10 Best Hair Straighteners

The ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener is a sophisticated styling tool designed to cater to all hair types. Its ceramic plate material offers smooth, snag-free styling, which is gentle on the hair and enhances durability. The standout feature is its predictive ultra-zone technology, which detects your hair's needs and adjusts the heat accordingly, promising stronger hair and a personalized styling experience. This is ideal for those who style frequently and need a reliable tool that adapts to different hair textures and conditions.

With a maximum temperature setting of 185 degrees Celsius, the straightener provides an optimal balance between effective styling and reducing heat damage. The heat-up time is impressively quick, allowing users to get started with their styling routine without much delay. This, combined with a unique wishbone hinge, ensures easy control and maneuverability, making it suitable for both straightening and creating waves or curls.

However, at 730 grams, it might be a bit on the heavier side for long styling sessions, which might not be ideal for those looking for a lighter model. The design is sleek with a rounder barrel that aids in versatile styling but does not include an adjustable temperature setting, which could be a downside for users who prefer customizable heat levels.

Another positive is its aesthetic design in white with an updated packaging that is fully recyclable, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. The auto shut-off feature adds a layer of safety by turning off the device after a period of inactivity, which is a reassuring feature. While its premium features come at a higher price point, the ghd Platinum+ is a strong contender for anyone seeking a high-performance and intelligent hair straightener.

The Cloud Nine The New Wide Iron Hair Straightener is designed for those who want quick, smooth styling with less damage to their hair. It features wide mineral-infused ceramic plates that are gentle and help lock in moisture, making hair shinier and healthier-looking. The plates also float and vibrate slightly (thanks to its unique Revive Mode), which reduces friction and prevents snagging—a nice touch for preventing split ends.

Temperature control is variable, allowing you to adjust heat based on your hair type, which is important for avoiding unnecessary damage. Cloud Nine irons are generally known for heating up efficiently, so you won’t be waiting long to start styling. The 4.5 cm plate width is wider than many typical straighteners, meaning it’s great for styling longer or thicker hair quickly but might be less precise for short or detailed styling.

Safety-wise, it includes a handy auto shut-off feature called Hibernation Mode that powers off the device after 30 minutes of inactivity, offering peace of mind if you often forget to switch off your straightener. At 1.19 kg, it’s on the heavier side, which might make it less comfortable for extended use or travel, but the ergonomic design and 360° swivel cord help with ease of handling. This straightener is best suited for those with straight or slightly wavy hair looking for a professional finish with less hair stress. The adjustable temperature and gentle plate technology are valuable features for protecting fine or delicate hair, though the heavier weight and wider plates may not fit everyone’s styling preferences, especially if you want something compact or for very detailed work.

The CLOUD NINE The Touch Iron is a well-designed hair straightener that stands out with its quick heat-up thanks to its unique Touch Technology, meaning you don’t have to wait for it to warm up before styling. Its plates are ceramic and mineral-infused, which helps protect your hair by reducing friction and locking in moisture, leading to shinier, less damaged hair. The floating plates provide a gentler glide, helping to minimise split ends and breakage.

Temperature-wise, it offers a variable control from 165°C to 195°C, which covers a safe range suitable for different hair types, though it doesn't reach the very high temperatures some other irons do for very coarse or thick hair. The plate width is fairly narrow (around 3 cm), making it ideal for precise styling and good for short to medium hair lengths, but it might take longer to straighten very long or thick hair. It weighs about 431 grams, which is fairly light and should feel comfortable for most users during use. A handy safety feature is the Hibernation Mode that switches the iron off automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity, reducing the risk of accidents. However, it is corded, so you need to be near a power outlet while using it.

This straightener is ideal for those looking for a gentle, fast-heating iron with good temperature control and hair care benefits, especially if you prefer a lightweight tool that's easy to handle. Its premium price may reflect its quality features and the three-year warranty adds extra peace of mind.