Best Flat Iron for Frizzy Hair: Top 7 Straighteners for Smooth and Silky Results

The frustration of frizz can make any day a bad hair day. Luckily there are things you can do yourself to help. The guide I have put together below will help you find the best flat iron for your frizzy hair, so you can be sure you’re using the right product to keep your hair under control.

But what causes frizzy hair and why do some people suffer from it while others don’t? The truth is there are a number of causes, so it’s difficult to pinpoint only one. Your natural hair type can play a part, as can shampoos, over washing, and chemicals amongst other factors.

The humidity of summer definitely has an impact and there is some interesting science to back this up. Regardless of whether its winter or summer, you want your hair to look its best, so read on and go through our in-depth research and find out the best straightener for frizzy hair.

Flat Irons for Frizzy Hair – Comparison Table

The 7 Best Flat Irons for Frizzy Hair Reviewed

Managing frizzy hair can be an ongoing battle. You’re never really sure what you will be dealing with each day when you look in the mirror. Your main tool for fighting the frizz are flat irons. But with so many choices available, which are the most effective models? I have reviewed the seven best models below to help you make the right choice for you.

BaBylissPRONanoTitanium-Plated Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron

While there are a number of other great models available, the BaBylissPROis the first flat iron I would choose to combat my frizz. It’s loved by many and fully deserves its place as our top recommendation.

The first thing that stands out with the BaBylissPRO is the weight. Weighing just one pound the BaBylissPRO feels very light in your hand. As most people straighten their hair regularly, the amount of time you’re holding a straighter can add up. Having a light flat iron makes a huge difference as you find the issues of discomfort and tiredness are practically gone.

The plates are also quite long at 5 inches and there are three different widths(1 ,1 ½ and 2 inches) to choose from. While a lot of straighteners include ceramic plates the BaBylissPRO uses titanium. This creates even heat and a very smooth surface allowing your hair to run through smoothly without it catching.

There are flat irons on the market that have a limited range of heat settings.  Even if you know the ideal setting for your hair, changes in humidity or hair damage can mean you would benefit from a change in setting. The BaBylissPRO boats a range of 50 settings which covers every type of hair from fine to course and everywhere in between. What impressed me the most with this was the top temperate which goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit which is considerably higher than some of its competitors.

Get BaBylissPRO Ultra Thin at Amazon

The speed in which the BaBylissPRO heats up is also impressive and this of course helps save time if you’re in a rush. While the heat settings are a benefit, they cause some issues too – and one of the things that frustrated me was just how hot the outside casing gets. You need to be very careful where you put it down and a heat glove is recommended while you’re using it.

While the features alone draw your attention to the BaBylissPRO, it’s the performance where it really stands out. It’s easy to use, incredibly smooth, and straightens fizz in a really short time. It fits well in your hand and the shape and length are perfect.

Overall, the lightweight, quality of the glide and range of temperatures make this a great choice.  If you’re looking for the best iron for frizzy hair it’s hard to look past the BaBylissPRO.

ghd Classic Flat Iron Styler

Ghd is perhaps the first name that springs to mind when you think of flat irons. As a global brand with a reputation for quality, it’s important that every product connects with their customers.  The Classic Flat Iron Styler does exactly this, and is one of ghd’s most popular designs.

The design is simple and quite elegant. One difference from many other straighteners is the rounded barrel, which sits nicely in your hand. The width is one inch which is slightly on the thin side compared to some other flat irons but still works well. It actually helps work through hair more quickly although you can fit less in due to the smaller size.

Ghd use floating plates which help with the glide. Floating plates mean the plates are able to adjust and move with your hair. This is a huge advantage over fixed plates and helps keep a smooth and consistent movement. The ghd’s plates are ceramic which is one of the better finishes for a plate due to the smooth surface.

Due to the heat of the flat irons, one feature that is sought after is an auto shut off. Ghd have included one on this model and it’s something I’m surprised is missing from some other top models. Here, the flat irons turn off after 30 minutes which is an ideal amount of time.

