Flat Irons: Reviews

Users consistently give the CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron high ratings and often use it as the standard when reviewing other straightening irons. Reviewers say it heats up quickly, holds heat consistently and is easy to… use. Most say that your hair stays straight and smooth until you next wash it. One possible drawback is that the CHI flat iron has a fixed temperature of 370 degrees Fahrenheit, which may be too hot for some hair types and not hot enough for others. Some users also complain that it stops working around the one year mark, but others insist that proper care will keep it lasting longer. The CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron has 1-inch ceramic-coated plates, which help hair slide through more easily. Note that this flat iron has no auto shut-off feature.

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Experts and owners recommend the Conair Instant Heat flat iron as a good choice for those new to hair straightening, or for those who only occasionally plan to use a flat iron. The Conair flat iron does have… ceramic-coated plates, but some owners still complain that it can snag or pull their hair. On the plus side, this flat iron has adjustable temperature settings, handy for those with thin or fine hair (who should use a lower setting) or for those with especially coarse hair (who will want a higher setting), though some owners still wish it got hotter and retained heat better.

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Reviewers like the convenience of the Remington Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron because it allows you to skip blow drying. (The iron vents steam off of damp hair, drying it at the same time as it straightens.) However, the jury… is still out on whether it really saves you much time over drying your hair first and using a regular flat iron. Many owners report they need to go over their hair several times, and that in the end, their hair isn't totally dry. Overall, the Remington Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron seems to work best for those with hair that's not too coarse or thick. Some owners note that steam burns are a hazard.

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Most home, hair flat irons have ceramic-coated plates. The very best flat irons are professional models that use all-ceramic plates. Hair-care experts say that those flat irons are better able to maintain consistent heat,… and they can get much hotter than less expensive flat irons. Experts love the FHI Heat Runway because of its all-ceramic plates and wide temperature range -- from 140 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes it appropriate for pretty much any hair type from fine to coarse. Reviewers say the Runway heats up quickly and straightens hair in one or two passes. The obvious downside is its high cost. Note that this flat iron has no auto shut-off feature.

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