Going from wet hair to dry and silky locks sounds like science fiction. Though it’s traditionally a big no-no, now it’s a reality thanks to wet to dry straighteners.
Below, we have three of the best on the market along with our top pick for the best wet to dry hair straightener. We’ll also guide you on how to use it plus, share things to look for when you’re on the hunt for your perfect match.
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What Are Wet to Dry Flat Irons and How Do They Work?
Like the name implies, a wet to dry flat iron is meant to take your hair from wet to styled. You won’t have to blow dry and can start styling your hair straight out of the shower.
While that sounds like a frizz nightmare, these wet to straight straighteners work thanks to an embedded venting system that works to quickly extract excess water from hair.
It’s essentially like skipping a step and enjoying smooth styles without the risk of damage.
Pros
- Saves time on hair styling;
- Won’t burn or damage wet hair;
- Works on all kinds of styles including straight, curly, and wavy;
- Uses venting to extract water.
Cons
- Might not be the best option for thin hair;
- Could take some getting used to when switching from a traditional flat iron;
- Some irons only steam with no options for dry hair.
Top 5 Best Wet to Dry Flat Irons Reviewed
- BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Flat Iron – Top Pick
- Remington Wet2Straight Flat Iron – Budget Option
- CROC Premium Flat Iron – Premium Pick
- Remington Pro Wet2style
- MKBOO Hair Straightener with Steam
1. BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Flat Iron – Top Pick
You can also find this product on Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart.
Plate Width: 1.5 Inch
Plate Type: Titanium
Warranty: 4 year
Voltage: 110V
Temperature settings: 450F
BaByliss is known for its innovative and high-performing tools, with a long list of products that professionals love. With this BaByliss Pro Nano, you’ll get a wet to dry tool that takes hair from damp to style in no time.
Plates are coated with a titanium material that glides over hair and creates smooth locks. Titanium is a perfect material for flat iron plates that has quick heat-up time and distributes heat evenly. As you glide through hair, steam excretes excess heat and locks moisture into each and every strand.
Choose from 50 heat settings that top out at 450⁰F and grab more hair for quicker styles thanks to the 5-inch plates. The straightener is also extremely lightweight for a professional tool, so you won’t have an Arnold Schwarzenegger biceps after styling (keep in mind that flat ironing is not the fastest process if you have a lot of hair).
One feature that almost all Babyliss irons are lacking is an auto shut-off. That means you will need to double-check your tool before leaving.
What we love:
- Choose from 50 different heat settings;
- Straighten hair in seconds from wet to dry;
- Titanium plates prevent damage;
- The smooth cool blue design is chic.
What we’d change:
- No automatic shut-off.
2. Remington Ceramic Flat Iron – Budget Option
You can also find this product on Walmart.
Plate Width: 1 3/4 Inch
Plate Type: Ceramic, Titanium
Warranty: 2 year
Voltage: 120V
Temperature settings: 420F
Remington has quality styling tools that won’t break the bank, most including extra features that make them shine above the rest. With their Ceramic Flat iron, you can have max heat in 30-seconds flat, getting your styling done and on with your day.
Instead of blow-drying, you can use this straightener right out of the shower, enjoying fast drying with an embedded vent system that helps squeeze excess water out of hair. Heat goes up to 420⁰F, with a total of 30 heat settings to choose from.
You won’t have to worry about damage, with Remington’s beautiful icy blue plates encrusted with titanium for smooth and moisture-locking straightening.
What we love:
- The cool blue titanium plates;
- 30 different heat settings to find your optimal temperature;
- Steam vents that allow you to dry hair straight out of the shower;
- 2-year warranty.
What we’d change:
- Heat taps out at 420⁰F.
3. CROC Premium Flat Iron – Premium Pick
You can also find this product on Walmart.
Plate Width: 1.5 Inch
Plate Type: Titanium
Warranty: 5 year
Voltage: 110-240V
Temperature settings: 450F
CROC irons not only look stunning but feature innovative designs that make styling hair a breeze. Their Premium Wet and Dry Flat iron features floating plates made from silver titanium embedded with ceramic heaters that help to distribute heat.
Included along the plates is a ventilation system that steams hair dry in seconds, even when just out of the shower. Choose the perfect heat from 18 different heat settings that range from 280⁰F to 450⁰F. As you style, the heat works to release negative ions, smoothing the hair straight and preventing frizz and damage along the way.
