The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processFlat irons — we cannot love them (heat damage is bad) and we cannot leave them (styling hair is fun). So, we bore the heat, and through our trial and error, we discovered the best infrared flat irons reigning the market.
Heat styling has become an integral part of hair routines, with some using tools like hair straighteners on a daily basis. It has also increased the number of people dealing with hair damage caused by excessive heat. With temperatures that can go as high as 230°C (sometimes, more), there is visible damage to the physical structure and appearance of the hair (1), (2).
But now there is a simple solution to deal with this persisting problem. It is where infrared technology comes in handy, and after putting several products to the test, we cherry-picked the best infrared flat irons that will get the job done while minimizing the risk of heat-related damage. Let's dive into our expertly-curated list of infrared hair straighteners and say goodbye to frizz and hello to salon-like smooth hair.
Our top picks
What Does the Infrared Flat Iron Do?
An infrared flat iron works on the infrared heating mechanism to straighten hair. Infrared rays are electromagnetic waves, which when emitted from the iron tongs of a straightener, generate heat. This heat is transferred to the hair through absorption. The degree of heating depends on the amount of heat energy absorbed (3).
Like other electromagnetic waves, infrared rays have their own unique characteristics, such as uniform heat distribution, quick heat transfer, and minimal heating time (4). Since air cannot absorb energy from radiation, the heat produced by infrared directly reaches the target, resulting in uniform yet quicker heating (5). This heating mechanism makes hair straighteners with infrared more efficient and less damaging than conventional flat irons.
It is claimed that infrared flat irons heat the hair from the inside out, thereby, reducing heat damage. They emit negative ions, which aid in sealing the moisture within hair strands, instead of drying them and thus, reduce frizz. Our research indicates that these claims are used repeatedly. But, how much is actually true?
While the benefits of infrared heating are widely recognized, there is no scientific evidence on the use and benefits of infrared heating on hair. Similarly, there is no evidence of the benefits of negative ions on hair texture or moisture levels. So, read the tall claims about infrared hair straighteners with a pinch of salt. They use less heat and can protect your hair from potential heat damage, but nothing can be said about the “enhanced” infrared flat iron benefits for frizz.
Our contributor Dr. Rekha Singh, an MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic, throws light on the frequency of usage of flat irons. She says, “When used in moderation, infrared flat irons can be great for all types of hair. Infrared technology uses gentle heat to reach the deepest layers of the hair follicle, which helps to reduce frizz and lock in moisture. However, using flat irons on a daily basis can cause damage to the hair if not used properly. Excessive heat applied to the same part of hair strands can lead to dryness or split ends and weaken the follicles over time. Therefore, it is important to use thermal protection products prior to using any hot styling tools and also limit usage of these tools for special occasions.”
As per Dr. Rekha Singh, aesthetic dermatologists recommend using flat irons with the lowest heat setting possible to prevent damage and keep hair health intact. She adds, “It is recommended to only use these tools on dry hair, as wet strands are more prone to breakage or split ends when exposed to extreme temperatures. To further protect your hair from damage, opt for ceramic or tourmaline flat irons as they use negative ions to close the cuticles and lock in moisture.”
It’s time to pamper your mane to enjoy a glossy look with the best infrared flat irons.
13 Best Infrared Flat Irons
Redefine the way you style your hair with the advanced NITION Platinum Professional Styler. Get salon-like professional results at home with its 3D flexible floating heating plate. Infused with five elements, including ceramic, titanium, tourmaline, argan oil, and nano silver ion, this flat iron will glide through your hair. Its button-less design comes with six temperature options that can be adjusted by rotating the end of the straightener. With its functionality and efficient performance, this infrared flat iron is a steal.
Pros
- Quick heat-up of 10 seconds
- Auto detects temperature
- Auto shut off after 60 minutes
- Amazing customer service
- Comes with heat-resistant storage case and gloves
- Value for money
Cons
- Locking mechanism prone to breakage
- Some may find it tricky to use
2
Best Temperature Control
YOUEL 2 in 1 Hair Straightener And Curler
The YOUEL 2 in 1 Hair Straightener And Curler is not only good in looks but also good in its performance. It has an aesthetically pleasing button-less design with 5 different temperature controls. The 360 swivel cord does not get tangled and makes it easy to maneuver this infrared hair straightener. Based on our observations, even the temperature controls are easy to handle but not so easy that you accidentally hit them while styling your hair.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast heating
- Easy turn on and off
- Great for making waves and curls
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- May not work for thick coarse hair
3
Best for Fine Hair
DORISILK Professional Infrared Flat Iron
Thin hair and hair straightening rarely go hand-in-hand. But, with the DORISILK Professional Infrared Flat Iron, you are in for a happy surprise. This is one of the best infrared hair straighteners for thin and fine hair. It comes with eleven adjustable temperature settings that give you ample control over the amount of heat you wish to use for styling. After putting it to the test, we found that this infrared flat iron straightens most hair textures with just one pass.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Works well for curly/coily hair
- Doesn't tug hair
- Glides smoothly
- Styles last long
- Easily readable digital display
Cons
- May not work for very thick hair
- Some may experience frizz
4
Best in Versatility
IG INGLAM Flat Iron
Experience salon-like professional results in the comfort of your home with the IG INGLAM Flat Iron that makes hair styling a breeze. It has a stylish design that fits perfectly in your hand. Based on our firsthand experience, this hair straightener with infrared glides through the hair smooth like butter, like a criminal undercover. With its ceramic and tourmaline plates, it works efficiently as a hair straightener, minus the frizz and static. You can also finetune just how tight you want your curls with this magic wand.