Get ghd Classic Iron at Amazon

Using the ghd’s is a nice experience. They are smooth and the temperature level is good for straightening most types of hair. The iconic black and gold add to the stylish design and they feel sturdy in your hand. While they don’t feel light like travel straighteners, they have a nice balance in between – they aren’t too heavy but at the same time, still solid.

So is this is the best straightener for frizzy hair? Are the ghd’s a match for the BaBylissPRO? Unfortunately, there is one main feature that stopped this making the top spot. While the BaBylissPRO has a range of 50 different temperatures the ghd Classic has only one. While that might still be suitable for a lot of people’s hair, it won’t suit everyone. Also having the option to adjust the temperature for times when you might want to try something different is a great feature.

The ghd is a great option. The smoothness, the ceramic plates and the auto-shutoff are great features. It’s ideally for lots of people, just not if you want the ability to experiment with different temperatures.

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Flat Iron

With an emphasis on smooth, the Paul Mitchell pro is another high-quality flat iron. One of the main benefits is that the straightener generates negative ions which help control your hair. Hair produces positive ions so this balances out giving you smoother hair.

The plate design is 1 ¼ “ which is slightly wider than the ghd but they both share the same ceramic finish on the plate. Out of the different possible options, I have found titanium my favorite followed by ceramic. There are other less expensive options available, but these work best for frizzy hair.

The Paul Mitchell Pro does create smooth results on the back of a very nice design. There are a few features that worked very well and the 9-foot cord is a great addition for when your mirror isn’t near a socket. It helps to avoid a lot of fuss as it’s a swivel cord so you don’t get tangled up. There is also dual voltage so if you’re taking it on a trip you don’t need to worry about adapters.

It also has a one-hour auto shut off and while I was surprised at that length of time, it’s possible to reduce this manually so you can set it to a more reasonable level.

Get Paul Mitchell Pro at Amazon

While it does a very good job for straightening hair it’s also useful for curls and bends. The size of the plate allows it to do both tasks well and it feels good in your hands. There is also a digital temperature display which is a nice touch, however, this leads us on to one area that I feel could be improved.

The maximum temperature is 410 degrees and this will definitely be hot enough for many users, however not all. While other models have the capacity to go to 450 degrees, it does leave people with much thicker hair a difficult choice as the Paul Mitchell is a very good product, but you need to be sure it will reach the heat you need.

Overall, the Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Flat Iron should be considered along with the other top models. Smoothness isn’t an issue and the length of the lead leaves me wondering why every model doesn’t have a similar length. Whether ion makes a difference is hard to say, but it does make very smooth hair and it’s a very good product. Knowing what heat you need is an important part of buying a product that removes frizz. Hair types require different temperatures to ensure there is maximum straightness. Whether this model will be hot enough at its top setting for you depends on your hair and needs, but it’s a solid model from a good brand and it has a lot in its favor.

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ionic Straightening Iron

I listed the BaBylissPro Ultra Thin as our most recommended model and rightly so. While this model doesn’t quite match up, it actually offers some features that the UltraThin doesn’t.

The first and most obvious difference is the size. This BaBylissPro comes with plate options of 1 ¼ and 1 ¾ but the actual size of the housing is bigger and more substantial. When you hold it, the difference is instantly noticeable which might put some people off. If you’re looking for something light, the ultra-thin is the obvious choice but if you’re looking for something sturdy this might also be an option worth considering,

You have the same titanium plates here however the plates are ionic. In terms of straightening you have the same excellent experience as the other BaBylissPro’s however the handling is different due to the larger size. One complaint I had was the placement of the buttons which fell in exactly the place where you would pick them up. It would be nice for future models if they added a lock feature.

The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ionic Straightening Iron has a specific Ryton housing to stop the housing temperature overheating. The temperature options here go up to 450 Fahrenheit which covers all the bases you could reasonably expect and practically every type of hair. While some irons don’t reach that level or don’t offer adjustable temperature, the BaByliss does both and has a digital adjuster.

