Ever wonder how he does it? The girl with the fabulous hairstyle? I bet you used one of my all-time favorite must-have hair gadgets, a flat iron. With so many irons on the beauty market, how do you choose which one is right for you? I have you covered. I’ve put together expert and customer picks below to give you the scoop on some of the most popular, best-selling, and excited straightening irons on the market so you can find the right tool for you. Straightening irons, straightening irons, styling irons … which one is best for you?

GHD 1 “MK3 Ceramic Hair Straightener

Alias: The International Favorite

Already a best-seller in the UK and Australia, the GHD MK3 straightening iron is rapidly developing a loyal fan base here in the US Even heat conduction allows for a faster warm-up time than an iron conventional, and long-lasting temperature leads to optimal hair straightening in minutes. Just brilliant!

Plus: GHD has expertly formulated a line of hair care and thermal protectors to accompany your heat styling efforts for ultimate hair bliss.

1 “Chi Original Ceramic Straightening Iron

Alias: The Original

Cool hairstyles are simple with the right tool; CHI proves it over and over again. With an extensive product line and many different plates to choose from, I have to agree with their loyal customers, you can’t go wrong with CHI, but the original model is one of my favorites, and it will surely be one of yours! Well known in the industry for continually creating new limited edition plates in trendy colors, CHI is ideal for fashionistas.

Bonus: CHI has a killer hair care line to keep your hair soft with pure silk!

Maxiglide

Alias: The Cult Favorite

Soft, shiny, smooth and snag free. That’s what I keep hearing from Maxiglide users. The exclusive Steamburst technology and ceramic detangling pins make this iron different from all the others, in a good way. Not only does this straightener receive consistently high reviews on beauty sites, Maxiglide customers are very passionate about this straightener; they stay excited over and over again. There is a reason it is a bestseller. Do I need to say more?

Plus: the Maxiglide also has a slimmer and smaller version: the Miniglide. It’s the perfect travel companion for touch-ups on the go.

GHD Ceramic Hair Straightener and Straightener, MK4 Straightener

Also known as: The Newbie

The launch of the newest arrival in the GHD family, which is already receiving media attention, does not disappoint! Being one of the lucky few to take a look, I love, love, love this iron. Incorporating state-of-the-art styling technology, this heat styler curls as easily as it straightens, giving you the ultimate in versatility. Plus, it automatically adjusts for international voltages, has a stronger wire, and a new sleep mode that turns itself off after 15 minutes. That is a smart stylizer!

Plus: just to make sure you have the “know-how” of style, there’s a step-by-step DVD included in the box. Watch out for the competition, there’s a new gamer in town, the GHD MK4 has arrived.

Automatic digital hair straightener with CHI wet to dry ceramic straightener

Also known as: The Powerhouse

Specially designed for damp hair, the CHI Wet-to-Dry Straightener uses ceramic ionic technology to eliminate frizz while straightening and transforming hair into shiny, super soft locks straight out of the shower. State-of-the-art digital technology allows you to set the precise temperature and it even has an automatic shut-off timer. Ideal for all hair types, CHI from wet to dry straightens the fullest and most rebellious locks with ease.

More: CHI works just as well on dry hair, making it perfect for any grooming situation. Sometimes I’m late, you know …

HAI Twig 3/8 “Ceramic Straightening Iron

Alias: The Mini Sleeker

Tame even the thickest and most frizzy short hair in soft, shiny locks with HAI Twig. One use and you will wonder how you ever lived without it. Thin 3/8 “ceramic plates work wonders on bangs and those whispering locks we love so much. For best results and style control, you should never use a plate width larger than necessary, and now you don’t have Now everyone can get the same results as the pros, Twig makes it so easy!

Plus: This sleek styler features the same fast heating element and adjustable temperature settings as the larger HAI models, making it a great option for anyone looking to style shorter sections in seconds.

FHI Heat Technique Ceramic Ionic Professional 1-3 / 4 “Straightening Iron

Middle Name: Big Daddy

If you have long, thick, coarse or unruly hair, the FHI Heat Technique Professional 1-3 / 4 “Ceramic Ionic Straightening Iron is your one-way ticket to straightening. FHI’s Ceramic Tourmaline Technology generates negative ions to neutralize the Positive ions found in dry, damaged hair and the fixed temperature ensures even heat distribution every time you use it.

More: FHI makes an amazing heat protectant: FHI Heat Hot Sauce. It is moisture-based and when used with a flat iron, it really penetrates the core of your hair to deeply rebuild and condition from the inside out. Talk about protection.

CHI Nano Digital Ceramic Hair Straightener 1-1 / 4 “Hair Straightener

Alias: Mac Daddy of Techno

Do you love to take control? With the CHI Nano Digital straightener, you get a precise set temperature that guarantees perfect and even heat every time you style. No more overheating, over-drying, and excessive hair damage. What could not be loved? Plus, it has advanced Nano Silver technology that kills bacteria and creates a germ-free styling environment. It is sterilized straightening with all styles.

Bonus: The CHI Nano Digital Straightener looks as good as it works! I love its great counter-appeal and I never want to put it aside. It looks great on any dresser (on top of a heat resistant rug, of course!) You must love an appliance that has style.

Hot Tools 1 “Far Infrared Heat Ceramic Plate

Nickname: The Professional

A separate heating system for each heating plate ensures superior styling performance and puts the heat on hot tools. Professional Soft Heat (TM) technology produces gentle far infrared heat for more efficient heating, faster styling and shinier hair, and ceramic and titanium technology provides snag-free styling while gliding smoothly through your locks. Any hair gadget that doesn’t snag or pull an overworked ‘do’ gets an A + in my book. Thanks Hot Tools.

More: This straightening iron proves you can get great technology at a great price!

FHI Technique Professional 1 “Pink Hair Straightener

Middle name: Versatility

An iron, with all the styling capabilities you will need. You can straighten, flip and even curl your hair in seconds with this baby in our favorite shade, PINK. FHI uses Nano Technology to maximize the effects of negative ions during styling. Additionally, nano silver and titanium oxide technology helps remove any harmful chemicals as well as kill bacteria. This means the shiniest, healthiest hair is yours with FHI, and who doesn’t love pink?

More: Sleek or sexy soft curls, change your style as often as a celebrity with this FHI Pink straightener. And you thought straightening irons were just for straight styles!

HAI 1-1 / 4 “Convertible Ceramic Straightening Iron

Alias: the multitasker

HAI Convertable’s sapphire ceramic plates are unmatched for even heat distribution and the ergonomic design makes it easy to press, hold, style, twist and curl hair. Talk about multitasking! People love this iron and so do you.

Plus: HAI is perfect for straightening your hair and creating loose waves, perfect for those of you who like to mix it up! And who doesn’t love sapphire?

As you can see, there are many great straighteners that are perfect for your individual hair type and styling needs. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to wear a heat shield. All of these ceramic ionic styling tools get very hot and can cause dryness or damage if you’re not careful. Using a thermal protector on your hair before styling should always be your first priority. It will keep your hair healthy and shiny and enhance the styling potential of any straightener you choose.