Shopping for the best flat iron for black hair can be super tricky. There are a lot of words thrown around, like titanium, ceramic, tourmaline, heating elements, hinges, and so on. And if you’re looking for the very best flat iron for your black hair, you’ll need to navigate this complex made of terms and features.
And that’s why I’m here to help you pick out the single best flat iron for your black hair. I’ll give you my list of the top 10 flat irons for black hair on the market right now, and I’ll walk you through some of their basic features too!
10 Best Flat Iron for Black Hair Reviewed In This Guide
Best Flat Iron for Black Hair List
These are my picks for the top 10 flat irons for black hair. Whether you’re looking for quality, frizz control, styling, or just a quick hair straightening, this list is sure to have something for you.
#1 BaByliss PRO Flat Iron for Black Hair
BaByliss PRO products are usually the final word in hair styling, and it’s no surprise that the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Ultra-thin Straightening Iron is our pick for the best flat iron for black hair.
An ergonomic handheld design minimizes the amount of hand fatigue from using the BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Ultra-thin Straightening Iron. This flat iron uses titanium plates for hair contact and ceramic parts for its interior heating element, ensuring that the device retains heat safely while passing heat to its plates.
The BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Ultra-thin Straightening Iron also comes with 50 heat settings for an unrivaled level of control during hair styling—which also happens to be my favorite feature.
Best For: General use, fine styling, frizz removal
Special Features
- Smooth titanium plates for quick heating
- Ceramic heating element with high heat retention
- 5-inch extended plate
Pros: Ergonomic design, 50 heat settings for fine-tuning, great at making curls despite having straight plates
Cons: Pricey
#2 Vanessa Pro Flat Iron for Black Hair
If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 flat iron for black hair, look no further than the Vaneesa Pro Hair Straightener.
This flat iron for black hair has a unique, rounded plate design that allows it to serve as both a hair straightener and a hair curler. The Vanessa Pro Hair Straightener also comes with ion technology, allowing it to reduce frizz as it straightens your hair.
However, customers have noted that while the rounded plates pull double duty as straighteners and curlers, straightening hair with this flat iron requires some practice due to their rounded design. But if you’re on a budget and would rather have a 2-in-1 straightener and curler rather than one device for each style, this flat iron is still a solid choice.
Best For: Versatility
Special Features
- Rounded plates for curling and straightening
- Frizz control via ion generation
- Long plates
Pros: Dual purpose, swivel cord to prevent wire from tangling, automatic shut-off, affordable
Cons: Awkward plate design requires practice when used for straightening, can cause hand fatigue
#3 Chi G2 Professional Titanium Flat Iron for Black Hair
Not only does this flat iron come with a dual voltage that allows it to be used no matter where you are in the world, but its plates have also been reinforced via a hybrid titanium-ceramic design. This gives you the best of both worlds – the safety and thorough heating of ceramic plates and the sturdiness of ceramic ones. Its outer casing is also pretty sturdy, but don’t neglect to secure this flat iron!
The Chi G2 Professional Titanium Hair Straightener uses a mode button for preset temperatures. This flat iron can reach a maximum temperature of 425°F – more than enough for any hair straightening procedure.
Best For: Traveling
Special Features
- Hybrid titanium and ceramic plates
- Mode button with preset temperatures
- Dual voltage
Pros: Dual voltage allows use anywhere in the world, hybrid plate design gives you fast yet safe heating while making flat iron very sturdy
Cons: Warranty void if purchased via online seller
It’s hard to beat the Chi G2 Professional Titanium Hair Straightener as one of the best travel hair straighteners for black hair.
#4 Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron for Black Hair
Sometimes you don’t need a black hair flat iron with attachments. Sometimes you just need your hair straightened out and nothing else. If you’re looking for something that will do the job without costing too much, try the Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron.
This simple flat iron for black hair by Conair is just that – a small, white, and rose gold flat iron that’ll finish the job of straightening your hair quickly and efficiently. Couple that with a super affordable price, and you’ve got a flat iron that’s simple yet very effective.
Customers have noted, however, that the Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron’s plates require some pressure to close all the way through, and it doesn’t have an ergonomic grip either. If your hands tire quickly, you may want to look for another flat iron.
Best For: Budget straightening
Special Features
- 5 heat settings, up to 410°F
- Double ceramic plates
- Floating plates for better hair contact
Pros: Super affordable yet effective, fast heating
Cons: Plates don’t completely close, can cause hand fatigue due to lack of grip
#5 HSI Professional Glider Flat Iron for Black Hair
The HSI Professional Glider is hands-down the best flat iron for black hair in terms of frizz control.