So is this model one I would recommend? Personally, I prefer the Ultra-Thin due to the size. Its easier to maneuver and if you’re traveling and want to take it along it’s definitely easier to take in your luggage. However, that isn’t to say this isn’t a good model. You really have excellent features and you get great results smoothing out the frizz. Titanium plates and the temperature options alone make this a great flat iron for frizzy hair, but if your preference is for something smaller you might be led in a different direction.

CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium 1 1/4″ Straightening Hairstyling Iron

CHI is another brand with a good reputation for flat irons. The G2 is an interesting model as while most other brands choose ceramic or titanium plates, CHI combines them both. The plates on the G2 are floating ceramic but are they also infused with titanium.

So how does that work out for those of use trying to eliminate frizz? The answer is very well. The G2 adds a smoothness that’s similar to some of the other recommended models and the plates are 1 ¼ “ which many people see as the perfect size. If you’re looking for something big enough but not too large 1 ¼ “  is a good compromise.

There are some other nice features too, and the color-coded digital temperature is something other brands might try to incorporate. It allows you to see quickly if you’re on the right setting by showing a blue, green, or red light depending on which heat setting you’re using. If you’re in a rush this is great and it’s also useful to make sure you’re not damaging your hair with an incorrect heat setting.

The temperature goes up to 425 degrees and while this doesn’t compete with BaByliss, it’s still hotter than most models on the market. The heat settings are adjustable too which we expect from top models. CHI also added an auto shut off and it’s hard to think of any features the G2’s are missing, especially when you consider they have a 40-second heat up time.

Overall the G2 is a solid choice. It doesn’t really do any one thing better than every model out there, but it does everything well. It’s not the hottest and its not the smoothest but it has every feature we expect from a good model as well as good pair of plates. While all the top models seem to be great at some things but also have weak spots or missing features, the G2 is good across the board.

VOLOOM Classic 1 1/2 Inch Volumizing Hair Iron

Working in a different way than a traditional flat iron, the VOLOOM Volumizing Iron adds volume to your hair. So,if your hair needs some extra bounce the VOLOOM is designed with ridges on the plates which can help your hair achieve a fuller feel.

The design is very similar to traditional straighteners with a ceramic plate, but here you’re making more of a crimp type motion rather than smoothing out. The irons are well made and sturdy and have a digital temperature control that easily viewable. The lead has a 360-degree swivel cord which allows for the range of motions you need when you’re taking different sections of hair to work on.

In terms of adding body, the VOLOOM is fantastic. There is a noticeable difference that actually lasts throughout the day. We all know that adding chemical products to your hair isn’t going to be particularly kind in the long run. So far there have been very few irons that can replace those, but the VOLOOM actually manages it. The one area that there is still a question over is fine hair. It’s notoriously hard to add body to fine hair and while the VOLOOM does as well as any flat iron, there are still mixed results.

With many of the flat irons we have looked at, there has been an issue with buttons being accidentally knocked. It isn’t enough to put you off buying a model but it is an inconvenience. Luckily VOLOOM have come up with a simple but effective locking button and while this isn’t groundbreaking it should surely be included on other premium models.

It’s hard to judge the VOLOOM against traditional straighteners as its job is slightly different. However, if we were looking for an iron to add volume, this would be very high on the list. There are no features missing and it’s very effective at what it does. If you have very fine hair you might not get the results you’re looking for. For everyone else, this is a great flat iron that will add volume and bounce to your hair.

CHI PRO G2 Digital Titanium Infused Ceramic 1″ Straightening Hairstyling Iron

While there are plenty of flat irons with plates sized around the 1 ½” the CHI PRO 2 is a streamline 1″. That means it’s lighter and easier to manage in your hand and you’re less likely to get tired using it. The compromise is it’s likely to take you a little longer to straighten the frizz out of your hair as you can fit less between the plates.

This won’t suit everyone, but if you have short or medium length hair, or you’re willing to spend a little more time, this streamline model has a lot in its favor.

