Ready to change up your style? It’s time to invest in a pair of the best hair straighteners to straighten, smooth and create those effortless, beachy waves.
From premium to budget buys, the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested a plethora of hair tools to find the very best straighteners to suit all hair types.
Below, at a glance, are the 16 products that stood up to rigorous judging from our panel of 285 testers. Scroll down for their detailed reviews.
Best hair straighteners for 2024
Joint best dual-use hair straightener
ghd Duet 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler
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Joint best dual-use hair straightener
Dyson Airstrait Straightener
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Best hair straighteners for thick hair
Revamp Progloss Wide Ultra X Shine Ceramic Hair Straightener
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Best hair straighteners for ease of use
ghd Original Styler
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Best for creating different styles
ghd Gold Styler
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Best hair straighteners for calming frizz
T3 Lucea ID Straightening & Styling Iron
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Best budget hair straighteners for wet hair
Remington Wet2Straight Pro Hair Straighteners
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Runner-up straighteners for thick hair
ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener
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Best hair straighteners for design
Dyson Corrale Hair Straighteners
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Which hair straighteners are best for my hair type?
Fine hair: Look for ceramic plates that distribute heat evenly and more gently. Use lower temperature settings to minimise heat damage.
Frizzy hair: Ionic technology is a must to stop water and humidity “fluffing up” your hair and creating more frizz.
Thick hair: Larger plates will save you time and reduce heat damage. Metal plates will give you the best and most long-lasting results.
Afro hair (3C-4C curl types): Consider ceramic-coated plates, which offer a good balance of effectiveness and protection. Steam hair straighteners are a good alternative for powerful styling that do less damage. There’s a pair (the L'Oréal Professionnel New Generation Steampod 3.0) on our list below.
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How we test hair straighteners
Our panel of 285 testers — with every type of hair, including straight, wavy, curly, coily and kinky textures — tried a variety of hair straighteners to find the best you can buy.
They fed back on how quickly each tool heated up, how easy it was to reach their roots, whether it achieved their desired look, and how shiny and healthy their hair looked after styling.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, our experts used a Bossa Nova Shuffle machine to assess how long their style lasted and how much frizz was created in a humid environment.
They also used an EV Standard machine, which records the temperature of each hair tool, to note how quickly it heated up and measure the accuracy of its temperature settings.
Pros
- Quick wet-to-dry styling
- 2-in-1 format makes it a good travel option
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Delivers less volume than a hair dryer
- Slightly heavy
Score: 92/100
Like the Airstrait, this is another handsome hybrid model, which transforms hair from wet to dry and straightens in half the time. Our panel praised how soft and silky it left their lengths after drying, often without even having to use the ‘shine shot’ straightening function.
It did well in the lab, too. Our experts found it excelled in our humidity tests (meaning lengths were left sleek after use, despite humid conditions) and true-to-claim checks. Ghd assures its customers that none of the brand’s products heat above 185℃ — which it claims to be the optimum temperature for styling without damage — and our lab tests substantiated this for the Duet.
The only small complaints were that’s it’s heavy and the wide panels mean it's trickier to use on fringes and short hair (we had similar feedback for the Airstrait), but ultimately this is a game-changing tool. Read our full review here.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 1 |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | Heat guard |
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Pros
- Quick styling time
- Auto power-off when you put it down
- Uses temperature control to reduce hair damage
Cons
- Only straight styling possible
- No hanging hook
Score: 92/100
Here at GHI beauty HQ, we're always keen to get our hands on the latest Dyson hair tool to see how it performs in testing. And the new Airstrait didn’t disappoint. Part of a new wave of wet-to-dry hair tools (alongside the ghd Duet below), it straightens hair using a concentrated airflow, instead of the heated ceramic plates used by most, which can cause damage if the temperature is too high, they’re used too often, or you forget a heat protector. This reflects the reduced-damage approach Dyson is known for.
Testers were incredibly impressed with this high-tech hair tool. It scored full marks for straightening hair effectively and quickly, with one person saying it only around five to eight minutes to dry and style their hair – impressive. The most popular feature? It automatically switches off when you set it down, so no more worrying about leaving them on. All this, plus you get a handy HD screen that displays the airflow and temperature settings.
