I’ve tried so many hair straighteners over the years, from drugstore basics to fancy salon‑grade irons, and most either tugged, dried my hair out, or didn’t deliver the sleek, frizz‑free results I was chasing. So when the Paul Mitchell Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron popped up in my feed with claims of smooth, shiny results without damage, I finally decided to pull the trigger and test it as my everyday styling tool.
What Is Paul Mitchell Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron?
The Paul Mitchell Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron is a ceramic‑plate hair straightener designed to deliver smooth, frizz‑free styles. It uses ceramic heating plates (which heat evenly and reduce hot spots), multiple heat settings, and a design meant to glide through strands without pulling. It’s marketed as a versatile tool for straightening, soft waves, and sleek looks, good for a range of hair types from fine to textured.
Why I Bought It
I was tired of flat irons that left my hair flat but dull, or ones that overheated and caused breakage. I wanted a straightener that could not only give me a sleek, polished look but also feel gentle on my hair after repeated use. Having seen Paul Mitchell (a brand I trust for shampoos and styling products) on professional salon carts, I figured their flat iron might finally be worth the switch from my old tools.
My Experience Using It
First Impressions & Setup: When the iron arrived, it felt solid but not heavy, a good balance for daily use. The ceramic plates were smooth and shiny, and the handle felt comfortable in my hand. I plugged it in, dialed to a mid‑high heat (about 380°F), and tried it on dry hair after my usual prep (heat protectant, brush out tangles).
First Run: Right away, I noticed that, unlike some budget straighteners, it glided through my hair without snagging. On hair that tends to frizz near the ends, the plates seemed to seal the cuticle better than my old iron, leaving a glossier, more polished look after the first pass.
However, the first couple of strokes weren’t wow perfection on stubborn sections. My thicker hair sometimes needed a second pass on tighter strands. Still, it didn’t tug, burn, or make my hair feel rough afterward, which was a relief.
Throughout the Weeks: Over a few weeks of daily use, I started noticing a pattern:
- Positives:
• My hair looked generally smoother and shinier compared with my old tool.
• It felt less brittle afterward… I didn’t reach for leave‑in oil as urgently.
• The ceramic heat felt even and consistent rather than spiky or patchy. - Frustrations:
• The heat settings aren’t as precise or high as some deluxe models, so super‑coarse hair sometimes felt like it needed more heat than this iron offered.
• Because it isn’t ultra‑thin, doing tight curls or beach waves took a little finesse and practice, not impossible, but not as effortless as a slim wand.
Heat Damage Reality Check: I didn’t experience breakage or dryness that some irons cause within weeks, but I also didn’t feel like it was actively improving hair health… it simply didn’t make my hair worse. That’s better than a lot of irons I’ve used, but it’s not miracle protection.
Everyday Use & Practicality: The ergonomics made daily styling comfortable; no awkward grip shifting or overheating handle. It heats quickly enough for my morning routine and hasn’t faltered in performance after repeated plug‑ins.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ceramic plates that glide smoothly… less snagging and pulling.
- Hair looks shinier and feels smoother compared with basic irons.
- Comfortable handle and easy daily use.
- Tempered heat that doesn’t feel like it sears hair.
- Good value among mid‑tier styling tools.
Cons
- Not the highest temp… heavy or very coarse hair may need more heat.
- For tight curls or waves, it’s a bit bulkier than wand‑style tools.
- Results are solid, not air‑brush salon level, you’ll still need good prep products.
- No digital precise temp display on basic models.
Is It a Scam?
No, definitely not a scam. The Paul Mitchell Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron does what it claims: smooths hair effectively, fights frizz better than basic tools, and offers a gentle ceramic heat experience without harsh damage, when used properly with heat protectant. It doesn’t deliver the instant salon magic that some viral ads hype, but it’s a trustworthy mid‑range iron that performs reliably for everyday styling.
Alternatives
- ghd Platinum+ Professional Smart Styler
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron
- CHI Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
- Remington S5500 1″ Anti‑Static Flat Iron
Conclusion — Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with realistic expectations. If you want a solid, everyday ceramic flat iron that smooths, reduces frizz, and feels gentle on hair, the Paul Mitchell Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron does that well. It’s not extremely high‑end or ultra‑hot for very stubborn hair, but it’s consistent, comfortable, and better than most basic irons.
For my everyday hairstyle, sleek, polished, and smooth, it works reliably. Just pair it with a good heat protectant and don’t expect salon‑grade overheating power if your hair is extremely coarse.
Also read – Lipovia GLP-1 Weight Loss Patch Review 2025 — Claims, Evidence & Red Flags