Extra features include a 9ft swivel cord, dual voltage for use anywhere, and a digital temperature setting. Plus, just in case you leave it on and running, rest assured with a 30-minute automatic shut-off to keep your home safe.
What we love:
- CROC’s unmatched quality;
- The black titanium plates embedded with ceramic heaters;
- Release of negative ions as you style to prevent frizz;
- Takes hair from wet to straight in seconds.
What we’d change:
- A bit on the pricey side when it comes to wet to dry flat irons.
4. Remington Pro Wet2style – Best Wide-plated Wet and Dry Flat Iron
You can also find this product on Walmart.
Plate Width: 3.25 Inch
Plate Type: Ceramic, Titanium
Warranty: 1 year
Voltage: 120V
Temperature settings: 450F
Another Remington is making it on the list, this time with wider plates for easier and faster styling. The Wet2style iron stretches 13.4-inches wide to grip more hair at once, set with beautiful pink color and visually pleasing display.
It’s the ultimate time-saver, with heat reaching 450⁰F. Choose from 10 different heat settings to find the best temperature to take your wet hair to dry and straight in one to two strokes. The Pro Flat Iron features a steam feature for wet hair and an iron option for dry hair, allowing you to switch back and forth between the two.
Plates are ceramic with a titanium coating perfect for smoothing out frizz and preventing damage to hair due to overheating. Have your desired heat up and ready to go in just 30-seconds with fast heat up to get on and done with your styles fast.
What we love:
- The color is gorgeous;
- Switch from wet to dry to style the way you want to;
- Plates coated with titanium for smooth styles;
- 10 heat setting that goes up to 450⁰F.
What we’d change:
- No automatic shut-off.
5. MKBOO Hair Straightener with Steam
Plate Type: Aluminum, Ceramic
Voltage: 100-240V
Temperature settings: 300-450F
The MKBOO Hair Straightener has MCH (Metal Ceramic Heater) technology for even heat distribution and fast temperature recovery. You can adjust the temperature from 150°C to 230°C.
The LCD display screen shows you how to control the straightening process. The extra safety feature is the removable water tank. The 360-degree swivel power cord of the MKBOO Hair Straightener offers convenience when it comes to styling those hard-to-reach spots, while its 15 second rapid heating feature helps you save time.
Unfortunately, one of its disadvantages is that it can’t get close to your scalp.
What we love:
- Reaches high heat
- Variable temperature settings
- Has comb attached
- Steam feature
- LCD display screen for easy control
- 360-degree swivel power cord
- Dual voltage
What we’d change:
- No additional combs included with the iron.
- Heavy
- Refilling the water reservoir for your device can be troublesome, since it comes with a tiny funnel-shaped bottle
How to Pick Wet to Dry Flat Iron (What to Look For)
When you think you’ve found the flat iron for you, you might want to consider a few things before you buy. Some things to keep an eye out for include:
The Vents
Because wet to dry straighteners work with venting systems, the first thing you should look out for is the vents. Not only should they be large and evenly distributed but, they should generate healthy steam to get all the excess water out of your hair.
You can find info about the vents in the product description, making sure to read before you buy.
The Plates
Just like with any other flat iron, you should pay close attention to the plates. Many flat irons on the market come coated with ceramic to smooth out hair and evenly distribute heat.
Besides ceramic, look for metals like titanium, which helps to reduce frizz and seal moisture into the hair.
Extra Features
Besides the technical stuff, look for irons that come equipped with extra features that set them apart. One important one is an automatic shut-off, helping keep your home safe. Another is heat sensors, which help to regulate heat and keep the iron from overheating.
How to Use Wet to Dry Flat Iron Correctly?
If you’ve never used a flat iron on wet hair, don’t panic. We’ll share the tricks of the trade along with a few expert styling tips for silky, smooth hair.
Comb Hair
The first thing you want to do is comb out your hair and make sure there are no tangles or knots. Though you can use this type of iron on wet hair, it works best (and fastest) on damp hair. Give your hair time to air dry or take a blow dryer to it until it’s damp.
Straighten
Wet to dry straighteners work with the help of steam, most of them smoothing hair straight in just one pass. After using yours a few times, you’ll get a feel for how many passes you need to achieve the look you want.
