Let’s face it: When you’re packing for a big trip, it’s absurd to sacrifice beauty essentials — and a smooth hairstyle as a result. Rest assured, you can ditch your everyday hair straightener and get the same pin-straight results without the extra baggage. SSmaller and more compact, mini flat irons can be matched to the heat packed in standard versions., makes it good for swapping. Don’t let a lack of travel plans stop you—go easy with short hair and bangs or keep them in your gym bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
Our Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab has found the best mini flat irons and reviewed several models to see if they’re worth the investment, and a panel of consumer testers gave their overall opinion on how well each styled their hair. The following picks are based on a combination of our beauty editors’ favorite top performers and brands tested by other experts. These of The best mini flat irons for all hair typesIncluding those for curly hair and thin hair, which makes it easy to separate from your full-length straightener.
Our top picks:
Read how we tested small flat irons – plus, advice on what to look for when buying. You can combine these pint-sized hot tools with a travel hair dryer.
1
Best overall mini flat iron
CHI
Ceramic dual voltage mini flat iron
| Dual voltage |
yes |
| The width of the plate |
0.75 inches |
2
Best value small flat iron
Corridor
MiniPRO ceramic flat iron
| Dual voltage |
yes |
| The width of the plate |
0.5 inches |
3
The best mini flat iron for curly hair
BaBylissPRO
Mini straight iron
| Dual voltage |
yes |
| The width of the plate |
0.5 inches |
4
Best Mini Hairdressing Brush
Friendly
Mini polished perfect adjustment brush
5
Best wireless mini flatiron
ghd
Unplugged wireless styler
| Dual voltage |
A charging adapter is required |
| The width of the plate |
0.8 inches |
6
The best mini flat iron for fine hair
T3
Singlepass compact travel style flat iron
| Dual voltage |
yes |
| The width of the plate |
0.8 inches |
7
The best mini flat iron for short hair
DryBar
The Tiny Tress Press Detailing Iron
| Dual voltage |
yes |
| The width of the plate |
0.5 inches |
8
The best mini flat iron for bangs and bangs
Eva Nick
Low heat ceramic style iron
| Dual voltage |
yes |
| The width of the plate |
0.5 inches |
How we tested the best mini flat irons
Our beauty lab experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test the latest tools, from curling irons to hair dryer brushes. When testing small flat irons, we evaluated 10 models with five full-size sweat-tested straighteners. Laboratory scientists confirmed safety and efficacy by evaluating skin contact and handling of the controls. We measured the inner surface and surface heating profiles of the sheet metals. And compare them to the temperatures of the full-size straighteners we’ve already tested and recommend. We also tested the hair tools and had 15 consumer testers rate their satisfaction based on how well they straightened, the heat of the face and the temperature setting, and commented on their likes and dislikes.
What to consider when buying a small flat iron
✔️Dual voltage It’s always a good idea because it’s one less worry when traveling internationally. Still, some voltages may vary depending on your location, so we recommend plugging a suitable travel adapter into the sockets.
✔️Most mini flat irons are a 0.5-inch wide plate. For consumers with long, thick or curly hair, It may take a lot of time or effort to develop their routine. with a travel iron, so consider this before you take a regular dip on your next trip.
✔️Due to the relatively short length and compact size of travel irons, the controls can be very close to the hot plates or the hinge. The user may experience burning of their fingers or difficulty adjusting settings including turning on and off. Aral suggests Look for simple controlsEasy to access settings like auto on/off.
Why do you believe in good housekeeping?
Beauty Lab CEO Birnur Aral reviews every beauty category under the sun, including GH guidelines for sulfate-free shampoos and hair masks. In addition to her 15 years of leading clinical and consumer testing at Beauty Labs, she has contributed her industry knowledge through her R&D experience in lab testing the aforementioned products and brands. Associate Products and Reviews Editor Jacqueline Sagin wrote this story based on research and testing from the GH Beauty Lab. She adds comprehensive shopping advice based on Aral’s knowledge and tips.
Jacqueline Sagin
GH Institute Associate Product and Reviews Editor
As associate product and reviews editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Jacqueline Sagin writes about all kinds of top-tested products in beauty, home, lifestyle and more.
