What temperature should straighteners be?

Typical temperatures by hair type

These are broad starting points drawn from common maker settings, not rules. Always start lower and increase only if your hair needs it.

Why ghd straighteners stay at 185 °C

ghd stylers do not have a temperature dial. Instead, ghd sets them to 185 °C (365 °F), which it describes as the optimum styling temperature: hot enough to style in a pass, while avoiding extreme heat. Sensors across the plates monitor the temperature many times a second and adjust the heaters to hold it steady as hair passes through.

That is the answer to the common question about what temperature ghd straighteners reach. The Gold, Platinum+, Chronos, Max and the Curve tongs and wands all quote 185 °C. Because the plates hold that figure consistently, a fixed setting works for most hair types, though it may feel slow on very thick hair. Our ghd straighteners compared guide sets out the differences between models.

Straighteners with temperature control

If you want to choose your own heat, look for variable temperature. Cloud Nine's Original Iron, for example, lists 11 settings from 100 °C to 200 °C. Many other adjustable irons top out around 230 °C.

Adjustable heat is useful if more than one person uses the styler, if your hair is very fine or very coarse, or if you want a lower setting for a quick touch-up. Our best hair straighteners guide notes which models offer it.

Compare straighteners with temperature control →

Dyson Corrale and Airstrait temperatures

The Dyson Corrale has three plate settings, widely listed as 165 °C, 185 °C and 210 °C. Its flexing plates gather hair to reduce the need for repeated passes. See is the Dyson Corrale worth it for more.

The Airstrait is different because it uses heated air rather than hot plates. Dyson lists several heat and airflow settings, with separate wet and dry modes, and the air temperatures are far lower than plate temperatures. Check Dyson's own page for current figures, and see is the Dyson Airstrait worth it.

How to find your best setting

Reading a US manual or listing? Our °C and °F temperature converter converts figures quickly.

1. 1

   Make sure hair is fully dry and apply a heat protector.

2. 2

   Start at the low end of the range for your hair type.

3. 3

   Style a small section with one slow, steady pass.

4. 4

   If it is not smooth, raise the temperature a step and try another section.

5. 5

   Stop at the lowest setting that works in one or two passes.

Signs the heat is too high

Steam and sizzling on dry hair, a burning smell, hair that feels rough or brittle afterwards and colour that fades quickly are all signs to turn it down. Repeated passes at a lower heat are not the answer either; a slower single pass usually works better. If your hair is fine, our best straighteners for fine hair guide covers gentler options.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature do ghd straighteners reach? ghd stylers are set to 185 °C (365 °F) and use sensors to hold that temperature while you style.

Is 230 °C too hot for straighteners? For most hair it is more than needed. It is usually reserved for very thick or coarse hair, and many people never need it.

What temperature is best for fine hair? Start around 150 to 170 °C and only go higher if your hair will not style.

Can I change the temperature on ghd straighteners? No. ghd stylers have a fixed 185 °C setting, which ghd considers right for most hair.