The 11 Best Affordable Flat Irons & Hair Straighteners Of 2023
Top selection of affordable hair straighteners that are easy on your hair and pocket.
Alicia Igess JonesHairstylist
Expertise: Hairstyling
Experience: 20 years
Alicia Igess Jones is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are broke as hell and you’ve got no money to blow on expensive hair straightening tools, you should be looking for the best dry cheap straightener. Let’s face it, maintaining your hair can be expensive and in this economy, styling for some is a luxury. Regardless of that, you still need to look presentable, and for that, cheap stuff is the way to go! We’ve put together a list of 11 flat irons under the $30 budget segment. These offer the most bang for your buck!
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Best For Long-Lasting Result AmoVee Mini Flat Iron $14.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $14.99 ON AMAZON - 5
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Best For Instant Heat-Up Conair Flat Iron $17.49 ON AMAZON Read More › $17.49 ON AMAZON - 7
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Best Travel-Friendly Herstyler Superstyler Onyx Flat Iron $27.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $27.99 ON AMAZON
In This Article
11 Best Flat Irons And Straighteners Under $30
Best Lightweight:Revlon Ceramic Flat Iron
The Revlon Ceramic Flat Iron is perfect for achieving any hairstyle, be it waves, curls, or the straight hair look. It has high-quality triple-layer ceramic plates for even heat distribution and preventing hair damage. The thin, 1-inch plate reaches close to the roots for sleek and smooth locks. This straightener heats quickly up to 400°F in a few seconds. There are two heat setting options and a silicone finger grip for a comfortable hold. This straightener also features an auto-shutoff mechanism for additional safety. It is lightweight, easy to use, and travel-friendly.
Key Features
- Auto-shutoff mechanism
- Triple-layer ceramic plates
- 2 heat setting options
- Silicone finger grip
Pros- Heats up quickly
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not durable
- Not suitable for heavy curly hair
Best Versatile :CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightening Flat Iron
The CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightening Flat Iron is a professional quality hair straightener designed to help you achieve silky, shiny, and frizz-free hair instantly. Its 1-inch ceramic floating plates are perfect for gliding it easily over your hair strands. This hair straightener also features far-infrared heating that helps reduce frizz and static, while the flash-quick heating system heats up to 392°F (202°C) in seconds, ensuring that you get the desired style in no time.
Key Features
- All-in-one ergonomic design
- Advanced ceramic technology
- 11 feet swivel cord
- Dual voltage for convenient travel
Pros- Versatile styling tool
- Reduces frizz and static.
- Convenient for travel
- Easy to use
- Includes heat protection pad
Cons
- Does not have a digital temperature display
Best With Auto Shut-Off:Andis 67095 Ceramic Flat Iron
The Andis 67095 Ceramic Flat Iron heats up to 450 degrees and offers 20 different heat settings to meet all your styling needs based on different hair needs. In addition, the ceramic plated clamps hold hair tighter to give the best and long-lasting results. It preserves the hair’s moisture, preventing dryness and damage while adding shine to the hair. The straightener heats up as fast as 30 seconds and also has an auto shut-off feature. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.
Key Features
- Auto shut-off
- 20 variable heat settings
- 30 seconds heat up
- Swivel cord
Pros- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Ceramic plates
- Adds shine
- Clamp holds hair tightly
Cons
- Might not be durable
Best For Long-Lasting Result:AmoVee Mini Flat Iron
The AmoVee Mini Flat Iron with negative ion technology is perfect for the nape section with bobs, face-framing, bangs, short hair, or minimal touch-ups. The 3D floating plates avoid sticking or pulling the hair and offer long-lasting styling. The ceramic tourmaline technology enables even heat distribution, reducing frizz, and static. This hair straightener is equipped with a safety lock and a 60° flexible swivel cord for a comfortable hold. The 0.79-inch plate maintains a fixed temperature with 410°F high heat. This product comes with a heat-resistant glove. You may check more about this product in this video.
Key Features
- Negative ion technology
- 3D floating plates
- Ceramic tourmaline technology
- Safety lock
- 60° swivel cord
Pros
- No hair sticking and pulling
- Long-lasting results
- Unisex
- Includes a heat-resistant glove
Cons
- Fixed temperature
No products found.
The Remington Flat Iron features 1-inch floating plates that cover your hair entirely, and the anti-static technology reduces frizz and flyaways by 50%. The titanium coating ensures fast heating, while the long ceramic plates ensure quick styling without any damage. This hair straightener heats up within 30 seconds and comes with six temperature settings ranging from 310°F to 410°F. The LCD screen and digital controls help monitor temperature settings, and the 60-minute auto-shutoff feature ensures safety. The hinge lock helps protect the plates during storage.
