Thick, coarse, and just plain stubborn. These may describe your natural black hair. It’s often not amenable for styling. And you have to spend a lot of hours in front of the mirror. Straightening your black hair may eat up a chunk of your time.
And with a cheap flat iron,you need to iron your hair several times to see a decent result. And this can dry out your locks and damage them. While Parking your flat iron is a must to recover from the damage. But sometimes you need to iron your hair.
We’re going to list down the best flat iron for black hair. So you can style your hair whenever you want to feel extra, and you won’t damage it.
In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron
- HSI Professional Flat Iron Hair Straightener
- KIPOZI Hair Straightener
Best Flat Iron for Black Hair
You can achieve professionally straightened hair even if you have thick and coarse black hair. And you don’t need to flex much muscle to achieve that.
Let’s see what brands can help you create pin straight hair that’s soft, shiny and healthy.
1. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron- Best Flat Iron For African American Hair
Straighten your curly African American hair with only a few passes with BaByliss Nano PRO Titanium.
If you have 3c/ 4a curls, it’s hard to find a flatiron that can straighten your curly hair with just a few passes. You’ll either end up with a half straightened hairstyle or a burnt straight hair.
BaByliss PRO Nano Is the best flat iron that you can use for your black African American hair. It’s made of titanium, a great heat conductor. This material transfers heat rather quickly compared to ceramic. And this is what your coarse hair needs. So you can straighten your locks without the need for multiple passes.
It’s a 1 ½ inch iron that’s also very handy and sleek. It’s easy to slide it into your bag and bring it with you wherever you go.
Another feature that you love is that it can save you on your utility bills. It only uses 120 volts of power compared to other brands that use 220 volts. And it doesn’t only work for African American hair, you can also use it for fine or normal hair. With its 50 heat settings from 200 to 450 degrees, you can find a suitable temperature for your hair.
Pros
- Has a Ryon exterior so it doesn’t burn your hands
- Can get really hot and the heat is maintained
- Has 50 heat settings
- Manages frizzy hair
- Sleek and travel friendly
- Saves you up on utility bills
- Has an ergonomic handle
- Equipped with a red indicator light
Cons
- No automatic shut off feature
Why you should buy this flat iron
It’s a titanium flat iron that can withstand hot temperatures. And it’s exactly what you need to straighten your African American hair without burning it.
2. HSI Professional Glider Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener – Best Flat Iron for Relaxed African Hair
The two advanced hair technologies are combined in one flat iron to give your relaxed African hair a straight and shiny finish.
Your relaxed African hair is quite susceptible to damage. And when subjected to direct heat, it can dramatically dry up and frizz. But sometimes you can’t avoid running your tresses through an iron, especially if you want to look extra.
The HSI Professional Glider has combined the 2 technologies that can straighten and protect your hair at the same time.
One, the ceramic technology regulates heat and it ensures that there are no hot spots. So your hair is protected from sudden spikes of temperature. Two, the tourmaline ionic technology releases negative ions. This helps lock in moisture and keeps your hair strands hydrated.
So even if you have relaxed thick hair, you won’t suffer from dryness or frizzes. It also offers heat settings from 120-450 degrees. It has pretty much a wide range so you can choose what best suits the condition of your hair. You’d normally go for the lower tier if you have processed or treated hair.
Pros
- No hotspots
- Comes with protection gloves, travel pouch, and a small bottle of argan oil
- Has a 360-degree swivel cord
- Dual voltage
- Salon grade hair iron
- Can be used for curling hair effortlessly
- Has a raid heat up feature
- Equipped with a green LCD screen
Cons
- No automatic shut off feature
Why you should buy this flat iron
It’s a salon grade hair iron that’s safe to use on your relaxed African hair.
3. KIPOZI PRO Titanium- Best Flat Iron for Natural Black Hair
Transform your frizzy stubborn curls into stick straight hair with this titanium flat iron.
Your natural black hair can really be stubborn. You might need several passes to get it to straighten up. But that would just fry it up. Then you’ll end with a not so straight but fried hair.
The KIPOZI PRO titanium is a sweet deal. Its titanium plates are heat conductors. It can reach high temperatures that your kinky hair needs. Also, this material is durable and corrosion-resistant.
