Introduction
A hair straightener manages in a short time to straighten the hair. The best hair straightener reduces hair volume and even achieves waves depending on the model. All with a shiny finish that lasts until we wash our hair again. Its simple handling allows you a good result, even if you are not crafty, and you can finally achieve an impeccable hairstyle without spending much time every morning and without a large investment.
To make your purchase easier, we tested several hair straighteners until we found the winners in their category. Analyze them thoroughly before deciding on the one that best suits your needs.
Getting great hair doesn’t just mean taking care of your hair with specific products for your hair type and giving it the extra pampering it needs depending on its condition or the time of year. The styling devices you use also play a key role. That is why more and more care is being taken when choosing and even opting for innovative tools.
Although we already know that the most important factor to base on yourself. When buying your straightener, your hair type and the materials and sizes best suit your hair. Next, we will talk about the different types of hair straighteners you should consider before purchasing your new hair straightener.
Types of best hair straighteners
Ceramic hair straighteners
Ceramic is the most common material in hair straighteners, and it distributes heat evenly, meaning you have to make fewer passes and are less likely to damage the hair.
Depending on the manufacturer and the specific model, you can find plates with ceramic-coated aluminum, the most affordable option although less durable, and plates with 100% ceramic, more expensive but of better quality and longer lasting.
Remember that if it is 100% ceramic, you will not have to change the iron due to wear, but if you treat it poorly, it could break. That is why manufacturers enrich ceramics with other materials, making them more resistant to shocks, and that is why you will see terms such as “advanced ceramics or nanoceramics.”
Titanium hair straighteners
Titanium is more resistant to shocks and corrosion by-products than ceramics. It has, therefore, been somewhat inaccessible for most users, but today, it has become much cheaper, and you can now find this material in very affordable sheets.
Titanium emits negative ions, which makes hair frizz less, providing more effective straightening and faster ironing. This material will be useful if you have curly or very thick hair.
Tourmaline hair straighteners
Tourmaline has two combinations with ceramics.
Plays a role in heat protection on the hair.
It contributes to the production of negative ions, which, as we have already mentioned before, reduces frizz.
Infrared heat hair straighteners
Infrared heat is in some of the latest models that are coming onto the market, damaging the hairless outer layers. Because it directly heats the interior. It saves the outer layer, which is also the most punished.
Wide plate hair straighteners
The characteristics of this iron are having plates of more than 3 centimeters, which allows them to straighten large strands. Therefore, they are useful for people with long or thick hair but not the most suitable for waves or curls.
Narrow plate hair straighteners
This type of iron, with its blades of less than 3 centimeters, is very versatile, being the most useful for curls or waves, also straightening without problems. They’re also the best hair straightener for short hair. So you can pay for them by sharing them with your guy.
They are not a good option if you have a lot of hair or if your hair is very curly, thick, or long since it would take a long time to straighten. In this case, wide plates give better results.
Travel hair straighteners
They are models with shorter plates than normal, so they take up less space. The problem is that by reducing plaques, you also reduce efficiency; you cover less hair and have to make more passes with the risk of damaging the hair more.
I recommend that instead of a travel iron, you go for a normal-size model with a thermal travel cover and universal voltage if you travel abroad. Now that you know the materials that best suit your hair type, you will be much closer to making a good purchase decision. Many more options are important when buying the perfect hair straightener.
Buying guide for the best hair straightener
Materials:
A crucial element to consider when determining whether the iron will be more or less respectful of our hair, as well as the quality of the final hairstyle. Ceramic is always the best option, as it distributes heat evenly and enhances shine, although titanium is also a good alternative if you want a more resistant tool. If your problem is frizz, make sure they are reinforced with tourmaline.
Heating speed:
The sooner the flat iron heats up, the faster it will take to style your hair.
Allowable temperature adjustments:
Although experts agree that the ideal temperature for polishing and styling hair is between 200 and 230 ºC, each hair type differs.
For this reason, the fact that iron has different temperature options will allow you to use it more appropriately for your hair: 150°C for fine and weak hair, 180°C for normal hair, and 200°C for thick hair.
Extra functionalities:
A plus to consider may be that the iron automatically adjusts the temperature to the needs of your hair, turns off after some time in disuse for greater safety, or notifies you when it has reached the ideal styling temperature.
