How to buy the best hair straightener

What features to look for and how much to spend.

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Last updated: 24 Apr 2018

In the 1960s, women gave up bouffants for the sleek look of ironed hair. Luckily we no longer need to use the clothes iron to achieve Kim Kardashian-like locks at home, thanks to the modern gift of the hair straightener. Before buying one, make sure you research the latest products to find a straightener that does the job quickly and effectively.

CHOICE no longer reviews hair straighteners.

Why should I get a hair straightener?

A good hair straightener can save you a lot of money at the hairdresser. Cancel that regular blow dry and straighten your hair at home instead.

What should I look for in a hair straightener?

The best performing hair straighteners heat up quickly. This means, of course, you can get started on transforming your tresses sooner, but it also means the straightener returns more quickly to the right temperature after straightening a section of hair, so you’ll move through your head of hair at a speedier rate.

What features are available in hair straighteners?

Tongs

Most hair straighteners are tong-style. A few on the market are ‘scissor’ style, but they tend to be clumsy and bulky.

Plate material

Hair straighteners come with ceramic or ceramic-coated plates (sometimes with the addition of aluminium or tourmaline), which are claimed to eliminate frizz and static in hair and leave it smooth, shiny and silky. We’ve found in previous trials that respondents showed no preference for one type or another.

Plate size

Slim to medium-width plates are suitable for most hair types. Wider plates may speed up the process, particularly for those with longer hair, but they’ll make the straightener bulkier and perhaps heavier.

Control buttons

Before buying check the position of the controls, as some people report switching off a straightener accidentally during use.

Adjustable heat setting

This is useful for people with fine or damaged hair who want to use the straightener at a lower heat.

Accessories

Some straighteners have a loop to hang it on a hook for storage; others come with a stand or a protective heat mat to rest it on, which may fold into a carry bag.

Cost

Hair straighteners range in cost from $50 to $370.

Rebecca

I joined CHOICE in 2008 as a work experience student while studying my Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food) at the University of Western Sydney. I've been with CHOICE ever since. My first job was in a room full of muesli, collecting all their nutritional data. When I completed my course, CHOICE offered me a full-time position as a Test Officer in the Kitchen Lab. In 2009, I moved into the role of household content producer. I write about a wide range of children's and household products, ranging from cots and strollers to ovens, BBQs, espresso machines and electric blankets. I even write about grocery items such as nappies, sanitary pads and laundry detergents. I love my job and the extremely talented and passionate group of people I work with. I love knowing that our research, testing and results go a long way to helping consumers with their buying decisions by highlighting great products – and singling out poorly performing ones. You can find me on LinkedIn.