Our Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Hair Straightener

The Hot Tools Gold Titanium Flat Iron has curved Titanium plates which can be used to create curls and waves, along with impressive straightening results. This straightener also boasts 24mm 24k Gold Titanium plates which reduce snagging. With a slim, ergonomic design, it's easy to use and it provides 14 different temperature controls, so you can control the heat.

For thicker tresses we strongly recommend slicing time off your styling with the Cloud NINE The Wide Iron. This incredible wide iron uses Ceramic plates to smooth even the most difficult, unruly hair with heat setting ranging from 100-200 degrees. Ideal for speedy styling, these wide plates will give you gorgeous flowing locks in no time at all.

For those with short, fine or damaged hair opting for something like the Cloud NINE The Micro Iron will help save your hair from a world of damage. While it uses similar technology to the Cloud Nine Original and Wide Iron’s it runs at lower temperatures and uses much finer plates for precise styling. Plus, it’s an excellent travel-friendly alternative for those in a rush.

Titanium irons heat up quickly, applying higher temperatures more evenly. These irons tend to be best suited to very curly, coarse hair. A great example of this kind of straightener is the BaBylissPRO Graphite Titanium Straightener. It has 25mm Titanium and Graphite Plates ideal for shorter hair styles of any texture and type, boasting 10 different heat settings. It’s light, easy to use and leaves the hair looking incredibly sleek.

Offering even heat for most hair textures, Ceramic plates perform to a high standard. A classic example of a high quality Ceramic straightener is the ghd original professional styler. This straightener keeps the heat at an optimal styling temperature of around 180 degrees. Just keep in mind that some straighteners are only ceramic-coated and over time the ceramic wears down, distributing heat unevenly.

Low-cost irons sometimes heat up unevenly, resulting in an uneven texture and potentially even burning sections of your hair. The ghd gold professional hair styler has intelligent sensors in each plate, ensuring that the iron is hot enough to style your hair without overheating. This dual-zone technology provides professional results for sleeker smoother hair, without the burning or crimping.

If you're interested in a great all-purpose flat iron that you won't have to replace any time soon, consider the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener - Nickel/Fuchsia. This unique and innovative model uses thin and flexible copper alloy plates that gather more hair and straighten it in fewer passes. This means less damage and shorter styling times. It also uses intelligent heat control and even has a cordless option. While it’s certainly pricey, this straightener is an investment you’ll thank yourself for, especially if you have long, thick hair that is prone to damage or breakage.

The ghd unplugged hair straightener - Matte White is a chic cordless straightner that allows for compact, flexible styling. With a 45 second heat up time, this neat little straightener can last for 20 minutes off the charger, so you can style without a power source. It's super lightweight, and has a sleek design that makes you want to take it everywhere with you. Ideal for those with finer hair, those with thicker hair will need someething a bit more powerful for quick styling.