul Mitchell Neuro Smooth Review

5. Best Titanium Plates: CROC Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron

A must-have flat iron for those who want to save time when styling their hair is the Croc Classic Nano-Titanium Flat Iron. This unit features titanium ionic plates. The plates combine with a far-infrared head which allows you to get smooth cuticles and shiny hair within a short time. Also, the flat iron includes an auto shut-off safety feature.

Because of this, you do not have to worry about safety when you forget to switch it off, considering that it automatically goes off within 40 minutes.

The Croc Classic Nano-Titanium Flat Iron features 1.5″ plates which allow you to style long hair within a short time. Also, it is digitally operated with temperatures that range from 280 to 450 degrees.

Because of this, you can get it when looking for the best flat iron that is designed to style different types of hair like a pro

The flat iron adopts a dual voltage design which makes it a perfect straightener for traveling. It is equipped with silver titanium plates which makes it one of the fastest heating flat irons on the market.

Benefits

• Heats up fast and straightens the hair in a few passes.
• The flat iron is easy to use because of the easy-grip handle.
• The flat iron is lightweight and doesn’t require excessive pressure for it to work.
• Automatic shutoff feature enhances safety and peace of mind.
• Easy temperature selection buttons make it suitable for different types of hair.

Drawbacks

• Quite expensive.

6. Best For All Hair Types: HSI Professional Glider Flat Iron

Do you have the frizziest or coarsest natural hair? The HIS Professional Glider is designed to help you quickly straighten such hair types. This should be your go-to flat iron, whether you want to create flips, straighten, or curl your hair with minimal effort. It is made with high-quality ceramic plates with micro-sensors that help regulate temperature, distribute heat evenly and prevent hair damage. You only need a few passes, and you will get your desired results.

The best thing with this flat iron is that it comes with an adjustable temperature setting with eight different heat balances to customize the setting you want that will not damage your hair.

With an adjustable setting from 140-450⁰F, you can control the heat regardless of your hair type. The glider plates are designed with ceramic and crystal tourmaline iron that helps create a shinier silkier finish in less time.

This flat iron will give you no trouble if you travel a lot, as it is compatible with the worldwide dual voltage of 110v-220v. With its 360 degrees swivel cord, you can freely move your hands and straighten your hair seamlessly.

Benefits

• It has 8 micro-sensors with heat balance technology to distribute heat evenly.
• Adjustable temperature.
• Dual voltage is ideal for travel.
• Tourmaline infusion reduces frizz.
• It has floating plates that give the flexibility to curl, flip, or straighten your hair.
• It comes with a heat resistant glove to protect your hands from the hot iron

Drawbacks

• · No automatic shut-off feature.

7. Best Heats Up: Remington S5500 1″ Anti-Static Flat Iron

The Remington S5500 1″ Anti-Static Flat Iron is designed for frizzy hair. It is built with anti-static technology that helps to reduce the amount of negatively charged iron during styling for 50% less static and fly always. Its ceramic plates are coated with titanium that heats up fast in only 30 seconds, making your styling faster. Its 1-inch floating plates are 30% longer than other plates, which allows for smoother and quicker styling with less hair damage.

This flat iron has a high heat setting of 410⁰F that helps quickly straighten hair with each pass making it ideal for frizzy hair. You will quickly straighten your hair without overexposing it to heat. With the digital control and an LCD screen, you can easily select the right temperature for your hair type.

A360 degree swivel cord also allows you to style your hair comfortably at any angle. Also, its 60 minutes auto-shut-off feature allows you to operate the flat iron with peace of mind. If you forget to switch it off when you are in a hurry, it will shut off automatically, preventing any fire accidents.

Benefits

• 30 seconds heat up.
• Auto shut off feature.
• Six adjustable heat settings from 310-410⁰F.
• LCD temperature display.

Drawbacks

• It has no universal voltage.

8. Best Innovative: CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

If you are looking for a flat iron that all family members can use because it suits all hair types, look no further. Anyone with very wavy hair can use the INFINITI PRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron. It comes with 30 heat settings making it ideal for all hair types because you can customize the suitable heat for your hair type. Its extra-long 1-inch floating plates made with advanced ceramic technology heat up to 455⁰F with no hot spots.

The iron heats up quickly in only 15 seconds and distributes high heat evenly for a long-lasting style. You can use it to create sleek straight hair or even beachy waves. Its tourmaline ceramic plates reduce frizz and boost shine to give healthy-looking hair.

