Best hair straighteners in the UK: premium models compared

In its favour

• The maker states one-stroke styling, with results that last up to 24 hours, so fewer passes over each section.
• Ceramic floating plates with an ultra-gloss coating are listed for easy-glide, frizz-free styling.
• Sleep mode switches it off after 10 minutes without use, a shorter timer than many rivals.

Good to know

• Temperature is fixed at 185°C, so there is no lower setting for very fine or fragile hair.
• The listing does not give the plate width in millimetres, which makes width comparisons harder.

In its favour

• Dries and straightens in one step, which the listing says saves up to 8 minutes per style.
• No hot plates touch the hair, with an integrated comb for tension instead.
• Wet and Dry modes let it straighten freshly washed or dry hair.

Good to know

• It only straightens, with no curling barrels.
• Power in watts is not stated in the listing.

In its favour

• Ultra-zone predictive technology is listed as reading your hair's needs and adjusting heat during each stroke.
• The rounder barrel is stated to give quick, snag-free styling, helpful for flicks and waves as well as straight looks.
• The maker claims 2x more colour protection, a point worth noting if your hair is dyed.

Good to know

• This listing does not state the sleep mode timer or cable length, so check before buying.
• Like other ghd models it runs at one fixed 185°C, with no adjustable temperature settings.

In its favour

• The maker says the 70% larger plates style hair in half the time, a real help with long or thick hair.
• A 30-second heat up and a 30-minute sleep mode are both listed.
• Universal voltage and a protective plate guard make it easier to take away.

Good to know

• Wide plates are less precise near the roots and on short cuts.
• Plate width in millimetres is not stated in the listing.

In its favour

• Dual-zone technology with a sensor across each plate is listed for even heat.
• At 400 g it is the lightest straightener in this guide, which helps on longer styling sessions.
• The listing describes it as suitable for wavy, curly and straight hair.

Good to know

• Few extras are listed, with no sleep mode timer or cable length stated.
• Fixed 185°C means no adjustment for fine or very coarse hair.

In its favour

• The 42 x 110 mm plates are stated as 85% larger than a regular straightener, so thick hair takes fewer sections.
• Eleven settings from 130°C to 230°C and a live LED display make it easy to set and check the heat.
• Wide 100 to 240 V voltage range and a 2.2 m 360° cord are listed.

Good to know

• The brand is far less established than ghd or Cloud Nine, and no warranty term is stated.
• Wide plates are awkward for short hair and fringes.

In its favour

• Eleven temperature settings from 100°C to 200°C let you match heat to fine, normal or coarse hair.
• Revive Mode vibrates the plates 8,000 times a minute, which the maker says reduces direct heat contact.
• The title states a 200 ml Magical Potion heat protection spray is included, so you have a protector from day one.

Good to know

• This listing does not state weight, plate width or an auto shut-off timer.
• The 200°C maximum is lower than some rivals, which may matter for very coarse or tightly curled hair.

In its favour

• Steam styling is the key feature, and the maker claims up to 2x faster, smoother results than without it.
• Adjustable heat up to a listed 210°C lets you choose a setting for your texture.
• The listing describes looks from straight and sleek to relaxed waves.

Good to know

• A listed 1.03 kg is heavy for a straightener.
• You need to refill the tank with filtered water, which adds time.