Best hair straighteners, tested by a beauty writer for sleek styling

I have sworn by ghd’s original styler straighteners ever since they launched in 2001. Though they have undergone some slight modifications over the years, it’s safe to say these straighteners are durable, stand the test of time, hold a style in place for hours, even in humid weather, and are, therefore, my go-to top pick.

While the ghd straighteners do not have an adjustable heat setting, as they only function at a constant 185C heat, the single-zone technology ensures the ceramic plates provide constant and even heat to effectively style your hair in one glide. I can create poker-straight hair in minutes or add waves and curls to my hair, courtesy of the curved edges.

What I love is they are super quick to heat up, easy to use, especially for those who are not so savvy when it comes to styling their strands and are suitable for all hair types, including fine and thick, wavy and curly locks.

The original styler weighs just 828g, which is particularly good news for those with longer lengths, and features an auto shut-off function that kicks in after 30 minutes if the device isn’t being used.

I have a soft spot for the Nicky Clarke airstyle pro (£299.99, Nickyclarke.com), so, I had high expectations for these frizz control straighteners, which can help you create a super-sleek hairstyle in minutes.

With five temperature settings (up to a maximum of 230C), and long and slim tourmaline-coated plates – which use negative ions to seal and protect each hair shaft – this tool easily straightens and tames frizz and flyaways, hence the name.

However, I found the lock feature stiff and temperamental, as it often opened when it should have been shut. Another bugbear is the temperature settings on the top of the barrel are labelled one to five, instead of showing the temperatures in Celsius like other tools do. I gathered that one is the 150C starting point, five is the maximum heat, and I assumed the settings in between must be odd numbers increased by 20C. I love a hair tool with adjustable settings, but I can’t help but question whether the maximum 230C temperature is too high.

Despite these niggles, the straighteners heat up in seconds, are easy to use, and straightened my long hair effectively, which, combined with its relatively affordable price tags, makes these straighteners ideal for shoppers hunting for a bargain pair of straighteners.

I have used Drybar’s half shot small round brush (£125, Lookfantastic.com), which works effectively to dry and style my hair, so, I was hoping the tress press straighteners would be just as impressive, and they did not disappoint.

This multipurpose tool gets my seal of approval because it is a compact, yet powerful, straightener with floating narrow plates, which measure an impressive 1in in width, for precise styling.

The infrared technology works to heat the hair from the inside out, reducing frizz while adding shine to your hair. The curved edges also help to create beach waves, ringlets and straight dos with soft ends.

These straighteners are suitable for all hair types; the adjustable heat settings enable every user to tailor their styling session to their needs. The titanium plates are particularly suited to thicker hair, while the narrow plates are often useful for short lengths or getting to the roots.

These straighteners are super lightweight, streamlined and fractionally shorter than other designs, which makes them great to take with you when you’re on the go. The ergonomic handle with the matte finish and thumb grove also made this model easier to hold while I styled my long hair. After using them, I was left with a silky-smooth, frizz-free finish, which lasted on a humid summer’s day – much to my surprise.

Panasonic is known for creating hi-tech designs, and these straighteners are no different; they release nanoe atomised water particles from the air holes on the sides of the plates, which claim to be more hydrating than typical ions. This feature also protects the hair from heat damage; maintains the moisture and natural oils in the hair, while simultaneously minimising flyaways; and achieves a high-shine finish, which was evident in my results.

This design is super easy to use – the heat settings are adjusted using buttons inside the straightener, which light up instead of showing on an LCD screen and can be used on all hair types (whether you’re straightening or curling your strands). While it is quick to heat up and achieves 10 out of 10 results, I noticed a soft humming sound from the straighteners, which was my only bugbear.

BaByliss’s super styler ticks a lot of boxes: it has adjustable heat settings (up to 200C), it’s suitable for all hair types and lengths and can create straight or wavy styles.

The ergonomic design features BaByliss’s signature micro heating matrix technology, which utilises 2,500 micro heaters fitted on the surface of the ceramic plate, to ensure even heat distribution across every strand. The in-built microprocessor monitors the temperature of each microheater when the hair tool is firing up (or cooling down), for optimal user safety and efficient styling. Similar to ghd’s original styler, the Babyliss straightener features curved edges, to help achieve a soft finish, without any indents on the hair, particularly when curling, for a smoother finish.

One slight niggle is the heat gauge is fitted on the top of the straighteners and didn’t state the exact temperature in degrees, which would make it easier to prevent heat damage, as numerous heat options are available. It was only through reading the instructions I came to learn the further away the indicator is from the on/off button, the hotter the temperature.

