Our Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Hair Straightener (2024)

If you have one goal (sleek, straight, shiny hair) you want a straightener that is going to help you achieve that goal in the quickest and easiest way possible, with the least amount of damage.

The right hair straightener will last for years, so it's worth spending a little time choosing the right appliance for your mane's wants and needs.

Plus, the right flat iron is more than just a tool for shiny, straight locks, it can be used as a versatile styler to create curls, or even as a volumiser in a pinch.

So, how do you select the right hair straightener for your needs? Follow these five steps to achieve all your hair straightening goals in a single swipe.

1. Choose The Right Shape

You might think a flat iron is simply, well, flat. Yet, the edges of hair straighteners can affect their versatility.

If the plates and outer edges of the iron are slightly rounded, it will be easier to transition your hair straightener into a curling iron.

A flat iron with sharp edges is less adaptable but may give you slightly straighter hair.

Rounded edges for versatile results

The Hot Tools Gold Titanium Flat Iron has curved Titanium plates which can be used to create curls and waves, along with impressive straightening results. This straightener also boasts 24mm 24k Gold Titanium plates which reduce snagging. With a slim, ergonomic design, it's easy to use and it provides 14 different temperature controls, so you can control the heat.

2. Consider Plate Width

Wider plates are incredibly useful for those with longer, thicker hair. Essentially, they can gather more hair and heat it in fewer passes. Wide plates reduce damage for thicker hair types.

However, if you have short, over processed or fine hair will want more narrow plates that apply less heat.

Of course, if you plan to travel with your flat iron, you'll also want slightly narrower plates that can easily fit into your bag.

Our go-to wide iron

For thicker tresses we strongly recommend slicing time off your styling with the Cloud NINE The Wide Iron. This incredible wide iron uses Ceramic plates to smooth even the most difficult, unruly hair with heat setting ranging from 100-200 degrees. Ideal for speedy styling, these wide plates will give you gorgeous flowing locks in no time at all.

The micro iron

For those with short, fine or damaged hair opting for something like the Cloud NINE The Micro Iron will help save your hair from a world of damage. While it uses similar technology to the Cloud Nine Original and Wide Iron’s it runs at lower temperatures and uses much finer plates for precise styling. Plus, it’s an excellent travel-friendly alternative for those in a rush.

3. Select the Right Plates

Hair straightener plates are made from a variety of materials, and while there is no right or wrong choice, some will be better suited to your hair type and needs.

Here are some of the more popular options you will find:

Titanium plates for fast, precise heat

BaBylissPRO Graphite Titanium Straightener 25mm

$218.70$249.95

4.3of2 reviews

Titanium irons heat up quickly, applying higher temperatures more evenly. These irons tend to be best suited to very curly, coarse hair. A great example of this kind of straightener is the BaBylissPRO Graphite Titanium Straightener. It has 25mm Titanium and Graphite Plates ideal for shorter hair styles of any texture and type, boasting 10 different heat settings. It’s light, easy to use and leaves the hair looking incredibly sleek.

4. Think About Temperature

High heat means faster, more effective straightening, but not all hair types need the hottest irons.

To reduce damage to your hair, consider an iron that offers adjustable heat settings, then style on the lowest heat setting that gets you the results you want.

Intelligent heat control

Low-cost irons sometimes heat up unevenly, resulting in an uneven texture and potentially even burning sections of your hair. The ghd gold professional hair styler has intelligent sensors in each plate, ensuring that the iron is hot enough to style your hair without overheating. This dual-zone technology provides professional results for sleeker smoother hair, without the burning or crimping.

5. Know the Difference Between Price and Value

The problem with cheap straighteners is that they tend to break more quickly. They may also damage your hair, unevenly apply heat, snag your hair, and even overheat.

A more expensive straightener should last for years, and cause less damage to your precious tresses.

One straightener to rule them all

If you're interested in a great all-purpose flat iron that you won't have to replace any time soon, consider the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener - Nickel/Fuchsia. This unique and innovative model uses thin and flexible copper alloy plates that gather more hair and straighten it in fewer passes. This means less damage and shorter styling times. It also uses intelligent heat control and even has a cordless option. While it’s certainly pricey, this straightener is an investment you’ll thank yourself for, especially if you have long, thick hair that is prone to damage or breakage.

Our girl Yasamin tested out the Dyson Corrale on her naturally wavy, thick hair and shares her first impressions here:

Check out the Beauty IQ article here - Dyson's Newest Innovation Has Landed!

Get more of the best hair straightener know-how in these handy little guides...

PSA: You Can Use Your Hair Straightener as a Curling Iron, and Here’s How To Do It
From Flat Irons to Hair Straighteners, Here’s the Difference Between Your Favourite Hot Tools
For the Straightener Obsessed: Here are the Best Heat Settings for Your Hair Type
Addicted to Your Hair Straightener? Here’s How to Prevent Damage
Should I Buy a Wide or Thin Hair Straightener?
The Best Type of Hair Straighteners (and Why)

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