7 Best Flat Irons For The Most Perfect, Straight Hair

Kayla Walden
Oct 07, 2024
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We've all had those moments where our hair is simply... untamable. It seems like nothing you do, or no product you try can help it. That's me almost every morning when I wake up. My split ends are more noticeable, the breakage is showing, and I have kinks in my hair that last for days. So sometimes, the only solution is to simply use hot tools.

I try to minimize my hot tool use to strictly days like this where I know nothing else will work — and that's where flat irons will save the day. Sometimes, a flat iron is the only product that makes my hair look shiny, nice, and let's be honest: presentable. I've tried quite a few, and these are the best, most popular options that give your hair life. And some even do a better job than my Dyson Airwrap can on most days, so let's get into it!

Heat Protectant

Amazon

Chi 44 Iron Guard Heat Protectant

Before we get into the actual flat irons of it all, I want to make sure we all add this heat protectant to cart and click check out, because heat protectant is so important when using hot tools! This heat protectant is one I've been using for years, because of how well it works. It protects even the hottest of tools from your hair, and gets bonus points for being insanely affordable. Like $4 affordable... So definitely grab this one immediately and make sure to use every time you put heat on your hair.

Flat Irons

Amazon

Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron

I'm a simple woman — I see over 29,000 good reviews on a product, and I click "purchase." It's as simple as that. This flat iron from Conair has such good reviews, that you'll definitely want to try it out for yourself. It has a longer plate than most flat irons, helping to cover more of your hair with each swipe. So, if you've got a lot of hair like I do, then this is definitely the best choice for you.

Amazon

ADOBIRD Cordless Straightener

As someone who travels a lot, an on-the-go straightener is essential. It's something I didn't even know I needed until realizing that my normal straightener was such a hassle to bring places, given the size, and annoying cords. This flat iron is the perfect carry-on size, and it still heats up in seconds, so I don't have to take too long before heading out on whatever adventures I have planned that day. And don't worry — this cordless flat iron also comes with a charging cord, so you don't have to worry about a dead battery while you're out and about!

Amazon

Remington Hair Straightener

This Remington flat iron is good for so many reasons — especially how hot it can get! But another great plus to this hot tool is that it's infused with argan oil and keratin, so as you're using it you're actually helping your hair rather than hurting it. This will replace your damaging and harsh flat iron immediately after trying it. It's genuinely such a good product, boasting 14,000 reviews to prove it.

Amazon

Rozamor Professional Flat Iron

One thing that's so important to me is a flat iron with adjustable temperature settings, because I don't always want to use a lot of heat on my hair. Some days my hair requires less, and sometimes it requires more — it just depends on how unruly my hair is at the moment — so having this setting if super important! It's also titanium, which helps to prevent tugging or ripping of your hair! We love the sound of that!

Amazon

CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron

This is the OG flat iron that I've used for so long, and there's a reason why. It is dependable, consistent, and doesn't damage my hair as much as other flat irons. The CHI original leaves my hair looking and feeling so soft. I'm telling you right now, this flat iron will last you years and years, because mine definitely did!

Amazon

Babyliss Pro Hair Straightener

All my thin hair girlies, listen up: I've got the product for you! This straightener is ideal for those with super thin hair, because of its slim size and shape. It makes it super easy to finish your hair in a rush without a lot of wrist pain, given how light it is. Sounds like a dream to me!

Amazon

Vanessa Pro Flat Iron

This straightener is amazing for getting straight, sleek hair — but also curls! It's made out of titanium which makes for a really smooth surface that can give you the best curls, because it doesn't tug too harshly on your hair or cause any weird kinks in your hair like a lot of straighteners do. Love that for a versatile styling moment!

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8 Mesh Flats For Effortlessly Chic Summer Outfits

Everywhere I look (ahem, shop), it’s mesh flatsthis, mesh flats that. Whether it’s a cool woven pair or a boundary-pushing jelly design, it’s quite clear that mesh flats were made for warm weather comfort. Seriously – I’m rarely reaching for sneakers or boots in the thick of over-90 degree temperatures and would much rather have a breathable (yet stylish) shoe on-hand to help combat the pesky summer sweats.