Ghd is known for how powerful and compact its hair tools are, as well as how quickly they fire up. Within seconds, the straighteners were ready to use, and I was conscious not to waste any time, as this cordless design has a run-time of 20 minutes after a two-hour charge. While this was sufficient styling time for my fine yet long hair, if you have super long or thick hair, these portable straighteners may not be the most viable for you. Admittedly, you can recharge this hair tool by plugging the USB into your phone, computer or mains supply, though, you can’t use the straighteners while they’re charging, which could delay your styling session.

A feature found in most ghd products is the dual-zone technology in the ceramic plates, which provide an even distribution of 185C heat, to deliver a sleek and glossy finish; tame frizz and flyaways; and help to create a range of long-lasting hairstyles.

Thanks to being remarkably compact, this model is perfect for taking on the go. This bundle includes a heat-resistant travel pouch, in which you can safely store your straighteners just a few seconds after you’ve finished using them.

This hair tool has garnered more than 2,000 glowing reviews, and I get the hype. The original iron is lightweight and has adjustable temperature settings to suit every hair type and style, so you can achieve a sleek straight do or tight curls easily. The plates are infused with the mineral sericite, which strengthens and protects the hair, while also contributing to a smooth and shiny finish.

The lightweight plates are quick to heat up to temperatures of more than 200C, but the highest heat setting is listed as “high”, which is too vague for my liking – especially as I’m conscious of using excessive heat on my damaged hair – is it 205C, 230C or higher? This needs to be specified, in my opinion, as there is a difference and it could be detrimental to anyone’s hair.

As the straighteners are heating up, a light flashes on the desired temperature you select but it isn’t until all the temperatures prior are lit that the tool is ready to use, which is a nifty feature when you understand it, though slightly confusing at first. A slight bugbear is the on/off switch is on the inside of the straighteners, opposite the temperature gauge, so, take care when adjusting the settings, as the inner area gets hot.

Having said that, I was impressed by how efficiently these straighteners worked when it came to styling my hair – both for super-sleek straight dos and soft waves. I just kept the temperature to a safer 180C.

This model is a new addition to the brand’s ever-expanding hair tool range. I managed to get my hands on one and was impressed by the infrared technology, which worked to straighten and tame my frizzy mane in one swoop.

This tool boasts extra-large plates, which are best suited for thicker hair or long lengths, and they heat up rapidly, so you can get styling in seconds.

The infrared and ion technology worked to style and de-frizz my hair, as the ions attach to each hair shaft to minimise any static, which, combined with the ceramic and keratin-coated plates, achieves a smooth finish and long-lasting hold.

These straighteners boast four adjustable heat settings, flexible plates, a lock feature, as well as intelligent heat control, to ensure even heat distribution and a smooth run along the hair shaft, to avoid any breakages.

A lightweight pair of straighteners with wide plates is essential for those with thick or long hair, as it can style a wider section of hair quickly and efficiently, as well as prevent arm strain. These Remington straighteners are fitted with ceramic ultra coated plates, which measure 45mm in width and 110mm in length, and achieve a silky smooth finish. The design features an adjustable heat control (up to 230C), which shows up on the digital screen.

These straighteners are suitable for all hair types but I recommend using them on mid-lengths and long hair, as well as thick locks, to cut down the duration of your hair styling session, and to avoid running hot plates over the same section of hair numerous times, which can contribute to heat damage and breakage. While the plates make for speedy styling, creating a style other than a straight do is nearly impossible.

Dyson released its airstrait in the UK in February 2024 – almost a year after its stateside release – and it has been a ground-breaking success. The two-in-one hair tool features a hyperdymium motor, powered by a 13-blade impeller, to provide a powerful airflow, to dry and style the hair with minimal heat damage.

An unexpected, yet essential, feature is the PRCD (portable residual current device) plug, which you need to test and reset every time before using the straightener, due to this being a wet-to-dry electric hair tool. This plug is cumbersome - if you have a skirting board near the mains supply, it can be difficult to fit flush.

Admittedly, I was sceptical about how my frizzy locks would fare and if the style would hold during a humid summer’s day – especially with a maximum styling temperature of 140C. The Dyson airstrait effectively dried and straightened my hair somewhat, with the overall finish being straighter than if I let my hair air dry. Overall, it achieved more of a soft-straight blow dry than a poker-straight do. So, if you have curly hair, this may not provide the same dead-straight finish or long-lasting hold you’d get from a pure straightener.

Though the airstrait is slimline, the wide plates made it hard to reach the roots, plus the airflow only blows in one direction. Considering I alternate the hand I use, or angle, to straighten certain areas, it meant the tool was upside down and blew out the segment I wanted to style.

I am impressed by the ingenuity of Dyson’s airstrait, and though I can’t fault its multifunctionality as a hair tool generally, in the straightener category specifically, there is some room for improvement. It’s pretty expensive, and that’s hard to justify when there are so many affordable alternatives.