I was a pre-teen when the first ceramic hair straighteners hit the market, and the original ghds became the ultimate status symbol. Passing them along a line of fellow secondary school girls before form time – so that we could all start the day with poker-straight hair – was a daily ritual.

Soon there were plenty of rivals on the market, and through the years I’ve tried many of the newest – and strangest – innovations in hair straighteners to smooth my uneven curls. Lest we forget the sizzling, steam-enhanced tools of the 2000s.

Luckily, my haircare routine has come a long way since then – and so have the straighteners. Now some of the best on the market have pioneering features ranging from vibrating plates that react to hair thickness to LCD display screens.

Though tech aside, what makes a standout pair of straighteners in 2026? Zateesha Barbour, stylist at London’s cult Salt salon in Hackney and Borough, explains that it’s all about the finish versus damage. You should look for “straighteners with an adjustable temperature gauge, as repeated high heat can lead to damage, especially on grey, coloured and fine hair. You should be able to limit each section to one pass, maximum two if necessary.”

From Dyson’s Airstrait, to ghd’s latest stylers and salon-loved styles by Cloud Nine, as well as super affordable options by Remington, I’ve been testing the best-rated hair straighteners on the market over the course of two months. These are the eight I would recommend.

My hair is fine but high density and long, with a mix of defined waves (type 2C) and classic curls (3A) if left to dry naturally. My personal definition of a great pair of straighteners is those that take just a single, smooth stroke to straighten a section, about two inches wide, and create a unified look in a reasonable amount of time (under 20 minutes).

As Salt salon’s Jan Franczak explains: “When it comes to straightening curly hair, working in small, manageable sections is essential. This allows the heat to be distributed more evenly and helps create a smoother finish that lasts longer without repeatedly passing over the same section of hair.”

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Ideally, I used a lower temperature unlikely to damage my fine strands (if there were multiple settings) – 185°C or below.

I also paid attention to how comfortable and lightweight the straighteners were to handle, and whether the tech or design was intuitive and easy to use from the first time. Plus, I looked at whether they visibly boosted the appearance of shine, smoothed frizz, and importantly – created a style that lasts. I considered how well the final look fared throughout the day, and after I’d slept on it.

I also tested to see which were most suited to creating even, smooth curls – for those who don’t want to invest in multiple tools.

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All of the straighteners were tested on freshly washed, dry hair – with the exception of wet-to-dry tools – and treated with the same heat protection. I sprayed K18’s moisturising Heat Bounce protectant all over my hair (£48, Cultbeauty.co.uk), and used Davines Melu Sealing Serum (£31, Cultbeauty.co.uk) on my lower lengths and ends, which are both heat protectant up to 230°C.

As Jan explains, achieving straight, high-shine “glass hair” is as much about the prep as the tool itself: “Product choice plays a huge role in achieving a sleek finish. I recommend starting with a leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture, followed by a heat protection spray, a smoothing cream, and, if needed, a lightweight serum to finish and help control frizz and add shine.”

And to ensure this guide is helpful for different types of curls and those with coils and kinks, I asked hairdressers renowned for working with all types of curly hair for their opinion on the best tools.

What we love: Digital display, easy to control heat, intuitive vibrating plates

Take note: Slower heat-up time than some models

A salon favourite, Cloud Nine tools are among the easiest to use for a professional finish at home. The contouring irons – with rounded exteriors and plates that slot together on a curve – are the latest launch from the brand. The design helps prevent catching and snagging, while minimising damage. The shape is also ideal for creating even curls, waves, or just a kick at the end of hair.

I loved the fact that you can set the temperature to your preference (I kept it at 150°C, which was enough heat for my fine hair). One smooth, intentional movement on a section of hair was enough to smooth it straight, and the finish was glossy. The brand uses patented mineral sericite plates, designed to seal moisture into the hair.

The Contouring Iron can also be made to vibrate in a unique feature called ‘Revive Mode’, in which it moves 8,000 times per minute to reduce the friction, drag, and direct heat contact which can happen when the hair is clamped.

I straightened all of my long hair in under 10 minutes using the wide tool, which did glide through hair as promised. Two days later, it was still smooth and soft with just a little extra volume underneath. This was the tool I most wanted to reach for on repeat.