There are so many different styles of mesh flats out there, so I’ve pulled together a list of the 8 chicest ones that’ll instantly give your summer looks a boost.

Shop my 8 favorite mesh flats for any summer outfit below!

SeaVees

SeaVees Belmond Mules

This stunning blue hue is enough to sell me on these mesh flats! It's undeniably eye-catching and perfectly bold to match summer's energy. Imagined with the look of a classic espadrille, you're gonna get some unbeatable breathability with these babies.

Free People

Free People Mesh Mania Bow Flats

Fitted with an adorable little bow, these all-around mesh flats lend that French girl effect that everyone's loving to any outfit.

Rothy's

Rothy's The Espadrille Mary Janes

Boasting more of a woven texture, these Mary Jane flats still provide an impressive amount of airflow with each step. They're wonderfully lightweight, too, so you can finally ditch the heavy sneakers and boots for something way more comfortable this summer! Plus, the buckle up top is easily adjustable for your perfect fit.

DSW

Kelly & Katie Giselle Mary Jane Flats

The embroidered accents on these cuties elevate them to be a bit dressier, so if a polished summer look is what you're searching for, these preppy mesh flats are where it's at! The stark white colorway on this pair is always going to be classy, no matter what you pair 'em with.

Reformation

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats

Leopard print is hot right now, and it's only going to heat up even more this summer. Turn heads this season by donning the pattern in this meshy material – it's going to amp up any 'fit, even if it's just a basic white tank paired with vintage denim.

Old Navy

Old Navy Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Simple yet oh-so stylish, these Mary Jane flats with a squared toe are quite literally the perfect summer shoe and are sure to complete any look you pull together. You've got the flair of a Mary Jane that's spiced up with the help of breathable mesh – score!

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Mesh Ballet Flats

The color on these mesh flats is stunning! Made with no frills, these are easy to slip into and style for whatever you've got going on.

ASOS

ASOS Lattitude Jelly Weave Ballet Flats

Jelly flats are becoming increasingly popular, and I am here for all the nostalgic vibes. Though styles like these certainly channel the shoes of our childhood, they take on more of a mature look with muted colorways and playful silhouettes.

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Hot Take: These 8 Classic Teen Shows Actually Aged Poorly

Teen shows from the '90s and 2000s were once cornerstones of our youth. We all raced home from school to catch 4:00 P.M. specials or tried to get all our homework done for whatever new episode was airing in the coveted 8:00 P.M. slot.

But while we fell in love with some classic characters and storylines, there are certain teen shows that are undeniably cringeworthy today. From problematic themes to outdated stereotypes and tropes, here are 10 that simply haven't stood the test of time.

Scroll to see all the classic teen shows that actually aged pretty poorly...

ABC

1. Pretty Little Liars

One of the most controversial aspects of Pretty Little Liars is the relationship between high schooler Aria Montgomery, played by Lucy Hale, and Ezra Fitz, depicted by Ian Harding.

The pair's romance is the heart of the show, but their relationship would raise a lot of eyebrows today, considering Ezra is Aria's teacher, and she's a minor. Pretty Little Liars also glosses over the power imbalance, ethical issues, and the fact that a teacher dating a student is illegal.

Nowadays, a teen show featuring such an inappropriate relationship wouldn't fly for anyone.

NBC

2. Saved by the Bell

While Saved by the Bell continues to be a beloved '90s sitcom, it still has plenty of cringeworthy moments. Arguably, the worst incident occurs in Season 1 Episode 2, when Lisa Turtle exceeds her father's credit card limit.

This pushes Zack Morris to come up with an idea to help Lisa pay off the debt: she could charge boys $1 to kiss her without consent. He even gave the scheme a name, "Losing their Lisa cards."

Somewhat similar to Pretty Little Liars, this plot line disregarded consent. We can probably all agree that joking about ignoring women's autonomy wasn't humorous then and still isn't funny now.

Warner Bros.