“Very easy to use. Heated up quickly. Hair felt smooth after using it,” was one tester’s straight to the point feedback – speedy sleekness, what more could you want?
Key specifications
Type of plates | N/a |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 3 heat, 3 speed |
Ionic technology | No |
Pros
- Wide plates are good for thick hair
- Straightens curly hair effectively
- Premium feel
Cons
- Struggled to reach roots
- No heat mat protector included
Score: 84/100
With its mammoth 16 heat settings, ranging from 80ºC to 235ºC, this great value styling tool offers the ultimate customisable straightening experience for all hair types, especially those with long, thick hair thanks to longer, wider plates.
If you’re looking for a smooth glider, all testers found it gripped hair without too much snagging or tangling and left them with frizz-free locks, with most seeing some diamond-like shine.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 16 |
Ionic technology | Yes |
Included accessories | Heat proof silicone mat |
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Pros
- Cools down quickly
- No snagging
- Poker straight finish to hair
Cons
- No ability to adjust the temperature
- Less features than other stylers
Score: 82/100
ghd's original offering was a hit among our testers for how straightforward it was to use, getting the job done quickly and effectively.
It heated up fast, with testers finding it easy to reach both the back of their heads and their roots. Most said it helped them achieve their desired style while keeping frizz at bay, and our lab test backed this up.
Note that it turns off automatically if left for half an hour, meaning no more mid-party panics that your house might be burning down.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 1 |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | None |
Pros
- Versatile styling options
- Travel-friendly
- Hair felt softer after use
Cons
- No adjustable heat settings
- Smaller plates
Score: 82/100
Another entry from ghd, it's easy to see why the brand has built its reputation as a market-leader. We weren't disappointed in our blind tests – these lightweight straighteners are a top pick for creating poker-straight strands.
The rounded barrel makes creating curls and waves easy too, and our testers had no trouble using it for a variety of styles. They also loved how silky their hair felt after use and thought it looked healthier, too.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic-coated |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 1 (185C) |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | Heat resistant protective plate guard |
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Pros
- Reduces frizz
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- It takes a few rounds of straightening for strands to be fully styled
- No added shine
Score: 81/100
You don’t want to spend ages lovingly styling your hair, only to watch it transform into a frizzy mess as soon as you step outside. Happily, this device got the thumbs-up from our testers who struggle with frizz, who said it kept flyaways at bay for a sleek finish. Their locks stood up to the elements, as everyone said their chosen style lasted till the end of the day.
The “stylish and luxurious” design was a hit, too, and most found it easy to use, hold and handle. Only a handful of testers experienced some slight discomfort during use.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 9 |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | None |
Pros
- Affordable
- The long cord made it easier to style the back of the hair
- 2-in-1 styling
Cons
- Takes more than no swipe to straighten
- Tricky to reach the roots
Score: 81/100
This time-saving device lets you straighten wet hair (rather than using a hair dryer as a middle man). Its unique 'moisture sensor' measures the dampness of your mane and adjusts the temperature accordingly, with excess water particles evaporating through the holes in the plates – that’s seriously smart tech.
Our testers liked how easily it glided through their hair, and were impressed by how quickly they achieved their desired style. Many thought their hair looked healthier, shinier and smoother after use, making it perfect for anyone in need of speedy, salon-worthy results.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic-coated |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 10 |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | Storage pouch |
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Curly hair stayed straight all day
- Clear on/off sound
Cons
- Temperature isn't adjustable
- No heat mat provided
Score: 81/100
ghd claims that the plates on this straightener can detect the thickness of your hair and the speed at which you are styling, before auto-adjusting the power accordingly.
Our testers loved it, with nearly all saying how pleased they were with their newly silky and soft hair. It was quick to heat up and the large plates styled and gripped hair well. The indicator sound when it turns on and off gives peace of mind, too.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic-coated |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 1 (185C) |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | None |
Pros
- Sleek design
- One glide straightening
- Speedy heat-up time
Cons
- No adjustable heat settings
Score: 80/100
The Chronos is ghd's latest release. But what makes it different from the rest? The brand claims the motion-responsive straightener is three times quicker at styling hair than the ghd original styler. And our panel backed this up, with all agreeing it was effective at quickly styling hair. “It straightened my hair without having to go over it multiple times,” said one tester.
