What are the best hair straighteners? That’s a big question. To find the best hair straightener, you’re going to want something that suits your hair type. Whether it’s frizzy, thick, curly, an afro, or something in between, different heats and settings care better for different hair. And obviously, if you want some salon quality results, a straightener is one of the easiest ways to get them….
What to look for in hair straighteners
What actually makes a set of hair straighteners good? Here’s a few things you’ll want to think about…
Plate material – Ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline plates distribute heat better and more evenly. And that helps to reduce hair damage. So, it’s worth shelling out a bit extra for these.
Adjustable heat settings – Multiple heat settings suit different hair types and styles. From thick to thin, curly to coily.
Quick heating – A straightener that heats up fast will save you loads of time. Especially on a Monday morning.
Plate width – Wider plates covers more of your hair at once. Making styling easier and way quicker.
Auto shut-off – This is exactly what it says on the tin. If you haven’t been using the straighteners for a while, they’ll turn off automatically. Keeping you (and your place) nice and safe.
Long cord or cordless – With a long cord - or no cord at all - you can prep your hairdo pretty much anywhere. Not just in the bedroom.
Extra features – Some come with a digital display (to see the temperature), memory settings (that’ll remember settings you’ve used before) and special heat-resistant travel pouches for when you go away.
The best straightener should have a good mix of all these. So, keep an eye out when you’re on the hunt for a new pair.
Best ceramic hair straightener
Try the Revamp Progloss Wide Ultra X Shine. Thanks to the extra wide ceramic plates, creating the right style is incredibly easy. They’ll cover every lock, so you don’t have to be that precise to get great looking results. And this also makes it ideal for thick hair. With more heat across a bigger surface, you’ll be able to easily tame your locks. No matter how bushy they are!
You’ll always be in complete control as well. You can quickly check the temperature on the digital screen. So, things won’t start heating up without your say so. And you won’t run the risk of burning your hair either.
Best steam hair straightener
The Bellissima Italia Steam Elixir uses clever steam tech to keep your hair hydrated while you style. It pumps out a flow of steady steam which keeps your locks nice and damp. And that helps to protect your hair from the hot plates. So, if your hair is super sensitive – or you’re always worried about damaging it – it’s a great shout.
Plus, it’s handy if you’re late for work. It’ll heat up completely in just 30 seconds. Meaning you’ll have your hair straightened and be out the door right in time to catch the train. Full steam ahead!
Best cordless hair straightener
If you’re after a pair of cordless hair straighteners, we’d go for the Dyson Corrale. With a cordless design, you can easily reach any awkward angles without an annoying wire getting in the way. And that makes styling a whole lot safer too. You won’t trip over any cables here. So, you can get your groove on while you get ready for a big night out!
You don’t even need a plug socket to start styling. And that means you could glam up anywhere in the house. Watch the telly at the same time. Or keep an eye on dinner while you sort out your hair. How’s that for multitasking?
Best travel hair straightener
When you’re off on holiday, you still want to look your best. But squeezing all those beauty accessories into your suitcase can be a right pain. Not with the Remington Shea Soft though. It’s slim enough that it’ll barely take up any room. And it comes with its own little travel pouch too – which keeps everything nice and tidy.
You don’t have to worry about burning the hotel down either. Accidentally left it on when you’ve gone out for dinner? Don’t sweat it. It’ll switch itself off after an hour. So, you can enjoy your meal, and you won’t have to rush back to your room. Phew!
FAQ
How to straighten hair
Start with dry, clean hair. If you want to you can also use a heat protectant spray for some extra protection.
Switch on your straightener. Let it warm up until it’s at a heat you’re comfortable with (and one that matches your hair type).
Split your hair into small sections using some hair ties or clips.
Take a small bit of hair and clamp the straightener down near the root.
Glide it slowly down the hair from top to bottom. This’ll stop creases and burns.
Do the same for every section of your hair.
When you’re done straightening, let your hair cool down for a bit.
Add some oil for some extra shine. It’ll stop any annoying frizz too.
And that’s it. Now you should be a hair styling pro!
Can I curl short hair with a straightener?
It really depends on how short you’re talking about. If it’s cut super close to your head, you obviously won’t be able to get your straighteners round the hair properly. But if it’s got enough length to it (like a bob) then it can be a great gadget for creating straight and curly looks. The best straighteners will easily handle both.
Which hair straightener doesn’t damage hair?
Every hair straightener can damage your hair, as the high heat can weaken it over time. But some are made to be gentler on your hair than others. Keep an eye out for ones with tourmaline or ceramic plates. These distribute the heat more evenly, which stops one part of your hair from getting too hot.
If you want to lower the chance of any damage even more, get yourself some heat protectant spray. And don’t straighten your hair every single day too. Even if it does look really good!
So, now you know all there is to know about the best hair straighteners. Need some more great hairstyling tips? We’ve got you. Whether your hair is wavy, curly or straight, here’s how to style your hair. And if you’re thinking about a trim, we’ve got everything you need to know about how to cut your own hair.