3. Smallville

Smallville, which is based on a young Clark Kent grappling with his newfound superpowers, had a lot of bizarre storylines. Nonetheless, Season 1 Episode 7 definitely took the cake.

It featured Jodi Melville, an overweight teen classmate of Clark's, who uses a kryptonite-infused detox juice in order to lose weight. Things take a turn when the juice boosts her metabolism so much that she craves human fat.

The episode took extremely sensitive issues, like body image and the pressures of losing weight, and transformed them into a horror trope instead of giving viewers a nuanced take on eating disorders. It sensationalized Jodi's struggles and added a level of cruelty to an already vulnerable topic for teenagers.

90210 Productions

4. Beverly Hills, 90210

To be fair, Beverly Hills, 90210 was actually known for tackling taboo subject matters, such as racism, substance abuse, and domestic violence, which were typically overlooked by mainstream media.

Even so, one specific episode dealing with gun control is still highly controversial today and has even been ripped from streaming platforms. During Season 2, Episode 14, West Beverly High students open up a time capsule. Then, the character Scott Scanlon accidentally shoots himself with his father's gun in front of a friend.

In the wake of today's ongoing problems with gun access and school violence, the storyline is unsettling and lacks the depth to address such complex topics.

Warner Bros.

5. Gilmore Girls

Oh, where to begin with Gilmore Girls. Even though this show ended in 2007, it remains extremely popular among both old and new fans. Still, it's also packed with tons of representation and diversity issues.

First of all, the cast is predominantly white, and the sole Black character, Michel Gerard, is relegated to a one-dimensional role as a sarcastic and snobby concierge. Then, there's Lane's mother, Mrs. Kim, whose character is based on the stereotypes of Asian mothers being overly strict and traditional.

Throw in Emily Gilmore's blatant mistreatment of her household staff, and it's clear that genuine representations of race are lacking.

This show brought together some of our favorite actors like Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Kelly Bishop, and more!

The CW

6. One Tree Hill

Moving on to One Tree Hill, this show has come under fire for its portrayal of women, who are often pitted against each other. The female characters are thrown into emotional turmoil, especially when it comes to romantic conflicts. And despite the potential for character growth, they get into catfights and more drama again.

Meanwhile, the men are able to move past issues with something as simple as a fist bump. The unequal approach to gender dynamics paints women as irrational and emotionally unstable, which just isn't valid.

One Tree Hillstarred teen drama faves like Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Hilarie Burton.

The CW

7. Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl gave all of us everyday teens a glimpse into the (supposed) lives of Manhattan's wealthiest and most scandalous teenagers. Despite the premise being undeniably intriguing, the show featured a lot of debauchery that still shocks parents today.

One of the most problematic characters is probably Chuck Bass, who treats women like objects. Yet, his actions are written off or even accepted since he's rich. There's also the subplot of teenage Nate having an affair with an adult (and married) duchess. Just these two examples alone wouldn't work on screen in 2025, especially in a show targeted at adolescents.

This starred your all your faves, including Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen, and Ed Westwick!

MTV

8. Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County

Finally, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County captured the glamorous lives of Southern California teenagers. In the process, it frequently depicted casual underage drinking, which doesn't send a good message to impressionable viewers.

Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County promoted the idea that alcohol has to be involved in order to have some real fun. With more awareness around the risks of underage drinking today, that much partying couldn't be so romanticized.

This series gave us the icons that are Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari!

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Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, & Freddie Prinze Jr. Fight For Survival In The 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Sequel

If you're a 90s movies (and horror movies) lover, you might agree that nothing beats an old school slasher. I Know What You Did Last Summer, which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Freddie Prinze Jr., premiered in 1997, combines everything we love about coming of age movies — friends, summer vacation, and drama — with just enough terror to send a chill down your spine. And just like the original, the new I Know What You Did Last Summer features some of the hottest names in Hollywood.

Everything you need to know about the new I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel movie, coming to theaters July 18, 2025.

Watch the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' trailer now.

