11 Best Expert-Approved Flat Irons & Hair Straighteners Of 2024
Top selection of affordable hair straighteners that are easy on your hair and pocket.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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If you are broke as hell and you’ve got no money to blow on expensive hair straightening tools, you should be looking for the best dry cheap straightener. Let’s face it, maintaining your hair can be expensive and in this economy, styling for some is a luxury. Regardless of that, you still need to look presentable, and for that, cheap stuff is the way to go! We’ve put together a list of 11 flat irons under the $30 budget segment that have garnered numerous positive reviews. These offer the most bang for your buck!
In This Article
11 Best Affordable Flat Irons Below $30
1. Best Lightweight:Revlon Ceramic Flat Iron
The Revlon Ceramic Flat Iron is perfect for achieving any hairstyle, be it beach waves, curls, or the straight hair look. It has high-quality triple-layer ceramic plates for even heat distribution and preventing hair damage. The thin, 1-inch plate reaches close to the roots for sleek and smooth locks. Reviewers are impressed that this straightener heats up quickly to 400°F in a few seconds and imparts a sleek look to the hair. There are two heat setting options and a silicone finger easy-grip handle for a comfortable hold. This straightener also features an auto-shutoff mechanism for additional safety. It is lightweight, easy to use, and travel-friendly.
Key Features
- Auto-shutoff mechanism
- Triple-layer ceramic plates
- 2 heat setting options
- Silicone finger grip
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Not durable
- Not suitable for heavy curly hair
- All-in-one ergonomic design
- Advanced ceramic technology
- 11 feet swivel cord
- Dual voltage for convenient travel
- Versatile styling tool
- Reduces frizz and static.
- Convenient for travel
- Easy to use
- Includes heat protection pad
- Does not have a digital temperature display
- Auto shut-off
- 20 variable heat settings
- 30 seconds heat up
- Swivel cord
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Ceramic plates
- Adds shine
- Clamp holds hair tightly
- Might not be durable
- Negative ion technology
- 3D floating plates
- Ceramic tourmaline technology
- Safety lock
- 60° swivel cord
- No hair sticking and pulling
- Long-lasting results
- Unisex
- Includes a heat-resistant glove
- Fixed temperature
- 30-second instant heat-up
- 6 temperature settings
- LCD real-time digital display
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Anti-static technology
- Hinge lock protection
- Titanium coating
- 360° swivel cord
- Reduces frizz and flyaways by 50%
- Glides smoothly
- Quick heating
- Not durable
- 5 temperature settings
- 1-inch double ceramic-coated floating plate
- 30-second instant heat-up
- Auto-shutoff
- Heat recovery system
- Safety lock
- 5-foot swivel cord
- Lightweight design
- Easy to use
- Heats up easily
- Does not glide easily
- Advanced and smart technology design
- Adjustable temperature settings from 140-450°F
- Worldwide dual voltage compatibility
- 360-degree swivel cord
- High-quality ceramic plates
- Best for dry and curly hair
- Travel-friendly
- Suitable for all hair types
- None
- Safety lock
- Constant temperature
- 30 seconds heat up
- Lightweight
- Advance ceramic plates
- Travel-friendly
- Affordable option
- May find it small for longer hair
- Auto shut-off at 50 minutes
- 40 seconds heating
- Dual voltage
- 3 adjustable temperatures
- Easy to use
- Lightweight design
- Travel-friendly
- Heats quickly
- 2-in-1
- Too small
- Ineffective temperature control
- Dual voltage
- 30-second heat-up
- Nano ion technology
- MCH technology
- Hook design
- Lightweight design
- Suitable for daily use
- Easy to store
- 1-year warranty
- Not durable
- 9 temperature settings
- 1” ceramic flat iron
- Rapid heat IQ technology
- Suitable for all hair types
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Frizz-free hairstyles
- Makes hair smooth
- Adds shine
- No real-time digital display screen
- No indicator
- Plate Size – Go for a flat iron with a plate size of 1.5 inches. This makes the fast styling process easy. Larger plates cover more surface area and are suitable for people with long hair. People with relatively shorter hair can go for a medium flat iron plate length of around 1 inch.
