
The experts ahead offer a deep understanding, not only of a range of hair types and textures but the industry-wide market. Or in the case of the eight suggestions below, using straighteners that have earned the respect and approval of those who understand hair best. Heat protection and taking breaks from hot tools altogether are important parts of prevention, but having the right iron is everything.

For all the '00s trends making their present-day return into the zeitgeist, one we'd like to leave in the past is the damage from constant flat ironing to achieve celebrity levels of sleek, straight hair.