Hair stylist approved:

Jan confirms that the Cloud Nine Wide Irons are ideal for all types of curls: “The adjustable temperature settings allow for a more tailored approach to different hair textures, making them a reliable choice for achieving smooth results while helping to preserve the hair’s overall condition.”

• Temperature settings: 11; between 100 and 200°C
• Heat up time: 35 seconds
• : 0.278kg (excluding cord)
• 100 to 240V (for worldwide use)

What we love: Temperature is adjustable to suit all hair types, curved plates can create waves and curls, super-fast heat-up time

Take note: Colourway may not be to all tastes; titanium plates over ceramic may not be favoured by those with fine or damaged hair

London salon Hershesons is the namesake of leading celebrity hairdresser Luke Hersheson, founded in 1992. Over the years, he’s been refining tools which work as well at home as they do for his team of pros. The Great Iron has floating plates to glide through the hair without dragging, and uses tourmaline titanium plates rather than the more common ceramic type, which heat up in just 15 seconds.

One of the tool’s major pluses is the fact that its temperature is adjustable from 170 to 230°C (via the touch of a button and shown on a digital display), making it a good bet for hair types all the way from super fine or damaged to thicker with tighter textures of curls.

At 1.25 inches wide, the tool is a halfway house between slimline and wide, so it’s suitable for long hair as well as midi styles or longer bobs (though not ideal for short hair). The curved barrel can be used to create waves and curls easily too.

I love the striking signature blue hue, and found that one pass at 180°C was enough to straighten and boost shine, and fix the results for a day’s wear. Plus, I really liked how they’re matte and therefore felt sturdy to hold and easy to grip. They come with a silicone heat-resistant protective plate guard, as well as a matching blue, heat-proof bag for travel.

• Temperature settings: Adjustable up to 230°C
• Heat-up time: A few seconds
• 0.52 kg
• : 100 to 240V (for worldwide use)

What we love: OLED battery level display, can be used on aeroplanes, comes with a sleek heat-proof pouch

Take note: Heavier than competing cordless tools, must be charged in the dock, high price tag

Living up to its techy credentials, Dyson created its first straighteners with a pioneering design: the Corrale uses patented flexing copper plates to shape and gather the hair to prevent snagging while you straighten. I found even the lowest temperature of the three settings (165°C) was enough to smooth my hair out and add shine in one slow pass.

The tool is a little heavier than your average due to the battery inside, but the matte finish makes it feel ergonomic and nice to grip. Its curved shape means it’s easy to create waves or curls as well. Plus, as the Corrale is cordless, there’s no wire getting in the way, and no need to locate a plug socket to use it.

A digital display shows the temperature once you’ve powered up the tool with the press of a button, and the battery level is shown on a front-facing OLED screen so you know how long you have left of the tool’s 30-minute lifespan. Frequent flyers will love the fact that the tool has been created with a “flight-ready tag” so you can simply pull it out to put the device in aeroplane mode, and stash it in your hand luggage for touch-ups in transit. The velvet, heat-protective pouch is super slimline, which is ideal for on-the-go use.

The downside of the styler’s portable nature is that they require charging (though for a competitive 70 minutes), and you have to place it in a dock which uses a magnetic charging attachment. So you can’t use another universal charger such as USB-C.

• Temperature settings: Three; 165°C, 185°C, 210°C
• Heat up time: 30 seconds
• Battery life: Up to 30 minutes
• Charge time: 70 minutes
• : 0.56kg
• : 100 to 240V (for worldwide use)

For speedy styling and short hair

What we love: Super lightweight, ideal shape for curling, and wishbone function to ensure smooth styling

Take note: Colourways may not suit all tastes, not ideal for long hair, investment price tag

ghd have been making straighteners for over 25 years and many swear by their OGs, but if you plan to upgrade, the Chronos promises faster styling and a shinier finish with a high-gloss coating on the ceramic plates.

The Chronos heats up at the touch of a single button within 20 seconds, chiming when ready to use. The ‘floating’ plates adapt to the strokes made through the hair according to the thickness of the section, ensuring even grip and preventing any snagging to minimise damage. They also use an HD motion response control that continually monitors the temperature of the tool to keep it at 185°C.

I did find that they glided through my hair and smoothed out a section with one pass. They also create even curls easily, thanks to the slimline, one-inch, curved barrel.

