Page: 5 of 5
In this report

See Also

Flat Irons: Ratings of Sources
Total of 19 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
Jan. 2009
Hair Straighteners
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org tests nine flat irons in lab and home settings for overall performance, ease of use and features. Editors say that price, wattage and varying claims have no overall impact on the performance of the flat iron. Two products are recommended, one as the best performer and one as the best value.
2. Good Housekeeping
Not Dated
One-Step Frizz -Fighting Flat Iron
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe Good Housekeeping Research Institute tests the Remington Style Therapy Frizz Therapy Iron against claims that it reduces frizz and protects against humidity for 15 hours. The flat iron is compared, in both lab and consumer tests, to a "leading" flat iron, though editors don't mention which one. Tests show that the Remington flat iron lives up to its claims and outperforms the leading flat iron when used with and without an anti-frizz serum.
3. Slate.com
April 24, 2007
Set Me Straight
by Torie Bosch
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAlthough this article is a bit dated, the amount of detail about the testing methods and their results by the author continues to make this a good source. Seven irons were assessed by four testers and rated on the amount of damage they caused, their ease of use and the quality of the resulting hairstyles. Hai Elite Digistick and Bionic Ionic iSmooth rate the highest, while the Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic Straightener and Vidal Sassoon flat iron take last place.
4. Good Housekeeping
Not Dated
2-in-1 Hair Appliances: Drying and Styling
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping tests nine hot hair tools that can be used on damp hair. The Remington Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron outperforms the rest with the fastest drying time and an affordable price. Testers say it is faster than blow drying and styling separately. Two other flat irons, from Ion and Andis, and a hot air styler are said to be good choices as well.
5. InStyle
May 2011
Best Beauty Buys 2011: Hair
by Editors of InStyle
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentInStyle magazine's editors test products and conduct interviews with beauty pros in preparation for their annual beauty awards. This year's list of winners includes 150 makeup, hair, skin-care and nail products. The Babyliss Nano Titanium is chosen as the best flat iron because it has multiple temperature settings and ceramic plates so that it works on all hair types. The FHI Heat Runway Iron has won InStyle's beauty awards for the three previous years. Testing criteria are not explained and non-winning products are not mentioned, however.
6. Allure
Oct. 2011
Best of Beauty: Tools
by Meirav Devash
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Allure magazine test thousands of beauty products for their annual beauty awards. Winners are chosen in several categories. A brief description of each winning product is given, but judging criteria and losing products are not discussed, so we can't tell how many other flat irons were considered before editors chose the T3 SinglePass Straightening and Styling Iron as best. Editors say it heats up quickly. The iron was also listed in Allure's 2009 Best of Beauty lineup.
7. Folica.com
As of Sept. 2011
Flat Irons
by Contributors to Folica.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentFolica.com customers rate and review flat irons listed for sale at the website. Some of them are listed multiple times (due to different sizes), but most of the flat irons listed are reviewed hundreds if not thousands of times, making this a valuable resource.
8. Amazon.com
As of Sept. 2011
Top Rated in Hair Flattening Irons
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHundreds of flat irons are listed for sale at Amazon.com, several of which are rated and reviewed by dozens of owners, making these reviews helpful when considered alongside other professional and user ratings. Farouk CHI and Remington flat irons get good ratings with the most reviews overall.
9. CosmeticsCop.com
Not Dated
Ceramic Flat Irons
by Paula Begoun
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPaula Begoun, an expert in the beauty industry who regularly tests and evaluates products, discusses ceramic flat irons in general. She states that though they don't seal in moisture as advertised, they glide smoothly through the hair without pulling or tugging on it. She says ceramic flat irons also produce uniform and even heat. She recommends flat irons from Hot Tools, Wigo, BaByliss, Ceramic Tools and Vidal Sassoon, though no information about the flat irons, or why they are chosen over others, is given.
10. About.com