Like the other CHI we reviewed above, this has the titanium and ceramic mixed plates. It also has the auto shut off and the colored digital display that I liked so much. Here, the cord is 11 meters and while we have often hoped that flat iron models made longer cords, 11 meters is a lot to deal with. I sure its fine in a salon but it can actually be an inconvenience in a normal room.

The dual wattage is a nice touch and as this streamline model is travel size it makes sense to add this feature. There is no point making it streamline if you need to carry an adapter along too.

Again, it creates smooth hair and the plates work wonders at removing frizz. It reaches a maximum heat of 425 F which falls just short of the hottest models but it will be fine for most hair types. It’s not closer to the top of the list as I don’t think 1″ is the ideal plate size, but if you travel a lot this is feature-packed and gets great results.

Like the larger version, you can see CHI make sure their models are feature-packed and perform well. With this being the more portable version, the idea of the extra-long lead doesn’t really add up. But it’s not a huge issue and if you can overlook that these are great portable flat irons to straighten your hair.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Flat Iron for Frizzy Hair?

With so many different features and the unusual terminology used, it can hard to know what to look for in a flat iron. I have listed what I consider to be the most important features below, to help you choose the perfect iron.

Using Your Flat Iron to Remove Frizz: A Step By Step Guide

Once you have chosen the perfect flat irons, the next step is to start using them to make your frizz disappear. While straightening your hair might seem like something simple, following the correct technique will help give you the best results.

Step 1: Preparation

Turn your flat iron on to give it some time to heat up. Different models vary but it shouldn’t take more than a minute or two.  At the same time, if you’re going to use a heat glove now would be an ideal time to locate it.

Step 2: Protection

Before you add that hot iron to your hair, it’s worth adding a little protection. There are various spray options you can apply, and if you will be using a hot setting we would recommend applying some protection before you start. It’s usually best to start spraying from the bottom up.

Step 3: Sectioning

It’s more manageable to straighten small sections of your hair, so before you start straightening you should split your hair into different sections by tying it. Different hair lengths will use different techniques but allow yourself to split your hair so you can isolate the parts you want to work on.

Step 4: Selection

In most cases, you will want to work from the bottom, so take a section of hair ready to be straightened. The size is important here as if you take too much it won’t straighten very well. Ideally, you want small amounts that will be able to fit through the plates.

Step 5: Straightening

Slowly move the iron down the hair you have selected. You should aim for a smooth consistent stroke. You may need to repeat the movement twice but the key here is not to go too fast as it won’t actually straighten, but if you stop with the iron on your hair, you may well damage your hair. Slow but consistent is the key here.

Step 6: Tie up finished section

Once you have finished a section you can tie that out of the way so you’re able to tell which parts are complete. Starting at the bottom of your hair and at the back often works well.

Step 7: Next Section

As you choose the next section to straighten, you should be careful to keep an eye on the irons. As you maneuver to select more hair, make sure the iron is placed down, ideally on a heatproof mat. You should avoid any skin contact with the iron which includes keeping it away from your scalp when straightening as well leaving it in your hands as you select other sections.

Step 8: Repeat and Finish

Once you have finished every section, your hair should be looking wonderful. Sometimes the very bottom of your hair can benefit from another quick going over. There is no need to tie it back at this point, just add another quick spray of protection and give them another light straighten.

Then you’re all finished with wonderful looking straight hair!

Final Thoughts

There are some fantastic flat irons on the market but choosing the right one takes some thought. While it’s easy to be drawn into all of the features, you also need to make sure the straighteners do a good job of removing the frizz. After all, that what you will be using them for. It’s impossible to say which is the best model as people have different needs and hair types.

If your priority is a high maximum heat then your choice might be different than someone who is looking for a pair that are easily portable. However, if I could only choose one set it would be the BaBylissPro Ultra Thins. They combine great results, portability, and a nice range of features. There isn’t a whole lot more you could want from your straighteners.

Read Also:

• Best Babyliss Flat Iron: The 8 Top Models in 2020
• Best Flat Irons for Short Hair of 2020 Listed and Reviewed
• Best Tourmaline Flat Irons: Top 5 Professional-Grade Straighteners