Key Features
- 30-second instant heat-up
- 6 temperature settings
- LCD display
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Anti-static technology
- Hinge lock protection
- Titanium coating
- 360° swivel cord
Pros
- Reduces frizz and flyaways by 50%
- Glides smoothly
- Quick heating
Cons
- Not durable
Best For Instant Heat-Up:Conair Flat Iron
The Conair Flat Iron features a 1-inch double ceramic-coated floating plate that offers straight, shiny, and frizz-free hair. It is equipped with five heat settings that reach a maximum of 410°F. This straightener heats up within 30 seconds. It features a safety lock and a 5-foot swivel cord. The extra-long floating plates ensure quick styling with less damage and uniform heat recovery. Check out this video to learn more.
Key Features
- 5 temperature settings
- 1-inch double ceramic-coated floating plate
- 30-second instant heat-up
- Auto-shutoff
- Heat recovery system
- Safety lock
- 5-foot swivel cord
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Heats up easily
Cons
- Does not glide easily
Best For Curly Hair:HSI Professional Ceramic Flat Iron
The HSI Professional Ceramic Flat Iron can straighten, flip, and curl hair with minimal effort. It uses high-quality ceramic plates that have 8 HeatBalance micro-sensors to distribute heat evenly. The Glider’s plates are also infused with tourmaline and ceramic crystal ion plates to create a shinier, silkier finish in less time. This flat iron offers adjustable temperature settings. It also comes with worldwide dual voltage compatibility, making it an ideal travel companion.
Key Features
- Advance technology design
- Adjustable temperature settings from 140-450°F
- Worldwide dual voltage compatibility
- 360-degree swivel cord
Pros- High-quality ceramic plates
- Best for dry and curly hair
- Travel-friendly
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
None
Best With Dual Voltage:Wavytalk Mini Ceramic Hair Straightener
The Wavytalk Mini Ceramic Hair Straightener has 3D floating plates that adhere to your hair for a snag-free and damage-free experience. It gives you soft, frizz-free, lustrous, and smooth hair. Its innovative PTC ceramic heaters evenly distribute heat. It heats quickly to a consistent temperature of 390 °F in just 30 seconds, providing fast, long-lasting, salon-quality hairstyles. This 2-in-1 flat and curling iron is lightweight and compact and has a dual voltage feature that makes it ideal for travel.
Key Features
- Safety lock
- Constant temperature
- 30 seconds heat up
Pros- Lightweight
- Advance ceramic plates
- Travel-friendly
- Affordable price
Cons
- May find it small for longer hair
Best For Fine Hair:Terviiix Mini Flat Straightener
The Terviiix Mini Flat Straightener offers three adjustable temperature settings with six indicator lights. The 2-in-1 iron works as a straightener and as a curler. The dual voltage iron has PTC fast heating technology that heats up in 40 seconds and is ideal for fine, coarse, and natural hair types. In addition, the plates are infused with argan oil, keratin, and tourmaline, which nourish the hair and prevent damage. Finally, the iron is equipped with 3D floating plates that don’t snag or pull hair, avoiding breakage. The mini iron is travel-friendly and portable.
Key Features
- Auto shut-off at 50 minutes
- 40 seconds heating
- Dual voltage
- 3 adjustable temperatures
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Heats quickly
- 2-in-1
Cons
- Too small
- Ineffective temperature control
Best Travel-Friendly:Herstyler Superstyler Onyx Flat Iron
The Herstyler Superstyler Onyx Flat Iron has 3-in-1 use of straightening, flipping, and curling the hair quickly. The ceramic plates are infused with Nano Ion technology that keeps the hair frizz-free and shiny for a long time. The 1.25-inch ceramic plate heats up to 500°F without any hotspots. The MCH technology enables the straightener to heat up in less than 30 seconds. This hair straightener also features temperature control, a hook design for easy storage, and a dual voltage system. It is lightweight, travel-friendly, and suitable for daily use.
Key Features
- Dual voltage
- 30-second heat-up
- Nano ion technology
- MCH technology
- Hook design
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for daily use
- Easy to store
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not durable
Best For All Hair Textures:T3 Micro Lucea Professional Straightener
The T3 Micro Lucea Professional Straightener is a 1″ ceramic flat iron. It uses the T3 rapid heat IQ technology that delivers advanced heat evenly in 9 digitally controlled temperature settings. In addition, it controls frizz, giving you a smooth, shiny, and frizz-free hairstyle instantly. It is suitable for all hair types and textures.
