Do Men use straighteners?
Absolutely – Men use straighteners. Straighteners are prefect for adding body, straightening hair or simply adding some personality to your hairstyle or making your hair actually do what you want it to do! Read on to;
- Find out what to look for when buying a straightener for men
- 6 of the best hair straighteners for men for 2023
Women have been using hair straighteners or flat irons in various forms for centuries. Flat irons are an easy way to achieve a just left the salon-style finish. But who says only women should use flat irons? Men obviously can reap the same benefits with a flat iron and create lavish sleek or curly hair styles from the comforts of their own home.
Men looking to add a straight iron to their styling routine should keep a few things in mind before going shopping.
1. The type of hair you have
2. the length and
3. the texture are all things to consider before buying a hair straightener.
What is the minimum length for straightening hair?
There is actually a minimum length for straightening hair. Hot Tip: Ideally, men should have at least 4 inches of hair to use a straight iron, otherwise, you run the risk of burning your scalp.
What should a guy look for in a straightener if they have short hair?
- Guys should look for flat irons that have no more than 1-inch plates. Obviously this works best and is easier to use on short hair.
- Consider a mini flat iron. Yes, there is such a thing (and it is also handy for traveling). A mini flat iron is much easier to manage when you have shorter or thinner hair, and will reduce the risk of burns and enable fine motor skills for better control.
- When buying a straightener men should also look at a heat-protecting spray’s or serums. These should be applied to your hair before using any flat iron to protect your hair against high temperatures. Even though you may get your hair cut more often than a person with longer hair, you still want the hair you have to be in the best condition possible – so use a heat protectant.
- A hair straightener can also double up as a beard straightener as well.
Ceramic and titanium: what’s the difference?
Two terms you will hear interchangeably in the hair business when it comes to flat irons or heating tools is ceramic and titanium. There are slight differences between the two and each type serves its own purpose. Ceramic plates on hair straighteners tend to be best known for their ability to heat evenly, meaning that there are no hot spots or cold spots.
Even heating for styling tools greatly reduce the risk of burning or damaging your hair. Ceramic plates are also smooth and tend to not pull on the hair as much as other plates might. Titanium plates are best used for thicker, coarser hair. Titanium flat irons can reach high temperatures quickly, and therefore should be used with caution and good hair serum. Titanium plates also tend to be less corrosive.
6 best hair straighteners for men
| Name | Picture | Ratings | Plate Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmoVee Mini Flat Iron Smart Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener |  | 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,814 reviews | 1/2 inch | See it on Amazon |
| HSI Professional Glider | Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron Hair Straightener |  | 4.3 out of 5 stars 59,663 reviews | 1 inch | See it on Amazon |
| Bed Head Pixie ½ inch Straightener |  | 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,091 reviews | 1/2 inch | See it on Amazon |
| BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron |  | 4.6 out of 5 stars 7,255 reviews | 1 inch | See it on Amazon |
| INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron, 1 inch |  | 4.6 out of 5 stars 5,098 reviews | 1 inch | See it on Amazon |
| GHD Mini IV Hair Straightener |  | 4.6 out of 5 stars 738 reviews | 1/2 inch | See it on GHD website |
Ok fellas, now that you have had a glance of what is out there on the flat iron hair market, let’s dive deeper into these reviews so you can get out there and rejuvenate your look. Here are top-selling mini-flat irons to consider:
Most Versatile for Men: AmoVee Mini Flat Iron
Men who use straight irons might be interested in using one for both their head and beard, especially if their beard has some length to it. The AmoVee Mini Flat Iron Smart Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener with Negative Ionic Technology is one of the most versatile in this regard.
Not only is the AmoVee mini flat iron an Amazon Choice item but it is also one of the most affordable. If you order this product on Amazon it also comes with a mini flat iron heat resistant glove. Using a heat resistant glove is great for protecting your hands when you are trying to manoeuver around the hard to reach the nape of the neck area or style front fringe.
The major selling point for this product is that it has the same technology as its pricier competitors but at a more affordable rate. The plates of this flat iron are built with ceramic and tourmaline technology that heats evenly all around, meaning no hot spots where a section might get hotter than another and burn or fry your hair. With tourmaline, it promises zero sticking or pulling, and emits negative ions that help smooth the hair and eliminates frizz.
This flat iron is also perfect for business travellers as it measures just under eight-inches long which makes it easy to stuff in your carry-on luggage or man bag. This particular hair iron is also advertised as a beard straightener.
