Why it's great: Whether you have thick, curly, straight or damaged hair, readers boast "this is the one." After one use, users say their hair feels "silky smooth and shiny" and one reader says she's even gone to her neighbor's house (on more than one occasion) to borrow this straightener. "There's nothing like it," one user gushes. "This is the best flat iron I've ever owned!"
Why it's great: While readers were intimidated by this flat iron's hefty price tag, they claim it's worth it. "It straightens each strand in one pass, doesn't leave my hair looking parched, heats up so fast and never snags my hair," gushes one reader. Others agree, saying this flat iron can straighten "incredibly thick hair in under ten minutes" and its consistent 365-degree heat setting still works "extremely well" compared to flat irons with higher temperatures. "It left my hair looking healthy and not dry or fried," says one user. "Plus it comes with a nifty carrying case."
Why it's great: "It straightens my frizz, breakage, messy, kinky-prone hair like nothing else I've ever tried," one user raves. Readers collectively agree that frizzy hair comes out fabulous and smooth after using this flat iron. Reviewers also appreciate how this flat iron allows you to adjust the temperature setting, according to how much heat you need. The tool might be a bit pricy, but most readers don't hesitate to recommend the splurge.
Why it's great: With over 70 positive reviews, there's no denying that readers universally adore this classic flat iron. "I have been using the same CHI since I was 13," writes one reader. "Now I'm 19, and mine is still going strong!" Though reviewers wish its temperature was adjustable, they still claim the flat iron can straighten even the most untamable of curls. Even if it is a bit pricey, readers confirm it's "worth every penny."
Why it's great: "Keeps my hair frizz free, straight and sleek for days," one user claims. Readers love this flat iron's ability to "tame wild hair" without damaging it, thanks to its protective heat shield. "This straightener works as well as one twice the price and obviously deserves a 10 because it simply doesn't get better than this for what it costs," one reader gushes. "It glides through hair like it's floating on air and will never ever pull or snag. It truly makes hair less frizzy, more straight and improves the appearance of frayed ends."
Don't get us wrong — we love our curls. Learning to embrace your hair's natural texture is a valuable thing, and we encourage you to let your kinky-curly flag fly. But sometimes, a girl's just got to go sleek. After all, a streamlined hairstyle equals a streamlined life, doesn't it?
That's up for debate. But there is a certain je ne sais quoi to the feeling of shiny, bone-straight hair — somehow, it can make you feel like a flower child, a centerfold and a power player all at once. And who are we to deny you that?
There is one catch, though: In order to achieve that enviable, frizz-free look without frying your hair, you must use a good hair straightener. The best flat irons work faster, make hair smoother and cause less damage than lower-quality tools. If healthy, salon-quality straight hair is what you're after, look no further. Keep reading to discover the nine top-notch flat irons our TotalBeauty.com readers dig most.