Benefits

• Extra-long plates for quick styling.
• Automatic safety shut-off.
• 30 adjustable heat settings.
• Ideal for all hair types.
• Fast, consistent heat.
• Ultra-high heat of 455⁰F.

Drawbacks

• Single voltage

9. Best Adjustable Heat: Paul Mitchell Neuro Smooth Titanium Flat Iron

If you want a multi-purpose flat iron to straighten, flip, or make waves go for Paul Mitchell Neuro Smooth Titanium Flat Iron. This titanium flat iron is a high-performance hair tool that gives you professional and salon-like results. Its premium isotherm titanium plates heat up quickly in only 45 seconds up to 450⁰F. With fast heating and fast-heat recovery, you will not experience cold spots.

The plates spread heat more evenly, and it is very effective on thick and coarse hair as it retains heat. This flat iron comes with an adjustable heat setting giving you total control of the amount of heat to use on your hair. This helps you to prevent heat damage.

For travel fanatics, this flat iron is dual voltage, and you only need an adapter to use it anywhere in the world.

Benefits

• Dual voltage.
• Adjustable heat setting from 390-410⁰F.
• Spreads heat evenly.
• Heats up quickly in 45 seconds.
• It has an automatic shut-off feature.

Drawbacks

• The cord does not swivel, but it’s long

10. Best Dual Voltage: ghd Gold Styler – 1 inch Flat Iron

If you want straight and shiny hair, ghd Gold Styler – 1 Inch Flat Iron is a must-have. This advanced professional hair styler delivers smoother, sleeker, and healthy-looking hair. It uses a dual-zone ceramic heat technology that retains an optimum styling temperature of 365⁰F. Its 2-next generation heat sensors ensure that heat is distributed evenly while preventing your hair from heat damage and breakage.

This flat iron has a round barrel that helps you create versatile and snag-free styles. If you are running out of time, you don’t have to wait for this flat iron to heat up, as it only takes 25 seconds to reach high heat. It is compatible with the universal voltage and can be used worldwide, making it ideal for travel.

Benefits

• Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of non-use.
• 25 seconds of heat uptime.
• Dual voltage.
• Delivers smoother and healthy-looking hair.
• Creates versatile designs with its round barrel.

Drawbacks

• Has one heat setting.
• Does not have a heat protectant case.

Natural Hair Series: Which Hair Type Are You?

There are four types of natural hair. Under these types, there are other subclasses, resulting in twelve different types of hair. Let’s have a look closer look at each of these types.

Type 1: Straight Hair

As the name implies, the strands of this hair tend to be straight. This kind of hair becomes greasy faster compared to the other types of hair.

The reason is the ability of the oil from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft faster compared to other types of hair. There are three classes of straight hair:

1A – This type features straight and fine strands.

1B – Still, this type features straight strands, but the strands are thicker, with medium texture, and more volume than type 1A.

1C – This is straight hair with thick, shiny, and coarse strands.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

This type of hair features natural waves. Its strands are thicker than those of straight hair. The hair falls into three subcategories based on the shape of the waves and thickness of the hair.

2A – This kind of hair features S-shaped waves. The waves are fine and thin and also easy to style.

2B – Unlike type 2A, this hair type is quite frizzier and with medium-thick strands.

2C – This is hair that is prone to frizz and challenging to style. The strands of this hair tend to be thick and coarse while compared to the other types.

Type 3: Curly Hair

As the name suggests, this hair type features curly strands. The best thing about it is that it tends to be straight when wet and curly as it dries. This means that it is not usually challenging to style. The hair falls under three subcategories based on the texture.

3A – This is hair that features a thick texture, defined curls, and a lot of shine.

3B – While compared to type 3A, this hair features tighter curls. Also, this hair tends to have a combination of textures.

3C – Type 3C features tighter curls than type 3B, but it is also easy to style.

Type 4: Kinky Hair

Kinky hair is extremely curly hair. Its curls can be well defined, but the hair has a coarse texture, and it is usually prone to heat and product damage. There are three subclasses of this type.

4A – This kind of hair features tight, well-defined kinks and a soft texture.

4B – While compared to type 4A, this hair type features very tight curls. The curls tend to be less defined and fragile than those of type 4A.

4C – This hair features extremely tight curls in such a way that you may not even notice the curls. The hair is challenging to style, which means that it requires more attention while styling.

How To Choose The Right Flat Iron for Natural Hair?

Temperature settings

The best flat iron for natural hair should feature adjustable heat settings. This allows you to customize the heat level based on the hair type.