As far as beard straightening, if you are one of those guys with a burley beard who has trouble with it curling on the sides, the sleek design of this flat iron will be the best choice. Though this product is a serious contender for flat irons for men, there are pros and cons here as well.
Pros
- Can be used on all hair textures, even beards
- Low price
- Ceramic plates to ensure even distribution of heat
- Small, easy to pack, lightweight
- Negative ions – good for controlling frizz and static
Cons
- Only one heat setting, which may be problematic for those who prefer to adjust the heat
Can you straighten a beard with a flat iron?
If you have a beard that seems to have a mind of its own, you can try straightening it with a flat iron. You should be extremely careful with using heating tools close to your face. Beard straightening is a good option for those who have curlier or frizzy beards but can also help for those with thin but longer beards. If you plan to use a flat iron on your beard, shop for no more than a ½ inch plate.
You should also invest in a good serum and a beard comb. A wide-tooth beard comb is better for curly beards and a boar bristle brush is best to tame frizz. The serum will help protect your beard from overexposure to heat. The comb will work in sync with the straightener.
Because straightening your beard can be tricky, you may wish to skip using a flat iron on your beard all together and instead consider investing in a good electronic hot-air beard brush.
Something to keep in mind with these airbrushes is that most of them only get up to about 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit. If your beard is coarse and burly, you may not get the heat you need from these brushes and may have better luck with a mini flat iron. On average flat irons can raise to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Seller on the Market Today: HSI Professional Glider
Voted number 1 by Business Insider and with over 50,000 reviews on Amazon, the HSI Professional Glider is the bestselling flat iron on the market today. However, these are 1-inch plates so they are most suitable for men with hair on the longer side.
This flat iron is popular among professional hairstylists and is best known for its ionic ceramic tourmaline plates that use 8 Heat Balance micro-sensors to regulate the temperature and evenly distribute heat.
The even distribution of heat means there are fewer passes needed which protects your hair from overheating. The iron also heats up quickly and can reach temperatures between 140-450 degrees Fahrenheit allowing total control for varying hair types and textures.
For those with the frizzy coarse hair, this styler will provide the heat you need to achieve a pin-straight appearance. One of the more unique features of this flat iron is the negative ion technology. Negative ion technology neutralises the atoms in hair. Neutralising the atoms in hair eliminate static making the hair smoother and shinier over a longer period.
The HSI Professional Glider also has floating ceramic plates allowing for ease of use and versatility. Though even this bestselling item has its pros and cons.
Pros
- Top-quality ceramic plates
- Ergonomic with rotating cord
- Easy to adjust heat settings
- Heat settings for all hair types
Cons
- 1-inch plates may be too large for some men
- One of the more costly flat irons on the market
- No digital display
Dose Size Matter
Before you decide to buy a flat iron, you will want to stop and seriously consider the size. A hair straightener that is best suited for men, is one that has plates that are mini in size or no more than 1 inch. This is because mini-hair straighteners are made for shorter hair.
Larger flat irons will often have plates that are too wide to grasp shorter strands. A mini-hair straightener will avoid that issue. Unless you are a man with long hair, at least chin or shoulder-length, you should consider flat irons designed for short hair use.
Small but Mighty: Bed Head Pixie ½ Inch Straightener
Women with textured pixie cuts love the Bed Head Pixie ½ straightener. The sleek design makes this an ideal flat iron for men too, especially those with fine or thin hair. Though small in stature, the Bed Head Pixie packs a punch in heat.
The iron takes only 30 seconds to heat up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit. The thin tourmaline ceramic plates help fight frizz and are easy to maneuver around the ears and nape of the neck area. Another interesting feature of this item is its dual voltage plug. Dual voltage flat irons function at two or more voltage levels meaning they support any level of voltage that is available in different locations. A dual voltage flat iron is a must-have for travelers.
When comparing affordability, the Bed Head Pixie ½ inch straightener is one of the most affordable miniature-sized straighteners out there, coming in at just under $21.00 on Amazon. This flat iron is extremely economical and still maintains the same top-notch features that most expensive straighteners offer. Between the reputation, size, price, heating speed, and ease of use there are more pros than cons to this product.
Pros
- 1/2″ Plates ideal for short hair
- High Heat up to 430 Degree F
- Lightweight ideal for travel with Worldwide Dual Voltage
- 30-second heat-up time
Cons
- Limited temperature controls
Should you use protection when styling hair
No matter the brand or type of flat iron you choose, protecting and preparing your hair before you use heating tools is extremely important. Heat protectant sprays or serums help create a protective coating around the hair fiber which prevents moisture loss and dehydration.
