The highest-rated products made this carefully curated list of the best flat irons money can buy. We then combined these results with our own research and expert recommendations.

We paid attention to how well each flat iron worked on a number of different hair types (including fine, thick, wavy, 4C curls, you name it), how comfortable each tool felt in our hands, and how smoothly each iron glided through hair. We handpicked over 20 different flat irons and took each for a spin in our Manhattan-based testing facility as well as at home. The good news? We’re making shopping easier for you.

With hundreds of flat irons on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. “The right flat iron ensures you don’t need to pass your hair several times and further increase the likelihood of damage,” she says. According to hairstylist Gina Rivera, choosing a quality flat iron makes all the difference. However, if you choose the wrong one (or use one for too long), they can damage your hair. Flat irons are a must for anyone who wants a sleek look.

Iron flats