The wishbone closure is a new feature for this model, and makes the Chronos smooth to manoeuvre while ensuring the slim plates always meet neatly together with no slipping.

I think these would excel on bobs and midi styles, but they did feel a little flimsy on my long tresses; and while the temperature is considered optimum, some users may prefer being able to adapt it to their preference.

The wipe-clean, heat-proof bag in a matching shade to the limited edition tool is a fun addition and would make this lightweight pair ideal for travelling with, or a perfect present. They also come with a silicone heat-resistant protective plate guard.

• Temperature settings: One, 185°C
• Heat-up time: 20 to 25 seconds
• : 0.3 kg
• 100 to 240V (for worldwide use)

What we love: LCD display screen, sleek appearance, and fast drying time

Take note: Large plug, high price, and cannot be used globally due to voltage

Dyson has been a category leader since venturing into the hair space in 2016, and the pioneering wet-to-dry Airstrait straighteners are my favourite tool from the collection. The digital display makes it easy to select one of three temperatures (up to 140°C) and choose between the setting for refreshing dry hair or styling it from wet.

The main selling point is the fact that the tool claims to cause no heat damage, due to using angled air jets rather than heated plates, which allow it to utilise lower temperatures to straighten. I find it’s super effective at drying my hair to a smooth finish with one slow pass on each section (I use it on hair that is around 60 per cent wet).

As the plates are wide and tricky to get near the roots with, the tool can also be ‘locked’, or clamped shut, so that the airflow can be used to dry the roots or areas which can’t be reached with the wide plates. It also self-cleans every time you turn it on, it via a jet of air to remove debris, and goes onto standby when put down.

The Airstrait has all but replaced my hairdryer, and the sleek finish is unrivalled versus the styling time of around 15 minutes. However, the underside of my hair does begin to kink a little towards the end of the day, so some touch-ups might be necessary for those who love a poker look.

The matching hard case display box is super sleek, and the tool is a real looker if you’re searching for something that can take pride of place on your dressing table.

Hair stylist approved:

Issey Cook, an educator and stylist at London’s Larry King salons, says that this tool is her favourite for creating a smooth finish on clients with all hair types. “It’s got great heat control, so I never feel like I’m frying the hair. It’s perfect for locking in fluffy hair to create the perfect glass finish.”

• Temperature settings: Three, up to 140°C
• Heat-up time: None, though the device performs an automatic internal self-purge (clean) for less than five seconds when first turned on
• 0.96 kg (including PRCD safety plug)

Hair straightener for curling

What we love: Unique cooling ionic air technology, extra-long three-meter swivel cord, and multiple styling modes

Take note: Super slim plates may not be preferable for long and thick hair; it is bulkier than other slim straighteners

Remington has been in the straightener game since the 2000s, and has always had an eye on creating stylers with unique tech. Its latest irons, the AIRvive Slim Straighteners, have captured attention due to the unique addition of cooling ionic airflow vents that promise to reduce static and smooth hair while you straighten it. Remington also claims that they distribute heat evenly via ‘advanced heating tech’ on the plates to avoid singeing and to work in one pass.

The AIRvive has five temperature options, so it should speak to those with fine and damaged hair. It has super-slimline plates, less than an inch wide, so it’s also great for getting into the roots to avoid kinks. The tool also has two different speed settings and comes with a sleek heat-resistant silicone sleeve for the plates.

My first reaction to unboxing the Slim Straightener was how expensive it looked versus the price tag, with its rose gold detailing and matte finish. They delivered on creating smooth sections after one pass, and the cooling airflow (in spite of my reservations about it being a little gimmicky) did seem to make my locks particularly shiny. The tool is a smart choice for curling, as the cool air sets coils while you work through the hair. Though they can be used with this mode switched off, if preferred.

As the plates are so slim, yet the body of the tool is a tad bulky, they weren’t as smooth to work through the hair as some other fast-working straighteners, though they are great value given the number of features and their expensive look.

• Temperature settings: Five digital heat settings, from 150 to 230°C
• Heat-up time: 15 seconds
• 0.57 kg
• : Lilac with gold detailing
• : 110 to 240V (for worldwide use)

Hair straightener for long-lasting smoothness

What we love: More affordable price tag versus the competition, sleek design, and lasting finish

Take note: Less lightweight handset than competitors, uses heated plates as well as airflow to dry, and longer styling time

Shark launched its contender in the wet-to-dry space in March 2026. Unlike some competitors, the SilkiPro uses hot ceramic plates as well as airflow to straighten. It can be used in either wet-to-dry mode or on dry hair to smooth. The tool has a switch to select the mode, and two buttons: one to select the temperature and another to boost or reduce airflow, for a simple user experience.