Dehydrated hair creates the perfect environment for burning, a serious risk when considering some of these heating tools can reach up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the top-selling hair serum and heat protecting formulas on Amazon today are:
- HSI PROFESSIONAL Argan Oil Heat Protector
- Tame’s Hair and Beard Armor – Heat Protector Spray
- UrbanGabru Hair Serum for Men with Heat Protectant
- John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum and Heat Protectant
Note:
The temperature of a flat iron should be kept at no more than 250 °F to avoid overheating or damaging hair.
Best for Thick Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Iron
Priced at $159.99 on Amazon the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron is a luxury option when it comes to flat irons. The high price tag however has not discouraged rave reviewers. The dedicated fan base of the BaBylissPRO has given this flat iron 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon with just over 2,000 reviews.
This straightener is popular for men because it has a sleek design, ideal for short hair, but durable enough to handle thick, coarse hair. Its ability to straighten tough hair make it well worth the price tag, especially when cheaper options just won’t cut it for certain hair types.
The BaBlyissPro also has nano titanium technology known to tame coarse tresses and attack frizz. This dependable heating tool also retains heat at a consistent temperature during styling avoiding the need to swipe twice. Like others on the market this styler uses the advanced ion technology that preserves the moisture in each strand of hair. Uniquely, this flat iron emits infra-red heat by its titanium plates that penetrate the hair shaft from the inside out. In the long run this will reduce heat damage to hair.
With over 7,000 reviews on Amazon, the reputation of this product speaks for itself. Testimonials about this heating tool say it is a game-changer. Men may find this tool particularly useful if they have frizzy or hard to manage hair. Another plus is the ultra-thin titanium plates are resistant to corrosion, meaning though you pay more, the tool will outlast the cheaper variety. Though the price tag is steep, you get what you pay for.
Pros
- Heats quickly
- 360-degree cord for ergonomics and ease of use
- Straightens thick, coarse hair
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not have a safety or auto-shutoff
How many hairs a day do we shed?
The average person will shed between 50 – 150 hairs per day, so if you’re seeing a few strands at the bottom of the shower, you don’t need to worry. Even in those who are balding, you would need to lose 50% of your hair to see a noticeable difference.
Best for Fine Hair: INFINITIPRO by CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1-inch Flat Iron
The INFINITIPRO by CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1-inch Flat Iron is a great hair care tool for men and women who may have thinning or fine hair. The tourmaline ceramic plates are gentle on delicate fine hair and are less likely to snag or burn. The INFINITIPRO by CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1-inch Flat Iron is also a great bang for your buck when considering all the features the styler offers. This tourmaline ceramic flat iron has 30 heat settings, extra-long floating plates, and advanced ceramic technology that heats up to 455 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most attractive feature is the heating speed. This tool is one of the fastest on the market, reaching its full heating potential in just 15 seconds.
Pros
- 30 heat settings, extra-long floating plates and advanced ceramic technology
- Heats up to 455°F without hot spots
- 15 second heat up
Cons
- High heat can risk burns, you may need to use heat gloves
- May not work as well on coarse hair
What causes hair thinning?
- Over-treating your hair with harsh chemicals, color treatments, or relaxers
- Using too many sticky hair products, such as extreme-hold hair sprays and gels.
- Holding your hair back with rubber bands or in tight ponytails
- Poor nutrition, such as low iron, folic acid, and lacking other minerals in your diet
- Being overly stressed. Stress causes an uptick in hormones like cortisol. Too much cortisol or stress hormones can worsen hair loss or interrupt the growth of new hair
A Favourite Among Men: GHD Mini IV Hair Straightener
Ghd the largest manufacturer of hair straighteners dubbed their mini straightener a favourite among men, reporting that 25% of their online purchases were male consumers. Ghd is a gold standard when it comes to hair straighteners, so this is not much of a surprise. The most glaring draw back of this product though is the price tag. Another drawback is this product is not available on Amazon and there are many fakes that consumers need to watch out for.
If you are willing to spend big dollars on a flat iron, the safest bet may be to just purchase directly from ghd to be sure you are getting an original. So, what is so special about this flat iron that has men digging deep into their pockets? For starters, ghd advertises their ghd mini styler as literally designed with men in mind. Also, rumor has it that male pop stars and celebrities use the ghd mini to be paparazzi ready.
