A hair straightener buying guide needs to cover three things: what the plates are made of, how wide they are, and how precisely you can control the heat. A straightener presses hair between two hot plates, so it puts more direct heat on the hair than any other tool. The right features help you to get smooth results in one pass, at the lowest temperature that works.
What this guide is based on
Plate materials and features are described as makers present them, and matched to hair types using general guidance on heat styling. We have not tested any straighteners, and performance claims are the makers' own.
Plate materials
| Material | How it behaves | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Heats evenly, with a smooth glide; gentler | Fine, thin, normal and damaged hair |
| Ceramic-coated | A ceramic layer over metal; the coating can wear with time | Occasional use; lower budgets |
| Tourmaline (usually over ceramic) | Even heat; designed to reduce frizz and static | Frizzy, thick or dry hair |
| Titanium | Heats very fast; holds high temperatures; lightweight | Thick, coarse, hard-to-straighten hair; experienced users |
Titanium's speed and heat make it efficient for coarse hair, and easy to overdo on fine hair. If the plates are chipped or scratched on any straightener, replace it, because damaged plates snag and heat unevenly.
Plate width
| Width | Best for |
|---|---|
| Narrow, about 1.25 to 2 cm (0.5 to 0.75 in) | Short hair, bangs, edges, travel |
| Standard, about 2.5 cm (1 in) | Most lengths; also the best for making waves and curls |
| Wide, about 3.8 to 5 cm (1.5 to 2 in) | Long, thick hair; faster straightening; less versatile |
Temperature control
This is the feature that protects your hair the most.
- Adjustable temperature with a display lets you choose an exact heat. Avoid tools with only an on and off switch, which often run at a single, high temperature.
- A wide range, from around 120°C to 230°C (250°F to 450°F).
- Even heat across the plates, and quick recovery between passes.
Suggested settings
| Hair type | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Fine, fragile, bleached or damaged | Below about 150°C (300°F) |
| Medium, healthy | About 150 to 180°C (300 to 360°F) |
| Thick, coarse or very curly | About 180 to 200°C (360 to 390°F) |
Start low, and raise the heat only if one slow pass does not smooth the hair. See Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair.
Other features
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Floating plates | Plates that flex slightly grip evenly, without pulling |
| Rounded edges | Let you make waves and curls without creases |
| Automatic shut-off | Switches off after a set time; an important safety feature |
| Fast heat-up | Convenient; 30 to 60 seconds is common |
| Plate lock | Keeps the plates closed for storage |
| Swivel cord, 2 m or longer | Easier handling |
| Dual voltage | Needed for travel between countries |
| Heat-proof pouch or mat | Protects surfaces |
Choosing by hair type
| Hair | Material | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Fine, short | Ceramic | Narrow to standard |
| Fine, long | Ceramic | Standard |
| Medium | Ceramic or tourmaline | Standard |
| Thick, long | Tourmaline or titanium | Standard to wide |
| Coily or very curly | Titanium or tourmaline, with precise control | Standard to wide |
| Colored or damaged | Ceramic, with low settings | Standard |
Steam, wet-to-dry and cordless models
- "Wet-to-dry" straighteners vent steam as they work. Hair is much more fragile when wet, and most professionals advise drying hair completely first.
- Steam straighteners add moisture as they smooth. Some users with coarse hair like them.
- Cordless models are convenient for travel. They often have lower heat, and a short run time.
Safe use
- Use only on completely dry hair.
- Apply a heat protectant, and let it dry. See How to Choose and Use a Heat Protectant and Heat Protectant Spray vs Cream: A Product Comparison.
- Work in small sections.
- Glide steadily, without stopping. One pass is the aim.
- Do not use daily, if you can avoid it.
Care
- Unplug the straightener, and let it cool on a heat-proof surface.
- Wipe the plates with a soft, slightly damp cloth, when they are cool, to remove product residue.
- Do not wrap the cord tightly around the tool.
- Store it in a heat-proof pouch.
For curling tools, see Curling Wand vs Curling Iron: Key Differences. For dryers, see Hair Dryer Buying Guide: Settings and Attachments.
Related on ArniSun
- Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair
- How to Choose and Use a Heat Protectant
- Curling Wand vs Curling Iron: Key Differences
- Hair Dryer Buying Guide: Settings and Attachments
- Heat Protectant Spray vs Cream: A Product Comparison
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is ceramic or titanium better for a hair straightener?
Ceramic heats evenly and is gentler, which suits fine to normal hair. Titanium heats faster and hotter, which suits thick or coarse hair.
What temperature should I straighten my hair at?
Below about 150°C for fine or damaged hair, 150 to 180°C for medium hair and up to about 200°C for thick or coarse hair. Start low.
Do I need a straightener with adjustable heat?
Yes. It lets you choose the lowest temperature that works for your hair, which is the best way to limit damage.