We’ve long been fans of GHD’s flatirons—one of the brand’s longer-standing models, the GHD Platinum won a Glamour Beauty Award in 2020. And we’re pleased to say this one is even better. Yes, the price tag is steep (very steep), but there’s really no guesswork here. There’s no temperature to choose from; instead, it’s a smart iron that uses predictive technology to recognize the thickness of your hair and the speed at which you’re styling. It then adjusts its power accordingly, operating at an optimum temperature of 365°F.
“In tests we found that GHD’s Chronos Styler heated very quickly, plus it emits a satisfying ping to alert you that it’s ready to use. We also appreciate the 10-minute auto shutoff, which is much faster than all of the other products we evaluated—a nice safety feature. On the downside, I didn’t have as much success curling my hair with this flatiron, despite the rounded edges—and I’d consider myself pretty advanced in this department. I did, however, successfully execute a sleek, straight style with plenty of shine and the type of rounded ends you might get from a blowout,” says Earley.
6. Best for Fine Hair: Dyson Airstrait
Original video by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
Original image by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
Original image by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
- What we love: Less direct and intense heat means less heat damage over time; wide range of styling settings and modes (wet, dry, rough-dry, smoothing boost); LCD screen; intelligent airflow and temperature control
- What could improve: Slower process than traditional flatirons
The Glamour commerce team put the buzzy Dyson Airstrait to the test and found it to be most suitable for those with fine, straight hair that’s not exceptionally prone to frizz. Think of it as a flatiron and a blow-dryer in one. Instead of pressing your hair between hot plates, it dries strands with hot air (using the same technology as our favorite Dyson Airwrap)—which is way less damaging than your standard straightening iron.
“Though it’s gentle on hair, the process is a bit lengthy, since you have to first use the tool to rough-dry your roots. This is an important step, because the shape and size of the Airstrait is a bit bulky and the air shoots down towards your ends, so you can’t clamp hair all the way at the top to smooth it during the straightening process. Once I was ready to work on individual sections of hair with passes closer to that of a traditional flatiron, I found there was a bit of a learning curve to keeping hair inside of the tool. But I figured out that it helped to hold my hair, guiding it through. Even though this whole process was a bit time-consuming—especially for someone who has wavy, medium-textured hair like mine—the effort paid off. My finished style was incredibly soft and shiny, plus had impressive staying power,” says Earley.
9. Best for Short Hair: Hot Tools Pro Signature Dual Plate Flat Iron
Original video from Paton testing Hot Tools Pro Signature Dual Plate Flat Iron
Original photo from Paton testing Hot Tools Pro Signature Dual Plate Flat Iron
Original photo from Paton testing Hot Tools Pro Signature Dual Plate Flat Iron
- What we love: Affordable, suitable for all hair types, heats quickly
- What could improve: A bit of a learning curve to get used to it
A smaller plate size (between half an inch and an inch) is best for shorter hair, and this Hot Tools flat iron can help you get an ultra-smooth finish. “The dual plate was very cool (which allows you to iron bigger sections of hair), and the ability to heat up each plate individually was a nice feature, though, and I’d definitely use it again at a higher heat,” says content licensing associate at Condé Nast, Paton Hardy who has fine, curly hair at short length.
7. Best for Curly Hair: Drybar The Tress Press Digital Styling Iron
Original video by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
Original image by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
Original image by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
- What we love: Heats quickly; frizz-reducing ionic and infrared tech; digital temperature control
- What could improve: Outside of tool can get hot
If it’s a two-in-one straightener and curling iron hybrid you’re looking for, consider the top-selling Drybar styler—a favorite of more than one Glamour editor. “I’m mostly inept at curling hair, let alone at using a flatiron to do anything other than run it over my already flat-as-a-board hair,” Glamour contributor Lindsay Schallon says. “But Drybar’s flatiron makes it easy, since it has rounded edges that mimic a curling wand,” she says. “It’s also super lightweight, which makes it easier to wield.”
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