Best Hair Straighteners for any Hair Type and Length
Post last updated: 18/06/2026
The right hair straightener is so versatile it can smooth your hair straight, create tousled, beachy waves, or help you to achieve the perfect curl. And with a wide range of brands available such as ghd, Dyson and Babyliss, you’ll be sure to find the perfect straightening iron that will offer you beautiful locks in no time at all.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hair Straightener
When it comes to looking for the perfect hair straightener, there are a few things to consider:
What width is best for short or long hair?
Hair straighteners are available in a variety of widths: slim plates (usually around 2.5 – 3cm) are suitable for short hair, while wider plates (around 6cm) are better for those with longer hair or thick hair.
How quickly do different plates heat up?
Ceramic plates distribute heat more evenly but can be slower to warm up. Titanium plates heat up much more quickly than ceramic plates however, hair straighteners with this plate type tend to be more expensive. Ceramic coated plates are made from a metal base topped with a ceramic layer giving you the best of both worlds - a speedy heating time paired with more evenly distributed heat.
Do you need a straightener with a variable temperature?
Depending on your hair density, you’ll want to heat your hair straighteners to different temperatures to ensure the best results. Low heat is better suited to people with fine hair and a higher heat is better suited to people with coarse hair or thick hair.
What is ionic technology?
Nobody wants frizz or flyaways and when there is too much positive charge on your hair, it can cause static. Ionic technology neutralises this unwanted charge and helps to keep your hair smooth, sleek and frizz free.
The Best Hair Straighteners for 2026 and Beyond
The best hair straighteners have been tried and tested by our experts and rated by our customers. If you’re ready to invest in a pair of long lasting hair straighteners that will give you shiny, glossy and gorgeous hair time and time again, then keep on reading...
1. Dyson Airstrait™ dryer and straightener- Ceramic Pink
Best For: Wet-to-Dry Styling
Dyson’s Airstrait is made for anyone who wants a straighter, smoother finish without styling twice. Designed to dry and straighten at the same time, it uses powerful directional airflow instead of hot plates, helping to create a naturally sleek look while keeping hair feeling soft and healthy. Negative ion technology helps reduce flyaways and static, while 2 styling modes let you work from wet or refresh dry hair when your style needs a quick reset. With 3 heat settings, 3 speed settings and a cool mode to finish, it gives you more control over your result, whether you’re smoothing frizz, adding polish or cutting down your morning routine.Key Features:
- Wet-to-dry straightening with air
- No hot plates
- Hyperdymium™ airflow motor
- Smoothing ion technology to reduce flyaways and static
- Wet-to-dry and dry styling modes
- 3 heat settings and 3 speed settings
- Cool mode to help set your style
- 198cm cable
2. BaByliss Titanium Shine Professional Hair Straightener
3. Beauty Works Hair Straightener
Best For: Sleek Styles and Soft Waves
Key Features:
- Advanced ceramic technology
- Extra-long gold ceramic-coated plates
- Ionic technology to enhance shine and softness
- Adjustable temperature settings from 80°C to 220°C
- Heats up in under 1 minute
- Curved exterior for creating waves and curls
- Lightweight design
- 360° swivel cord
- Rotating lockable plate feature
4. ghd Original - Hair Straightener
Best For: Everyday Styling
Key Features:
- 185°C styling temperature
- Single-zone technology™ for even heat distribution
- Ceramic floating plates
- Round barrel for straight styles, waves and curls
- 30 second heat-up time
- Updated ghd interface
- Universal voltage
- Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes
- Professional length 2.7m cable
5. Shark Glam Sleek Straight Waves & Curls Multi-Styler
Best For: Multi-Styling
Key Features:
- 4 attachments to blow-dry, straighten, smooth and curl
- Wet-to-dry styling
- Intelligent heat control to help protect against heat damage
- Powerful airflow for faster drying and styling
- Gloss Lock Technology for visible shine
- Silki tool works as a hot brush and air straightener
- Glossi Tool and Air Glosser help smooth flyaways
- Auto-Wrap Curlers create softly defined curls
- Styling Concentrator supports sleekness or root lift
6. BaByliss Platinum Diamond 235 Straightener
Best For: Fast Styling
Key Features:
- Diamond-infused ceramic plates
- Longer plates for faster styling
- Up to 235°C high heat performance
- 3 heat settings
- Advanced Ceramics™ for quick heat-up and consistent heat
- Ready to use in 15 seconds
- Active frizz-control ionic conditioners
- Auto shut-off safety function
- Universal voltage
- 3m swivel cord
- Includes heat protection wrap
7. ghd Chronos Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener White
Best For: Long, Thick and Curly Hair
Key Features:
- Wide plate design for larger sections
- 85% wider plates
- HD motion-responsive technology
- Optimum styling temperature of 185°C
- Designed for long, thick and curly hair types
- Helps create smoother-looking hair in 1 stroke
- Up to 24-hour style hold
- Up to 90% more shine
- 2.5x less flyaways
- Smart Sleep Mode after 10 minutes of inactivity
8. Shark SilkiPro Straight Hair Straightener + Dryer in One Tool - Rose Petal
Best For: Wet-to-Dry Straightening
Key Features:
- Wet-to-dry styling in one tool
- HeatSense Ceramic Plates
- Rapid-Dry Technology
- High-velocity airflow
- Interchangeable combs for a customisable finish
- 2 modes to style wet hair or refresh dry hair
- Designed to smooth roots and lengths evenly
- Helps minimise excessive heat styling
- Rose Petal colourway
9. BaByliss Hydro Fusion Anti Frizz Hair Straightener
Best For: Frizz Control and Shine
Key Features:
- Advanced Plasma Technology
- Moisture-balancing dual ionic system
- Positive and negative ions to help hydrate hair
- Designed to control frizz while straightening or curling
- Ceramic-coated plates
- Curved design for versatile styling
- 5 digital heat settings
- Smooth, shiny-looking finish
10. Bio:Ionic 10X Styling Iron with UK Plug
Best For: Shine and Versatile Styling
Key Features:
- Ceramic Mineral Complex
- BioCeramic MCH Heater
- Far infrared heat
- Sonic vibrating plates
- Negative ion technology
- Adjustable heat up to 232°C
- Rounded barrel for straight, wavy and loose curly styles
- 9ft swivel cord
- Automatic shut-off after 1 hour
- Universal voltage
- UK three-pin plug
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