This flat iron uses a ceramic-tourmaline hybrid design for its plates to not only effectively conduct heat, but also uses ionization technology to control frizz. Additional HeatBalance microsensors allow the plates to heat your hair thoroughly and effectively, and allow the flat iron to straighten your hair with just one pass.
Customer reviews have pointed out that while this flat iron is effective, it does take a while to heat up. If you’re looking to style your hair in a rush, this isn’t the flat iron for you.
Best For: Frizz control
Special Features
- Ceramic tourmaline design uses ions to control frizz
- HeatBalance microsensors for temperature regulation
- Temperature range of 140 – 450°F
Pros: Shiny and silky finish, very durable, even heat distribution via HeatBalance microsensors, dual voltage
Cons: Takes a while to warm up
#6 Croc Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron for Black Hair
The Croc Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron is known for its speed. This flat iron heats up super quickly and is great for people on the go.
The Croc Classic Silver Titanium Flat Iron uses a unique silver-titanium composition for its plates, which not only conducts heat extremely well but also repels germs and other contaminants. A temperature range of 280 – 450°F means that this flat iron works very quickly. The flat iron also has an automatic shut-off after 40 minutes, if you’ve accidentally left it on.
Best For: Fast heating
Special Features
- Temperature range of 280 – 450°F
- Silver-titanium alloy plates
- Auto shut-off
Pros: Very fast heat-up time, silver is a naturally sanitary element, ergonomic grip
Cons: Pricey
#7 Paul Mitchell Pro Ceramic Flat Iron for Black Hair
The Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron is the best flat iron for damaged black hair. This is due to its even, cushioned ceramic plates. These plates are placed strategically around the end of the flat iron so that they distribute heat evenly. For anyone who already has dry, frizzy hair, the amount of control that this Paul Mitchell flat iron gives is an absolute must-have.
An ergonomic grip and a slim design further help this flat iron in straightening hair. If you’re not yet sold, the Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron also comes with a digitized temperature display and temperature control, making it that much easier to control the heat of your flat iron. This a great hair straightener for short hair as well since it can straighten all types and lengths.
However, a lot of people have suggested caution when buying this particular flat iron for black hair online. For best results, get yours in person or order it directly from the Paul Mitchell store.
Best For: Damaged hair
Special Features
- Heats up to 410°F in 60 seconds with a 5-second recovery time
- Even, cushioned ceramic plates ensure even heat dispersion to protect hair
- Rounded edges
Pros: Large digital display helps with temperature control, automatic shut-off, dual voltage, slim design for easy handling
Cons: Shady online sellers
#8 ghd Platinum+ Styler Flat Iron for Black Hair
If you’re looking for a premium flat iron for black hair, say hello to the ghd Platinum+ Styler.
This flat iron comes with features befitting the high price tag it commands. Smart styling technology allows the ghd Platinum+ Styler to monitor heat readings 250 times per second to regulate the optimal temperature of 365°F. Ultra-zone predictive technology selectively applies more or less heat, based on your hair thickness and your straightening style to give you personalized results.
A unique wishbone hinge gives the ghd Platinum+ Styler unrivaled flexibility, which in turn allows you to style your hair virtually from any angle, letting you reach those tricky and hard-to-reach parts. Finally, ultra-glossy plates conduct heat quickly and efficiently for a perfectly straight (or curly) and shiny finish.
On the other hand, this flat iron for black hair is very pricey. However, I can vouch for myself how luxurious the ghd Platinum+ Styler is.
Best For: Premium hair straightening
Special Features
- Heat sensors that monitor and adjust plate heat 250 times per second
- Predictive zone technology adapts to your styling method
- Unique wishbone hinge
Pros: Leaves hair silky and straight, no breakage, powerful yet gentle straightening, incorporates modern innovations via heat sensors and predictive zone tech, can be personalized to match your style
Cons: Very pricey
#9 Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron for Black Hair
The Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Wet/Dry Flat Iron is not only a great flat iron for black hair in its own right, but it’s also distinct because of its ability to be used on dry hair.
Due to steam vents that are strategically placed along the plates and ends, the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Wet/Dry Flat Iron safely disperses heat without damaging your hair. A tourmaline design also helps this flat iron fight against frizz and detangle your hair.
Customers have complained—and I’ve noticed it myself—that this flat iron can have a plastic-like smell when it’s heated up. If that’s not a deal breaker for you, you’ll have a very efficient and reliable flat iron on your hands.