Price:
A key point to consider if your budget is limited.
Plate material
It is what is in contact with your hair fiber, so it is worth stopping to assess this section. The plates are made of metal, which is a good conductor of heat… but not always gentle on hair.
That is why there are hair straighteners that use metal with very little friction –such as titanium- and iron or aluminum plates that cover the plates with another material that slides well and at the same time protects your hair, such as ceramic.
Blade and plate size arrow, normal, and extra-wide
The narrow blades are used for short hair, bangs, and manes with little hair. These plates are usually small in size, light, and very manageable, so they are great for travel and small touch-ups.
Blades of 10 x 2.5 cm are considered the standard size. They are the most used, the ones that best adapt to all types of hair, and of which you will find more variety and brands. They can be used for all types of hair lengths, although they are not as manageable with short hair, and for very curly hair, it requires a lot of passes.
The 4.2 cm wide blades are recommended for curly or uncurly hair since their large surface area requires double ironing in a single pass. The curl is quite open if the paddle has rounded edges to create waves.
Rounded edges
Almost all irons have this finish, but if you are interested in your hair straightener, in addition to straightening and curling your hair, make sure before buying.
Thanks to this, you can create loops, waves, and curls throughout the length of your hair or curve the ends inwards or outwards.
Temperature
Although there are hair straighteners with a fixed temperature of around 185°C (the GHDs have opted for this option), there are more models that allow it to be adjusted to adapt to both fine and very thick hair.
The standards consider fine hair needs between 160 and 180°C for straightening or styling, medium hair between 180 and 200°C, and thick hair between 200 and 230°C. But like everything, it is indicative, and the idea is to try on your iron to achieve an optimal result with the minimum temperature.
Steam irons
They are one of the latest innovations on the market and have a water tank integrated into the handle. The advantages over traditional thermal irons are that they can straighten in half the time, with less damage to the hair, and prevent split ends.
Irons that adjust the temperature
Some model already exists whose sensors detect what our hair needs and give it the ideal temperature. This prevents some parts from heating up while others are not straightened or wavy. With this, it is achieved that the hair heats up just enough, with which it breaks or spoils less.
Hair protection elements
If you use your hair straightener often -more than five times a month- we recommend that you have some added element that protects the hair fiber.
Among the most accessible is infrared heat. Manufacturers claim that they seal the cuticle, keeping moisture inside. They even claim that they manage to rebuild the hair and help in its growth. The benefits do not go as far but dry from the inside out.
Another protection system is steam because it reduces the heat that must be used to achieve the same results as conventional iron. Few brands have successfully developed it, but it is a guarantee for your hair.
And, of course, the great protector of the hair fiber is the temperature sensor, which is essential if you need a lot of heat to style your hair. The sensors send information to the iron so that it always maintains the temperature you have selected.
Hair straightener weight
Although a hair straightener is not a heavy instrument, its lightness is appreciated when you spend many hours with it or use it for curls, and you have to turn it.
If that is your case, or if you have a problem with your wrists, the weight may have to be an element to assess.
If you choose a steam iron with a built-in tank, remember that you have to add the water you load to the weight of the iron.
Auto power off
It is an essential element of security and cost control. Make sure your iron turns itself off when it detects that it has been unused for a while.
It is included in almost all of them, but it is worth looking at the description. It hardly makes the iron more expensive, and since we often use it for the final touch-up before leaving the house in a hurry, the peace of mind it ensures is well worth it.
Wire size
The idea is that the cable has a minimum of two meters; you will need it even if you are a novice and settle for a shorter one.
Also, note that the connection of the cable with the iron is rotating. This is essential if you want to wave your hair, with the consequent turn of the wrist that it implies.
Closure system
Some plates are permanently open, and others can be closed, either with an external piece that holds the ends together or an internal mechanism that keeps both blades together.
If you have small children, the locking system or the heat-resistant cap can be useful so that they remain sealed when you finish working with them since the irons keep the heat for a long time, and you do not want anyone to touch them by accident.
Voltage
If you don’t travel abroad or, if you do, you go light and don’t take the iron with you, the power we use in Spain is enough for you.
But just in case the opportunity arises one day, you should choose a model with dual or universal voltage to use on any trip.