Lower temperatures are available on the option for wet hair (up to 120°C for wet and 220°C for dry) with the aim of minimising damage. Also to this end, the ‘HeatSense’ plates feature an integrated sensor that measures temperature 1,000 times a minute and adjusts it automatically. However, I found the Silki’s body felt much hotter to the touch than its Dyson competitor, making me feel less confident about using it as an everyday tool on my fine locks, given the direct contact of the plates with the hair. The upshot of its dual approach, though, was that my locks stayed smooth for multiple days, and I was complimented on how noticeably glossy my hair was on night one.

The plates are under an inch wide, which meant it took me longer to work through sections than with the Dyson Airstrait, and the overall styling time was longer, as I used two passes per section. Something unique and standout about the tool is the inclusion of comb attachments which fit on a track under the air shaft. A wide comb is perfect for curly hair during the initial drying phase to create tension and stretch the hair as you straighten, then a choice of two finer combs creates added grip when you’re creating your ‘finished look’ – with the ‘precision’ one designed to create a straighter finish with minimal body.

Like its competitor, the SilkiPro’s high-velocity airflow can be used with the tool clamped shut, in order to dry the roots before working through the lengths. It comes with a leather travel case with a built-in heat-safe mat, which is another major tick for this stylish-looking tool.

• Temperature settings: Six, up to 120°C for wet-to-dry, and up to 220°C for dry mode
• Heat-up time: A few seconds
• 0.78kg
• Rose, plum or turquoise

For travel and straightening on the go

What we love: Competitive battery life, chargeable via any USB-C port, and lightweight

Take note: The charge time may not be long enough for thicker and longer hair types; one temperature only, long charge time versus battery life

ghd’s first-ever pair of cordless straighteners hit the market last year, and they’ve earned a reputation as a leader in their category, as they’re lightweight and last a decent 20 minutes per charge. They come with a sleek leather, heat-proof pouch with room for your charger, so they can easily be stashed in a handbag for touch-ups.

As with all ghd stylers, there’s one fixed temperature setting of 185°C. They come on at the flick of a switch, and have an LED battery life display which counts down in 20 per cent increments.

They use fine ceramic-coated plates with curved edges which moved through my hair without any snagging, and gave my long locks a uniform, smooth finish in around 10 minutes, so I’d guess you could get two uses on long and thick hair types out of one charge, and more on short styles.

The tech and overall finish isn’t comparable to plug-in models, of course, but if you’re willing to invest and are a frequent traveller or always on the go, the Unplugged is the tool to know.

• Recharge time: Two hours (USB-C)
• Battery life: Up to 20 minutes
• Temperature settings: One, 185°C
• Heat-up time: 45 seconds
• 0.3kg

For a frizz-free finish

What we love: Five temperature options, damage-minimising heat sensor technology, and super-fast heat-up time

Take note: Design and use of titanium plates over ceramic

The USP of these stylers from hair tool giant Babyliss is their ‘Sensor Protect’ technology, meaning a built-in microprocessor monitors and regulates temperature up to 50 times per second, adapting to your hair and promising a personalised experience. They use true-titanium floating plates for a super-fast heat-up time of five seconds, and they have five heat settings up to 200°C, starting at 160°C (controlled via a single button).

The physical design of the Sensor Protect Straighteners is where they lack for me. The plastic body doesn’t feel premium, and the edges of the tool beside the plates are flat (rather than rounded), which made me more concerned about snagging than competing products.

The high temperature options, which are intuitively moderated between strokes, mean that those with tighter curls and thicker hair will rate how easy it is to achieve smooth, frizz-free hair in one pass. In spite of the damage-protection promise, due to the use of titanium (which transfers heat more rapidly to the hair) over ceramic plates, and no option for lower temperatures, those with fine or damaged hair may prefer a gentler tool.

• Temperature settings: Five settings between 160 to 200°C
• Heat-up time: five seconds
• : 0.278kg (excluding cord)
• 110 to 240V (for worldwide use)