Ultimate Hair Straightener Guide
Picking the perfect straightener is a task that requires careful planning and consideration. For soft, silky strands (sans damage) it’s not enough to just grab the first straightener you set your sights on. But then again, where do you start? Is your hair long or damaged? Do you opt for ceramic or titanium? Don’t worry, we’re here to set the record (and your hair), straight.
Game-Changing Technology
Ceramic
Ceramic plates are the secret to a smooth and even hair-straightening experience. They provide consistent heat, ensuring your hair gets evenly straightened without those pesky hotspots that can cause damage. Plus, many ceramic plates have ionic technology, emitting negative ions hat reduce frizz and static. The result? Smoother, shinier hair that looks like you just stepped out of a salon. If you’re after a sleek, frizz-free finish, ceramic plates are there to care for your hair.
Pro Styling Tip: For the ultimate in ceramic plate technology, try the Cloud Nine The Original Iron Pro. This straightener features Kinder Styling Technology, including the revolutionary Revive Mode, which minimises friction by vibrating 8,000 times a minute at 150°C to maintain your style while restoring your hair’s natural health. With Variable Temperature Control ranging from 100-200°C, you can style at lower temperatures to avoid unnecessary heat damage. The Mineral-Infused Ceramic Plates are infused with Sericite and Tourmaline to lock in moisture and seal the hair cuticle, leaving your hair shinier and healthier every time you style.
Infrared
Infrared heat is like a soft hug for your hair. Unlike traditional straighteners that can scorch the surface, infrared heat gently penetrates the hair shaft, heating your hair from the inside out. This method is kinder to your locks, preserving moisture and reducing heat damage. Plus, it’s not just about being gentle, infrared technology is incredible at achieving those smooth, long-lasting straightening results. So, if you want sleek, healthy hair that stays straight all day, infrared is the way to go.
Pro Styling Tip: For an incredible infrared straightener, check out the Drybar The Tress Press Straightening Iron 1". It uses Titanium Technology to seal the cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine while you style. Its infrared technology heats hair from the inside out, maintaining healthy locks. With 1" floating plates for constant contact and rounded edges for easy curling, this iron is perfect for creating sleek, straight looks or adding waves and curls. And, with its compact size makes it ideal for touching up any raised roots, fringes, and fly-aways at home or on the go.
Titanium
Titanium plates are the powerhouses of hair straightening. They heat up fast and can reach higher temperatures than ceramic plates, making them perfect for thick, coarse, or curly hair that needs a bit more heat to straighten. Plus, titanium is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, and corrosion, so your straightener will last longer. For those looking for a robust, long-lasting tool to tame their beautiful locks, titanium plates are there to get you your very own perfect hair day.
Pro Styling Tip: Sold on the titanium plates and looking for your perfect match? Check out the Silver Bullet Straightener Keratin 230! Its accelerator microchip ensures super-fast heat acceleration, perfect for keratin and permanent straightening treatments. Plus, with wide plates that let you process more hair in one go, you’ll achieve sleek, silky results in no time. Say hello to fabulous hair days, every day!
Tourmaline
Tourmaline plates are a brilliant choice for achieving smooth, shiny hair. This crystalline mineral, when heated, emits a high concentration of negative ions, which helps to seal the hair cuticle. The result is reduced frizz and static, leaving your hair looking sleek and glossy. Plus, tourmaline plates are known for being gentler on the hair, making them a fantastic choice for those with fine or damaged locks. If you want to enhance shine and maintain healthy hair, tourmaline plates are an excellent option.
Pro Styling Tip: For an exceptional tourmaline plate straightener, try the Cloud Nine Original Iron. Its Mineral-Infused Ceramic Plates are infused with Sericite and Tourmaline to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and leaving your hair shinier and healthier every time you style. With Variable Temperature Control and Floating Plates to cushion your hair, this straightener ensures a smooth, sleek finish that's perfect for any hair type.
Our Top Picks
Beginner-Friendly
The muk Style Stick 230-IR hair straightener is your new best friend for easy hair styling. Perfect for anyone looking to let their hair down and try a new style, it features adjustable temperature control and cutting-edge infrared technology. A strip of powerful far infrared lights embedded in the ceramic plate gently heats your hair from the inside out, giving you sleek, shiny results in a single pass. The temperature range from 90-230 degrees means you can find the perfect setting for your hair type. With a 3-metre swivel cord and auto shut-off, this straightener is just set and forget, making every styling session simple!
