The Best Hair Straighteners, According to Celebrity Hairstylists and Vogue Editors

Winter is a great time to explore heat styles, be they flat-ironed looks or voluminous blowouts. Accordingly, you’re probably on the lookout for the next best hair straightener to take yours to the next level.

The Best Hair Straighteners

While hairstylist Mickiela Smith of MMSMITH.CO notes that there are many factors that go into heat styles (scalp conditions, hair state, type, etc.), she explains that since cold air is typically denser—holding less water and humidity—cooler days can mean that thermal manipulated styles become easier to maintain.

“When it comes to hot tools, preserving the integrity of your hair should be your top priority,” says editorial hairstylist Naeemah LaFond. “That sleek glossy finish or smooth silk press shouldn’t cost you the health of your hair. When shopping for the right tools, technology and functionality are key factors. It’s important to know that all straighteners aren’t created equal.”

What To Look For In A Hair Straightener

So with this in mind, what do the pros look for in a hair straightener, amongst other hair care products like shampoos and leave-in conditioners? “For me, the most important aspect is how smooth the plates of the flat iron glide across the hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak. “You don’t want anything to stick as it can then cause creasing.”

“When I shop for a new flat iron, I am looking for how hot the iron gets, if there is a dial so that I may adjust the heat to my desired temperature, the number of passes it takes for the hair to be straightened, and whether I can use it on all hair types,” explains celebrity and editorial hairstylist Mideyah Parker, who notes the importance of a heat tool with a long enough cord.

Keen to upgrade your hair routine with the best new tools? Our selection of the best hair straighteners for 2024 will see you in good stead, come humidity or shine. With luxurious finishes and easy to navigate controls, the best straighteners are perfect for freshening up your style as we approach party season. 

As when choosing the best hair dryers, the key is to always to consider your hair type. Do you want to calm frizzy hair or straighten tight curls? Or perhaps adding waves or flicks to poker-straight tresses is your priority? Each hair straightener will have its forte, so it’s worth paying close attention to the details. If you’re pressed for time, here are the flat irons that came top in our tests:

The best hair straighteners for 2024, at a glance

How to spot a good hair straightener

The best designs come with optimum heat settings or automatic heat modes that adapt to suit your hair. Heat plates that can maintain the heat output, or come infused with minerals, will also work well if your aim is to smooth frizzy hair. 

A generous cord length or even a cordless design is also a feature worth looking out for if you want a flexible design for at home or on the go. Meanwhile, automatic switch-off safety features will avoid any ‘Did I or didn’t I leave them on?’ moments when you’re out to dinner. 

How we tested the hair straighteners