Key Features
- 9 temperature settings
- 1” ceramic flat iron
- Rapid heat IQ technology
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Frizz-free hairstyles
- Makes hair smooth
- Adds shine
Cons
- No digital display screen
- No indicator
Consider these essential features before buying a hair straightener to make the ideal choice.
Features To Consider Before Buying A Flat Iron
- Plate Size – Go for a flat iron with a plate size of 1.5 inches. This makes the styling process easy and quick. Larger plates cover more surface area and are suitable for people with long hair. People with short hairstyles can go for a medium plate length of around 1 inch.
- Plate Material – Most hair straighteners have ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline plates. Ceramic plates are ideal if your hair is thin and weak. They ensure no heat-related damage but are not durable. Tourmaline hair straighteners are a bit costly but durable. They produce negative ions that help moisten the hair and keep it hydrated for a long time. Titanium plates heat up fast and can hold the heat for a long time. They are lightweight, durable, and suitable for thick, dense, and curly hair types.
- Cord Length And Rotation – Go for flat irons with long cords to ensure ease of use. A long cord enables using the device at comfortable angles and distances. Choose a hair straightener with 2 to 3 meters of cord length. The 360° swivel cords have higher maneuverability, more rotation, and a greater lifespan.
- Temperature Setting And Control – The more the heat control variation, the better the hair straightener. Good quality flat irons have a temperature range from 200°F to 500°F. This enables you to set the temperature as per your comfort and hair type. Thin hair requires less heat than curly and coarse hair.
- Auto-Shutoff – Flat irons with an auto-shutoff feature ensure safety if you forget to switch off the device. Most straighteners have a 30 to 60-minute auto-shutoff mechanism.
- Advanced Technologies – Many hair straighteners come with advanced features like moisture preservation, negative ion technology, and MCH technology. These features are beneficial for dry or weak hair types. The moisture retention and heat distribution features ensure that your hair remains straight, smooth, and silky.
- Size – Ensure that the hair straightener is lightweight and compact so that it fits inside a purse or bag pack for easily portability during vacations or trips.
- Warranty – Many brands offer warranties, ranging from one to four years. This ensures hassle-free replacement in case of any damage or malfunctions during the warranty period.
It is important to look for the right product while purchasing any electronic gadget. When you are choosing your preferred flat iron or hair straightener, you should opt for the ones with hassle-free features like auto shut-off, quick heating options, or a dual voltage system. Some of these products also come with variable heat settings and good swivel cords, which are of utmost importance. However, you should steer clear of flat irons that do not come with ceramic plates and are not very user-friendly.
Alicia Igess Jones, an award-winning hairstylist suggests, “Consider using a heat protectant on your hair when using a straightening iron. Also, consider wrapping your hair at night to preserve your straight hair.”
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, who authored this article, is a haircare enthusiast and likes to assist her readers in finding suitable haircare items. With this intent, she hunted for the best dry cheap straighteners for her readers. After extensive research and visits to forums to read customer reviews, she curated a list of them. This list consists of products that are not only budget-friendly but have all the abilities to make your hair look gorgeous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap straighteners bad?
No. Many hair straighteners at moderate price heat up rapidly and have advanced features like negative ion technology and 3D floating plates.
Is it good to straighten the hair once a month?
Yes, but it depends on your hair type. People with frizzy and coarse hair may require straightening more often. Others with smooth hair can straighten once a week. A month maybe too long, but if you have smooth hair, once in a week is good.
How often can I straighten my hair without damaging it?
With a good quality straightener, you can straighten your hair even daily without any damage. Check features like ceramic plates, even heat distribution, temperature adjustment, negative ion technology, and MCH technology before buying it.
Why do straighteners pull hair?
If your straightener is pulling hair, there are issues either with the product or the process. A good quality straightener glides smoothly without pulling the hair. Use the flat iron from root and glide it down your hair strands.
Is using a flat iron daily wrong?
No. Ensure that your hair straightener is of good quality, and you are using it correctly. However, if you have damaged and weak hair, you should use it less often as it can cause heat damage.
Does straightening the hair ruin curls?
Yes, straightening the hair can ruin your natural curls if you use straighteners with tourmaline irons that can be damaging daily.
Why do my straighteners smell?
Straighteners smell bad when they are used frequently at a very high temperature.
- 13 Best Flat Irons For Fine And Thin Hair
- 11 Best Flat Irons For Curling Hair – Reviews And Buying Guide
- 12 Best Flat Irons For Thick Hair
- 10 Best Titanium Flat Irons
- 10 Best Flat Irons For Natural Hair – Top Picks