So, if you are planning to use the straightener with your family, opt to get a straightener that incorporates adjustable heat settings.

That way, you can use the high setting for thick, coarse, and resistant hair; and the low heat setting for people with brittle and damaged hair.

Versatility

If you want to get the best value for your money, opt to get a versatile flat iron. By this I mean, get a straightener that features beveled and rounded edges.

This design allows you to straighten and curl your hair. As a result, you do not have to carry multiple irons when traveling for you to achieve different results.

Size of the plates

What is the length and volume of your hair? Note that the length and thickness of the hair play a crucial role in determining the size of the plates that the straightener should feature.

With thick and long hair, opt to get a straightener that features thicker plates. On the other hand, get a flat iron that incorporates thin plates for thin and short hair.

Heat-up time

You should select a flat iron that features plates that heat up fast. After all, who has the time to waste when waiting for the plates to heat? I bet you do not have that time.

Therefore, get a flat iron that features a ceramic heater. Such a heater delivers fast heat up, which means that you do not have to wait forever for the plates to heat.

Composition of the plates

Different flat iron plates incorporate different materials, enabling them to meet different hair needs. That said, you should start by evaluating your hair type.

If you have delicate hair prone to frizz, then you should opt to get a straightener that incorporates tourmaline plates so that it can lock in moisture to protect the hair from damage.

On the other hand, get ceramic plates when you are looking for a straightener that is designed to ensure even heat distribution and a smoother glide on the hair.

For those with thick hair or people looking for a flat iron that is designed to last, I recommend that you get a straighter with titanium-infused plates.

Automatic shutoff

Are you forgetful when it comes to switching off the flat iron after use? If so, you should get a straightener that features an auto-shutoff feature.

This feature allows the flat iron to shut off automatically after a specific time without your intervention. As a result, you do have to panic or worry about the safety of your home after forgetting to switch it off.

Tips For Flat Ironing Natural Hair

If you have been trying to straighten thick and curly hair with one of the best flat irons for natural hair, but haven’t gotten a smooth and sleek finish, chances are that you might have been using the wrong technique when straightening your hair.

So, read on and learn the methods of how to use a flat iron without causing damage to your hair.

Always wait for the hair to dry before straightening

You should never flat iron wet hair. The reason behind this is that flat ironing wet hair causes it to frizz up since moisture is an ingredient in frying the hair. So, use a blow-dry to straighten the hair, or wrap the hair and sit under the bonnet dryer and wait for it to dry.

You may also opt to air dry it until it loses all the water. Just be cautious never to use a flat iron on wet hair.

Loosen curls and blow them out before straightening

If your hair is naturally curly, you might have a challenging time straightening such hair. To avoid a lot of hair damage, I recommend that you use a hairdryer to blow the curls outs and loosen them using your fingers until the hair is ready for flat ironing.

Start with the lowest heat setting

Instead of using the highest heat setting from the word go, I would recommend that you start from the lowest heat setting and work way up from there.

After all, all sections of the hair, do not have equal textures. So, to avoid heat-related damage, you had better start low so that you can raise the heat gradually.

Use a quality heat protectant

Once your hair has dried, and before using a flat iron, you should take advantage of a heat protectant spray to protect your hair. A heat protectant protects the hair from heat damage while protecting it from split ends and breakage.

However, be warned that it doesn’t protect your hair if you use too much heat. So, avoid using heat that is too high on the basis that a heat protectant will keep it safe.

Focus on small hair sections at a time

When straightening the hair, you shouldn’t grab it randomly and start to straighten. The reason behind this is that a hair straightener might not manage to grab thick sections of hair, which might result in the need to reapply unnecessary heat.

So, split your hair into different parts and work on one section at a time since this makes it easy for you to track the progress.

Straighten the hair from the base

You should straighten your hair from the roots. Therefore, hold the top parts of the hair strands using one hand and allow the plates to lay close to the roots and straighten the hair from that point going upwards.

Use a conditioning moisturizer

Besides using a heat protectant, you will be required to use a conditioning moisturizer or finishing products designed to reduce frizz and add shine. So, look for a no-frizz leave-in conditioner so that you can protect the hair against split ends and breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Hair heat damage is real, and you could damage your hair beyond recognition when you adopt poorly made hot tools. To avoid being a victim of this, I recommend that you invest in the best flat irons for natural hair as reviewed in this article.

The fact that these products are made with the health of your hair in mind makes them safe to use and worth your hard-earned money. So, avoid settling for cheaper products so that you can save your money, but settle for these hair straighteners to evade the consequences of hair damage.