Evaluations and experience of the users who have tried them:
Nobody knows a tool better than the women who have already tried it, so we have considered their opinions and evaluations.
At first glance, the hair straightener seems like a simple device, and it is. But each brand incorporates extra features into its models, which you want to evaluate before buying.
Therefore, below, we give you some clues that you must consider so that your hair straightener adapts to what you are looking for and you are successful in the purchase.
5 best hair straightener
If you are looking for a quality model to achieve professional results, even if it involves a higher investment, we recommend the GHD.
If your main problem is frizz, you will love the Babyliss as it has a specific anti-frizz function. And if you are looking for a quality tool to take care of your hair and achieve very good results at a reasonable price, the Remington is your winning bet.
If you are looking for a hair straightener to use occasionally and want to invest a little in it, Philips EssentialCare is one of the candidates to consider.
Corioliss is a straightener for professional hairdressers. This is the best hair straightener for amateurs and professionals. So here is the variety of best hair straighteners from which you can choose the best.
ghd Gold Styler
Temperature self-control
Check Price on AmazonFeatures and Benefits
Ceramic Technology: The ghd Gold Styler utilizes advanced ceramic heating elements to provide even heat distribution and maintain a consistent temperature across the plates. This helps to minimize hair damage and create smooth, frizz-free results.
Dual-Zone Technology: The flat iron is equipped with ghd's patented dual-zone technology, which ensures an optimum styling temperature of 365°F (185°C) is maintained across the plates. This temperature is ideal for achieving long-lasting, salon-quality results without compromising hair health.
Floating Plates: The plates of the ghd Gold Styler are designed to float and glide smoothly through the hair. This feature allows for effortless styling and helps to prevent hair snagging or pulling, minimizing hair breakage.
Sleek Design: The flat iron is sleek and ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. The rounded barrel allows for versatile styling, creating curls, waves, or straightening hair.
Quick Heat-Up: The ghd Gold Styler heats up rapidly, reaching its operating temperature within seconds. This feature saves you time and allows for efficient styling, particularly when you're in a hurry.
Universal Voltage: The flat iron is designed with universal voltage, meaning it can be used worldwide without needing a voltage converter. This feature makes it travel-friendly, ensuring you can achieve your desired hairstyle no matter where you are.
Temperature self-control: The best timeless hair straightener. It is warm-up in 30 seconds and has temperature self-control.
Automatic Sleep Mode: The ghd Gold Styler features an automatic sleep mode for safety and energy conservation. If the flat iron is left unused for 30 minutes, it will automatically switch off, giving you peace of mind.
Heat-Resistant Protective Plate Guard: The flat iron comes with a heat-resistant plate guard that allows you to safely store the styler immediately after use, even when it's still warm. This feature adds convenience and helps protect surfaces from potential damage.
pros
- The GHD Gold goes to what it goes: to offer you an effective and robust hair straightener, which will accompany you for many years.
- A basic flat iron for medium to thick hair.
- Universal voltage, so you can use it wherever you go.
- It incorporates a soft touch plate protector, so you can keep them safe and avoid scratches, both at home and on the go.
cons
- It is true that the price is one of the highest on this list.
- And, if you are looking for a lot of buttons and options, maybe this is not the right option for you.
ghd Platinum
Heats up in 20
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Ultra-Zone Technology: The ghd Platinum+ Styler features ultra-zone predictive technology that monitors heat distribution across the plates and adjusts the power accordingly. This ensures an even and consistent temperature of 365°F (185°C) throughout the styling process, providing optimal results without compromising hair health.
Tri-Zone Plates: The flat iron has precision-milled, floating plates that glide effortlessly through the hair for smooth styling. The tri-zone technology allows consistent heat distribution across each plate, resulting in uniform styling and reduced hair damage.
Intelligent Heat Control: The styler has intelligent heat sensors embedded in each plate. These sensors monitor the temperature 250 times per second, ensuring precise heat control and minimizing the risk of overheating or underheating, which can lead to hair damage.
Wishbone Hinge: The Platinum+ Styler features a unique wishbone hinge design that provides perfect plate alignment. This ensures even pressure across the hair strands, allowing optimal styling and reducing hair breakage.
Advanced Predictive Technology: The flat iron has predictive technology that recognizes your hair's needs and adapts the power to maintain the optimum styling temperature. This feature ensures consistent styling results, regardless of hair type or texture.