It has two gloss-coated ceramic plates, which leave hair sleek and frizz-free in just one glide. There’s also a re-engineered wishbone, which keeps the plates in perfect alignment, so you have total control over styling, whether you’re opting for a pin straight 90s ‘do, or soft mermaid curls.
You can choose from a sleek, classic black or white colourway, but there’s also an eye-catching limited edition lime green for brightening up your dressing table.
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Pros
- Cordless
- Reduces flyaways and frizz
- Grips hair easily
Cons
- A little heavy
- Unclear temperature settings
Score: 80/100
These high-end hair straighteners have unique flexing plates, which help gently gather the hair for styling. Our testers agreed that they gripped hair easily, straightening it quickly with a single stroke.
They loved that this styler could be cordless and said the charging stand and heat-resistant travel pouch gave it a premium feel. Notable extra features include a flight mode, which temporarily disables the battery, and an OLED screen. One downside is that they’re a bit heavier than normal straighteners.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Metal (flexing manganese copper alloy) |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 3 (160 to 210C) |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | Heat-resistant travel case, charging dock, magnetic charging cable |
Pros
- Range of temperature options
- Travel-friendly plate lock
- Soft and sleek finish to hair
Cons
- Slight noise when using
- Slippy handle
Score: 80/100
Many of our panellists fancied this travel-friendly tool for their next trip abroad because of its compact size, speedy results and ability to retain style in humid weather. They also liked how lightweight it felt to hold and how quickly it heated up to deliver a sleek finish.
Its unique 3D floating plate claims to move in all directions to straighten strands evenly, and all testers agreed that it gripped hair easily yet gently. The majority saw frizz minimised, while one tester commended the “quality finish” and said it made their hair feel softer.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 5 |
Ionic technology | Yes |
Included accessories | None |
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Pros
- Multiple colour ways to choose from
- 11 heat settings
- Intuitive design
Cons
- Thin plates aren't as effective at styling thick hair
- Small buttons
Score: 75/100
You may have spotted him on Celebrity Gogglebox as Davina McColl’s partner, or in one or two Garnier adverts over the years (he’s an ambassador), but Michael Douglas — not to be confused with the Hollywood star — is also a celebrity hair stylist.
He’s been a hair professional for 35 years and knows what he’s talking about when it comes to tools. His brand, mdlondon, is adored by hairdressers and beauty journalists alike with many recommending the brand’s hair dryer over pricier competitors.
So, when we heard the brand had new straightener coming out, we had to get it tested at the GHI. And it didn’t disappoint. Panellists said it was “light to hold”, so your arms won’t get sore when styling your whole head, making getting ready a less stressful experience.
They also praised the quality feel, sleek design and fast work, all of which are also true of the brand’s hair dryer. The only niggle came from those with thicker, coarser hair who would have preferred chunkier plates.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic coated |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 11 |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | Heat proof mat |
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Simple and easy to style hair
- Includes a heat mat
Cons
- Longer heat-up time
- Simpler design than others
Score: 74/100
This purse-friendly option is currently less than £30, so bargain hunters, look no further. It claims to heat up in just one minute but our lab test found it took slightly longer to reach its maximum temperature.
Still, our testers appreciated how simple it was to use and were impressed by how lightweight it was to hold and manoeuvre. Overall, they agreed that it styled their hair as they wanted, and they praised the mirror-shine it left on their strands.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic-coated |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 1 |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | Heat mat |
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Pros
- Easy to reach roots
- Long cord
- No tangles or snagging
Cons
- More than one ship needed for styling
- Controls are slightly unclear
Score: 74/100
This 11-setting styler’s innovative vibrating plates claim to give you perfectly coiffed hair in less than 10 minutes. It works to seal the cuticle (preventing damage), which in turn cuts down your styling time.
Our testers didn’t specify exactly how long it took them, but most were happy with the speed and appreciated their smooth results. Those with afro hair found it quick to style, leaving a healthy, shiny finish that the majority said lasted all day. The slight gap between the plates made it tricky to grip the hair properly, but that was a minor issue.
