Straightening my hair usually a two-day event. I wash out all the product the night before and load my hair with hydrating protectants. I let it air dry, then I braid it before bed so that the next day, the curls are looser and easier to finish. Then, and only then, can I go in with a flat iron.
WIRED’s Gear team has an array of curl types, needs, and hair-styling tricks, and we’ve all tried many of hair straighteners in our life. Some flat irons leave us with crispy ends and tight hands, while others, like the ones listed here, give us beautiful hair. There are a bewildering number of options around, but hopefully our favorite hair straighteners will help narrow down your search.
Updated June 2023: We’ve added the Dyson Airstrait as our favorite wet-to-straight flat iron and the DryBar Straight Shot Blow-Drying Flat Iron as an affordable alternative.
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