Pros
- Easy to use and handle
- Lightweight
- Heats up fast
- Straightens hair with one pass
- Comes with eleven temperature settings
- Works well for damaged hair
Cons
- May pull hair or cause breakage if not handled well
- Outside gets very hot
5
Best Performer in Higher Price Range
SRI Infrarose Styler
This Skin Research Institute Infrarose Styler is one of the top-rated infrared hair straighteners. It is a luxury styling tool that promises a luxurious styling experience and results. Its tourmaline heating plates are gentle on the hair. As indicated by our tests, it works effectively for all hair textures. It usually takes just one pass to straighten hair. The power button and temperature controls are located on the inside to prevent any accidental pushing while styling.
Pros
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Efficient locking mechanism
- Quick heat up
- Does not pull hair
- Works well for damaged hair
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- May leave hair frizzy and/or without shine for some hair types
6
Best Value for Money
EasyinBeauty 2-in-1 Hair Straightener
The EasyinBeauty 2-in-1 Hair Straightener is a great performer for its price point. It has a 1-inch wide ceramic-coated floating titanium heating plate that gives a soft cushion-like feel and is gentle on hair. It has 5 adjustable temperature settings that range from 300°F to 450°F. It has a unique temperature-locking feature that prevents any accidental changing of temperature settings. Our findings show that this infrared flat iron works smoothly whether you want to straighten or curl your hair.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Lightweight and portable
- Heats up fast
- Quick and salon-like results
- Travel-friendly
- Great value for money
Cons
- Inconvenient placement of power button
7
Most Convenient
NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener
Now say goodbye to bad hair days with the NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener that comes with 1.75-inch floating tourmaline ceramic plates. Our team discovered through using this product that it will leave your hair looking shiny, silky, and smooth the whole day. Not many hair straighteners, infrared can guarantee soft hair in just one use, unlike this one. The Megastar also lets you curl your hair, though it might take some practice. Bonus points for its simple and incredibly convenient power and temperature control buttons.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Has auto shut off
- Heats up quickly
- Has digital display
- Works for all hair types
Cons
- May pull hair
8
Best in Ease of Handling
PYT Ceramic Flat Iron and Styler
Most hair straighteners get hot outside, hindering your hair styling routine. But not the PYT Ceramic Flat Iron and Styler. It comes with a heat-resistant handle and an easy grip that you can hold for as long as needed without any issues. It is a versatile styling tool with an old-school simple design. It lets you create different hairstyles swiftly and efficiently. Our findings show that this ceramic hair straightener with infrared has one of the lowest temperature setting at 140℉ and can heat up to 450℉.
Pros
- Heats up in 10 seconds
- Suitable for different hair types and textures
- Easy temperature control
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- May pull hair
- Bulky design
9
Best for Thick Hair
DORISILK Professional Steam & Infrared Styler
Not all hair straighteners are built the same, and it is the ones with thick hair who know this the best. Do not worry, though. The DORISILK Professional Steam & Infrared Styler with its super wide ceramic and tourmaline heating plate has entered the chat. It will style your hair efficiently in a matter of minutes. This infrared flat iron has a unique steam styling feature, which when combined with infrared heating, will give you the smoothest and glossiest hair of your dreams.