Beyond celebrity admiration, the ghd mini is an easy to use styling tool. The heating elements of the advanced ceramic plates are designed with technology that allows for even distribution of heat, which makes it easy to straighten the hair in just one swipe.
The sleek design of the barrel allows for styling short hairstyles, textured waves, or fringe, again ideal for most men with short hair. If you have safety in mind, they have that covered too. There is an automatic sleep mode that will switch-off the flat iron after 30 minutes of non-use.
Finally, their Universal voltage ensures you can travel with this styler and use it world-wide. So, if you have deep pockets, and looking for the ultimate men’s flat iron, look no further than the luxurious ghd mini styler.
Pros
- Ceramic heat technology
- Smooth, contoured floating plates
- Slender rounded barrel
- Automatic safety shutoff
- Universal voltage
- Heats in 30-seconds
Cons
- Cost is one of the highest in the market for flat irons
- Limited heat setting of 365 degrees Fahrenheit, though optimal for safe styling, may not be hot enough for very coarse or thick hair
- Many knock offs on the market best to buy direct from manufacturer website
6 Tips for Men on Using Flat Irons
Though flat irons can be a great tool to add to your hair care routine, used carelessly they can damage your hair beyond repair. Therefore, here are a few steps that you will want to take if you plan to style your hair with a flat iron. Remember, even though you can use a hairdryer and comb to straighten your hair, a hair straightener unlocks the maximum potential for achieving a glossy, sleek look in a short period of time.
Hair styled with a straightener also tends to hold up for most of the day, weather permitting. Now that you are more familiar with the hair irons on the market, following these steps can help you maximize results.
Step One: Wash your hair
Ideally, you should thoroughly wash your hair with a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner prior to using any heating tool. Here is a few top-rated shampoo and conditioners popular for men:
Men’s Shampoo – Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint & Eucalyptus for All Hair Types
Old Spice, Shampoo and Conditioner 2 in 1, Swagger for Men
Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Daily Shampoo + Conditioner
Brickell Men’s Daily Revitalizing Hair Care Routine, Shampoo, and Conditioner
Step Two: Coat your wet hair with a heat protectant
The most crucial step to straightening your hair is using a heat protectant. Apply the heat protectant before you use a blow-dryer and make sure to run it through your hair so that it coats your hair follicles. Heat protecting spray or serums run about $3-$15 depending on type, brand, and size but it’s an affordable way to keep your hair from overheating or dehydrating.
Men may also choose to use a heat protectant style wax such as BluMaan Meraki Styling Natural Hair Wax For Men, a styling wax with heat protectant formula built in.
Some other benefits of using heat protecting sprays or serum include:
- Detangles hair and makes it easier to manage
- Acts as a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss caused by excessive heat
- Reduces frizz and flyaways
- Speeds up the hair drying process
Step Three: Blow-Dry your hair
Now that your hair and scalp are squeaky clean, the next step is drying. Do not try to straighten your hair when it is wet. Trying to straighten wet hair can be incredibly damaging to your hair. Allow yourself enough time to thoroughly blow-dry your locks to be sure your hair is completely dry before you begin using a flat iron.
As you blow-dry your hair you will want to make sure to brush your hair in the direction you want your hair to go. For example, if you want your hair to have a faux hawk look, brush your hair up toward the ceiling as you blow-dry.
Step Four: Turn on your Flat Iron
Once your hair is completely dry, it is time to turn on your flat-iron. Most men will find it easier to use a mini-straightener with a ½ inch plate unless you have unusually long hair or hair past your chin. To use any straightener to its maximum potential, you will want to make sure you leave it on long enough to heat, usually 30 seconds to a minute depending on the type of flat iron you have. How hot to set your flat iron will depend on the texture of your hair. Normally hair can be straightened at 300-350 degrees, however, if you have thick or coarse hair you may need to increase the heat to 380-400. It is often best to stick to a lower level and gradually increase as needed.
Step Five: Begin to Straighten
Using a brush or comb extend your hair a little bit so that it is easier for you to grasp a section of hair between the plates of the straightener. You will want to position the straightener toward the root of your hair, being careful not to touch your scalp or you risk getting burnt.