- Plate Material – Most hair straighteners have ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline plates. Ceramic plates are ideal if your hair is thin and weak. They ensure no heat-related damage but are not durable. Tourmaline hair straighteners are a bit costly but durable. They produce negative ions that help moisten the hair and keep it hydrated for a long time. Titanium plates heat up fast and can hold the heat for a long time. They are lightweight, durable, and suitable for dense, curly, and thicker hair types.
- Cord Length And Rotation – Go for flat irons with long cords to ensure ease of use. A long cord enables using the device at comfortable angles and distances. Choose a hair straightener with 2 to 3 meters of cord length. The 360° swivel cords have higher maneuverability, more rotation, and a greater lifespan.
- Temperature Setting And Control – The more the heat control variation, the better the hair straightener. Good quality flat irons have a temperature range from 200°F to 500°F. This enables you to set the temperature option as per your comfort and hair type. Thin hair requires less heat than curly and coarse hair.
- Auto-Shut Off – Flat irons with an auto-shutoff feature ensure safety if you forget to switch off the device. Most straighteners have a 30 to 60-minute auto-shutoff mechanism.
- Advanced Technologies – Many hair straighteners come with advanced features like moisture preservation, ionic technology, steam technology, and MCH technology. These features are beneficial for dry or weak hair types. The moisture retention and heat distribution features ensure that your hair remains straight, smooth, and silky.
- Size – Ensure that the hair straightener is lightweight and compact so that it fits inside a purse or bag pack for easy portability during vacations or trips.
- Warranty – Many brands offer warranties, ranging from one to four years. This ensures hassle-free replacement in case of any damage or malfunctions during the warranty period.
Pros
Cons
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 5,029 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
2. Best Versatile: CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightening Flat Iron
The CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightening Flat Iron is a professional quality hair straightener designed to help you achieve silky, shiny, and frizz-free hair instantly. Its 1-inch ceramic floating plates are perfect for gliding it easily over your hair strands. This hair straightener also features far-infrared heating that helps reduce frizz and static. Multiple reviewers have raved about the flash-quick heating system that heats up to 392°F (202°C) in seconds, ensuring that you get the desired style in no time.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 4,743 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best With Auto Shut-Off:Andis 67095 Ceramic Flat Iron
The Andis 67095 Ceramic Flat Iron heats up to 450 degrees and offers 20 different heat settings to meet all your precision styling needs based on different hair needs. In addition, the ceramic plated clamps hold hair tighter to give the best, long-lasting, and professional results. It preserves the hair’s moisture, preventing dryness and damage while adding shine to the hair. Several reviewers have praised the straightener as it can heat up as fast as 30 seconds. This budget-friendly flat iron also has an auto shut-off feature. Take a look at this video detailing a tester’s experience of using this product.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 620 great reviews on Amazon.
