6 Top-Rated Straighteners That Won't Damage Thin Hair

It may be great news for your wallet that hair straighteners, like most other hot tools, can last a long, long time — but it's bad news for the health of your hair, especially if it's thin or fine. Why? The best straighteners for thin hair (unlike the burnt-out flat iron you've been holding on to since 2010) are made with new technology and materials that are designed specifically to limit damage while still giving you perfectly sleek, red carpet-level results. In short, your old straightener may be the reason your hair is dry and frizzy. Yikes!

If you have thin hair, damage protection should your number one concern whenever you purchase or use a flat iron. Damage-free styling is a win-win because it's better for the overall health of your hair and gives you the smoothest, longest lasting results. The best way to protect your hair from damage when using hot tools is to avoid too-hot temperatures. It can be easy to equate higher heat with better results, but anything over 400 degrees Fahrenheit is way too hot for most hair types and really won't improve the iron's ability to straighten.

Another heat-related factor to consider in a straightener is its plates, which are what hold and distribute heat from the iron onto your hair. If you have thin hair, you should look for an iron with plates made of either ceramic or tourmaline. Ceramic (which is the most popular and least expensive) is known for its ability to distribute and hold heat evenly, meaning no damage-causing hot spots. Just make sure you're buying full ceramic plates, not a ceramic-coated plate, which can wear off and cause snagging. Tourmaline, on the other hand, is a newer technology with neutralizing ions that eliminate static and frizz for a shinier finished look.

Below, you'll find a list of the best flat irons for thin hair on the market. Just remember to always read the manufacturers' information, as these details will give you guidance on proper usage for your hair type and an idea of how long should you keep the iron before replacing it.

1. A Professional-Level Straightener That Heats Up In 25 Seconds

Along with state-of-the-art heat consistency from its fully ceramic plates, the award-winning ghd Gold Styler has one temperature only: 365 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal safe, frizz-free styling on all hair types. The choice of many hair pros, this iron heats up in 25 seconds and works fast, so you can effortlessly create everyday styles (waves included!) without snagging or pulling.

2. A Protein-Infused Straightener With A Built-In Heat Sensor

Featuring keratin-infused plates, the Remington S8590 Keratin Therapy Straightener provides essential vitamins and proteins to your hair while you style, in order to smooth frizz and create shine. Not only that, but the iron has an advanced, built-in heat sensor that adjusts the temperature to your own personalized setting, so you never have to worry about accidentally frying your hair.

3. A Classic Ceramic Flat Iron That Lives Up To Its Reputation

Considered by many as the original at-home professional straightener, the CHI Original 1-inch Hairstyling Iron has two 1-inch ceramic plates that heat up quickly and maintain and distribute heat evenly for consistently smooth results on all hair types. The one-inch plates and curved design make it easy to reach all the way up to the roots and create waves or flips if desired. CHI has been a top leader in the game for many years, so you know you can trust this iron.

4. A Long-Plated Flat Iron With 30 Heat Settings

The InfinitiPro Flat Iron from Conair has 30 different heat settings, making it perfect for fully customized temperature control and suitable for any hair type. With longer than average tourmaline plates (tourmaline = more negative ions and less frizz) and a 15 second heat-up time, this iron delivers smooth results, quickly.

5. A Mini Straightener That's Perfect For Travel

Perfect for travel, storage, midday touch-ups, and short hair, the lightweight BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron is only 6 inches long, but packs all the power and benefits of a traditional straightener, including titanium-ceramic plates, fast heat-up, and superior heat retention. Heading abroad? Don’t sweat, this baby has dual voltage for worldwide use.

6. A High-Tech Straightener That Works In One Pass

Because making fewer passes over the same strands equals less damage (especially on thin textures and over time) you should really consider the BIO IONIC Onepass Straightening Iron an investment in healthy hair. This techy iron has silicone speed strips that provide faster straightening and increased shine, emits nano-ionic minerals which condition hair, and uses infrared technology for quicker, professional-looking styling without damage.

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