Best For: Wet hair
Special Features
- Inlaid steam vents dry hair rapidly without damaging it like conventional flat irons
- Tourmaline design to remove frizz
Pros: Dual voltage, good against frizz, can be used to rapidly dry hair
Cons: Doesn’t retain heat, has a hot plastic smell when in use
#10 Chi Original Lava Ceramic Hairstyling Flat Iron for Black Hair
That’s not a typo – this flat iron for black hair is the smoothest iron on our list, and yes, it actually does have volcanic rock in it. By utilizing the thermal properties of magmatic rock, the Chi Original Lava Ceramic Hairstyling Flat Iron delivers a novel yet highly effective hair straightening experience.
The volcanic lava used in this flat iron allows for optimal heat conduction, which means that users can style and straighten their hair at much lower temperatures than normal. In spite of this, the Chi Original Lava Ceramic Hairstyling Flat Iron doesn’t slack on temperature, with a maximum heat of 395°F.
However, this flat iron for black hair does lack an important feature – namely temperature control.
Best For: Smooth styling
Special Features
- Volcanic lava plates for consistent and even heat distribution
- Predictive zone technology adapts to your styling method
- Unique wishbone hinge
Pros: Straightens effectively despite lower temperatures, extremely durable, adds shine
Cons: Doesn’t have temperature control
Best Flat Iron Buying Guide
When buying a flat iron, there are certain things you should look out for. A good flat iron for black hair is one that addresses your specific needs, whether that’s styling, shine, or frizz control. Here I’ll discuss what a flat iron is and what you should be looking for when shopping for a flat iron.
Remember though – the first step when buying anything is to answer the question, “What exactly do I intend to get out of this product?” This will save you both money and time and make your search a lot easier!
What Is a Flat Iron?
Flat irons are handheld devices that can both straighten and style hair. This is done through the direct application of heat via two or more heating plates located at the far end of the device.
How Does a Flat Iron Work?
By clamping its hot plates down on your hair, a flat iron breaks chemical bonds in your hair, which causes it to open and become curly.
What Is the Best Flat Iron for Black Hair?
The two best flat irons for black hair in this guide are the BaByliss PRO Nano Titanium Ultra-thin Straightening Iron and the ghd Platinum+ Styler. The BaByliss is an all-around excellent flat iron for black hair that can fit almost every need, while the ghd Platinum+ Styler is a pricey but top-of-the-line flat iron that comes with a lot of modern technology that streamlines and enhances the hair straightening process.
Types of Flat Irons
Flat irons are generally classified depending on the material they use for their heating plates. The three most common types of flat irons are titanium flat irons, ceramic flat irons, and tourmaline flat irons.
Titanium Flat Iron
Titanium flat irons use titanium for their heating plates.
Titanium plates heat up very, very quickly. These plates are usually found on professional flat irons. However, titanium plates do conduct a lot of heat, so you need to be careful when using titanium plates as they can easily damage your hair. For professionals, titanium flat irons are the best flat irons for black hair.
Ceramic Flat Iron
Ceramic flat irons use ceramic elements for heating.
Ceramic plates are safer than titanium plates. Unlike titanium plates that heat outside going in, ceramic plates heat up the insides of your hair, which radiates outwards. This makes ceramic flat iron heating more thorough, but that comes at the cost of slower heating time.
Tourmaline Flat Iron
While not as common as ceramic or titanium flat irons, tourmaline flat irons have their own niche.
Tourmaline is a gemstone that, when used as a heating plate, generates negative ions. These ions minimize hair frizz while effectively sealing hair cuticles, meaning that tourmaline flat irons require fewer passes through your hair while also being more thorough.
Features to Look for In a Flat Iron for Black Hair
While a flat iron is conceptually a very simple thing – a clamp that heats your hair – there are several features you should look out for when shopping for your own flat iron.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is absolutely, 100 percent necessary on any flat iron. Don’t just take the manufacturer’s word that their flat irons go up to so-and-so temperature – get one with temperature control. Not only will temperature control let you fine-tune your flat iron styling, but it’ll also help protect your hair from too much heat.
While we’re on the topic of temperature control, try to find a flat iron with an LED display with the current temperature. This will give you a better idea of how hot your iron is as well as what temperature your hair responds to best.
Safety Features
If you’re in a rush, it’s possible to forget to turn off your flat iron. For this reason, it’s important to look for a flat iron for black hair with an auto-shutoff feature after some time has passed. This mitigates the risk of starting fires and also saves you electricity.
Plate Material
Many buyers make the mistake of glossing over the kind of plate that a flat iron has. This is a common mistake, and getting the right kind of plate material will make your flat iron so much easier to use.