This is definitely not a relaxing summer vacation. For instance, Madelyn Cline's guided meditation bubble bath distracting her from the fact her boyfriend's getting murdered by a harpoon & hook? Yikes. The rest of the I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer shows the full crew escaping the mystery man hunting them — and enlisting the help of Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt).

Is there a 3rd I Know What You Did Last Summer?

Columbia Pictures

Yes, a brand new I Know What You Did Last Summer is coming to theaters this summer. But just because it's a new film doesn't mean it won't have plenty of nostalgia.

"There's lots of '90s in there, so get excited because the '90s are back again!" Jennifer Love Hewitt, who's returning for the movie, told People. "And there's lots of twists and turns. I don't think people are going to expect anything that's coming. It's a really fun ride."

"We approached it like super fans, so I think people are going to be really happy," writer-director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson added. "All the things that you want to see in this movie, you're going to see in this movie."

Who's in the I Know What You Did Last Summer cast?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images/Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Amazon

The new I Know What You Did Last Summer cast features some familiar faces as well as some new ones. Here's the full cast list:

  • Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray Bronson
  • Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James
  • Lola Tung
  • Nicholas Alexander Chavez
  • Austin Nichols
  • Gabbriette
  • Madelyn Cline
  • Sarah Pidgeon
  • Tyriq Withers
  • Jonah Hauer-King
  • Chase Sui Wonders

What is I Know What You Did Last Summer about?

Brook Rushton/Sony Pictures

In the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, five friends accidentally cause a deadly car accident and agree to keep the secret forever. But when someone starts terrorizing them the next year, they reach out to Julie and Ray for help. And Jennifer Love Hewitt can't get enough of this new "phenomenal" cast!

"It's for them to make it their own and for me to stand by like a proud mom and say, 'It's yours now, take it and run and enjoy,'" she told People.

"When you get a group of young actors together, it can be a recipe for disaster oftentimes," Chase Sui Wonders added. "But everyone in this cast just brought it to the nth degree. We all got along so well. The chemistry between us was so fun and natural and seamless."

Do Revenge's Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is directing and co-writing alongside Sam Lansky.

When is I Know What You Did Last Summer coming out?

Matt Kennedy/Sony Pictures

The new movie will hit theaters July 18, 2025.

Where did I Know What You Did Last Summer film?

Brook Rushton/Sony Pictures

I Know What You Did Last Summer filmed in Australia from October 2024 to March 2025.

Let us know what you're excited to see in the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot on Facebook!

This post has been updated.

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Netflix Romance Show 'Heartstopper' Is Coming Back For Season 4 — With A Catch

The Summer I Turned Pretty and Stranger Things aren't the only shows ending. Netflix announced on April 22 that Heartstopper was also ending, but there's a twist: we're getting a Netflix movie about Nick and Charlie instead of a full season. Keep reading for the full scoop!

Here's everything we know about Heartstopper season 4 AKA the new Heartstopper movie on Netflix.

Is there going to be a Heartstopper season 4?

Yes, we're getting a Heartstopper season 4 but instead of multiple episodes, it'll be one Netflix movie.

"Heartstopper will return, bigger than ever," Netflix said in their official announcement April 22. "A Heartstopper movie, our final chapter based on Alice Oseman's upcoming volume six, is coming!!!"

And creator, executive producer, and graphic novelist Alice Oseman told Netflix how excited she is to be a part of the final chapter.

“I am completely overjoyed that we will get to tell the end of the Heartstopper story,” she said. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has worked hard to make this possible and to the incredible fans of Heartstopper for your patience and passion. I cannot wait to bring this story to a magical conclusion.”

What is the Heartstopper movie about?

The movie will pick up after the season 3 finale as Nick and Charlie have to deal with their newfound long-distance relationship — and all the tension that comes with it. Not to mention the fact all their friends "are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on," according to Netflix.

When is the Heartstopper movie coming out?

We don't have a release date yet, but the movie is filming this summer so we're hoping to see it on Netflix in 2026!

And who's in the Heartstopper cast?