Key specifications
Type of plates: | Ceramic-coated sonic vibrating |
---|---|
Number of heat settings: | 11 |
Ionic technology: | Yes |
Additional accessories: | Protective glove |
Pros
- Steam minimises heat damage
- Unique and innovative straightener
- Hydrates hair
Cons
- Bulky
- Noisy due to the steam
Score: 71/100
Using innovative heat control and steam tech to straighten hair faster with less damage, this steampod was unique among the straighteners on test. It comes with a built-in brush and our testers said their silky style lasted throughout the day.
The majority agreed that it straightened hair instantly and most thought their hair appeared healthier and shinier. Not much water is needed per use and the panel appreciated the sturdy design and innovative steam iron technology. Some even found the steam made their hair feel more hydrated.
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic-coated |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 3 (180 to 210C) |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | Mini water refill bottle |
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Pros
- Long plates make it easy to reach roots and longer lengths
- Grips hair well
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Some experienced snagging
- Multiple swipes needed to straighten completely
Score: 71/100
This reasonably priced tool offers a mammoth 30 heat settings, giving those with more fragile hair the option to style gently. It heated up rapidly and our lab test found it accurate at hitting its promised temperatures.
The extra-long plates (125mm) proved perfect for those with longer locks; they got through strands at pace, leaving newfound shine. Our testers liked that they cooled down quickly too, with one loving that they “didn’t need to touch up throughout the day.”
Key specifications
Type of plates | Ceramic |
---|---|
Number of heat settings | 30 |
Ionic technology | No |
Included accessories | None |
The verdict: What are the best hair straighteners?
If you want to invest in the latest tech and take your styling seriously, opt for one of our joint winning wet-to-dry stylers. The Dyson Airstrait will transform your hair from wet to sleek fast and its auto-pause feature means you also won’t have to turn around mid-commute to check you haven’t burnt the house down. The Duet Style from ghd is equally impressive, delivering shiny, straight lengths in half the time (minimising any heat damage).
But for a more affordable option that doesn’t skimp on performance, we recommend the Remington Wet2Straight styler. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with some classic ghds – the brand’s original styler is easy to use, heated up fast and gets the job done.
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How do I choose a good hair straightener?
Straighteners are a big investment, so you need to make sure you’ve got all your hair needs covered in one tool before you make the commitment to buy. If you’re not sure what all those buzzwords mean on the side of the box, we’ve simplified them below, so you can figure out what to prioritise.
Variable temperature settings: this is useful if you’re planning on sharing your device. Lower heat suits fine hair best, while thick or coarse tresses may need more heat to be effective.
Ionic technology: when there’s too much positive charge on each hair strand, they begin to repel each other, making hair static and flyaway. This technology helps to neutralise the charge, smoothing strands down instead.
Ceramic plates: they are slower to warm up than other materials, but they distribute heat more evenly. They tend to be cheaper too, but are more prone to chipping.
Titanium/metal plates: these get very hot quickly but tend to be expensive. Improper usage can cause heat damage, too. We recommend leaving these hair straighteners on your locks for only a few seconds at a time.
Ceramic-coated plates: they usually have a metal base topped with a ceramic layer, combining the best qualities of both materials. The outer layer can chip and wear away over time, but a good-quality model should last you at least three years if stored properly.
Additional accessories: higher priced straighteners may come with accessories such as a heat mat, gloves and a travel case.
How do you know if you need a new pair of straighteners?
Your trusted pair of straighteners should last you between two to three years (depending on how well you look after them).
However, there are a few things to look out for if you’re worried your pair are on their way out.
Scratched plates: after a few years, you may start to notice scratches or even dents on the plates. This can lead to snagging (ouch) and means your hair is more likely to experience heat damage. Hair products can often sink into the dents too, which not only smells unpleasant, but won’t help your hair either.
Struggling to straighten hair: straighteners should get the job done quickly, but if you’re finding it takes longer than normal, it may mean the power has been compromised, which isn’t good for your hair or your plug sockets.
Irregular temperatures: taking longer to straighten your hair may also mean the temperature settings aren’t what they used to be. Failing to reach the max temperature might be kinder on your hair, but it won’t give you the silky-smooth results you're after.
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Tested byOrla Badger
Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics.