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What makes a good hair straightener?

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In short

A good hair straightener holds a steady, suitable temperature across the whole plate, has smooth plates that glide without snagging and presses evenly from edge to edge. Look for sensors that control heat, a plate width that suits your hair length and thickness, rounded edges if you want to curl, a long swivel cord, automatic shut-off and a solid guarantee. Brand matters less than these basics.

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Straighteners all look similar, but the experience of using a good pair is very different from a poor one. The difference comes down to a handful of features: how well the heat is controlled, the quality of the plates, how evenly they press, the shape of the body and the safety and convenience details. This explainer goes through each one, so you can judge any straightener, including alternatives to ghd, on what actually matters.

Even, controlled heat

The most important feature is heat control. Better straighteners have sensors in the plates that measure temperature many times a second and adjust the heaters, so the plates stay at the set temperature even as cool hair passes through. Without this, plates can dip as you style and then overshoot, giving uneven results and more passes.

Fixed temperature models, such as ghd's at 185 °C, keep things simple. Adjustable models let you go lower for fine hair or higher for coarse hair. Either works if the heat is stable. Our explainer on what temperature straighteners should be covers settings by hair type.

Heat-up time is a smaller point but useful on busy mornings. Most premium straighteners are ready in under a minute, and many show a light, display or beep when they reach temperature.

PlateSpring mountHeaterTemperature sensorInsulated shell
Inside one arm of a straightener: the plate floats on springs over the heater, with a sensor reading its temperature.

Plates: material, width and mounting

Most premium plates are ceramic or ceramic coated, with titanium common on high heat models. Ceramic spreads heat evenly and glides well; titanium heats fast and is durable. Our ceramic vs titanium plates explainer compares them. A smooth, glossy coating matters more than the label.

Width should suit your hair. Narrow plates around 20 to 25 mm suit short hair, fringes and curling. Wide plates around 35 mm or more speed up long, thick hair. Our explainer on straightener plate widths has a full guide. Floating plates, mounted on springs, adjust to the section so pressure is even and hair is not pinched at one edge.

20 mm (0.8 in)Narrow25 mm (1.0 in)Standard38 mm (1.5 in)Wide
Plate widths to scale. Narrow plates reach the root; wide plates cover long, thick hair in fewer passes.

Body shape and curved plates

If you want to curl or wave with your straighteners, look for rounded outer edges. A rounded body lets hair glide around the outside as you twist. Some models also have slightly curved plates, which help create bends at the ends. Our guide on how to curl hair with straighteners explains the technique, and the best straighteners for curling lists models designed for it.

Weight and balance matter too, especially on long hair. A straightener that feels front heavy or wide in the hand gets tiring.

Look at the hinge as well. A firm, well aligned hinge keeps the plates parallel when closed, so hair is pressed evenly from tip to base. A loose hinge lets the plates twist, which leaves kinks and can snag. Slim arms are easier to get close to the root without touching the scalp, which helps on short hair and fringes.

Safety and convenience features

Small features make daily use easier and safer. Use the checklist below when comparing models.

  • Automatic sleep mode after a few minutes without use; see do straighteners turn off automatically.
  • Long swivel cord, around 2 to 3 metres, that does not twist.
  • Cool tips for steadying with your other hand.
  • Heat resistant mat or pouch in the box.
  • Lock to keep the arms closed for storage.
  • Universal voltage if you travel; see the best straighteners for travel.
  • A clear guarantee and repair service.

Note:Buy from authorised sellers. Fake premium straighteners can have poor heat control and wiring; our guide to spotting fake ghd and Dyson stylers explains the signs.

What hair straighteners are as good as ghd?

ghd is the benchmark many people compare against, because its stylers combine stable heat, smooth floating plates and rounded bodies. Alternatives that match those basics are worth considering. Cloud Nine offers adjustable heat with good plates, the Dyson Corrale adds cordless use and flexing plates, and L'Oréal's SteamPod adds steam. Our comparisons of ghd vs Cloud Nine and ghd vs BaByliss look at the trade-offs, and the best hair straighteners guide compares current premium models side by side.

See the best hair straighteners →

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important feature in a straightener? Stable, well controlled heat, followed by smooth plates that press evenly.

Are curved plates better? Rounded outer edges help with curling. Slightly curved plates help bend the ends. For straightening only, flat plates are fine.

Do I need adjustable temperature? It helps if your hair is fine, damaged or very coarse. A well designed fixed temperature suits many people.

Is a wider plate better? Only for long or thick hair. Narrower plates are easier for short hair, fringes and curling.

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