Sleek Design: The Platinum+ Styler has a sleek and ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold and use. The rounded barrel allows for versatile styling, creating curls, waves, or straightening hair.
Quick Heat-Up: The flat iron heats up quickly, reaching its operating temperature in just a few seconds. This saves you time and allows for efficient styling, especially in a hurry.
Universal Voltage and Sleep Mode: The styler is designed with universal voltage, making it suitable worldwide. Additionally, it features a sleep mode that activates after 30 minutes of inactivity, providing safety and energy conservation.
Heat-Resistant Protective Plate Guard: The Platinum+ Styler has a heat-resistant plate guard for safe storage immediately after use, even when the styler is still warm. This feature adds convenience and protects surfaces from potential damage.
pros
- Adjust the heat to your hair
- Includes a heat-resistant silicone protector, which allows you to close the styler and store it warm or move it without damaging the plates
- Extended warranty of 3 years, one of the highest in the market.
- Warm-up: 20 seconds
- Temperature self-check: 250 times/second
cons
- The ghd Platinum+ Styler is significantly more expensive than many other hair straighteners on the market. This may be a barrier for some people who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
- While the predictive technology used by the ghd Platinum+ Styler is designed to adjust the temperature based on your hair type, some users may find that it still does not work well for their hair.
REMINGTON Shine
11 cm long plates
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Argan Oil and Keratin Infusion: The hair straightener is infused with argan oil and keratin, known for their nourishing and conditioning properties. As you style your hair, the plates release these ingredients, adding moisture and shine and helping to reduce frizz and flyaways.
2-Inch Floating Plates: The straightener is equipped with 2-inch floating plates that glide smoothly through your hair. The floating plate design ensures even heat distribution, allowing for consistent styling and reducing the risk of hot spots that can lead to hair damage.
Advanced Ceramic Coating: The straightener plates feature an advanced ceramic coating that helps protect your hair from heat damage. The ceramic coating ensures even heat distribution and minimizes friction, resulting in smooth styling and reduced hair breakage.
Digital Temperature Control: The hair straightener offers digital temperature control, allowing you to select the desired heat setting for your hair type and styling needs. This feature ensures you can tailor the temperature to your specific requirements, minimizing the risk of excessive heat exposure.
High Heat Settings: The straightener has high heat settings that reach up to 450°F (230°C), making it suitable for different hair types, including thick and coarse hair. The ability to reach high temperatures ensures efficient and effective straightening, reducing the need for multiple passes.
Quick Heat-Up: The REMINGTON Shine Therapy Hair Straightener heats up quickly, allowing you to start styling in no time. This feature is convenient when you're hurrying and need to straighten or style your hair quickly.
Turbo Boost Function: The straightener includes a turbo boost function that temporarily increases the temperature to quickly and effectively style stubborn or hard-to-straighten sections of your hair. This feature helps you achieve smoother and more polished results.
Auto Shut-Off: The straightener has an auto shut-off feature for safety and energy conservation. If left unused for a certain period, it will automatically turn off, providing peace of mind and preventing accidents.
Swivel Cord: The hair straightener has a swivel cord that rotates 360 degrees. This design feature allows for easy maneuverability and flexibility during styling, reducing the chances of cord tangling.
11 cm long plates: With their 11 cm long plates, they belong to the category of XL hair straighteners. In long hair, they are a practical solution with which you can save even more time.
pros
- Heat-resistant storage bag
- temperature lock
- Long plates with keratin
- Automatic safety shutdown
- turbo function
cons
- The cable is stiff
- It gets too hot on the outside
- Heavy and difficult to maneuver
Remington S9500
Heats up in just 40 seconds
Check Price on AmazonFeatures and Benefits
Pearl Ceramic Technology: The flat iron features pearl ceramic plates infused with real crushed pearls. This technology ensures even heat distribution and provides a smooth glide through the hair, minimizing damage and reducing frizz.
1-Inch Floating Plates: The flat iron has 1-inch floating plates that adjust to your hair and provide consistent pressure during styling. This feature helps to prevent hair snagging and ensures even heat application for effective straightening or curling.
