13 Best Flat Irons for Natural Hair to Create Smooth, Silky-Straight Strands

If you love your natural hair, you may also enjoy rocking a sleek-straight style from time to time. And to get professional-looking results, you’ll need to use the best flat iron for natural hair.

Natural hair textures tend to be more fragile due to their curl pattern (like 3A soft curls to 4C coils), so experts advise taking caution when using flat irons. “You should only straighten the hair when it’s 100% clean, without oils or products [except for heat protectant] because that can cause heat damage,” says Angela C. Stevens, Emmy award-winning celebrity hairstylist and founder of Conscious Curls.

And, you should only run a hair straightener through your hair once to reduce damage. “When you go over the hair several times with a flat iron you will cause damage, only one pass is needed,” says Stevens.

How to choose the best flat iron for natural hair

Look for heat settings. “The most important thing to look for when choosing a flat iron is the temperature control settings,” says Hope Mitchell M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology. “Make sure the iron has more than just an off and switch so that you can control the heat,” she adds.

Choose the right plate. “I suggest using ceramic irons over titanium ones,” says Stevens. “Titanium can be too strong on the hair strands because the plates don’t have pores, which makes ceramic a bit more gentle, and it’s better for retention,” she explains.

Use the correct temperature. Not all hair textures require high temperatures. “If you have color-treated hair, I recommend staying at 350 degrees or under,” says Kendall Dorsey, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Alicia Keys. “Thicker and kinkier textures can go for a higher setting like 375 degrees,” he advises.

Use a heat protectant. All experts agree that you should use a heat protectant before applying any type of heat to natural hair. “This will protect the curls by sealing the cuticles and reduce heat damage,” says Stevens.

Below, find 13 of the best flat irons for natural hair, including selects from experts and top-rated options. Whether you're looking for a lightweight hair straightener that is easy to use (and ergonomically friendly!) or a flat iron that’s small enough to straighten your baby hairs, you’re guaranteed to find a tool you’ll love.