Revlon Ceramic Flat Iron Best Lightweight | CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightening Flat Iron Best Versatile | Andis 67095 Ceramic Flat Iron Best With Auto Shut-Off | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic | Ceramic Tourmaline, Ceramic |
| Hair Type | flat | All, Curly | Fine, Thick |
| Shape | Flat, Straight | Round | Flat |
| Dimensions | 3.38 x 5.5 x 13.75 inches | 11 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches | 2.5 x 4.25 x 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 10.55 Ounces | 1.4 Pounds | 1.44 Ounces |
| Color | - | - | Black/Gold |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,029 | 4,743 | 620 |
| Price | $10.74 | $69.9 | $17.15 |
4. Best For Long-Lasting Result:AmoVee Mini Flat Iron
The AmoVee Mini Flat Iron with negative ion technology is perfect for the nape section with bobs, face-framing, bangs, short, color-treated hair, or minimal touch-ups. The 3D floating plates avoid sticking or pulling the hair and offer long-lasting, damage-free styling. The ceramic tourmaline technology enables even heat distribution, reducing frizz, and static. This hair straightener is equipped with a safety lock and a 60° flexible swivel cord for a comfortable hold. The 0.79-inch flat iron plate maintains a fixed temperature with 410°F high heat. Reviewers are impressed by the product’s compact size and that it comes with an additional heat-resistant glove. They love that it is safe and easy to use. Take a look at this video to explore a tester’s experience of using this product to understand its advantages.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
5. Best Anti-Static Design:Remington Flat Iron
The Remington Flat Iron features 1-inch floating plates that cover your hair entirely, and the anti-static technology reduces frizz and flyaways by 50%. The titanium coating ensures fast heating, while the long ceramic plates ensure quick styling without any damage. Multiple reviewers love this hair straightener as it can heat up within 30 seconds. This budget-friendly flat iron comes with six temperature settings ranging from 310°F to 410°F. The LCD screen and digital controls help monitor temperature settings, and the 60-minute auto-shutoff feature ensures safety. The hinge lock helps protect the plates during storage.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
6. Best For Instant Heat-Up:Conair Flat Iron
The Conair Flat Ironfeatures a 1-inch double ceramic-coated floating plate that offers straight, shiny, and frizz-free hair. It is equipped with five ranges of heat settings that reach a maximum temperature of 410°F. This straightener heats up within 30 seconds. It features a safety lock and a 5-foot swivel cord. The extra-long floating plates ensure quick styling with less damage, enhanced hair manageability, and uniform heat recovery. Check out this video to explore a tester’s experience with this flat iron.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
7. Best For Curly Hair: HSI Professional Ceramic Flat Iron
The HSI Professional Ceramic Flat Iron can straighten, flip, and curl hair with minimal effort. It uses high-quality ceramic plates that have 8 HeatBalance micro-sensors to distribute heat evenly. The Glider’s plates are also infused with tourmaline and ceramic crystal ion plates to create a shinier, silkier, smoother finish in less time. This flat iron offers adjustable temperature settings. Its worldwide dual voltage compatibility makes it an ideal travel companion for its reliable performance and is unanimously praised by reviewers.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 35,236 reviews claiming its efficacy.
8. Best With Dual Voltage: Wavytalk Mini Ceramic Hair Straightener
The Wavytalk Mini Ceramic Hair Straightener has 3D floating plates that adhere to your hair for a snag-free and damage-free experience. It makes the hair shiny, soft, frizz-free, and smooth. Its innovative PTC ceramic heaters evenly distribute heat. It heats quickly to a consistent temperature option of 390 °F in just 30 seconds, providing fast, long-lasting, salon-quality hairstyles. This 2-in-1 flat and curling ironis lightweight and compact and has a dual voltage feature that makes it ideal for travel. Also, this is not an expensive option that will burn a hole in your pocket!
Key Features
Pros
Cons
9. Best For Fine Hair:Terviiix Mini Flat Straightener
The Terviiix Mini Flat Straightener offers three adjustable temperature settings with six indicator lights. The 2-in-1 iron works as a straightener and as a curler. The dual voltage iron has PTC fast heating technology that heats up in 40 seconds and is ideal for fine, coarse, and natural hair types. In addition, the plates are infused with argan oil, keratin, and tourmaline, which nourish the hair and prevent damage. Finally, the iron is equipped with 3D floating plates that don’t snag or pull hair and reduces hair breakage breakage. The mini straightener is travel-friendly and portable.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
10. Best Travel-Friendly:Herstyler Superstyler Onyx Flat Iron
The Herstyler Superstyler Onyx Flat Iron has 3-in-1 use of straightening, flipping, and curling the hair quickly and gives a smoother finish and a defined hair texture. The ceramic plates are infused with Nano Ion technology that keeps the hair shiny and frizz-free for a long time. The 1.25-inch ceramic plate heats up to 500°F without any hotspots. The MCH technology enables the straightener to heat up in less than 30 seconds. This hair straightener also features temperature control, a hook design for easy storage, and a dual voltage system. It is lightweight, travel-friendly, and suitable for daily use.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
11. Best For All Hair Textures:T3 Micro Lucea Professional Straightener
The T3 Micro Lucea Professional Straightener is a 1″ ceramic flat iron. It uses the T3 rapid heat IQ technology that delivers advanced heat evenly in 9 digitally controlled temperature settings. In addition, it controls frizz, giving you a smooth, shiny, and frizz-free hairstyle instantly. Theanti-frizz hair straighteneris gentle on hair and is suitable for all hair types and textures.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Consider these essential features before buying a traditional straightener to make the ideal choice.