Samuel Dore/Netflix

Kit Connor and Joe Locke will star as Nick and Charlie again, but here's the full Heartstopper show cast:

  • Kit Connor as Nick Nelson
  • Joe Locke as Charlie Spring
  • Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent
  • Williams Gao as Tao Xu
  • Corinna Brown as Tara Jones
  • Tobie Donovan as Isaac Henderson
  • Kizzy Edgall as Darcy Olsson

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Heartstopper and check out Nicole Kidman's Hit Limited Series Set For Season 2 At Netflix — With A Catch for more Netflix news.

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Everyone's Losing It Over This "Horrifying" 'The Last Of Us' Season 2 Death: "Shattered Me. Forever Ruined."

MAJOR The Last of Us season 2 spoilers ahead!

If you thought The Last of Us season 2 couldn't get more dramatic than its premiere, then you'd be wrong. Season 2 primes us for some emotional drama by showing just how much Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) are at odds, and throwing Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who's seeking revenge on Joel for her own father's murder, into the mix shatters everything.

The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, "Through The Valley" is already being heralded by social media users as one of the best episodes in TV history. But it's definitely memorable for one specific reason: the episode killed off Joel, played by Pedro Pascal.

Let's talk about what the heck just happened with Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) in The Last of Us season 2.

Does Joel die in episode 2?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal in the hit HBO show) dies in The Last of Us season 2, episode 2. "People are going to be upset. That's sometimes how good drama goes," executive producer Craig Mazin tellsUSA Today. "This was something that was always meant to happen. So much of the first season was, in a weird way, leading to this moment. And it's upsetting."

The horrifying moment comes after a blizzard — and some infected — put Abby, Joel, and Dina (Isabela Merced) on a collision course. After they rescue her from the aforementioned infected, Abby brings the two Jackson residents back to the lodge in the mountains where her group is hiding. Meanwhile Jackson, dealing with its own infected attack, burns in the distance.

Joel's anxious to return to town, but he's got bigger problems: Abby recognizes him as the man who killed her father (and wiped out the Firefly hospital) and, after putting Dina to sleep, Abby takes out five years' worth of anger and devastation on him with a golf club. Yeah. None of us can believe it either.

"that shattered me. forever ruined," one X user said, while another added, "the fact that Joel saw another kid in danger and didn't doubt in saving her.... dooming himself" with an Interstellar scene of Matthew McConaughey sobbing. Relatable.


But even more horrifying is when Ellie finds the lodge and bursts into the room. When she begs Joel to get up, there's a moment when you can see a beaten Joel start to lift himself up from the ground before Abby uses the now-broken golf club to kill him. I hope Ellie holds onto this moment and knows Joel was willing and able to do whatever it took to keep her safe!! I will scream about them forever!!

As Abby's group leaves, Ellie swears she'll kill them, and "you can't help but believe it is absolutely true," Craig says. There's a truly devastating shot of Ellie lying over Joel's body in the empty room that parallels her nursing him back to health at the end of season 1, episode 7 and I don't know if I'll ever get over it.

Why was Joel killed off?

In addition to being literal retribution for the death of Abby's father, Joel's death is a catalyst for Ellie's journey throughout the rest of the season as she grapples with revenge, grief, and anger. "Loss is kind of how this story functions, so this was largely preordained," Craig continues.

And yes, Pedro was aware of this devastating scene when he signed up for the life-changing role. "When I talked to Pedro the first time, I said, 'This is how this will go,'" Craig says. "I wanted him to know that we're not going to do this for seven seasons with you in that spot. We're going to do a season, and if it goes well and there's a second season, this will happen."

What happens to Ellie after Joel dies?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The trailer for the rest of The Last of Us season 2 shows that Ellie and Dina aren't giving up until they enact their own revenge on Abby and her group. The two women are headed for Seattle and they're up against infected, the militia, and everything else this post-apocalyptic world has to throw at them.

But even though Joel's gone for good, Pedro isn't. We're in for plenty of flashbacks that fill in those five years between seasons 1 and 2!

Tune into new episodes of The Last of Us season 2 on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 PM ET to see what happens next.

The story's not over yet! Here's the last news on The Last Of Us Season 3.

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