A Look at the Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair

When you’ve got natural hair, you have to take extra precautions to protect it against damage, breakage, and harmful chemicals that can turn your locks into a big head of hay. If you’ve got thick and naturally coarse hair, making it manageable can take so much effort – and so much product. If you don’t want to have your hair relaxed or use chemical straighteners, it can be difficult to tame those locks.

For a temporary fix, using a flat iron to turn unruly hair into smooth and tamed locks is the perfect solution. There are hundreds, if not, thousands of flat irons in the market. Choosing one that works specifically for your natural hair can be difficult. Therefore, you must know what features to look for – such as ceramic plates, ionic technology, and variable temperature settings.

You don’t have to try every single iron in a store to find out which ones work best. In this review, we’ve rounded up the top 10 flat irons that work great on natural hair.

1. FHI Heat Platform Hair Styling Iron

Humidity is your hair’s worst enemy – it causes frizz, dryness, and makes your hair absolutely unruly. The FHI Heat Platform Hair Styling Iron addresses this very problem to provide you with a solution to create beautiful, smooth, and shiny straight hair within a few minutes.

>> Check out reviews & price on the Fhi Heat Platform

This iron features ceramic plates that produce even heat distribution so you get consistent heat each time. The plates also emit negative ions to lock in moisture, sealing in natural oils, and repelling the effects of humidity. The result is silky, smooth hair with less frizz and fly-aways.

It also features beveled plates which allow you to create several different hairstyles such as soft curls, large waves, and ultra sleek, straight hair all in one styling tool. If you have naturally coarse thick hair, expect to enjoy straight hair in minutes with no pulling or sticking between the plates.

The iron also comes with a heat resistant mat and a matching carrying case for added bonuses.

Check out this video review by Jamila featuring the FHI Heat:

2. Rusk RSK807 Heat Freak Tourmaline Flat Iron

Ceramic plates are powerful and healthy on your hair, but when tourmaline is added to the picture, you’ve got double the results and double the benefits. This iron features ceramic plates infused with tourmaline, releasing negative ions and far infrared heat that lock in moisture and are less damaging to your locks.

>> See the latest deals on the Rusk Heat Freak

The iron glides through hair smoothly with no pulling, saving you time and energy, as well as reducing potential damage. It works perfectly great with those who have thick and coarse natural hair, creating pin straight locks even at the roots.

Though it was originally created for salon use, you can definitely use it at home, too; giving you salon-like results in minutes. Temperature setting is adjustable, making it ideal for all hair types. For thick, long, and naturally curly hair, the maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit will provide smooth, silky, and pin straight hair.

3. T3 Single Pass X Wide Iron

This is the iron specifically engineered for thick, coarse hair. It has 50% more power compared to regular irons in the market, and its wide plates cover larger locks of hair for faster styling time.

The T3 Single Pass X Wide Iron features a number of technologies such as an innovative interface, an advanced digital heating system, and of course, the T3 tourmaline ceramic ionic technology.

>> Check pricing and availability on the T3 Flat Iron

The T3 Tourmaline ceramic plates emit far infrared heat and negative ions for less hair damage and locks in moisture for naturally shiny hair. A microchip is also featured, which constantly measures and adjusts the heat for consistent heating while styling.

Naturally coarse hair is transformed into super sleek, straight hair within minutes because it heats up fast. And at only 1.5 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to use without any strain on your wrist.

This iron features advanced technologies that promote a healthier way to make your natural locks soft, smooth, and super straight.

4. Izunami Izutech KTX450 Flat Iron

There are two major standout features in this iron: (1) titanium plates, and (2) a Kyocera MCH Heater. Titanium plates are exceptionally powerful in straightening hair as it has superior heat conductibility, withstands high heat, and produces high strength. The MCH Heater, on the other hand, is an advanced flash heating technology that produces immediate heat so you get maximum power within minutes.

>> See ratings, reviews and price on the Izutech KTX

Temperature settings range from 250 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for all types of hair. When you have naturally thick and curly locks, one pass is enough to totally straighten your hair with no pulls, snags, or breaks. This saves you so much styling time and reduces damage to black hair since you won’t be exposing it to heat for longer periods of time.

The extra wide plates are also designed for Keratin treatments, preventing static electricity, and makes for the perfect complement to revitalize naturally dry and damaged hair.

5. Onei MK-I Halo Ceramic Flat Iron

The MK-I Halo ceramic plates heat up in just seconds and cools down faster than most irons available in the market today. This is exceptionally beneficial for anyone who’s always on the go, and for those who have small kids who may accidentally grab a hold of the iron after you use it. Fast heat up means you won’t be wasting time waiting for the iron to reach your desired temperature, and fast cool down makes your home and family members safe from possible burns.

>> Check price and reviews on the Onei MK-I Halo

Other features include a digital interface with a super bright digital display and a temperature variable of 140 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It works perfectly well for women who have 4a to 4c African American natural hair, as it straightens coarse locks while also keeping them moisturized. Even at only 360 degrees, those who have naturally frizzy hair will enjoy softer and straighter hair in just minutes.

Its other features include producing gentle far infrared heat and negative ions that provide high strength while also protecting hair from further styling damage.

Perfect for those who have thick and frizzy hair, this powerful yet gentle iron is a wise investment for better hair.

6. Sedu Revolution Styling Iron

Sedu has always been a great name in hair styling tools, as they have a big commitment to developing long-term maintenance solutions for healthy hair. This iron features 1-inch ceramic plates infused with black tourmaline gemstones that evenly distribute heat for consistently straight locks.

>> Check price and discounts on the Sedu Revolution

The tourmaline gemstones definitely make this iron stand out, as they provide a smoother glide application, reduce static and frizz, and conditions hair. The effect is a silky smooth finish due to the sealing of the hair cuticles.

