Which Hair Straightener Is The Best?

by BRENDA L. / JUL 18, 2022

Reading Time: 6 Minutes

Index

Finding the right hair products can be a long, frustrating process, but choosing a styling tool like a hair straightener should be simpler and long-lasting. However, with so many options available, selecting the right one –especially if you have unique hair needs or wear real hair extensions – can be overwhelming.

This hair straightener buying guide is designed for individuals searching for the best hair straightener tailored to their specific hair type, whether it’s fine, thick, curly, or somewhere in between. Our guide provides expert insights into hair straighteners for every hair type, from the best hair straighteners for fine hair that minimise heat damage to the best hair straighteners for thick hair that offer powerful yet gentle results. Ready to make an informed decision? Let our recommendations guide you to your perfect match!

What Are The Best Hair Straighteners?

Well, this is the one million dollars question. Let’s start by saying that there is no right or wrong answer - every hair straightener meets different needs for different users. There are many factors that come into play when choosing the right hair straightener for you - such as your hair type (thick and thin hair have very different heat resistance!) and your hair texture (curly hair and straight hair react differently to the styling process).

What Is The Best Straightener For Thick Hair?

If you’ve been blessed with glorious, thick tresses then you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to necessarily fear turning the heat up a little. We always recommend to keep your temperature settings down to the minimum, to minimise any potential damage to your strands - however, thick hair can sometimes make an exception, as it can struggle in getting straightened in one go. Looking for the perfect hair straightener for thick hair? Then look no further than these options selected for you.

Best Overall: CHI by CHI Original 1'' Ceramic Hairstyling Iron

Thick and coarse hair requires special attention, and I know it. Chi Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron saved up on budget by removing the temperature settings, knowing that your hair type will likely need to stick to higher heat levels. This hair straightening soldier has ceramic plates and goes full-heat in under 30 seconds.

Best On A Budget: Remington Shine Therapy Argan Oil & Keratin 1-Inch Flat Iron

Not much to say about this product, it’s an easy and cheap option that outperforms a lot of triple-digits competitors. Only problem is, some people complain about it not feeling very tight when closing on the strands. For this price, and considering how this product gets the job done, I wouldn’t consider it a concern.

Best Luxury: Harry Josh Pro Tools Ceramic Flat Styling Iron 1.25-Inch

Accurate, precise adjustable heat settings and ceramic tourmaline plates make the smooth glide of this hair straightener a promise for your tresses. Its 11 digital heat presets are designed to accommodate the needs of any type of hair you can think of: fine, coloured, treated, thick or curly.

What Is The Best Straightener For Curly Hair?

Curly hair has its very own needs, especially when it comes to heat-based styling tools. The natural shape of curls make it harder for your strands to retain moisture, so when applying extra heat that could potentially lead your strands to dry out and break, it’s important that you follow every step for safe straightening and choose the right product. Let’s see together which hair straightener for curly hair to pick.

Best Overall: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ionic Straightening Iron

What to say about this tool? It heats up fast, and it has an extra advantage: its large plates! In fact, it can make your styling process quicker by holding larger strands, potentially reducing the number of strokes you’ll need. Price-wise it stays in the fairly affordable range, making it a great product with balanced price and quality ratio.

Best On A Budget: Andis Hot Comb

Women with thick, coarse hair have been using hot combs way before the electrical sort was invented. Some people still use the old school method, heating it up on a stove. Electrical hot combs are safer, meaning that their temperature will be regulated, and they’re a much cheaper option to ease up your curls.

Best Luxury: ghd Platinum+

Ghd is the brand that revolutionised the world of hair styling and hair straightening. To purists, this is the only acceptable brand when it comes to hair straighteners, and although the brand’s fame might be a biassing factor, I have to admit that ghd is worth every penny. The Platinum+ features floating plates for a glossy finish, and it’s a very lightweight option to take with you on holiday too.

What Is The Best Straightener For Fine Hair?

Fine hair requires special care, as it can easily become prone to breakage. Usually heat-based styling tools are not recommended for this type of hair in general, but if you really can’t renounce your occasional hot styling, then make sure you go for the right product and remember to use your heat protectant spray. You can get yours now from our hair care products range. Keep on reading and find your best hair straightener for fine hair!