And the KIPOZI PRO is also outfitted with floating plates. This is another great feature that won’t yank or pull your hair when you’re ironing it. It also heats up quickly and can reach 450 degrees in 30 seconds. It’s great for those Monday morning rush.
Pros
- Dual voltage
- Suitable for all hair types
- Durable and corrosion-resistant titanium plates
- Has an LCD
- Equipped with floating plates that won’t yank your hair
- No hot posts or cold spots
- These 1-inch titanium plates can be conveniently used for curling hair
- Releases negative ions to combat frizz
- Has a 90 min auto shut off feature
- 8 ft long 360-degree swivel cord
Cons
- The plug only works in the US. You need to buy one in case you’re going to use it outside the US.
Why you should buy this flat iron
It’s a professional-grade flat iron that can straighten your natural black hair in under 20 minutes. And you’ll love the price tag too.
4. CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Flat Iron- Best Flat Iron for Coarse Hair
Coarse stubborn hair? No problem! You can still achieve sleek stardom with CHI G2 flat iron.
The 1.25 ceramic-titanium plates that smoothly glide on your hair. This flatiron also heats up quickly and it’s so easy to do touch-ups. You’ll be cutting your styling time in half. The size of the titanium ceramic plates are a bit wider compared to other brands in the market. So this can accommodate more sections of hair at a time.
You can still use it for curling, but it can achieve those sexy loose beach waves due to its thickness.
The CHI G2 can also be used for all types of hair. What’s convenient about it is it features a light indicator that tells you what temperature you’re working on. Blue is for sensitive hair and it has a temperature range of 0-370. You can use green for thick hair, it ranges from 370-395 degrees. While if you have kinky coarse hair, you can have a maximum heat setting of 450 degrees. And this lights up in red.
So you won’t be burning your hair, the light indicator will let you know if the temperature has suddenly spiked up.
Pros
- Has color-coded light for different temperatures
- The wider plates can accommodate more sections of hair at a time
- Suitable for all hair types
- Releases negative ions that keep the frizz away
- Glides smoothly on your hair
- Comes with a thermal mat
- Has an automatic shut off feature
- Equipped with a 10 ft 360-degree swivel cord
- Has a preset temperature system
- Dual voltage
Cons
- The on/off switch is located inside the flat iron. Some may have a hard time accessing it.
Why you should buy this hair iron
With the color-coded temperature settings, you have more control over the heat. So less likely to burn your hair.
5. Bio ionic One Pass Flat Iron- Best Flat Iron for Natural Hair using Silk Press
Silk press your way to straight, sleek, and lustrous hair. And that’s without any damage with the Bio Ionic One Pass flat iron.
Silk press can create lustrous and sleek straight hair for those with coarse and natural hair. And it can be done even with your regular hair iron. But the problem is, silk press can really be damaging to your hair.
One way to prevent further damage is by using a serum protectant before and after you iron. And another solution is using a hair straightener that will allow you to silk press your hair without causing too much damage. So get a hair iron that’s designed for use sensitive hair!
The Bio Ionic One Pass is equipped with bio ceramic plates and a nano ionic mineral ionic technology. The bioceramic plates glide smoothly on the hair. And the plates are also infused with silicone. So rest assured there will be no yanking or pulling of the hair.
And the nano ionic technology produces negative ions that get rid of the frizz. It also hydrates your strands and repairs any damages. That’s why it’s called One Pass. Because you’ll be able to achieve smooth, straight, and lustrous hair with just a single pass.
Pros
- Has a 5-second instant heat-up system
- Combines sophisticated hair technology- far infrared and ionic technology
- Has a multilevel what control
- Long swivel cord
- Faster recovery time
Cons
- No auto shut off feature
Why you should buy this flatiron
You can still silk press your hair without damaging it with the One Pass Bionic flat iron.
6. Infiniti Pro by CONAIR- Best Flat Iron for Damaged Hair
Safestyle your damaged hair with INFINITI PRO by CONAIR
Ironing your already damaged hair can be dangerous. Subjecting it to high heat can increase the damage. But what if you really need to look extra tonight?
