flat iron

A former cosmetic chemist ranks the best flat irons of 2026 — which hair straighteners actually smooth your texture with the least heat damage, ceramic vs. titanium, the right temperature for your hair, and the value pick that beats irons twice its price.

A former cosmetic chemist ranks the best steam straighteners of 2026 — which ones actually smooth thick, frizzy and curly hair with less heat stress, how steam styling really works, and the value pick that punches above its price.