Category: Flat Irons

Haircare products and technology are not often made for a specific hair type. That means for those who have African American hair, it is all about doing your research to make sure you are choosing the right product for your hair’s needs.

To help you save some time, and hopefully some money, here is a list of the ten best flat irons for African American hair.

Best Flat Irons for African American Hair

Some of the best flat irons currently on the market include:

#1 Bio Ionic OnePass Styling Iron

We are starting off the list with the Bio Ionic OnePass because it by far has the best mix of performance and support.

You get a five-year manufacturer warranty to protect your investment. You also get universal voltage, meaning you can use this styling iron anywhere in the world, making it perfect for traveling.

As far as the design of the flat iron goes, this flat iron is nearly perfect. You get a digital temperature display to let you know exactly what your heat is, as well as a temperature memory.

That means that whatever you last used for heat will be what is pre-set for the next time. This can save you a lot of time considering the styling iron goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are also infused plates with silicone strips. That means you will get smoother results, while also helping your plates last longer. The rounded edges also help to make it easy to also curl and create waves, as well as straighten.

Pros

• Five- year warranty
• Silicone strips last 10 times longer
• Rounded edges
• Digital temperature control
• Far-infrared technology
• Universal voltage
• Ergonomic thumb rest
• NanoIonic MX infused plates
• Adjustable temperature
• Temperature memory
• Automatic shut off

Cons

–       No swivel cord

#2 HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron

Tourmaline is one of the best features to have when it comes to hair straighteners. This is because it both protects against heat damage, and provides smoother results. In addition to the tourmaline, you also have eight microsensors and a heat range between 140- and 450-degrees Fahrenheit. That means you are less likely to burn your hair.

This flat iron comes with a few accessories, including a heat resistant glove, and comes at a very affordable price. There is dual voltage for international use, and a one year manufacturer warranty.

Pros

–       Eight HeatBalance microsensors

–       Accessories included

–       Affordable price

–       Also flips and curls

–       Dual voltage

–       Heat ranges from 140 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit

–       One-year warranty

Cons

–       No automatic shut off

–       No digital temperature display

#3 GHD Platinum+ Professional Performance Hair Styler, Ceramic Flat Iron

If you have color treated hair, you cannot use just any hair straightener. GHD offers a flat iron that will protect your color, while also protecting your plates. Using predictive technology and Ultra-Zone technology, you get smooth results without needing to use more than one pass.

This flat iron also uses a base heat of 365 degrees Fahrenheit, protecting your hair from very high temperatures. However, you need to be careful when it comes to heat damaged hair at any temperature.

Pros

–       Ultra-Zone technology

–       Predictive technology

–       Color protection

–       Several color options

–       Protective plates

–       Universal voltage

–       365 degrees Fahrenheit

–       Automatic shut off

Cons

–       No adjustable heat settings

#4 CHI Original Pro 1” Ceramic Ionic Tourmaline Flat Iron

For those with shorter hair, you need to have a flat iron that is going to be thinner and more ergonomic to prevent accidental burns. The CHI Original is fantastic for all hair lengths, different styling options, and is very affordable.

You get a two- year limited warranty from the manufacturer and a flash quick heating time. That means you can quickly get to 392 degrees Fahrenheit and get straight to styling.  

Pros

–       Great for short hair

–       Versatile styling options

–       Pretty affordable

–       Two- year limited warranty

–       Flash quick heating up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons

–       No automatic shut off

#5 Remington 1″ Flat Iron with Anti-Static Technology

If you have a very tight budget, this is a great option. That is because it is very affordable, while also providing you with twice the normal amount of tourmaline. That means an average of 50% less static and smoother results.

It is easy to select your heat to get the temperature you want, and quickly heats up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also curl and well as straighten to get more styling options for your money.

Pros

–       Very affordable

–       Two color options

–       50% less static

–       Twice as much tourmaline

–       Heats up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit

–       Easy to adjust temperature

–       Works for straightening or curling

–       Automatic shut off

Cons

–       Looks a little cheap

#6 Conair Infiniti Pro Flat Iron

Conair is a popular name in hair technology, and this is a great example of why. You will get 70% less frizz at a very affordable price, and simple design. It heats up in just 15 seconds and has 30 adjustable heat settings.

Pros

–       30 adjustable heat settings

–       Heats up in 15 seconds

–       70% less frizz

–       Very affordable

–       Automatic shut off

Cons

–       No digital temperature display

#7 Paul Mitchell Neuro Smooth 1.25″ Flat Iron

If you want a more high- end model of flat iron, Paul Mitchell is a good choice. While it does not have an automatic shut off, it does have all the other bells and whistles you could want. The plates are infused with silicone and ceramic, and the flat iron utilizes infrared technology.

Not only will your hair look smooth and silky, but the flat iron itself looks great. There is a large LCD screen display for you to clearly see what heat you are on, with digital temperature controls. You also get fully heated in 60 seconds and need only five seconds for heat recovery.

Pros

–       Silicone and ceramic plates

–       Express ION complex infused plates

–       Infrared technology

–       60 second heat up time

–       Five second heat recovery

–       Large LCD screen display

–       Digital temperature control

Cons

–       No automatic shut off

#8 Kipozi Professional Titanium Hair Straightener

Another option for color treated hair, you get a heat range of 170 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can easily lower the temperature to get safer results. There are three heat settings and a large LCD display to show you exactly where you are heat wise.

You can use this flat iron anywhere with dual voltage, and there is an automatic shut off for safety if you are rushing to get out the door. This is also a very affordable option.