Start by taking small to medium sections of hair and clamping the straightener at the root. Then, slowly pull down as the steam straightens and dries your strands.
Moisturize
After you’re done straightening your hair, add a bit of moisture back in with a hair oil. Add a few drops to palms and rub them together, applying to hair starting at the ends.
Benefits of Using a Wet to Dry Flat Iron
When it comes to styling your hair, a wet to dry flat iron can be a game changer. Not only does it save time by allowing you to straighten your hair while it’s still damp, but it can also lead to less damage to your hair.
One of the biggest benefits of using a wet to dry flat iron is the time savings. Traditional flat irons require that your hair be completely dry before styling, but with a wet to dry flat iron, you can straighten your hair while it’s still damp.
This can save a significant amount of time, especially for those with thick or long hair. Another benefit of using a wet to dry flat iron is that it can lead to less damage to your hair.
When you flat iron dry hair, the heat can cause the hair to become brittle and break. However, when you flat iron damp hair, the water in the hair acts as a barrier, protecting it from the heat.
This can help to reduce the amount of damage that your hair experiences during the styling process. In addition, wet hair straightener also provides versatility in styling options.
You can straighten your hair, add volume, or create curls, depending on the heat setting and the size of the plates. This allows you to achieve a variety of looks with just one tool, rather than having to purchase multiple styling tools.
Maintenance and Care for Wet to Dry Flat Iron
Proper maintenance and care of your wet to dry flat iron is essential for ensuring that it lasts and continues to work effectively. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
First and foremost, cleaning the plates of your flat iron is crucial. As you use the flat iron, hair and other debris can become stuck to the plates.
This not only makes it harder for the flat iron to glide through your hair, but it can also lead to damage to your hair. To clean the plates, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use.
If there is a buildup of debris, you can also use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to remove it. Storing your flat iron properly is also important.
When not in use, make sure to unplug the flat iron and let it cool completely before storing it. This will prevent any accidental burns or damage to the flat iron. It’s also best to store it in a dry place, away from moisture, to prevent rust or other damage.
If you encounter any issues with your wet to dry flat iron, such as it not heating up properly or not gliding through your hair smoothly, try troubleshooting the problem before reaching out to the manufacturer.
Check to see if the plates are clean or if the flat iron is plugged in properly. If the problem persists, then it’s best to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Overall, with proper maintenance and care, your wet to dry flat iron can last for many years and continue to provide great results.
Wet Hair Straightening FAQ
Is wet to dry flat iron better for hair than the ordinary one?
There are a lot of wet-to-dry flat iron reviews out there that claim wet irons are better but the truth is it depends. Your hair type has a lot to do with it, as the heat may not be enough to create the styles you want.
Can I straighten dry hair with wet to dry flat iron?
Yes! That’s exactly what wet to dry flat irons are for, taking damp hair to straight and smooth in just one swipe. You don’t want to use the iron on soaked hair, making sure it’s damp before running it through hair.
What temperature do you put a wet to dry straightener on when hair is wet?
When hair is wet, you can use a ventilated straightener to steam hair and squeeze out water. Optimal temperatures to dry hair and create silky locks tops out at 420⁰F.
*Note that optimal temperatures depend on hair type and texture.
Also read:
Finding Best Wet Straighteners for Your Buck
Taking your hair from wet to dry and straight is now a possibility thanks to wet to dry straighteners. Now you know what to look for and what features make these flat irons different from the rest.
Though all four of our flat irons are solid, our top pick goes to the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium, suitable for all hair types.
Let us know your favorite choice and send us photos of your new hairstyles using a wet to dry flat iron. We can’t wait to see them!
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.
BaByliss Pro hair straightener for wet hair is incredible! I’ve got thin, frizzy and colored hair that’s been through a lot – but the titanium plates on this straightener are incredibly smooth and soft. Plus, it comes at an unbeatable price point – exceeding my expectations beyond belief.
Can I use a wet to dry flat iron on color-treated hair?
Yes, you can use a wet to dry flat iron on color-treated hair. This type of flat iron is designed to be gentle enough not to damage your colored hair, while also helping it hold its style longer. It’s important to make sure the settings are set correctly for your hair type and that you avoid overheating your hair with too much heat.