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The 14 best hair straighteners you'll ever find, tried and tested for all hair types
From OG classics to high-tech newbies, these straighteners are the best in the biz
If your creaky hair straighteners are starting to emit smoke (no wonder, you’ve had them since 2015!) and you’re looking to upgrade with one of the best tools on the market, you’ve come to the right place.
We're not being dramatic when we say that finding 'the one' will make a huge difference to your daily routine. We're talking no more frazzled lengths, no more static flyaways and best of all, no more split ends.
We put the top models in the game to the test with our editors to see which ones were really worth the hype, keep scrolling to see our top picks.
Which hair straighteners are best?
- 1
- 2
Best hair straighteners for damaged, curly hair
LOréal Professionnel Steampod Steam Straightening Tool 4.0
Read review - 3
- 4
- 5
Best emergency purchase hair straightener
Revlon Smoothstay Coconut Oil-Infused Hair Straightener
Read review
We've reviewed a bunch of the UK's top-rated straighteners (including ghd, BaByliss, L'Oréal Professional and Dyson) to compile a definitive ranking of the very best hair irons to invest in, whatever your budget.
From travel options to steam pods, to coconut oil-infused plates, we've covered all bases because if you've had the same irons since your teenage years, tech has come a long way since then.
How to get the most out of your hair straighteners
To reap the benefits of your new straighteners, Ky Wilson BaByliss PRO UK ambassador suggests blow-drying first (you can find our fave hairdryers here, btw) and using a good heat protector.
To keep hair sleek, Ky recommends: “spraying some soft-hold hairspray into a nylon bristle brush and going through the hair, rather than spraying product directly onto the hair. You can repeat this with a shine spray, which makes hair look super sleek and gives you that pro finish.” We’re sold.
And the worst thing you can do? “Don’t clamp your straighteners down at the root,” warns Ky. “Instead, gradually close the plates as you’re pulling down the hair and make sure there’s no angle, as this will give your hair an indent that's hard to get out.”
Oh, and if you need a little inspiration when it comes to using your irons, be sure to check out all the different ways you can use them, and never moan that you're stuck in a hair rut again.
Now get out there with your great hair...
Pros
- Only requires one to two passes to create a sleek result
- It maintains constant, optimal heat
- It delivers 85 % more shine and cuts down frizz
Cons
- It's an expensive option
- Some may prefer a straightener with flexible heat settings
“I’ve forever been a ghd girlie, first starting on the Original styler then graduating to the latest straightener, the ghd Chronos Max. As much as I love the Max – the wide plates makes styling super speedy and effective – I’ll always go back to the OG Chronos.
What I love about this straightener is how effective it is to use, and it does a quick job too. Set at 185 C – the optimum temp seen by ghd – I only need one to two glides of the straightener to flatten crimps and waves in my lengths, resulting in a soft, smooth result.
I also have hair extensions, so I’m dealing with a lot of hair, and the Chronos always delivers in giving me a pin-straight result. I’d just recommend sectioning your lengths into one-inch sections so you only need to go over with the straighteners once – and this will also ensure a precisely straight result.” Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Glowing Customer Review: “I purchased the GHD Chronos a few weeks ago and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I can honestly tell you that this is the best iron by far! I have had my fair share of hair irons through out the years, but this definitely tops the list. It is worth every penny spent!”
Key Specifications:
| Type of plates | Floating ceramic plates |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features: | One-pass efficiency to straighten in one glide |
LOréal Professionnel Steampod Steam Straightening Tool 4.0
Pros
- The steam-style straightening reduces heat damage and boosts moisture
- It gives a sleek and shiny result on all hair types
Cons
- It's a bulky build, making it difficult to travel with
“If you have wavy, curly or coily hair, and love a cheeky DIY blow-out, then L'Oreal’s one-of-a-kind Steampod hair straightener is made just for you. It uses a continuous stream of dry steam to protect the hair from heat damage, while the integrated (and detachable) comb gets closer to the root and evenly spreads heat along the hair shaft.
I loved using this tool and felt confident that it was designed to infuse my hair with moisture instead of drying it out. I have 3C/4A texture and used it on freshly washed, day two hair at 180 C, which resulted in a soft straight, voluminous look.
My best advice for a truly silky result is start with freshly washed hair, apply Color Wow Dream Coat, blow-dry using a comb attachment, then use the Steampod on 190-200 C (depending on your hair type).” – Kara Kia, Ecommerce Editor.
Glowing Customer Review: “Today I tried my new Steampod 3.0 and couldn’t believe how straight and sleek it made my hair with only one length. It is easy to use, smooth, solid and left my hair feeling so soft and sleek without even having to add any finishing products. I definitely won’t be going back to dry flat irons.”