You can still iron your damaged hair while petting it from further frizz and dryness with the INFINITI PRO by CONAIR. It’s equipped with ceramic tourmaline plates. The ceramic technology is friendlier on your damaged hair. It has even heat distribution and no hot spots. While the tourmaline technology infuses negative ions to hydrate your hair.
It also has floating plates, so rest assured there will be no yanking or pulling of the hair. Another feature that makes it one of our top choices for damaged hair is that it’s 29 percent longer than other brands.
So what does this mean? It means it can accommodate more sections of hair each time. So you don’t need to make multiple passes. It also cuts your styling time in half
Pros
- Extra-long plates accommodate more sections of hair
- Cuts styling time in half
- Even heat distribution
- Release negative ions to combat frizz
- The floating plates won’t pull your hair
- Has an ergonomic handle
- The switches and controls are placed conveniently in the unit
- Comes with a complimentary argan oil
- Has an auto shut off feature
Cons
- The plates might not completely close
Why you should buy this hair iron
If you still want to straighten your damaged locks without causing further harm, this is a great choice.
7. FURIDEN Steam Hair Straightener- Best Steam Flat Iron for Black Hair
Steam dry your locks for a more lustrous and damage-free styling.
When you find hair straightening too drying, steam straightening is the answer to your dilemma. It straightens hair with the use of moisture. This makes hair more pliable to styling and coasts it with a protective layer too.
So if you want bone straight hair without the damage, the FURIDEN steam straightener is a must-have. With 38 temperature settings, you can choose the sweet spot for your hair’s condition. And it can go as high as 450 degrees, the perfect temperature for your coarse natural black hair.
How does it work? You Just need to unopen the water tank, fill it with distilled water up to the acceptable level and push the steam button.
The unit releases steam. And as you close the ceramic plates, it traps the moisture in your hair strands. This prevents frizz and dryness.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact and travel friendly.
- Reduces frizz and hydrates hair
- Has 38 temperature settings
- 360-degree swivel cords
- Has a locking feature
- The floating plates won’t yank or pull your hair
- Has an automatic shut off feature
- Dual voltage
Cons
- You cannot use oils on your hair while ironing. It can clog the unit
Why you should buy this flat iron
Steam ironing can help you achieve pin-straight hair that looks hydrated and nourished. And this brand is one of the best steam ironing flat irons in the market.
8. Croc Classic Black Titanium -Best Flat Iron for Thick Hair
Transform your thick mane into a professionally straightened hair with this 1.5 inch Croc Classic flatiron
Thick hair can be challenging to straighten, more so if you have naturally black hair. You just end up running the plates several times over your hair. And it can be drying to your hair. Not to mention, it can be a waste of time. And the end result isn’t even a sleek straight hair.
Now you can have sleek straight hair even if you have thick mane with the Croc Classic flat iron. Its titanium ceramic plates heat up fast and can straighten your thick hair with just a few passes. Moreover, it releases negative ions so it nourishes and hydrates your hair at the same time too. It reduces static electricity so it results in shiny and lustrous hair.
Another unique feature of this flat iron is that it’s equipped with a ventilation system. You need a higher heat setting when dealing with thick hair. And this system releases the excess heat so that there won’t be any internal damage with the unit.
This makes this flat iron durable and can last longer. Not too many brands have that feature.
Pros
- Floating plates won’t snag your hair
- Release negative ions
- Has an ergonomic handle
- Dual voltage
- Has a unique ventilation system
- Handles stay cool to couch even at the highest temperature setting
- The temperature automatically drops when left unused for several minutes
- Automatically shuts off after 30 minutes
Cons
- The internal thermostat can be quite fragile
Why you should buy this flat iron
It’s a fully digital flat iron that can straighten your thick hair. It also has a couple of safety features that most brands lack.
9. GHD Platinum and Ceramic Flat Iron- Best Professional Flat Iron for Color Treated Black Hair
Straighten your black hair without dulling the colors with the GHDPlatinum and Ceramic flat iron.
A professional flatiron can dull your hair color. These brands may transform your curly hair into sleek straight stardom. But It can also result in a less than vibrant hair color.
The GHD is safe to use for color-treated hair. It’s a professional trusted flat iron used by a lot of celebrity hairstylists. So you can expect professionally styled hair that you can do right at your one home.
