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Buying guide

Best hair straighteners under £250

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    ghd Platinum+: smart ultra-zone sensors, 185°C

    Ultra-zone predictive technology is listed as adapting heat to your hair during each stroke.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Faszin 42 mm wide plate titanium, up to 230°C

    The 42 x 110 mm plates are stated to be 85% larger than a regular straightener.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    ghd Max: wide plates, 30-second heat up

    The maker says the 70% larger plates style hair in half the time, a real help with long or thick hair.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

You do not need to buy the newest flagship to get a very good straightener. Below the top tier sit ghd's Platinum+, Gold and Max, Cloud Nine's Original Iron and a few strong alternatives that cover most needs. The choice mostly comes down to three things. First, do you want ghd's fixed 185°C with smart sensors, or an adjustable temperature you can turn down for fine hair or up for coarse hair? Second, plate width: wide plates speed up long, thick hair but are awkward on short styles. Third, extras such as steam, wet styling or a long swivel cord. This guide compares those points using only the facts each listing states, and marks anything a listing leaves out as not stated.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · ghd

ghd Platinum+: smart ultra-zone sensors, 185°C

ghd's smart straightener with ultra-zone predictive technology that adjusts heat as you style. A rounder barrel and wishbone hinge make it a good fit if you want one tool for straight looks and loose waves.

In its favour

  • Ultra-zone predictive technology is listed as adapting heat to your hair during each stroke.
  • Precision-milled plates with an ultra-gloss coating are stated to give 20% more shine.
  • The rounder barrel is designed for quick, snag-free styling, including flicks and waves.

Good to know

  • The sleep mode timer and cable length are not stated on this listing.
  • One fixed temperature of 185°C, with no lower setting for very fine hair.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: ghd Platinum+ Smart Hair Straightener & Styler, 2X More Colour Protect...

No. 2 · ghd

ghd Max: wide plates, 30-second heat up

ghd's wide plate straightener for long, thick or curly hair, with plates the maker says are 70% larger than its standard models. It lists universal voltage and a 2.7 m swivel cord.

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener & Styler, More Shine, Thick Hair

No. 3 · Cloud Nine

Cloud Nine Original Iron: 11 heat settings, 100°C to 200°C

Cloud Nine's Original Iron offers 11 temperature settings from 100°C to 200°C, Revive Mode plate vibration and a 30-minute Hibernation Mode. This bundle adds a Magical Remedy conditioner.

In its favour

  • Eleven settings between 100°C and 200°C let you style fine hair gently or turn it up for thicker hair.
  • Hibernation Mode switches the iron off after 30 minutes of inactivity, according to the listing.
  • Spring-Flex floating plates are designed to cushion the hair for smoother styling.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state weight, plate width or cable length.
  • Its 200°C top setting is lower than the Faszin or Shark options here.
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Listing title: The Original Iron Grey Hair Straightener Starlight Grey | Variable Tem...

No. 4 · ghd

ghd Gold: dual-zone sensors in a 400 g body

The ghd Gold uses two heat sensors, one per plate, to hold 185°C from root to tip. A listed 400 g makes it the lightest pick here, and a sensible choice for everyday straightening.

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: ghd Gold Hair Straightener & Styler in Black - Professional Styling, f...

No. 5 · Faszin

Faszin 42 mm wide plate titanium, up to 230°C

A wide plate straightener with 42 x 110 mm titanium plates, 11 settings from 130°C to 230°C, switchable ions and an LED display. A lower-cost route to wide plates.

In its favour

  • The 42 x 110 mm plates are stated to be 85% larger than a regular straightener.
  • Eleven temperature settings from 130°C to 230°C, shown on a live LED display.
  • 100 to 240 V range and a 2.2 m 360° cord are listed, handy for travel.

Good to know

  • Faszin is a less established brand and the listing states no warranty term.
  • Wide plates do not suit short hair or detailed work.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Faszin Professional Hair Straighteners, 42mm Wide-Plate

No. 6 · L'Oréal Professionnel Paris

L'Oréal SteamPod 3: steam plus adjustable heat

A steam straightener with a built-in water tank and comb, used on dry hair. The listing gives a 210°C maximum, and the maker claims up to 91% less damage than without steam and comb.

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.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: L'Oréal Professionnel Steam Hair Straightener & Styling Tool, For All ...

No. 7 · Shark

Shark SilkiPro: plates plus airflow, wet or dry

A 2-in-1 that pairs heated ceramic plates with dryer airflow. Wet mode dries and straightens from damp, and Dry mode cuts the air so it works as a normal straightener. Three combs are included.

In its favour

  • Wet and Dry modes let one tool handle both drying and finishing, according to the listing.
  • Three interchangeable combs (wide tooth, gentle and precision) are included for different hair types.
  • A listed maximum of 230°C gives headroom for thick or coarse hair.

Good to know

  • At a listed 1.57 kg it is the heaviest tool in this guide.
  • No auto shut-off timer or cable length is stated.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: SilkiPro Hair Straightener & Dryer, Rose Petal, HT401UKPK

Read before you buy

More buying guides: Choosing straighteners

Plate and Curl chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.