Key Specifications
| Type of plates | Aluminium coating to ensure even pressure |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features | It uses steam to gently straighten hair with little heat damage |
BaByliss Hydro Fusion Anti Frizz Hair Straightener
Pros
- “Hydro‑Fusion” technology helps to tame frizz and prevent moisture loss
- It's an affordable option, usually on sale for £40-£50
Cons
- It's ideal for frizzy hair, but it may not create a pin-straight look
- It may not impress on coarse/curly hair types
“Let me start by saying this: there are more effective hair straighteners in this edit, however, they come at a price. If you’re looking for one that does the job but you don’t want to spend major dolla, this tool is just £45. BaByliss, the legend that you are.
Although 'Advanced Plasma Technology' may sound like something from the space age, what you need to know is very simple; it uses a system that combines both positive and negative ions that work to hydrate the hair and control frizz as you straighten.
Part your hair into one-inch sections and glide the straightener over once – I tend to go for the hottest temperature – and you’ll get smooth results with luxurious shine.” – Clare Stephenson, Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Glowing Customer Review: “I really like these straighteners. They keep my hair straight all day and are really easy to use, they warm up super fast and love the colour!”
Key specifications
| Type of plates | Ceramic coated plates |
|---|---|
| Automatic shut off? | Yes |
| Special features | Five digi heat settings (150°C-235°C), anti-frizz system |
Pros
- It dries and styles in one tool, cutting back time and reducing heat damage
- It offers long lasting and sleek results
Cons
- The bulky design makes it difficult to dry your roots
- It's expensive
“Could this be one of my fave hair tools ever? I think so. What I love most about the ghd Duet Style is that it takes the faff out of the three-step process of washing, then drying, then straightening. The clever wet-to-dry Duet takes your strands from damp to styled (ie., straight and looking freshly blow-dried) in just a few moments – oh, and did I say without singeing your hair.
How does it do it? It's all about the Air Fusion Technology. Essentially, it uses four low-temp ceramic plates with low-temp air flow to simultaneously dry and straighten without burning your ends like a BBQ. I really mean that; putting my damp hair in-between four ceramic plates felt like a crazy thing to do, but as I passed my lengths through the tool, I was so impressed to see it dry on the other end without a stream of smoke in sight.
The only downfall is it does take time – I have long, thick hair which took around 20-25 minutes. However, that combines drying and straightening so it’s worth it” – Clare Stephenson, Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Glowing Customer Review: “Very impressed with the results. My hair looks like l've just walked out of a salon. It might seem expensive but it will pay for itself in the products I'll no longer need to buy.”
Key Specifications
| Type of plates | Ceramic plates combined with gentle air flow |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features | Zero heat damage detected after four passes through the hair |
Revlon Smoothstay Coconut Oil-Infused Hair Straightener
Pros
- The coconut-oil-infused ceramic plates give a shiny, smooth finish
- It has heat-sensing technology to keep temperature consistent which reduces heat damage
- The floating plates help to reduce crease marks
Cons
- Those with thick/coarse hair may find the narrow plates too small
- The results may not be as sleek compared to others
One of the more affordable options, these straighteners offer 10 heat settings, giving those with damaged or fragile hair a lot of heat control.
The plates are also infused with coconut oil – yep, that's a thing but no, it's not going to work as hard as your fave hair elixir. This will boost the overall shine and sleek appearance of your lengths giving that salon-like quality we're all after.
They may not come with the same bells and whistles as others in this edit, nor will they offer the same sleek result, but they are a great option if you’re in need of a last-minute straightener or something to get you by.
Glowing Customer Review: “These straighteners are brilliant. I have naturally curly hair but using these straighteners it goes dead straight, stays for days despite humidity and makes it shiny like I haven't seen for years!”
Key specifications
| Types of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Automatic safety shut-off after 60 minutes. |
| Special features | Narrow plates allow for versatile styling (straightening, curling) |
Pros
- The flexing copper plates means you can pass the straighteners through your hair fewer times, reducing heat damage
- It has multiple heat settings – 165 °C, 185 °C, 210 °C
- The rounded edges give you styling flexibility for waves, curls or straightening
Cons
- It has a spenny price tag to match its high-performance
- It is quite a bulky design (it weights 568 g)
- The cordless battery life only lasts 30 minutes
The gold standard of hair straighteners, this techy device has flexing plates that help grip as much hair as poss – including pesky flyaways – for a fuss-free styling sesh. We couldn’t fault its efficiency, straightening strands in a single swipe.