There are three materials that you’ll usually see in flat iron plates. These are titanium, ceramic, and tourmaline. We’ve already gone over the properties of each, but remember this as a general rule: titanium for fast ironing, ceramic for safe ironing, and tourmaline for frizz.
Plate Size
Flat irons come in different sizes, most commonly in the 1 to 2-inch range. Bigger isn’t better though, and you should look for a flat iron that fits your hair perfectly.
You should consider your own hair type when examining plate sizes. Tight, kinky, and curly hair will benefit more from wide plates. Conversely, short, wave or fine hair will see better results when used with a flat iron with smaller plates.
Plate Shape
Finally, there’s the question of plate shape. Some flat irons have rounded plates, while others have flat ones. Which one is better? That depends on what you’re trying to do. Rounded plates are better at styling and making curls, but straight flat iron plates are great at keeping your hair straight.
Heat Protectant
While it’s not strictly part of flat iron for black hair, you should always use a heat protectant when straightening your hair. This is especially important for people with dry or damaged hair as you definitely don’t want to do even more damage to your hair during a styling attempt!
Common Questions About Flat Iron For Black Hair
How often can I use a flat iron?
Do not flat iron your hair more than once a month, if you can avoid it. Overexposure to flat irons can cause permanent damage, especially on color-treated hair.
Can I style my hair immediately after ironing it?
For best results, let your hair cool down for a few minutes. As your hair cools, your cuticles will seal, and if you time it right, this can help you lock in your style.
How do I clean my flat iron?
Flat irons need to be cleaned regularly to ensure maximum performance. To do this, plug your iron in until it’s hot, then unplug it. While the flat iron is still warm, use a cloth dipped in alcohol to gently rub the plates of the flat iron. Take care not to scrub the plates as this can damage them.
What’s the difference between titanium and ceramic plates?
Titanium plates channel heat from the exterior of the hair down into its core. Ceramic plates, on the other hand, heat your hair from the inside out. Titanium plates also heat up quickly but can damage hair if you don’t know what you’re doing, while ceramic plates are safer but take longer to heat up.
How many times should I pass a flat iron through my hair?
You should only pass an iron through your hair once. Repeated application of an iron to one section of hair will cause heat damage.
What’s the ideal temperature for styling hair with a flat iron?
Stylists suggest temperatures in the range of 300 – 400°F. Anything less won’t be as potent, and anything more can cause serious damage without professional guidance.
If you’d like to be more specific, 300°F is the maximum for fine or treated hair, 380°F is the upper limit for healthy or natural hair, and 450°F is for coarse, kinky, or curly hair.
Can flat irons cause fires?
Because of their high temperature, flat irons are more than capable of starting fires. When you’re finished using your flat iron for black hair, be sure to shut it off and place it on a surface that’s heat-resistant. Don’t put it on a towel, a carpet, or any other flammable surface.
Can I use a flat iron on wet or damp hair?
Don’t do this, unless you seriously want to damage your hair. The rapid vaporization of water in your hair can cause irreparable damage as the steam will race to burst out.
On the other hand, there are some flat irons that can be used on damp hair. Make sure to double-check your flat iron before attempting to use it on wet hair. If there’s nothing to indicate that it can be used to dry hair, don’t do it.
Why is my hair sizzling or steaming when I use a flat iron?
Sizzles and steam indicate the presence of water on your hair. Be sure to dry your hair completely before using a flat iron.
Can I use a flat iron without a heat protectant?
While you can technically use a flat iron without a hair protectant, it’s not recommended. Protectants shield your hair from dangerous heat damage, and that extra step will go far in maintaining healthy, happy hair.
What’s the difference between a flat iron and a hair straightener?
A flat iron is a kind of hair straightener. The difference isn’t just in the name though – flat irons refer specifically to the tongs-like tool that presses and heats hair to straighten it out.
Enjoy Your New Flat Iron
I’ve listed a lot of flat irons for black hair here, but the title of “the best” is really up to you. I’m confident that you’ll find at least one flat iron on this list to be a great match for whatever you need, but if not, there are lots of models available on the market.
Regardless of which flat iron you decide to with, always remember to practice safety precautions and apply heat protectant when using your black hair flat iron. Remember a little caution goes a long way when you’re trying to get that shiny, straight, and sleek look!
Mel is a licensed Chemist in New Jersey who has worked in several cosmetics companies and has years of experience formulating hair care and beauty products. She uses her knowledge in cosmetics to distinguish and find the best products to recommend to Union Of Barber’s readers. When Mel’s not writing, you can find her walking her dogs or cooking and baking at home!
