How to Choose the Best Hair Straightening Tool

Posted by Team John Paul Mitchell Systems® on July 22, 2024

image of a model with straight dark hair

If it's straightforward styling you're looking for, your instinct may be to reach for the closest flat iron in sight. While the flat iron is forever a classic, another great straightening option is a hot brush! You may be thinking, "how straightforward can it be with so many tools on the market?" We're here to help decide which option is the best hair straightener for your needs and which styling products will achieve your favorite looks. Now let's, dare we say, get straight to it.

image of a model with dark hair using a straightening iron

Flat Iron

Many of our first introductions to the popular flat irons was copying Christina's stick straight tresses circa 2000 (or Avril, if that's more your scene). We've come a long way since then! The Neuro^® Style+ Professional Straightening & Styling Iron features NeutraHeat^™ Technology that delivers even heat with positive and negative ions across ceramic plates to help minimize damage and neutralize static frizz. The beveled-edge design lets you create sleek looks, waves and curls with a shiny finish.

Hot Brush

If you brush your hair regularly, you already know how to use a hot brush. Product warning: you may feel as though you've entered the year 3000 with the Neuro^® Sleek Smoothing Hot Brush. The ceramic bristles and advanced heat technology deliver consistent heat and produce shiny, healthy-looking hair. Boasting 5 heat settings, this tool is available to all hair types. Be sure to hold the bottom of your hair section to create tension for best results.

Flat Iron Vs. Hot Brush

Choosing the best hot tool for straightening hair depends on the desired style. Not only is the hot brush a quick and effective way to achieve straight hair, but it also adds volume and shine. It's also perfect for second day touchups. A flat iron will give you multiple styling options, between straightening and curling. That said, typically it will take a few swipes of the tool for the final look. You may consider using a flat iron on the first day, then a hot brush the following days to keep your style looking sleek! Paired with a trusty dry shampoo.

Hot Off The Press
$24.00

Best Products for Straight Hair Styles

Identifying a capable tool is only half the battle! For vogue-ready styles, proper product selection is key. Arguably the most important step is protecting your hair from heat damage. The Paul Mitchell^® Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray provides a lightweight barrier between your hair and the hot tool of your choice. Additionally, the flexible hold is a perfect finishing touch to lock in your look. Once you've completed your style, apply a dab of Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil on your hands and run it through your hair to smooth out any flyaways and add shine. Finally, once it’s time to wash, nourish and hydrate your hair with the Clean Beauty Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Clean Beauty Anti-Frizz Conditioner. As an added bonus, comb the Clean Beauty Repair Leave-In Treatment through clean, damp hair. Your hair will be healthy and ready for your next styling session in no time!