Best Overall: Amika The Confidante Moisture Maintenance Styler

Medium range price and hi-tech smoothing technique, these are the secret weapons of this hair straightener. With tourmaline plates and cuticle-smoothing negative ions, this flat iron promises to help your strands retain precious moisture, for a long-lasting hold on styling without drying your tresses out.

Best On A Budget: Drybar Tiny Tress Press Detailing Iron

This pocket-sized flat iron was designed to put to their place hairs that are just like itself: small and stubborn! It can catch even the finest hair and help you style your strands from root to end, without risking scalding your scalp. If you’re always on the go, you’ll be happy to know that this tiny but mighty styling tool comes with a travel pouch that you can also use as a double heat protection pad.

Best Luxury: Dyson Corrale

Let’s be honest, anything Dyson screams “fancy”, and for a reason. This hair straightener is one of the most expensive available on the market, but it also features a unique technology to it, with flexing copper plates that shape to gather your hair with less heat - therefore, less heat damage. This hair tool is the ideal straightening companion for fine haired people, each stroke of Dyson Corrale will leave your hair feeling smooth and silky.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re searching for the best hair straighteners for fine, delicate strands or the most effective straighteners for thick, unruly locks, our hair straightener buying guide is here to help. We cover hair straighteners for every hair type including human hair extensions, ensuring you can achieve a sleek, polished look that lasts.

And for those using Cliphair’s extensions, we have expert advice to help you maximise your new styling tool. Pair it with a curated selection of our top-quality hair extensions, designed to blend seamlessly and complement your look. Enhance your routine even further with our recommended Top Hair Care Products for Extensions to keep your extensions in perfect condition.

Ready to complete your styling routine? Shop our range of top-quality hair extensions and find the perfect match for your new hair straightener today!

FAQs

What types of hair straighteners are available?

Hair straighteners come in various types to suit different hair needs. The most common types are ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline straighteners. Ceramic straighteners distribute heat evenly and are gentle on the hair, making them ideal for fine or damaged hair. Titanium straighteners heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, which is perfect for thick or coarse hair. Tourmaline straighteners emit negative ions that reduce frizz and add shine, making them great for achieving a smooth finish, especially on frizzy or curly hair. There are also steam straighteners that use moisture to protect hair from heat damage and straightening brushes for quick and easy styling.

How do I choose a hair straightener for my hair type?

To choose the right hair straightener for your hair type, consider the thickness, texture, and health of your hair. For fine or thin hair, opt for a ceramic straightener that evenly distributes heat and reduces the risk of damage. If you have thick or coarse hair, a titanium straightener will work best, as it delivers higher heat and penetrates the hair more effectively. Those with curly or frizzy hair may benefit from a tourmaline straightener, which helps to smooth and control frizz. If your hair is prone to damage or dryness or you’re using straighteners on hair extensions, look for a straightener with adjustable heat settings to use lower temperatures, and always remember to apply a few spritzes of our Heat Protection Spray before styling.

What features should I look for in a hair straightener?

When shopping for a hair straightener, look for features that will best protect your hair and enhance styling results. Adjustable heat settings are crucial so you can customise the temperature to your hair’s needs and minimise damage. Floating plates ensure even pressure on the hair, reducing breakage. Ionic technology helps reduce frizz and enhances shine. A fast heat-up time is convenient for quick styling, and an auto-shutoff feature provides safety. If you travel frequently, a compact design with dual voltage compatibility is a practical choice. Additionally, consider the straightener's plate size; wider plates are better for long, thick hair, while narrower plates work well for short or fine hair.

What is the best temperature setting for my hair straightener?

The best temperature setting for your hair straightener depends on your hair type and condition. For fine, thin, or damaged hair, use a lower temperature of 180°C to avoid breakage. For thick, coarse, or curly hair, a higher temperature of 200°C to 220°C may be necessary for effective straightening. Always start at a lower temperature and increase gradually if needed, while using our Heat Protection Spray to safeguard your hair from damage.