Its swanky, premium feel is a massive bonus, as well as its jazzy features – especially the charging stand, heat-resistant mat and ‘flight mode’ function that temporarily pauses the battery to save juice.
Glowing Customer Review: “Brilliant!!!!!!! My hair never been so good 👍 is straightening and curls hair like no other – would recommend to everyone.”
Key Specifications
| Type of plates | Copper |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes (after five mins!!) |
| Special features | Copper plates |
Pros
- It keeps consistent, optimal heat (185 °C)
- The slim plates make it a great option for short, fine hair
Cons
- It may require extra passes on fine hair
It's no surprise that ghd's OG pair of straighteners are still so popular. It might boast neither space-age tech nor a million different heat settings, but it's guaranteed to deliver fool-proof results if you’re new to hair straightening.
Quick to heat up, it left unruly strands poker-straight in only a few glides and kept hair frizz-free in humid weather. Oh and it shuts off automatically if left untouched for 30 mins, making it pretty hard for you to burn the house down, which is always a good thing.
Glowing Customer Review: “I love them. I bought a pair when they first came out, then over the years have tried others that have damaged my hair! So I thought I’d go back to the original ghd straighteners and they have made my hair so glossy.”
Key Specifications
| Type of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic shut off? | Yes |
| Special features | The rounded shape of the plates allows for smooth and easy styling |
EH-HS0E Nanoe Hair Straightener
Pros
- Nanoe moisture technology helps to retain moisture, smooth frizz and tighten curls
- It heats up in only 20 seconds and has five heat settings
Cons
- The glide is less seamless compared to others in this edit
This rather snazzy-looking option from Panasonic is as high tech as it looks.
The unique 3D floating plate moves left, right, up and down to straighten strands evenly, while air holes on the sides of the plates generate nanoe atomised water particles (containing about 1,000 times more water than regular ions) to hydrate your hair.
They claim to prevent moisture loss and heat damage, while also tightening the cuticle and moisturising hair, resulting in swishy, silky, hydrated hair. Sounds good to me.
Glowing Customer Review: “Possibly the best straighteners I've ever had. I have quite dry, curly hair and this left my hair soft and very shiny. Highly recommended.”
Key Specifications
| Types of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features | The clever air-flow design maintains your hair's moisture levels |
Pros
- The “hydracare” feature keeps the hair's natural moisture balance
- It has ionic tech to reduce frizz and boost shine
Cons
- The results can take longer to achieve on thicker hair types
These straighteners are perfect for creating pro styles without any added heat damage*. The Hydraluxe Pro straighteners have in-built Hydracare Mist Technology that lets out a cool moisture mist to protect against heat, while the Moisture Lock Ceramic coating helps preserve your hairs’ perfect moisture balance.
*no added damage vs. un-styled hair when straightening at 170°C with the Hydracare Mist switched on
Glowing Customer Review: “I was so pleasantly surprised when I opened these. They look really smart and expensive and feel sleek and luxurious. They heated up nice and quickly and they made a huge difference to my hair in just a few minutes. I'm really impressed with them.”
Key specifications
| Types of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | No |
| Special features | The Hydracare setting gently styles the hair at a lower temperature for healthier styling |
ghd Wide Plate Professional Hair Straightener
Pros
- The wide plates make it a great option for straightening thick/coarse/curly hair types
- It keeps heat consistent at 185 degrees, helping to reduce heat damage
Cons
- The wide plates make styling option restricted to loose waves or a straight style
Does straightening your hair take ages, because of how long or thick it is? The ghd Max will basically cut your styling time in half thanks to their wider plates. Natch, like all ghd straighteners they heat up to 185 degrees and take just 30 seconds to do so.
And of course the tech for these is top tier, the dual-zone technology keeps the heat consistent from root to tip so there’s no frizzing at the ends.
Glowing Customer Review: “This is a replacement of my 10 year old original Ghd. Opted for the wide plates as I have very thick, medium length hair and daughter has very long hair. I’m very pleased how quickly it straightens hair and the result is very glossy! Not just a good hair day but an amazing hair everyday!”
Key Specifications
| Type of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features | Wider plates, perfect for those with thicker hair |
CLOUD NINE The Original Cordless Iron Hair Straightener
Pros
- The cordless design makes it a great option for on-the-go touch ups
- It's lightweight making it great for travel
Cons
- It only offers 20 minutes of styling before needing to be charged
If you’re looking to splurge on a new travel buddy, this chic yet practical kit needs to be added to your basket ASAP. Once you get over its compact cuteness (and it is seriously cute), we found it worked pretty darn well too.
