UPDATE: There’s a potential new entry in our best hair straightener list and it’s not what you might expect. Dyson recently launched a wet-to-dry styler called Dyson Airstrait. In Wet mode it dries your hair as it straightens it.
In Dry mode it brings day-two hair back to life without the need to wash it again or rely on the extreme heat of regular straighteners.
It joins the GHD Duet Style in this new wet-to-dry styler category and both could be contenders for this list. We need to spend some proper time with them both, having only tested them for a limited time, but we’ll update this list should either of them make the cut.
In the meantime, read our Dyson Airstrait review, check out our GHD Duet Style vs Dyson Airstrait guide or read our GHD Duet Style review.
Or keep scrolling to see our best hair straightener list!
Original article continues below
The best hair straightener is like the cosy winter coat of your hair styling collection; an investment piece that will last you years of daily use
And they’re not only useful for pin-straight styling – with a bit of practice you can create faux-blowouts or a full head of curls with ease. You can read more in our guide to How to curl hair with straighteners according to the experts at GHD and Trevor Sorbie.
But, if using heat regularly, it’s important to make an informed decision about which straightening tool to invest in.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of what we consider to be the best hair straighteners for every budget that are effortless to use, and minimise damage.
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£189 | Buy now from GHD
Why we love it: GHD hair straighteners have been a cult styling tool of our teenage years for a reason; this classic straightener is perfect for creating every style, from silky straight to beach waves.
It boasts floating plates that glide through the hair without catching, reducing damage caused by tugging.
The GHD Platinum Plus also maintains a core temperature of 185ºC, keeping heat damage to a minimum and maintaining the natural integrity of the hair. You can read more in our GHD Platinum Plus review.
The 30-minute automatic switch-off will also set your mind at ease for those occasions when you’ve rushed out of the door without triple-checking the plug socket!
FURTHER READING: GHD Upbeat Collection: GHD adds new pink collection to its pastel GHD Helios and Platinum Plus styler range
Buy now from GHD
£30 | Buy now from Amazon
Why we love it: With ceramic coated plates to ensure even distribution of heat, the Remington Sleek & Smooth Slim Straightener won’t leave your hair feeling dry and singed.
This protective coating will also ensure the longevity of your straighteners, protecting the plates from scratches or damage due to styling product residue.
It’s 60-minute shut-off feature is good if you’re prone to “Did I turn my straighteners off?” anxiety – we’ve all been there. Especially at this price point.
It doesn’t quite live up to the timer on the GHD range but then it’s also a sixth of the price!
Buy now from Amazon
£400 | Buy now from Dyson
Why we love it: The styling tool the beauty community can’t stop talking about, the Dyson hair range has revolutionised electronic styling tools, and the Corrale is no exception.
The Corrale boasts top-of-the-range technology, such as manganese copper alloy plates that allow for the use of less heat for half as much damage as a regular hair straightener. It also has an integrated sensor system to ensure that the heat never exceeds your desired setting, allowing for ultimate control.
This straightener can run for 30 minutes without its cord, meaning ultimate portability and flexibility when styling.
It also automatically switches off after 10 minutes for inactivity for safe use, and to save battery. The Corrale is certainly an investment, but its unique and hair-preserving features make it ultimately worthwhile.
Read our full Dyson Corrale review here
Buy now from Dyson
£70 | Buy now from Very
Why we love it: As well as boasting the benefits of smoothing ceramic plates, the Tresemmé Smooth Control 230 Styler offers the impressively fast heat-up time of 15 seconds due to the Advanced Ceramics technology, plus easy temperature control for minimal hair damage.
It also comes with Tresemmé’s Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray for an extra layer of damage protection.
FURTHER READING: Best hair dryer 2020: The best hair dryers for curly, fine, thick and frizzy hair
Buy now from Very
£235 | Buy now from Lookfantastic
Why we love it: This unique-looking styler from L’Oréal is one of the most damage-minimising hair straightener options on the market.
The Professionnel Steampod Straightening Tool uses steam technology instead of direct heat to style your hair, which not only protects your hair from heat damage, but is also twice as fast as a regular hair straightener.
Anyone over a certain age will remember the original steam-powered straighteners from BaByliss and this is infinitely better and more effective.
The dual plates glide effortlessly through your hair, reducing tugging that may result in frizz and split ends. The end result is beautiful and effortless styling, without the heat damage, ideal for daily or regular use.
FURTHER READING: Grey hair: What causes grey hair and how to get rid of it – or embrace it
Buy now from Lookfantastic
Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget
