Instead of flipping through magazines and scouring pages of 1/2-inch flat iron reviews, I’d like to make your hunt easy. I have searched far and wide, narrowing down the list to the five best 1/2-inch flat irons out there for all hair types.
Below, you’ll find a review of each, a buyer’s guide to pick your perfect match, and answers to the most asked questions when searching for a new straightener.
📖 Contents
Top 5 Best 1/2 Inch Flat Irons Reviewed
- FHI Tourmaline 1/2″ Flat Iron – Top Pick
- BaByliss Pro Nano Straightener – Best Budget ½ Inch Flat Iron
- ghd Gold 1/2-Inch Flat Iron – Professional-Grade Flat Iron
- BaByliss Pro Nano – Decent 1/2 Iron for Short Hair
- Bed Head Pixie 1/2 Inch Hair Straightener
1. FHI Tourmaline – Top Pick
You can also find this product on Walmart.
Plate Width: 1/2″ Inch
Plate Type: Ceramic
Guarantee: 1 year
Voltage: 110V
Temperature settings: 450F
FHI is one of the largest producers of the hottest styling tools. Their innovative technology paired with stylish designs is dripping with quality, making them the perfect fit for all hair types.
This FHI 1/2-inch tourmaline straightener features heat-resistant material that’s easy to grip and smooth on the hands.
Ceramic plates come infused with tourmaline, which helps lock in moisture and hydration while keeping damage and humidity at a minimum.
Heat settings are adjustable, ranging from 140⁰F to 450⁰F. Design features an elongated cord that swivels, automatic shut-off after one hour, and a lightweight feel that won’t wear the hands out.
What we like:
- The cool design;
- The elongated cord;
- The tourmaline-infused ceramic plates.
What could improve:
- Automatic shut off could be shorter (1hr);
- Short return policy (30 days).
2. BaByliss Pro Nano – Best Budget ½ Inch Flat Iron
You can also find this product on Ulta, Bed Bath & Beyond.
Plate Width: 1/2 Inch
Plate Type: Titanium
Guarantee: 1 year
Voltage: 110-220V
Temperature settings: 440F
BaByliss Pro is all about high-performance professional hair tools. The BaByliss Pro Nano iron comes with titanium plates coated with a ceramic material, creating smooth and glossy strands from root to tip.
The cobalt-blue finished design is compact, with a total length of 6”, perfect for taking on the go. Temperatures get up to 440⁰F, reaching max temps in just a few seconds. It’s small, lightweight, and comes with the perfect sized plates to style all kinds of hair.
This Babyliss Mini flat iron is my go-to travel tool.
What we like:
- The bold blue color is eye-catching;
- It’s great for all budgets and all hair types;
- The titanium plates come coated with ceramic.
What could improve:
- There is no automatic shut off.
3. ghd Gold – Professional-Grade Flat Iron
You can also find this product on Ulta.
Plate Width: 1/2 Inch
Plate Type: Ceramic
Guarantee: 2 year
Voltage: 110-220V
Temperature settings: 365ºF
Scientists at ghd are recognized time and time again for their cutting-edge designs and fresh-off-the-press technology. With the ghd Gold, they decided to go with narrow ceramic plates encased by enforced-plastic covering.
The small weight and rotational design help you create any hairstyle you want while avoiding damage to the hair. With each style, the temperature heats to 365⁰F-the optimal hair temperature for safe styling.
With a 9-ft cord that swivels and narrow ceramic plates, this iron is suitable for all hair types and lengths. It can create any style under the sun.
What we like:
- Temperature enforced to protect hair;
- Chic design;
- Long swivel cord for flipping and twirling.
What could improve:
- High heat is not an option.
4. BaByliss Pro Nano – Decent 1/2 Iron for Short Hair
You can also find this product on Ulta.
Plate Width: 1/2 Inch
Plate Type: Titanium
Guarantee: 1 year
Voltage: 110-220V
Temperature settings: 450ºF
It should come as no surprise that BaByliss flat irons are on the list more than once, known as one of the top hair tool sellers around the world. This time, it’s the Babyliss Pro Nano titanium flat iron, with its thin plates perfect for working with short hair.
The titanium-infused plates help to keep the heat evenly distributed and lock in shine. Heat settings are adjustable, going up to 450⁰.
It weighs just over 1 pound and comes with a long swivel cord, soft-grip, and 50 heat settings to find your preferred angle and temperature for a style you’ll love.
What we like:
- 50 heat settings for styles of all types;
- Slim design to get close to the scalp;
- Titanium plates for even heat distribution.
What could improve:
- No automatic shut-off.
5. Bed Head Pixie 1/2 Inch Hair Straightener
Plate Width: 1/2 Inch
Plate Type: Ceramic
Voltage: 110-220V
Temperature settings: 430ºF
The Bed Head Straightener is a good tool for people with short hair. It has a slim plate design that lets you get close to the roots of your hair. It also tames flyaways quickly.
Plus, it heats up in only 30 seconds to 430˚ F so that your hair will look great in no time – whatever type of short hair you have! With its feather-light design and dual voltage feature, Bed Head allows you to take your styling on the go!
Unfortunately, there are a few downsides with this product including no temperature control or heat indicator. In addition, over time it has been known for paint chips to flake away from prolonged use.
What we like:
- Slim plate design
- Tourmaline Ceramic Technology
- Heats up quickly
- Lightweight
- Dual voltage
What could improve:
- No indicator
- Paint may chip off
What are the main features to look for in a flat iron?
A flat iron is the perfect styling tool for straight tresses, bold curls, or beachy waves. When looking for a flat iron, you should consider:
Plates
Plates are perhaps the most important, as they come in direct contact with the hair. You want to go with iron plates that keep heat distributed evenly and come with ion-boosting chemicals packed in to keep hair smooth and hydrated.
Heat Settings
In addition to the plates, the heat is also a key factor when choosing your iron, helping you achieve your desired look. Try and go with irons that allow you to adjust heat, going up to temperatures as high as 500⁰F. You’ll learn to find the setting you like that works for your hair, taking care to treat it before pressing it with heat.
Overall Quality
Last but not least, you need to take a look at the quality. Go with irons made by trusted styling brands that stand by their products. Most of the top styling tools brands are behind the release of heating tools that care for the hair and avoid damage.
Also read: Best Curved Edge Flat Irons
The moment I got a couple of Babyliss Mini straighteners for a crazy cheap price on Black Friday.
When you need a 1/2-inch flat iron?
Flat irons are not just for straight looks. With a twisting motion, you can create curls, waves, and much more. So, when should you consider purchasing a flat iron? They are perfect for:
- Ladies that love sleek looks;
- On the go gals that want chic hairstyles quick;
- Fashionistas that like to play up their look and rock new hair here and there.
How to use a flat iron correctly
When it comes to using a flat iron correctly, there are a few key steps that you should follow to ensure that you achieve the best results and avoid causing damage to your hair.
- First, it’s important to properly prepare your hair before flat ironing. This means washing and conditioning your hair, and allowing it to dry completely before styling. If you have to blow dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment to avoid frizz and to dry your hair evenly.
- Next, it’s important to section your hair before flat ironing. Divide your hair into small, manageable sections, and secure them with clips or hair ties. This will make it easier to work with your hair and ensure that you don’t miss any spots.
- When it comes to the technique for flat ironing, it’s important to use a slow and steady motion as you run the flat iron through your hair. Start at the roots and move the flat iron slowly down the length of your hair, using a slight angle to create a bend in the hair. It’s also important to use a heat protectant spray or serum to protect your hair from heat damage.
- If you want to curl your hair, it’s important to clamp the flat iron at the root and rotate the iron away from your face, use a heat protectant spray or serum, and work in sections as well.
- Another important factor to keep in mind when using a flat iron is the heat setting. Make sure to adjust the heat setting to match your hair type. Fine hair should use lower heat, while thicker hair can use higher heat.
- Finally, it’s important to make sure that you’re using a high-quality flat iron that is designed to reduce damage to your hair. Look for flat irons with ceramic or tourmaline plates, as well as those that feature ionic technology.
By following these tips and taking the time to properly prepare your hair and use the flat iron correctly, you’ll be able to achieve beautiful, salon-worthy results at home.
How to avoid damage to hair while using a flat iron
As a professional hairstylist, I highly recommend taking certain precautions to avoid damage to your hair while using a flat iron. The first step is to make sure your hair is properly hydrated and moisturized.
Dry, damaged hair is more prone to breakage and heat damage, so it’s important to use a quality conditioner and leave-in treatment before styling.
Next, it’s important to use the correct heat setting on your flat iron. If your hair is fine or damaged, it’s best to use a lower heat setting. If your hair is thick or coarse, you can use a higher heat setting.
Always test the heat on a small section of hair before applying to the entire head. Another important step is to use a heat protectant product before styling.
This will create a barrier between your hair and the heat, helping to prevent damage. Look for products that contain ingredients like silicone, keratin, and argan oil.
Finally, it’s important to be gentle with your hair when styling. Avoid tugging or pulling, and be mindful of the pressure you’re applying to your hair.
And after styling, be sure to let your hair cool down before touching or combing it. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of damage to your hair while using a flat iron.
Flat Iron FAQ
Can you curl hair with 1/2 flat iron?
Of course! To create curls with a flat iron, you need to make a twirling motion with the wrist, moving down as you curl the strand.
When should I choose bigger options?
½ inch flat irons are great for all hair types and lengths. You should consider moving up if you’ve got thick hair or you want to keep hair straight or with larger curls. In such case, a 2-inch straightener will be more effective.
Are 1/2-inch flat irons more compact than those with bigger plates?
Not necessarily. Some bigger plates come with the same compact size but, ½ inch is always a good bet for beauty on the go.
Also read:
- Best Flat Iron for Natural African American Hair
- Solano Sleekheat450 Flat Iron Review
- Best Flat Irons for Silk Press
Conclusion
Now, you are off to choose the best half-inch flat iron for you and your hair; you got this! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below; you know I’ll get them answered for you. Best of luck, and get to styling!
Allyson Carter
Ally is a professional hairstylist with more than 6 years of experience, but hair has been her passion since early childhood. Here, at Hair Spies, she blogs about all things hairdressing, hair tools, and everyday hair care. Read more about Allyson here.
The FHI flat iron is undoubtedly the perfect tool for achieving those head-to-toe smooth edges. With its thinner plates, you can apply a tighter hold on your hair while straightening it more effectively and efficiently. And given that this flat iron adds such an admirable shine to my hair without me needing to add any extra product, I am nothing short of amazed! Moreover, the heat safe storage bag and pad that comes with this are excellent for keeping my flat iron secure during use or when stored away.
Can these flat irons be used on synthetic hair?
No, most flat irons are not recommended for use on synthetic hair due to the risk of damaging your extensions. Though synthetic hair is crafted from plastic, you must be mindful of the heat to avoid burning, singeing or melting it. Unless your wig is specifically constructed for high temperatures and can withstand a curling iron, straightener or blow dryer’s hotness.