Pros

–       Protects colored hair

–       Large LCD display

–       Three heat settings

–       Very affordable

–       Worldwide outlet usage

–       Automatic shut off

Cons

–       Not great for very thin hair

–       Much wider plate

#9 CROC Classic Black Titanium 1.5″ Flat Iron

If you want something that can work on your hair, as well as all your friends, the CROC Classic is a great option. It has a heat range of 280 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and straightens your hair 50% faster. It works with all hair styles, and has dual voltage to work universally.

Pros

–       Works on all hair types

–       Straighten 50% faster

–       Ergonomic design

–       Instant heat recovery

–       Cool tip

–       Dual voltage

–       Automatic shut off

Cons

–       Wider plate

#10 BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron

If you have very thick hair, you may need something a little stronger. This hair straightener is incredibly lightweight and handles well to straighten your entire head. There are 50 different heat settings, and a large LCD display. This flat iron also utilizes far-infrared technology.

Pros

–       Very light weight

–       Handles well

–       50 different heat settings

–       Far-infrared technology

–       LED temperature display

Cons

–       Not ideal for very thin or damaged hair

–       No automatic shut off

What to Consider When Buying A Flat Iron for African American Hair

Some things you need to consider before choosing a flat iron include your hair style, hair type, and any damage you may have. Certain hair straighteners will be able to curl and create waves as well, while others are too wide and bulky. Bulkier hair straighteners are also not ideal for those who have short hair.

You want to have something no more than an inch wide to prevent awkward handling and accidental burning. Lastly, you need to consider how damaged your hair is. If you have thinner, damaged hair, the higher temperatures can exponentially escalate that damage.

Final Verdict

The best flat iron for African American hair is the OnePass by Bio Ionic. With their silicone speed strips and adjustable heat, it is easy for you to straighten your hair, without inflicting too much heat. That means less heat on your hair with good results. The fact that it comes with a five year warranty doesn’t hurt either.

When it comes to wanting straight hair, finding a good flat iron is key. There are certain things that everyone knows makes a great flat iron.

Drybar’s Tress Press Digital Styling flat iron includes all these features, plus more to make this a great straightening and all in one tool.

About Drybar

Drybar is a company that does not believe in having multiple models of curling irons or flat irons to sell. Instead, they focus their efforts in creating one great product to fit the needs of the user.

They offer one curling iron model, one brush, and one straightening iron. They also work to make sure all their products and tools are ethically designed.

Their hair care products are cruelty free and never tested on animals. They also aim to maintain your business by providing a two- year warranty on all their tools.

This protects your investment against any electrical or wiring issues that may occur once you buy their products

Pros

• Comes in 1 inch and 1.25 inches widths
• Titanium floating plates for easier styling
• Utilizes ionic technology to reduce frizz with negative ions
• Infrared technology is used to heat the hair entirely
• Round body design to create waves and curls easily
• Automatically shuts off after 60 minutes
• Nine feet of cord to work in any area
• Universal outlet to make it easy to use during travel
• Digital temperature control
• Maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit
• Two- year limited warranty

Cons

• Only comes in one shade of bright yellow.
• Can take multiple passes to straighten very thick or curly hair to get the silky results

Who Is It For?

If you are someone who wants to straighten your hair, while also having the option to create waves and curls, this is a fantastic choice. The titanium floating plates will protect your hair, as well as create shiny locks.

You will also get protection against frizz because of the negative ions that work as you go. The Tress Press will also help to prevent more damage from the heat by heating your hair with infrared technology from the inside out, rather than just frying the exterior of your hair.

The design of the flat iron is cylindrical, allowing you to create perfect waves and curls in addition to straightening your hair.

That means that while you are paying over $100 for the flat iron, you are getting three tools in one.

The cord for the Tress Press is nine feet long, making it professional length. This means you have a lot more room to work without having to worry about where the outlets are.

Because outlets are different in different countries, the plug in and voltage are made to be universal. That means you can use it anywhere without having to worry about adapters.

There is also a safety feature of an automatic shut off after 60 minutes of being on.

If you are a forgetful person, or in a rush, there is a guarantee that the flat iron will shut off after an hour, limiting your chance of accidents and injuries.

This flat iron has a maximum heat temperature of 450 degrees and has a digital display to let you know just how high the temperature is before you use it.

With this temperature range and the overall design, you can use this flat iron with all hair types.

There is also a two- year warranty that protects your investment against wiring damage or other internal issues that may occur.

What Are People Saying?

The vast majority of people have nothing but positive things to say about the Tress Press flat iron.

From the use of negative ions taming frizz, to the ability to see exactly how hot their iron is, most people are extremely happy with the results.

People also really enjoy that they can get curls and waves without needing to buy separate curling irons.

Even though the Drybar curling iron they offer is also incredibly well reviewed.

Where the issue comes in is with the speed at which you can tame your hair. If you have very thick hair or very curly hair, you may need more than one pass to fully straighten your hair.

This is true for must flat irons, but it can still be stressful and deterring for some people.

You can end up spending more time straightening your hair than you would with other flat irons.

If time is an issue for you, and you have very thick or very curly hair, you may want to go with a different flat iron. It will also take longer to create curls and waves in your hair than it would with a regular curling iron.

That is why it is recommended that the Drybar is best for thin and regular hair types for the best results.

But once again, you can use it on any hair type and just do multiple passes on your hair to get the silky results you want.

There have also been other issues over time with the bright yellow paint chipping.

While you may be happy to see the yellow go, and it will not impact the functionality of the flat iron, it is still a flaw of such a bright color choice.

If you hate the color yellow with a passion, you may have to get over it to get the results that the Drybar flat iron provides.

Final Verdict

The Tress Press flat iron by Drybar is a good option for all hair types. You can get a sleek, frizz-free look with the ability to create waves and curls as well as straighten.

If you don’t mind a bright yellow flat iron, this is a good option for anyone.

Just remember that it will take a longer time to straighten, curl or wave your hair if it is thicker than average or you have very kinky curls.