Hair Straighteners

What does a hair straightener do?

Hair straighteners are a go-to styling tool for smoothing hair and reducing frizz. They work by using heat to temporarily reshape the hair’s natural texture, helping you create a sleek, straight finish or other styles, depending on how you use it.

Here’s what a hair straightener can do:

• Smooth and sleek hair: Tame frizz and leave your hair looking polished. This hair tool also works wonders across a range of hair types.
• Versatile styling: Straighteners aren’t just for straightening hair. You can also use one to create soft waves or curls, depending on the plate shape and your technique.
• Quick results: This hair styler heats up fast, which helps when you’re short on time or styling every day.
• Hair health: Modern straighteners are built to minimise damage. Ceramic and tourmaline plates help distribute heat evenly, which can reduce the risk of breakage.
• Long-lasting style: A good straightener keeps your style in place for hours, so you won’t need as many touch-ups during the day.

How to use a hair straightener properly

Once you’ve picked the right hair straightener, it’s time to learn how to use it. Here are some expert tips to help you get smooth, silky results:

1. Because straighteners can get hot, always use them safely. Have a heat-resistant mat ready to place the tool on when you’re done.
2. Start by washing your hair with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. Then, blow-dry using a hair dryer. If you have frizzy hair, use anti-frizz products, like a keratin-rich shampoo or argan oil.
3. Once your hair is dry, it's time to add protection against heat with haircare products. Use your favourite heat protectant spray or oil and make sure it’s applied evenly. Avoid applying it to the roots, as this can make your hair appear greasy.
4. Next, divide your hair into sections to make styling easier. Whether you’re using a mini styler, wide iron, hair straightening brush or regular straightener, sectioning helps give you better results.
5. Switch on your straightener and select the right temperature setting for your hair type and length. Most tools come with a guide. Wait for it to heat up fully, then place it about two centimetres from your root and work through each section.

Those with naturally curly hair can benefit from using hair wax to help maintain the result after blow-drying and straightening. If you want to save time, a hot brush is a great option. It lets you straighten your hair with hot air.

Can you curl hair with a straightener?

Yes, you can curl your hair with a straightener. Most people use a hair curler, curling iron or wand, but a straightener can also create curls. So, how do you curl your hair with a straightener? Follow these steps:

1. Grab a small section of your hair
2. Clamp and glide down to where you want the curl to start
3. Turn the straightener 180 degrees and slowly pull it through
4. Repeat for each section

Are ceramic hair straighteners better for damaged hair?

Ceramic hair straighteners are usually a safer option for damaged or brittle hair. If your hair is prone to breakage, ceramic or tourmaline plates can help distribute heat more evenly and tend to run at lower temperatures. This can reduce heat damage and minimise stress on fragile hair.

The ghd Platinum+ Hair Straightener features advanced ceramic technology and maintains an optimal temperature to support stronger hair, add shine and protect colour. It's suitable for all hair types, from thick to fine hair. It also comes in a gift set that includes a paddle brush and a heat-resistant bag.

What is the best hair straightener for frizzy hair?

The best hair straightener for frizzy hair is one that can handle thick, textured or dry hair without causing breakage or making flyaways worse. It’s difficult to choose just one brand, as many well-known names offer something different.

From Halo and BaByliss PRO to Curious Grace, there are plenty of options in Australia. The key is to choose a tool that suits your hair type and helps create smooth, frizz-free results.

Those with thick, curly or frizzy hair may find it hard to get straight hair with most hair straighteners, as this hair type can be more resistant to heat. A wide hair straightener like the ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener is a strong option, as it offers maximum contact with the hair for faster, more controlled styling.

You may also benefit from a titanium hair straightener like the Halo by Elchim 8th Sense Styler Titanium & Ceramic Hair Straightener. With adjustable heat settings, it makes straightening textured or thick hair easier and helps reduce the risk of heat damage or breakage.

What is the best travel hair straightener?

The best travel hair straightener depends on what you need, whether you’re after something compact or cordless. Two top options are the BaByliss PRO XPT and the Dyson Corrale Cordless Hair Straightener.

Get sleek, shiny hair with the BaByliss PRO XPT Straightener. This compact mini hair straightener features advanced ceramic heater technology and longer titanium-ceramic plates for consistent, even heat distribution. The result? Smooth, glossy locks free from frizz, so you can enjoy polished hair wherever you go.

If you’re on the move and want cordless styling, the Dyson Corrale Cordless Straightener is a top pick. This cordless hair straightener uses flexing plates and precise heat settings to deliver salon-like styles with less damage. It’s ideal for travel and gives you the freedom to style without needing to plug in.

Which hair straightener is best for my hair?

There are many options at Hairhouse, and the best straightener for you depends on your hair type, texture and styling goals. Popular straighteners among our customers include the Silver Bullet Keratin range, the ghd Original Hair Straightener, Dyson Corrale and Halo X30 Shine Ionic Titanium Wide Hair Straightener.

If you have thick or coarse hair, wide plates offer better coverage. The ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener handles this well. For gentle, even heat, ceramic plates are a good option, which is why the ghd Platinum+ and Cloud Nine Alchemy Standard Iron remain favourites.

The ghd Gold Hair Straightener comes with a vanity case, making it a great gift set. For styling on the go, you can rely on the ghd Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener in Matte Black. If you're after a tool that can dry and straighten, the ghd Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler delivers both in one.

Where to buy hair straighteners online

You can buy hair straighteners online at Hairhouse, where you'll find a wide range of professional hair brands to suit every hair type and styling need.

We stock trusted names like Silver Bullet, ghd, Halo, Mermade Hair and Curious Grace, available both online and in-store. Add favourites to your wishlist, pick up a Hairhouse gift card or shop our bestsellers to achieve sleek, stylish results at home.

To complete your styling routine, we also offer haircare essentials. From hair dryers and brushes to curlers, treatments and styling tools, everything is curated to help you have a good hair day every day. Shop online now and enjoy convenient shipping across Australia!