Not Dated
The Best Flat Irons. Period.
by Kendra Aarhus
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentKendra Aarhus, the women's hair guide at About.com, suggests five flat irons that "deliver real results." The SalonTech Silicone 450 Flat Iron, CHI Nano Digital Ceramic Hairstyling Iron, T3 Tourmaline SinglePass Flat Iron, GHD Professional Styler and FHI Platform Flat Iron all make the list, but it isn't clear if Aarhus has tested any of them. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
11. Oprah.com
Nov. 11, 2008
Paula Begoun's Favorite Beauty Products
by Editors of Oprah.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis video clip is taken from an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in which Oprah interviews experts about beauty tips. Paula Begoun shares skin and hair advice and recommends various products. The clip does not include her hairstyling tips as included on the show, but the accompanying article lists her recommended products. Begoun says that all types of hairstyling damage hair but silicone-based serums can help to protect hair from excessive heat.
12. Pursebuzz.com
Dec. 13, 2008
Fave Flat Iron Breakdown
by Editors of Pursebuzz.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn this lengthy video, a reviewer discusses her favorite flat irons and demonstrates how to use them. She also mentions a few brands that she has not been happy with. Throughout the video, she offers styling tips as well as suggestions for protecting your hair and taking care of your flat iron. The Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is highly recommended for its affordable price tag. The Conair Infiniti Nano Silver Steam Straightener and GHD Professional Salon Styler are also suggested.
13. Style-Hair-Magazine.com
As of Sept. 2011
Flat Iron: All Are Not Created Equal
by Editors of Style-Hair-Magazine.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Style-Hair-Magazine.com recommend three flat irons in the high-end, midrange and low-end categories. High-end or professional irons are said to last longer and cause less damage to hair. Each of the flat irons listed, from Sedu, Solia and Conair, is described and links to user reviews are provided, but it isn't clear if editors did any product testing for this article.
14. MakeupAlley.com
As of Sept. 2011
Hair Styling Tools
by Contributors to MakeupAlley.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThere aren't nearly as many reviews posted for flat irons at MakeupAlley.com as there are at Folica.com and Amazon.com, but most of the reviews posted here are in sync with other review sources. The Farouk CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron is reviewed most often and receives high ratings. Sedu, GHD and Solano irons get good reviews as well.
15. Drugstore.com
As of Sept. 2011
Flat Irons
by Contributors to Drugstore.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentFlat irons are not reviewed nearly as often at Drugstore.com as they are at Folica.com and Amazon.com. More than 150 flat irons are listed for sale, but most receive only a handful of reviews. Still, irons from Conair, Remington and CHI get a number of good reviews, which seem to support those found at other review sites.
16. Walmart.com
As of Sept. 2011
Hair Care: Flat Irons
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSeveral flat irons are listed for sale at Walmart.com, most of which receive at least one user review. Among those with the most reviews, the Conair Instant Heat Wet/Dry, Remington Ceramic Pearl-Infused, Remington Frizz Therapy and Andis Ceramic Flat Iron get the highest ratings overall.
17. TotalBeauty.com
As of Sept. 2011
Straightening Irons
by Contributors to TotalBeauty.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMore than 200 flat irons are listed for review at TotalBeauty.com, but many of them receive very few reviews and some have been discontinued. CHI flat irons are reviewed most often. Conair Shiny Styles, which comes with interchangeable plates, gets a poor rating overall based on more than 100 reviews.
18. Target.com
As of Sept. 2011
Flat Irons
by Contributors to Target.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMost of the curling irons posted for sale at Target.com are not reviewed more than one or two times, but a couple of products are reviewed by dozens of consumers. Remington and Conair flat irons receive the best ratings.
19. Real Simple
May 2008
The Hair Tool How-To Manual
by Megan O'Neill
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentReal Simple magazine describes how curling irons, hair dryers and flat irons are made and how they work. Each tool includes buying tips as well as suggestions for proper use. No specific product recommendations are given, however.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
Useful Links
 

Back to top