Pros
- Heats very fast
- Covers wide section of hair
- Reduces frizz
- Takes less time
- Value for money
Cons
- Steam mechanism can be tricky to use
- Heavy
10
Best User-friendly
IBROO Ceramic Hair Straightener and Curler
With its modern and luxurious look, the IBROO Ceramic Hair Straightener and Curler is one of the best infrared flat irons on the market. And based on our observations, it may even be the smartest. This infrared hair straightener has 4 temperature modes for different hair types and textures. The button will automatically lock 5 seconds after the unit reaches your desired temperature setting. No more accidental changes in the middle of styling! This flat iron saves the last used setting, and you don't have to set it with every use.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to handle
- Glides through hair
- Auto turn-off after 45 minutes
- Has PBT anti-heating shell
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- May not be effective for curling
11
CROC Premium Infrared Flat Iron
The CROC Premium Infrared Flat Iron combines outstanding performance, salon-like professional results, and an ergonomic design into one remarkable device. Our analysis of this product revealed that it straightens hair, controls frizz, and absorbs static in a single pass. The overall experience of using this infrared flat iron is quite easy and comfortable. It has 18 adjustable temperature settings and color-changing indicators. That's not all. It is also equipped with a unique in-built Fahrenheit and Celsius conversion tool.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Auto switch off
- Fast and uniform heating
- Convenient button placement
- No hair pulling or breakage
12
Youuish Professional Hair Straightener
The Youuish Professional Hair Straightener comes with 3D floating titanium plates and far infrared technology for a faster yet gentle styling experience. It is a versatile styler as its round body lets you style hair into waves or curls apart from straightening. It has an impeccably sleek design. From the power button and temperature controls to the plates and LED interface, all its features exude a seamlessly sleek appeal. There is a 60-minute auto shut off for added safety.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Fast heating
- Takes less time to style hair
- Good for travel
Cons
- May not work for all hair types
13
ES’YEST Infrared 2-in-1 Hair Straightener and Curler
Want something that looks and works like a luxurious, high-end infrared flat iron without spending the extra bucks? Then, the ES’YEST Infrared 2-in-1 Hair Straightener and Curler is your answer. Drawing from our experience, this product is a game changer for all your hair styling needs. It has 5 different temperature settings and a smart heat memory system that remembers the last temperature you used. Its tourmaline ceramic plate infused with keratin and argan oil provides uniform heating.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Easy to use
- Easy temperature settings
- Comes with accessories
- Heat-resistant body
What to Look for When Buying the Best Infrared Flat Irons
Merely being aware of the potential choices amongst the best infrared flat irons is not enough. As per our expertise, there are still certain aspects about hair straighteners with infrared that you must know before calling yourself shopping-ready for an infrared flat iron that is best for you.
Plate Material
Ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline are the most commonly used elements in manufacturing flat irons. It is no different with infrared flat irons. Before making a purchase, you must be aware of the material used and its respective qualities/benefits.
For instance, ceramic plates distribute heat evenly and efficiently (6). Heating plates fully made of ceramic tend to be heavier and more expensive. If ceramic is merely used for coating the base material, you should check the number of layers. It is because fewer layers may show signs of wear sooner. On the other hand, titanium heats up relatively faster, is lighter, and durable.
Ceramic is gentler and best suited for fine or damaged hair, while titanium is great for coarse hair. When infused with tourmaline, titanium plates become a good option for daily use.
Plate Size and Design
Yes, the plate size matters. A lot! The wider the plate, the less time it will take to style your hair. If you have thick, long, or voluminous hair, wider plates are more suitable. Smaller plates are more useful for people with short or thin hair.
Plates with a rotating design are a must. It means they will adjust to your hair for a smoother glide and better contact with hair, leading to better styling results.
Temperature Settings
Flat irons, irrespective of the technology they use, can damage your hair. The degree of damage may differ but, some damage is going to be there. Therefore, you need an infrared flat iron with multiple temperature settings. It will give you the flexibility to fine-tune the temperature as per your hair needs.
Heat-up Time
For an easy and convenient hair styling routine, look for infrared flat irons with a quicker heat-up time. It will save you a lot of time and energy.
Safety Features
Safety features such as an automatic turn-off are a must. It is rather easy to forget about turning off the hair straightener when you are busy or in a hurry. With the auto turn-off feature, you can say goodbye to your worries and anxiety about whether you turned off the straightener, or not.
Overall Design
The overall design of the infrared hair straightener must be ergonomic. Look for a lightweight unit, with a comfortable grip, heat-resistant bodies, a rotating swivel cord for better maneuverability, and placement of power buttons and temperature controls, among other things.
Customer Reviews
Don't forget to check the customer reviews and feedback before buying any of the top-rated infrared flat irons. Even though they are top-rated, ensure that they meet your needs by reading up on real-life and well-rounded insights into the performance of the products.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hair straightener can get overwhelming, but we tried to make your life easier. We tested several products and finalized a list of the best infrared flat irons that will give you salon-like hair in the comfort of your home. Rest assured, these straighteners with infrared have been hand-picked by our team after meticulous research and analysis. With these flat irons in your hands (and styling routines), you can transform your hair from dull and drab to smooth and shiny. Our useful guide will help you through your journey to fabulous hair. With our selection of the best infrared flat irons, we have brought you closer to having the hairstyles of your dreams.
Contributor: Dr. Rekha Singh, MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy - Oliva Clinic
FAQ's
Is infrared flat iron better?
Yes, the infrared flat iron is better than conventional hair iron as it uses less amount of heat and has a fast and uniform heating rate.
Can infrared heat damage hair?
Yes, if not used properly, the infrared heat can also damage hair.
How long should you use infrared heat?
Like any other flat iron, you should try to use flat irons with an infrared heat mechanism for a minimal time. Given the quick-heating benefit of infrared heating, it will take half the time to style hair when compared to conventional flat irons.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Alvira, the author is a budding journalist and a certified hair care expert. She has tried numerous products and ingredients to enlist the best products for you. It is after thorough research that she has curated this list of the best infrared flat irons.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Article Sources +
Author BIO
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sbXNpK2ipJyWe6S7zGiqnqSVmMFwrsSsq2ahnpu%2For7EnWSfpJGpeqq%2BzqeqZmliZ4V2gZI%3D