Digital Controls and Temperature Settings: The flat iron offers digital controls that allow you to adjust the temperature to your desired heat setting easily. It features nine heat settings, ranging from 270°F to 410°F (approximately 130°C to 210°C), catering to different hair types and styling preferences.
Rapid Heat-Up: The flat iron heats up quickly, reaching the desired temperature within seconds; it heats up in just 40 seconds with improvable quality materials. This feature saves time and allows for efficient styling, especially in a hurry.
Turbo Boost Function: The Turbo Boost function provides a quick temperature increase to the highest setting, enabling fast heat-up and effective styling of stubborn or hard-to-straighten sections of your hair.
Auto Shut-Off: The flat iron includes an auto shut-off feature that automatically turns off the device after a certain period of inactivity. This safety measure gives you peace of mind and helps conserve energy.
Long Swivel Cord: The flat iron comes with a long swivel cord that provides flexibility and ease of use during styling. The cord rotates 360 degrees, preventing tangling and allowing for comfortable maneuverability.
Dual Voltage: The flat iron is designed with dual voltage compatibility, making it suitable for international travel. You can use it worldwide without the need for a voltage converter.
Sleek Design: The Remington S9500 Pro features a sleek and ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and use. The black and pink combination adds a stylish touch to the flat iron.
pros
- Smoothness without pulling
- Auto power off (60min)
- extra long plates
- thermal bag
cons
- No ionizer to prevent frizz
- Weak plate lock button
- Improvable quality of materials
L’Oreal Professionnel
Allows a 360-degree rotation
Check Price on AmazonFeatures and Benefits
Steam Technology: The Steampod utilizes steam technology to straighten and style the hair. The continuous flow of steam helps to hydrate and condition the hair while providing optimal heat to reshape and straighten the strands.
Integrated Comb: The flat iron features an integrated comb that helps to detangle the hair as you glide the Steampod through it. This feature ensures smooth and snag-free styling, reducing breakage and damage.
Adjustable Heat Settings: The Steampod offers adjustable heat settings for different hair types and textures. You can select the temperature that best matches your hair's needs, reducing the risk of heat damage.
Rapid Heat-Up: The flat iron heats up quickly, allowing you to start styling in a short amount of time. This feature is particularly convenient when you're in a hurry and must style your hair efficiently.
Continuous Steam Flow: The Steampod provides a continuous and controlled steam flow throughout the styling process. This helps to protect the hair from excessive heat exposure and maintain its moisture balance, resulting in smoother, shinier results.
Versatile Styling: The Steampod is not limited to straightening the hair. It can also be used to create a variety of hairstyles, including waves and curls. The steam technology allows for versatile and flexible styling options.
Professional Results: Steampod is used and recommended by many professional stylists. Its advanced technology and performance deliver salon-quality results, making it a reliable tool for achieving sleek and polished hairstyles.
Hydrating and Nourishing: The steam technology of the Steampod helps to hydrate and nourish the hair during styling. This can be particularly beneficial for dry or damaged hair, adding moisture and reducing frizz and static.
Dual Voltage: The flat iron is designed with dual voltage compatibility, making it suitable for international travel. You can use it worldwide without the need for a voltage converter.
pros
- The L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod uses steam technology to straighten hair, which helps to prevent damage and ensure that hair stays healthy and shiny. The steam also helps to moisturize and hydrate hair, which can be particularly beneficial for people with dry or damaged hair.
- This hair straightener has an adjustable temperature range of 140°C to 210°C, which allows you to choose the temperature that is best for your hair type. This can help to prevent damage and ensure that you get the best results possible.
- The L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod is easy to use, with intuitive controls and a comfortable grip. The steam technology also makes it easy to glide through hair, which reduces the risk of tangling and ensures that you can straighten your hair quickly and easily.
- The L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod is designed to provide long-lasting results, with hair staying straight and smooth for up to three days after use. This means that you can save time and effort by not having to straighten your hair every day.
cons
- The L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod is more expensive than many other hair straighteners on the market. This may make it less accessible for people who are on a tight budget.
- The L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod has a relatively bulky design, which can make it more difficult to maneuver and store. This may be a concern for people who have limited counter or storage space.
- The steam technology in the L’Oreal Professionnel Steampod can make it difficult to clean. This may be a concern for people who want a hair straightener that is easy to maintain.