Not only is its cordless design ideal for whisking away on vacay, but it also allows for a 360° styling experience that won’t twist your neck. It delivers a smooth finish and its low temp option of 160°C means you needn’t compromise your hair’s health to look lush.
Glowing Customer Review: “Brilliant for my long thick hair! These wide plates are ideal for me as they take less time to straighten!”
Key specifications
| Types of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | The Original Cordless Iron automatically switches off after three minutes of inactivity |
| Special features | Revive mode means the plates vibrate to reduce friction, allowing you to style at lower temperatures to protect your hair |
Pros
- The touchscreen allows you to input your hair type so the iron will adjust its settings for you
- It has a 'refresh mode' which lowers the heat for day-two styling
Cons
- It's a spenny option
Rain showers leaving you looking more frazzled than flawless? Fear not – this flat iron will keep frizz in check and save you from looking like Monica Geller in that iconic Barbados Friends episode.
It provided a sleek, polished finish to tresses and kept styles looking enviable all day. Plus, it's really comfortable to hold and to manoeuvre.
Glowing Customer Review: “My hair is now smooth, shiny and most importantly soft to touch! I really didn’t think these straighteners were going to do very much but I have been pleasantly surprised.”
Key Specifications
| Types of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features | It comes with nine different heat settings |
Revamp Progloss™ Ultra X Shine Ceramic Hair Straightener
Pros
- The extra-wide plates make styling easy for those with thick/natural hair textures
- It offers 16 temperature settings
- The plates are infused with keratin, argan and coconut oils to create a sleek, shiny result
Cons
- The bulky design and large size may be too much for those with fine/short hair
Perhaps not one for the indecisive (Libras, we’re looking at you), this straightener comes with a mega 16 heat settings ranging from 80ºC to 235ºC, giving you ultimate control.
It's a smooth glider, superbly avoiding any annoying tangling or tugging. Its wide plates made it easy to achieve quick results, even on fuller manes, to leave them frizz-free after use.
Glowing Customer Review: “I never usually write reviews but need to spread the word about these amazing straighteners. I have only ever used the most expensive brand and I have very thick, corse hair and these are absolutely amazing. My only regret is not finding them years ago! It has cut my time down of doing my hair by nearly an hour! The fabulous wide, long plates are a life saver!”
Key Specifications
| Type of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features | It comes with 16 heat settings, giving you complete styling control |
Pros
- The infrared, ceramic plates ensure a sleek and smooth finish
- The kit comes with a paddle brush, faux-leather travel case, and a safety glove
- It has a sleek and compact design, so it's a great choice for travel
- The thin plates offer precision control, especially on thin/short hair types
Cons
- It may require a few passes on thicker hair types to get a smooth result
While we don’t agree that we all have the same 24 hours in a day, we're delighted that Love Island alumni Molly-Mae has used some of hers to team up with Beauty Works for this hair tool collab.
Their resulting straightener stood out for its 29 heat options (great if you’ve got finer or more fragile hair) and how smoothly it glided through strands. The result? A frizz-free, shiny finish.
Key specifications
| Type of plates | Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Automatic switch off? | Yes |
| Special features | Temp varies from 80°C - 220°C, perfect for a range of hair types. |
Which hair straighteners are best for damaged hair?
We’d love to be able to tell you that hair straighteners are good for your hair, but all that heat does come at a price.
However, there are a few methods to help keep damage to a minimum. We’ve already mentioned above that a heat protection spray is a must to prep fragile strands, but it’s also down to the tool you pick. With straighteners, ceramic plates are the way to go. They tend to be more affordable (yay!) but can be prone to chipping.
What makes them so good for damaged hair though is that they're slower to warm up and distribute heat more evenly than other plate options (e.g. titanium). You can also get ceramic-coated plates that have a metal base. These will reduce heat-up time while still making sure you’re evenly straightening your locks.
A variety of temperature settings is also a good idea for damaged hair. The lower the temp, the less frying you’ll do to your delicate ends, so you can start on the lowest setting and work your way up.
How we test hair straighteners:
Surprise surprise, a lot of hair straighteners have been tested between the Cosmo team – meaning they have also been tried across a variety of hair types and lengths. Combining a selection of our long-loved faves, like ghd and CLOUDNINE, as well as the latest innovations, this edit displays the very best your money can buy.
We reviewed everything from efficacy (i.e., how straight they made our lengths), to the number of heat settings, type of plates and special features like automatic switch off mode. We have options for curly and coily hair, fine strands, short lengths or Rapunzel-like extensions – and we’ve made sure to hit all budgets, too.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
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