An iron is not the only way to get smooth hair. Heated brushes and hot air stylers work more gently, drying and smoothing at the same time, and for many people they are a better daily habit.

Drybar's Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush is the one I reach for on a busy morning: it dries and shapes in a single pass, which means less time under heat overall. BondiBoost's Infrared Heated Thermal Hot Round Brush is a classic round brush with heat built in, good for giving ends a slight bend as you smooth. Mane's Get Ur Sleek On Heated Straightening Brush is the easiest tool in this grid for beginners, because it feels like combing your hair, and it is good for touching up a few sections rather than the whole head.

ghd's Duet Style is a two-in-one hot air styler, where warm airflow dries and smooths without pressing hair between plates. I would choose it if my hair is fine or prone to breaking.

The question I ask before choosing is how much time I have. Brushes are quick and forgiving, and a good fit for anyone who is new to heat tools and wants to learn how their own hair responds. Air stylers are gentle. Plates give the sharpest, glassiest finish, though they also ask more of your hair. Most of us do not need three tools on the counter. If your routine allows only one tool, pick the one that lets you keep the temperature low.

The step that decides whether a smooth finish lasts is not the tool at all. It is what goes on the hair first. Every heat session goes better with a protectant, and the smoothing formulas below double as a way to control frizz.

Moroccanoil's Intense Smoothing Frizz Control Hair Serum is the smoothing serum for frizz control. Kérastase's Nutritive 8H Magic Night Hair Serum is a night serum for dry hair, so think of it as care between heat sessions rather than the layer under the iron. dae's Dreamriser is a volumizing and hydrating mousse with heat protection, an unusual choice that adds body to straight styles. OUAI's Anti-Frizz Hair Styling Cream is a light, everyday layer. JVN's Complete Instant Recovery Heat Protectant Leave-In Serum is a serum with protection built in. Briogeo's Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream is the one for blow dry days.

Many heat protectants are designed for temperatures up to 450F, and the sensible approach is to use the lowest heat setting that achieves the style. A protectant is a cushion, not a permission slip, and it works best when it is spread evenly with a comb through every section, including the layer underneath that most of us forget about.

What I would skip: using an iron on damp hair, and clamping the same section over and over. Let hair dry fully first, work in small sections and pass once or twice. Skip heavy oils just before the plates too, especially on fine hair, since they can sizzle and leave hair feeling coated.

Here is my routine. Wash, leave-in or protectant, dry completely, then a single slow pass on small sections at the lowest heat that works. That is it. If you only straighten for special occasions, you can even skip the daily habit and let a smoothing serum do the quiet work between them.

Clean your tools now and then with a barely damp cloth once they have cooled, and store them cool. Give your hair heat-free days between sessions, and replace anything that has chipped plates or a frayed cord. If you notice breakage, thinning or a sore scalp, a stylist or doctor is the right person to ask.