The iron also features beveled plates for versatile styling possibilities. Its other features include an advanced heat recovery technology, as well as an ionic technology for protected hair.

If you have natural hair, this tools is perfect as it glides through hair smoothly and heats up fast for reduced damage and styling time.

7. Redken & Rowenta Salon Steam Infusion Straightening Iron

This innovative invention has created a breakthrough in the world of hair styling tools. While most irons feature plates that contain minerals, this iron features a steam infusion that emits actual steam to straighten your hair. Think steam irons where the smoke actually smooths out wrinkles from clothes? This iron uses the very technology to give you smooth and sleek hair.

>> See user reviews & prices on the Redken & Rowenta

This tool was made in accordance with the needs of Redken products and treatments as it helps conditioning treatments penetrate better into the hair. You get optimal results from treatments such as the Redken Diamond Oil, or the Redken Smooth Lock Stay Sleek products.

Naturally curly hair can go straight within minutes even in places with high humidity when using this iron, and it helps to seal hair’s moisture as well. It does not come with a cord, though, and works like a battery-operated device. This may be fantastic for some people with dressers far from outlets, or this feature may be awkward for some. The advantage to this feature, however, is that you can pretty much style your hair from anywhere in your house, even if you’re sitting on a couch watching TV.

8. Remington S-9951 Frizz Therapy and Humidity Resistant Ceramic Flat Iron

This flat iron from one of the leading hair styling tool companies in the market brings innovation and technology to the next level. It specifically targets frizz – especially when it’s caused by humidity.

When you live in a hot and humid environment, you know how cruel the weather can be to your hair. Keeping your locks manageable can be close to impossible unless you use hair products that tame and hydrate. Unless you use natural products, applying such chemicals on your hair may make them smooth now, but will eventually break and damage in the long run.

>> Check out Remington S9951 Frizz Therapy Flat Iron

This flat iron contains the brand’s innovative Frizz Therapy, using ceramic plates to eliminate frizz and fly away with each and every press. The floating ceramic plates are infused with microconditioners that are frizz-resistant, locking in moisture to your hair without leaving any oil residue.

Its LCD display takes this product to the digital age, with its easy and simply capacity to give you accurate temperature with each use. Get to enjoy its full temperature of 430 degrees Fahrenheit, which heats up in as little as 30 seconds. It also has an automatic shut off that gives you peace of mind as you continue to get ready, and the 1″ plates are narrow enough to tame bangs and baby hair found on the temples and nape of your neck.

It offers a total of 15 hours of humidity protection, making this iron the perfect tool for those with natural hair living in hot and humid climates. The only disadvantage is it gets really hot and a heat-protectant glove is ideal if you plan on using this for more than 15 minutes.

9. Gurin Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron

This iron has all the makings of a best flat iron for natural hair. Ceramic plates? Check. Tourmaline coating? Check. Ionic technology? Check. Infrared heat technology? Check.

This simple, basic, and extremely effective hair straightener is perfect for anyone who wants a truly genuine flat iron that works – minus all the bells and whistles of other products.

>> Check out the Gurin Professional 1 1/4 inch Ceramic Hair Straightener

The ceramic plates provide easy gliding motion as you press, sans the snags and pulls of regular dryers. The plates heat evenly and temperature is consistent once you set it to a certain degree. Get to choose from 240 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in heat, allowing you to use this iron with many different styles on your natural hair.

The tourmaline coating is a semi-precious gemstone that’s considered to be the best ionic and infrared generator in the industry, making this iron among the best tools to straighten, curl, and flip your natural hair.

When you’ve got fine hair, this iron works fantastic for you with its low temperature settings. If you have naturally coarse and thick hair, this iron is also for you, with the use of the maximum temperature. That being said, this iron is highly recommended for stylists who need to have styling tools that are versatile and powerful, but also with the right settings to handle quick and simple straightening tasks.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have an automatic shut-off, which would’ve given you peace of mind if it did.

10. BaByliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Flat Iron BABP2559

Giving you extra wide plates with its 2 1/2 inch width – this is the most ideal iron for those who have naturally thick, long, and rough hair. Yes, this is the one to do the job of straightening your hair in a matter of minutes. Using this tool will save you large amounts of time and energy due to its large coverage with each press.

>> BaByliss Pro 2.5 inch Porcelain Ceramic Hair Straightener

But this iron is more than just its extra wide plates. It also has all the features you need to make your hair manageable and tamed. Features such as the porcelain ceramic plates offer even heat distribution, faster heating time, and gentler heating. The plates will glide over your hair so smoothly that you only need to press a portion of your hair once to be able to see the results. And with the use of far infrared heating elements, you know you get to have healthy and smoother hair that can’t be achieved by regular irons.

Despite being a superior flat iron for natural hair, this also works just as great on hair extensions. So if your natural hair is in the process of growing out, and you’ve got weaves and extensions, this iron will work excellently.

The only downside? The plates are too wide to use on bangs and finer locks of hair.

Which is better for natural hair: flat iron or hot comb?

Each has it’s own pros and cons. Looking for more info on hot combs? Visit this post.

Check out this video for a more detailed explanation:

Check out these great resources to see what other natural/ethnic-haired bloggers are saying: 🙂

• Clutchmagonline.com – Top 5 Flat Irons for African American Hair
• NaturallyCurly.com – Kinky Hair Type 4a: Are you using the best flat iron for your hair type?
• ThirstyRoots.com – Best Flat Iron for African American Hair
• BlackGirlLongHair.com – How I flat iron my thick, 4C Natural Hair sleek and straight without damage