Cordless
Never face the fear of a bad hair day again. Meet your new handbag essential, the Cloud Nine The Original Cordless Iron. This slick stick is designed to hold charge, keeping you in control. The Cordless Iron is designed with a long-lasting battery that delivers all the power of a corded iron without the literal restrictions. Style your hair whenever, wherever, with fast power-ups thanks to the unique Magnetic Charging Cord. Now your style is unleashed, unrestricted, and unstoppable. With iconic Cloud Nine features like Variable Temperature Control to suit your hair type and Revive Mode to help your hair thrive over time, this straightener ensures you never compromise style. Quick charging means you can charge and go in less time, and the plates are equal in size to the Original and Touch Iron straighteners, providing the same iconic Cloud Nine performance.
Best Value
Let’s get something straightened out, your best hair day doesn’t need to cost a fortune. The muk Style Stick (White) makes sleek hair simple. This white ceramic plated straightener creates silky, smooth, shiny hair with added features such as an adjustable temperature range of 80 -210 degrees. It boasts universal voltage, a sleep mode, tourmaline ceramic plates, rapid heat up, a floating plate, ion field technology, infrared heat, and a 3-metre 360-degree swivel cord. Advanced features for an affordable price? Achieving perfect hair has never been so effortless.
Long Hair
The EVY Professional iQ-OneGlide 1.5" Hair Straightener is your go-to girl for those of us with long, luscious strands. Mineral Infused Technology delivers flawlessly styled hair with added hydration and shine. Its innovative three-strip design ensures even tension and faster results, requiring just one pass to achieve a perfect salon finish. Not only does it straighten and style hair to sleek and silky perfection, but it also infuses your locks with hydration and moisture, leaving them super shiny and healthy. For long hair that deserves the best, the OneGlide is the top choice.
Convenience
For hassle-free styling in a pinch, say hello to the DRYBAR THE TINY TRESS PRESS DETAILING IRON 240V. Its accelerator microchip ensures rapid heat-up times, and the wide plates allow you to straighten more hair in a single pass. With variable heat settings, a heat-resistant mat, and handy styling accessories included, this straightener makes achieving salon-worthy results at home quick and effortless. Bid farewell to exhausting, long stylising sessions!
Damaged Hair
For strands that need a little TLC, the muk Style Stick 230-Ir Wide Plate Hair Straightener is ready to help you say goodbye to damaged hair. Featuring an innovative strip of powerful far infrared lights embedded in the ceramic plates, infusing gentle heat deep inside the hair shaft. This means you can straighten your hair with a single pass, leaving it shiny, balanced with moisture, and protected from thermal damage. Perfect for thicker, coarse hair, the adjustable temperature ranges from 90 to 230 degrees, allowing you to find the ideal setting for your hair type.
Best For Curling
Who needs a straightener that simply straightens? Say hello to the Cloud Nine The Original Iron. With its Variable Temperature Control, you can adjust the heat from 100°C to 200°C, making it perfect for a range of hair types and styles, including gorgeous curls. The Mineral-Infused plates lock in moisture for hair that’s healthier, shinier, and smoother. Thanks to the Floating Plates with Spring-Flex Technology™, the iron adjusts to cushion your hair, preventing split ends and ensuring a smooth glide. Whether you’re straightening or curling, this iron offers the flexibility and convenience you need for everyday styling. With its quick heat-up time and intuitive Hibernation Mode, the Cloud Nine The Original Iron is your all-rounder styling go-to.
Fan Favourite
Meet the Cloud Nine 2-In-1 Contouring Iron Pro, your ultimate styling sidekick with curved plate technology for effortless curling, waving, and straightening. The Mineral Infused Plates lock in moisture, while Variable Temperature Control lets you find the perfect heat for your hair type. The game-changing Revive Mode reduces friction with Axial Vibration™ technology, reducing drag and breakage. With Ceramic Floating Plates designed with Spring-Flex Technology™, this iron cushions your hair, preventing split ends and ensuring a smooth, silky finish. Ready to conquer any style and transform your hair routine, the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro will make every day your best hair day.
Still on the hunt for your dream hair straightener? Explore our full range of bestselling and innovative straighteners to find the perfect match for your hair.