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Chi Vibes on the Edge Curved Edge Hairstyling Iron for $110: : I am a long time Chi devotee, having owned and loved the original ceramic flat iron until it broke after a decade. So admittedly, I was excited to zhuzh up my bathroom counter with this metallic-rainbow version from Chi’s Vibes line. The ceramic plates of 1 or 1.5 inches (I tried the latter) actually curve around the sides of the tool, which allow the user to get closer to the roots of his hair, and also to create wavy waves if you want. While this feature really did an impressive job of tamping down my flyaways (and I appreciated the unusually long 11-foot cord), I felt like this lack of buffer between a 415 degree Fahrenheit surface and my scalp, face and the ears were. too big of a burn risk to use regularly.
L’ange Le Duo Airflow Styler for $67: : This flat iron has a hold similar to a curling iron. Most flat iron plates have been separated, and must be pushed together to use, while this is the opposite. It works like any other iron, and the clasp design and rounded edges make it even easier to curl. The real attraction here are the air vents that spread fresh air to close your style. The fan turns on automatically, but there is a button to turn it off. (Just to clarify, it’s not meant to dry your hair – you won’t be happy if you try.) – Medea Giordano
Sleek’e for $81 and Cozy for $195: : These irons are essentially the same tool. Sleek’e has confirmed that they are in fact made by the same manufacturer, which is not uncommon. The Kosa felt a little lighter, but it didn’t seem any better or worse to use. Both emit ions and have a strip of infrared lights in the middle of one of the plates, which are supposed it helps to distribute the heat evenly and in a way that does not damage the hair. – Medea Giordano
Brilliance New York Smooth Pro Ceramic Flat Iron for $45: : WIRED reviewer and fellow curler Louryn Strampe swears by this hair straightener. She bought it on impulse via a Groupon deal in 2014 and is still reaching for it, despite having tried many more flat irons since – she still prefers it to most. Dyson Corral. She’s lost some of her heat consistency over the years, and the plates occasionally tear her hair, but it still leaves her unruly curls sleek and shiny, and most importantly, straight. – Medea Jordan
FoxyBae Tres Sleek Flat Iron for $38: : This budget titanium flat iron does a pretty decent job of straightening thick, curly hair for the price, though its flimsy construction, long heat-up time, and difficult-to-maneuver, 1.75-inch-wide plates make less attractive. than our top budget pick, the Conair Infiniti Pro, above.
Revlon Easy Heat Precision Flat Iron for $35: : Another entry-level flat iron, this deep pink model with easy-to-read temperature settings feels heavier and more expensive than it is. I also loved that it heats up in 30 seconds – a third of the time of most irons in its price category. However, I was surprised how ineffective the 1 inch plates were on my curls, even at the iron’s maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, my (barely) straight hair came back in minutes.