Features To Consider Before Buying A Flat Iron
Infographic: The Dos And Don’ts Of Using A Flat Iron
Flat irons are super easy to use and can help create amazing hairstyles. However, to get effective results quickly without causing any injuries or hair damage, it is essential to use them wisely. Check out the infographic below to find out the essential dos and don’ts of using a flat iron.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
It is important to look for the right product while purchasing any electronic gadget. When you are choosing your preferred flat iron or hair straightener, you should opt for the ones with hassle-free features like auto shut-off, quick heating options, or a dual voltage system. Opt for the Revlon Ceramic Flat Iron for an even heat distribution, the CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightening Flat Iron for reducing frizz and static, and try the Andis 67095 Ceramic Flat Iron if you wish to prevent dryness and damage. Some of these products also come with a variable range of heat settings and good swivel cords, which are of utmost importance. However, you should steer clear of flat irons that do not come with ceramic plates and are not very user-friendly. Instead, opt for non-expensive options and professional-grade tools that are safe for all hair types. Alicia Igess Jones, an award-winning hairstylist suggests, “Consider using a heat protectant on your hair when using a straightening iron. Also, consider wrapping your hair at night to preserve your straight hair.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap straighteners bad?
No. Many hair straighteners at moderate price heat up rapidly and have advanced features like negative ion technology and 3D floating plates.
Is it good to straighten the hair once a month?
Yes, but it depends on your hair type. People with frizzy and coarse hair may require straightening more often. Others with smooth hair can straighten once a week. A month may be too long, but if you have smooth hair, once in a week is good.
How often can I straighten my hair without damaging it?
With a good quality straightener, you can straighten your hair even daily without any damage. Check features like ceramic plates, even heat distribution, temperature adjustment, negative ion technology, and MCH technology before buying it.
Why do straighteners pull hair?
If your straightener is pulling hair, there are issues either with the product or the process. A good quality straightener glides smoothly without pulling the hair. Use the flat iron from the root and glide it down your hair strands.
Is using a flat iron daily wrong?
No. Ensure that your hair straightener is of good quality, and you are using it correctly. However, if you have damaged and weak hair, you should use it less often as it can cause heat damage.
Does straightening the hair ruin curls?
Yes, straightening the hair can ruin your natural curls if you use straighteners with tourmaline irons that can be damaging daily.
Why do my straighteners smell?
Straighteners smell bad when they are used frequently at a very high temperature.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, who authored this article, is a haircare enthusiast and likes to assist her readers in finding suitable hair care items. With this intent, she hunted for the best dry cheap straighteners for her readers. After extensive research and visits to forums to read customer reviews, she curated a list of them. This list consists of products that are not only budget-friendly but have all the abilities to make your hair look gorgeous.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Liz Cook, MS, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian working with OnPoint Nutrition. She graduated from Penn State University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Nutrition as well as Marketing. She completed her dietetic internship with Aramark in Philadelphia and her master's degree at Northeastern University shortly after.Liz Cook, MS, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian working with OnPoint Nutrition. She graduated from Penn State University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Nutrition as well as Marketing. She completed her dietetic internship with Aramark in Philadelphia and her master's degree at Northeastern University shortly after.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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