Once you position the straightener, clasp it down on your strand of hair, and pull the straightener down toward the ends of your hair, releasing the clasp once you reach the end of your hair. Remember it is important to not linger on a strand of hair, as you risk overheating the hair. Use your free hand to hold the hair tight to avoid waves. It is important to be aware that the exterior of flat irons get hot, so you may want to use a protective heat glove.
To achieve an all around straight look, you will want to work your way from the fringe to the back of your hair with the straightening iron, being especially careful when you are straightening hair at the nape of the neck and around the ears.
Step Six: Style as Desired
Once you have worked your straightener through your hair, working from fringe to back, you can set your style with a pomade, wax, mousse, or hairspray. Some of the most popular pomades and hair wax for men on Amazon today include:
● Suavecito Pomade Original Hold
● Rocky Barber Mountain Company, Pomade for Men
● AXE Hair Pomade for Men
● Spiffy Old Spice, Sculpting Pomade for Men
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best hair straightener?
First, you should consider the length and texture of your hair. If your hair is under 4 inches choose a smaller plate.
Which plate is the best for my hair, tourmaline, metal or ceramic?
With the many flat irons in the market now, plates come in several different materials. The two most common being tourmaline and ceramic. In general, the biggest difference is cost and he way each material conducts heat. Metal plates tend to be less than ceramic and tourmaline plate tend to heat up faster. Titanium plates also heat the hair from the surface of the hair shaft whereas ceramic heats with infrared technology.
Which temperature should I set when using a straight iron?
In general, the safest temperature for most hair types will be no more than 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Your hair texture and plate size will determine the temperature. Start off straightening by heating the styler as low as possible then increase until you feel comfortable.
Do I need to clean my flat iron?
Yes, while using a heat resistant serum or spray is important for protecting hair, sometimes product build-up can cause burns on the plates. Most flat irons will come with a manual to tell you how to clean the plates, but wiping residue with a very damp washcloth will likely do the trick.
Can you use a flat iron every day?
Using a flat iron too frequently, even with heat protecting products will dry out your hair and lead to breakage. It is best to not use a flat iron every day, and condition your hair well in the shower after each time you straighten.
Do I need to buy heat resistant gloves?
Heat resistant gloves depend on the type of flat iron you buy. In general, some types of plates like Titanium releases intense heat up to 450 degrees. It may not be a bad idea to have a heat resistant glove on stand-by to protect your hands, but it is advisable to not heat a styling tool up more than you really need 450 degrees risks serious burns and dehydration for your hair.
Do I really need to use hair protection spray before straightening?
Yes, you do. It is very important to not skip this step. There are tons of products out there on the market for heat protection, and they are pretty reasonably priced. Heat protecting sprays and serum will protect your hair from the inside out from too much heat damage. Heat protecting sprays will also help you achieve a shiny no-frizz finished look.
What do I apply after using a straight iron?
In general, the product you choose to put on your hair after using a straightener depends on the look you are trying to achieve. Most will use a pomade or wax. When shopping for pomade the right formula will depend on your hair type and texture. If you are going for an extreme style, you will need one that has more holding power. If you are looking for a slick back neat look, a low or medium hold will do the trick. Thicker hair will need a more robust product. If you are looking for shine, look for pomades that are advertised for gloss or shine. For more of a matte look choose a pomade with a clay or wax base. Check out this Forbes article on 10 of the best pomades for men.
Are there other items I should buy with my flat iron?
If you plan to use a flat iron on a regular basis you should stock up on a few items to work in parallel with your styler. Using hair products like moisturizing shampoo, heat protecting sprays, pomade or hair wax will give you the shiniest silkiest hair when paired with a hair straightener.
These items include:
- A comb or brush, boar bristle brushes are great for men
- A heat serum or spray
- Pomade, wax, gel or mousse to use to set your style
- Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioners
Conclusion
Shiny stylish hair can transform your appearance. Having the right hairstyle is important for self-esteem and professionalism. Straightening hair does not just have to be something only women do, in fact, men can benefit from using hair styling tools to up their game in the hair department. If you are a man who has hard to manage, curly, coarse, or wavy hair, there are several options you can use to improve your look. Though you can straighten your hair with a hair dryer and comb, opting for a flat iron can not only save you time but give you a head-turning sleek style. Men can also use flat irons to straighten a burly beard.
Remember before you use any heating tool, you should pair it with a heat protecting cream, spray, or serum. Exposing your hair to high levels of heat without a protective layer can risk permanently damaging your hair in the long run. So, there you have it boys, while hair straighteners are a more commonly used by women, flat irons can do you a great deal of good.