This ceramic flatiron with floating plates glides smoothly on the hair, no yanking or pulling. The highest heat temperature is around 385 degrees. This unit actually has only one temperature setting and maintains it all throughout.
Pros
- Has a 9-inch swivel cord
- Equipped with protective heat resistant plates
- Dual voltage
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Has an automatic sleep mode feature in 30 minutes
Cons
- Has only one heat setting
Why you should buy this hair iron
This hair iron features twice more protection for your colored hair. And it maintains an even temperature that ensures your hair is protected from extreme heat.
10. Remington S5500 Flat Iron- Best Budget Flat Iron for Black Hair
Get sleek straight hair without hurting your budget.
You can still experience professionally styled hair even if you’re on a budget! The Remington S5500 has a decent price tag, but its performance won’t disappoint you.
It’s equipped with a ceramic plate with a titanium coating. So you still get the same benefits of a ceramic flatiron. That’s even heat distribution and a more gentle material perfect for those with damaged hair. While the titanium coating makes the unit more resistant to corrosion.
It is also an anti-static flat iron that releases negative ions to get rid of all the frizz. It features a decent range of heat settings. The six heat settings range from 310 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Has an affordable price
- Can also be used for curling hair
- Gets rid of the frizz
- Has 30-second heating up features (instantly heats up to 410 degrees)
- 60 minutes shut off feature
Cons
- Can have a funky smell
Why you should buy this flat iron
If you’re on a budget but still want to get sleek straight hair, it’s a great option.
What to Look For When Buying The Best Hair Straightener for Black Hair
Now that we’ve got the best brands on our list, let’s see how you can nitpick the most suitable for your hair.
1. Condition of your hair
Natural black hair is normally coarse, thick, and volumized. So you need a higher heat setting to be able to straighten it. Normally, your black hair needs 410-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
But there are instances when your black hair can be damaged. It can still have this thick volume, but it may be more susceptible to damage. The safest range for damaged black hair is 30-410 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The material of the plates
What’s the best material for your black hair- ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline? That depends on the condition of your hair.
If your hair is a bit damaged and needs more TLC, it’s best to go for ceramic. And if you have thick black hair, titanium plates are what you need. It’s a great heat conductor. And this is what you need to tighten your black hair with fewer passes.
Tourmalines, on the other hand, are often incorporated with ceramic plates. This removes frizz and adds more moisture to your hair.
3. Hair length
1-inch plates are better for short hair, while wider plates are more ideal for longer hair. Though you can still use a thin plate for your long hair, it would take you more time to style your long locks. You’d need a wider plate that can accommodate more hair sections at a time.
And using a wider plate for short hair will make it challenging to straighten the hair near the roots. You might even burn your scalp trying.
4. Ergonomic handle
The best flat iron should have a comfortable grip. It should be ergonomic and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. This will help facilitate styling.
5. Substantial weight
A flat iron that’s too heavy can seem like an arm workout. And you won’t be able to maneuver the flat iron properly. So choose one with a substantial weight.
6. Safety features
If you’re the type of person who always forgets to turn off the stove, you have to get a flat iron with automatic shut off features. Otherwise, you might come home to a pile of ashes.
7. Position of the controls
Are the switch and controls in a nice position? Do you accidentally dial up the temperature because it’s in the way? The proper positioning of the temperature dials can be convenient. It would also prevent accidental spikes in temperatures.
8. Dual voltage
If you’re traveling, this is a must-have feature.
9. Reputable brands
Buying a hair iron from a reputable brand means you’re going to get quality results. Our list contains both premium and affordable options from known brands.
FAQs
What is a silk press?
A silk press is the chemical-free version of a hair relaxer. It gives bone straight hair without using chemicals. All you need is oil and high temperature. You can even use a regular flat iron to achieve this technique.
What is a steam press in a flat iron?
This technique combines heat and vapor to achieve a moisturized and sleek hair. It makes the hair more hydrated and prevents overdrying.
How hot should my flat iron be to straighten my African American hair?
The safest yet effective temperatures to straighten coarse hair is from 360-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Your thick black mane may be too tedious to style. But others may envy your full head of hair! Besides, styling or straightening it doesn’t need to be such a chore. With the best flat irons for black hair, you can effortlessly straighten your mane without too much effort. And it won’t be damaging to your locks too.