This Adorable Mini Flat Iron Refreshes My Curtain Bangs in a Pinch (2024)

Dual voltage: Yes | Plate width: 0.75 in | Plate material: Ceramic | Automatic shut-off: Yes

Every one of our consumer testers agreed the CHI straightened their hair to perfection, and a majority gave it a top score for reaching the right temperature to straighten effectively. Many even praised its "smooth iron," "lightweight" feel and quick heating. A majority of mini models we tested felt too hot to the touch, while this was the only one to keep cool on the surface.

Our pros also love that its dual voltage makes it a good option for overseas travel. Keep in mind that its on/off switch is located on the inside of its handles. Since this iron was one of the longest among the mini flat irons we tested, the switch is not as close to the hinge of the handles, making it easier to reach.

Dual voltage: Yes | Plate width: 0.5 in | Plate material: Ceramic | Automatic shut-off: Yes

For under $25, Conair's MiniPro may not pull out all the bells and whistles, but it certainly gets the job done. At eight inches, it's small and compact for easy traveling.

Those with bangs may appreciate this more as some online reviews say it gives a "blown out" effect rather than totally sleek. Others attested to its quick heating, with a red light that blinks off once it reaches the temperature setting.

Dual voltage: Adapter needed for charger | Plate width: 0.5 in | Plate material: Tourmaline | Automatic shut-off: Yes

Travel light with the Sam Villa cordless flat iron that weighs only half a pound. Hair straightening is made easy thanks to its simple instructions and easy-to-use power button. GH testers even rated it for not pulling or snagging hair. It may take longer to run through long hair types with its plate size, but we love it for its convenience; stash the cordless rechargeable flat iron in its included travel case.

"It's small enough to not take up much room in a carry-on suitcase and even has a lock button to keep it closed," said a tester. "I can also see myself dropping it in my purse for quick touch-ups, which is especially great for my frizzy hair."

Dual voltage: Yes | Plate width: 0.5 in | Plate material: Titanium | Automatic shut-off: No

Its big sister iron is our Beauty Lab's standard for some anti-frizz studies. The curved edge makes it easier to smooth frizz from top to bottom. "One of my top recommendations is the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron," says Leo Izquierdo, the co-founder of IGK Hair Care. It features titanium plates that provide even heat distribution and can reach high temperatures quickly, making it effective for smooth and sleek results"

"Not only did this save me from a bad hair day, but it also worked wonders on my hair!" said one Ulta reviewer. "This made my frizzy bangs bone straight." Plus, it comes with a heat-resistant pouch that you can rest it on when not in use.

Dual voltage: Adapter needed for charger | Plate width: 0.8 in | Plate material: Ceramic | Automatic shut-off: No

Nearly identical to the brand's full-sized straightener we tried, this mini cordless version aims to impress with its ceramic plates that ensure smooth flattening whenever curling or straightening hair. The brand claims it keeps a full 20-minute charge, plus a consistent temperature of 365º for even styling. When getting ready in a hurry, it's said to heat up in 45 seconds and cool down in 15 minutes.

Several hairstylists we tapped recommend GHD for its flat iron models that R+Co Vice President Adam Federico says "prioritize performance while being compact and travel-friendly." Shoppers at Sephora were equally amazed, appreciating that it "heats fast and leaves my hair sleek and shiny. Perfect for travel!"

Dual voltage: Not listed as a feature | Plate width: 0.3 in | Plate material: Ceramic and tourmaline | Automatic shut-off: No

Pixie cuts, rejoice! The pencil-sized ceramic plate on this iron works great for even the shortest of hairdos. "I like it for creating small waves or curls," says Sophia Emmanuel, a certified trichologist at Mane Advocates salon and a V&Co. Beauty ambassador. You can even nab coarse hair along the hairline.

Reviewers online seem to like it, too. With it, some shoppers tackled baby hairs, while others styled their bobs. "I can make super tight kinky curls," wrote one. "And it warms up lightning fast." Just note that it doesn't heat up as much as other flat irons, according to Emmanuel.

Dual voltage: Yes | Plate width: 0.8 in | Plate Material: Ceramic | Automatic shut-off: No

Run this T3 through hair sections to reveal silky smooth ends on the other side, then slip its heat-resistant cap on for quick and easy storage. "I absolutely love this compact iron!" said a Sephora shopper. "It's perfect for travel and touch-ups. Heats up quickly and leaves my hair smooth and shiny."

In Lab tests, we discovered that its plate temperatures measured up to its packaging claims. What's more, its curved ceramic plates resemble the ones of the full-sized T3 that testers reported made fine hair noticeably shiny without creases or tugs.

Dual voltage: Yes | Plate width: 0.5 in | Plate Material: Ceramic | Automatic shut-off: No

A teeny-tiny flat iron may be exactly what you need to tame flyaways or to fix bangs on-the-go. We appreciate that this Eva NYC straightener offers dual voltage with adjustable temperature settings.

Beauty lovers rave about Eva NYC for its cutely packaged yet reliable hair care products — this one's no different thanks to its unique hand ridges that make it harder for the iron to slip out of your hand.

Our Beauty Lab experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test hot tools, from curling irons to hair dryer brushes. When we tested mini flat irons, we evaluated 10 models against five full-sized Lab-tested straighteners.

The Lab scientists honed in on safety and effectiveness by assessing temperatures of surfaces that can touch skin and handling of the controls. We measured the inner plate and surface temperature heating profiles of the flat irons and compared them to the temperature of the full-sized straighteners we previously tested and recommended. We also tried the hair tools on 15 consumer testers who gave satisfaction ratings based on how well it straightened, its surface heat and straightening temperature, then commented on what they liked and disliked about it.

✔️ "Look for plates made from ceramic, tourmaline, titanium or a combination," says Federico. "Ceramic plates distribute heat evenly. Tourmaline reduces frizz by emitting negative ions. Titanium heats up quickly and evenly."

✔️ Dual voltage is always a good idea as it's one less worry when traveling internationally. Still, we recommend finding an appropriate travel adapter for plugging into outlets as some voltages may vary depending on where you are.

✔️ Most mini flat irons feature a 0.5-inch wide plate. For consumers with long, thick or curly hair, it may take more time or effort to do their regular styling with a travel iron, so consider this before you ditch your regular one on your next trip. "Narrow plates are good for short hair or precise styling, while wider plates are better for longer hair or thicker textures," per Federico.

✔️ For travel irons that are relatively short in length and compact in size, the controls may be too close to the hot plates or the hinge. The user can then face burning their fingers or have difficulty adjusting settings including turning it on and off. Federico suggests that they look for simple controls, like one with auto on/off and easy-to-reach settings. Also, consider the weight and ergonomics of the flat iron.

✔️ Federico recommends opting for a flat iron with adjustable temperature settings. "Different hair types require different heat levels; fine or damaged hair needs lower temperatures (around 250-300°F), while thicker or coarser hair can handle higher temperatures (up to 400°F)," he says.

• Leo Izquierdo, the co-founder of IGK Hair Care, started styling hair in Paris at 14 years old. At 25, he and his brother, Franck, opened a salon that caters to celebrity clientele in Miami's Design District.
• R+Co Vice President Adam Federico has years of experience in the hair industry, with titles like Master Educator, Creative Director and Stylist under his belt.
• Sophia Emmanual, a certified trichologist, consults within the Mane Advocates Salon based in New York City. She has two decades of experience as a cosmetologist, specializing in hair and scalp.