Hair Straighteners Buyers Guide 2024
Get straight to the part where you discover your dream styler.
Hair Straightener Buying Guide
Finding the best hair straightener comes down to your hair type, texture and styling goals, rather than just price. By choosing the right plate technology and heat settings for your specific needs, you'll get better results regardless of your budget.
Whether you want a sleek, smooth finish or a salon-worthy blowout at home, use this guide to find the perfect match from our range at Hairhouse.
How to find the best hair straightener for your hair type
Start by identifying your hair type. Since fine, thin hair has different styling needs than thick, coarse or frizzy hair, your hair texture is the fastest guide to finding the best straightener for your needs.
Once you know where your hair sits, match it to the right temperature settings and plate size. Whatever your hair type, always start at the lower end of the temperature range and increase only if needed. Here's what works for each:
- Thin and fine hair: Keep your temperature between 150 and 180°C to protect your strands and still get a smooth, polished finish.
- Frizzy and coarse hair: Your hair needs high heat to smooth out, so look for a straightener that reaches at least 210°C.
- Wavy hair: Look for adjustable heat settings around 180 to 200°C, giving you the flexibility to smooth or enhance your natural texture depending on the day.
- Long hair: Wider plates cover more of your hair with each pass, cutting your styling time right down.
- Short hair: A narrower plate gives you better root access and precision, and many narrow-plate straighteners also double as a curling iron.
Which plate technology suits your hair?
Not all straightener plates are made the same, and the material affects how the hair tool functions and how well it can straighten hair. Some work at lower temperatures to protect fine or sensitive hair, while others are built to handle thicker textures at higher heat.
Getting the plate right makes styling a whole lot easier. Here's what each plate type does and who it works best for:
- Ceramic: Ceramic plates spread heat evenly across your hair, making them the safest bet for sensitive or damaged hair. They warm up more gently than titanium, so you get consistent heat without the risk of hot spots.
- Titanium: Titanium heats up fast and holds a steady, high temperature, making it your best match for thick, coarse or curly hair. Because these tools heat up fast, you’ll spend less time waiting around and more time on those quick touch-ups.
- Infrared: Infrared technology styles your hair from the inside out, rather than simply blasting heat across the surface. You’ll keep more moisture in your hair as you style, making it a perfect option if your strands are fine, fragile or already damaged.
- Copper: Copper plates tackle frizz and flyaways fast, so you're not holding heat on your hair for longer than necessary. You can also count on copper for a glossy, high-shine finish that leaves your hair looking polished and healthy.
- Tourmaline: When heated, tourmaline releases negative ions that help close your hair cuticle, cutting down on frizz and boosting shine. It's often paired with ceramic plates and is a great pick if you're looking for maximum shine and smoothness.
Our pick of the best hair straighteners in Australia
Whether you want sleek, smooth straight hair or the flexibility to curl hair and add waves, the right styling iron makes all the difference. These are our top picks at Hairhouse, high-quality styling tools from brands trusted by hairstylists. Each one has been chosen to suit a specific hair type, texture or budget, so finding the right match is that much easier.
Key Technology
Ceramic
Ceramic plates conduct heat slowly and evenly, so if you have damaged or sensitive hair, help protect your strands and go ceramic. A ceramic straightener may not always be the fastest styling option, but it will be the safest for your hair.
Titanium
Titanium is a popular option for thick, coarse, and curly hair due to its premium ability to conduct heat effectively and evenly. Titanium straighteners heat up fast, making them great for last-minute touch-ups in just a few seconds.
Infrared
A nurturing approach to smoothing and straightening hair, infrared technology heats the hair from the inside out rather than focusing heat across the hair’s surface. It’s a softer, gentler way to style with your hair’s integrity in mind.
Copper
A popular choice for taming frizziness and flyaways, copper quickly gets to work smoothing hair, meaning less time with the heat on the hair. Another perk is that copper delivers a glossy, high-shine finish for salon-quality results.
Ceramic
Ceramic plates conduct heat slowly and evenly, so if you have damaged or sensitive hair, help protect your strands and go ceramic. A ceramic straightener may not always be the fastest styling option, but it will be the safest for your hair.
Titanium
Titanium is a popular option for thick, coarse, and curly hair due to its premium ability to conduct heat effectively and evenly. Titanium straighteners heat up fast, making them great for last-minute touch-ups in just a few seconds.
Infrared
A nurturing approach to smoothing and straightening hair, infrared technology heats the hair from the inside out rather than focusing heat across the hair’s surface. It’s a softer, gentler way to style with your hair’s integrity in mind.
Copper
A popular choice for taming frizziness and flyaways, copper quickly gets to work smoothing hair, meaning less time with the heat on the hair. Another perk is that copper delivers a glossy, high-shine finish for salon-quality results.
Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener
Transform your hair styling with the ghd Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener, designed to deliver salon-quality results through dual-zone technology and 70% larger plates.The 42mm ceramic floating plates are contoured with a smooth gloss coating, ensuring snag-free styling for straight looks or soft waves. Engineered to maintain an optimum styling temperature of 185°C, this professional straightener provides up to 80% more shine and 2x less frizz for a long-lasting finish.Product Specifications Dual-zone technology with two heat sensors for consistent temperature control 185°C optimum styling temperature for healthier heat styling 42mm ceramic contoured floating plates for smooth, effortless styling 30-second heat-up time for quick, efficient use Automatic sleep mode activates after 30 minutes of non-use for safety Universal voltage for worldwide use Professional 2.7m swivel cable for easy movement Suitable for all hair types, including thick, curly, and coarse hair Made in China 2-year warranty for peace of mind
$399.00
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X25 Ceramic Hair Straightener
Our best selling Halo X25 Ceramic Hair Straightener is a premium styler with 25mm ceramic floating plates that will glide through hair to eliminate drag and cushion your strands from the impact of styling.Advanced ionic generator will generate millions of negatively charged ions that infuse your hair with amazing shine. Together with far infrared technology that will create special wavelengths to heat hair gently and evenly from the inside while reducing damage on the outside of the strand and imparting maximum shine — hair is straightened and smooth.Product Specifications- Far Infrared Technology - Advanced Ionic Generator- Advanced 25mm Ceramic Floating Plates - Adjustable Temperature Controls of 90°C – 230°C- Universal Voltage- Superior Safety Feature - Auto Shut-Off after 60 minutes if left unattended- Premium 3m 360° Swivel Cord- 2 Year Warranty- Suitable for all hair types. Ideal for fine to medium hair.
$160.95
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Original Hair Straightener
Transform your hair with the ghd Original Hair Straightener, featuring ceramic floating plates with a smooth gloss finish and single-zone™ technology for consistent heat at 185°C across both plates. This ensures reduced frizz and protection against damaged hair.The rounded barrel makes it easy to switch between sleek looks, waves, or curls, while the plates glide through hair for a shiny, snag-free finish.Product Specifications Single-zone™ ceramic plates for consistent heat distribution Optimum 185°C styling temperature for healthier heat styling Floating plates with gloss coating for smooth, snag-free results Rounded barrel for versatile styling — straight, curl, or wave 30-second heat-up time for quick, effortless styling Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes for safety Universal voltage for worldwide use Professional 2.7m swivel cord for flexible movement Suitable for all hair types Made in China 2-year warranty
$299.00
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Platinum+ Hair Straightener In Black
Achieve salon results with the ghd platinum+ professional hair straightener in black. With sensors, shine and colour protection, you can create sleek, stronger styles in just one stroke.Product Specifications Ultra-zone™ technology with predictive sensors ensures consistent heat across plates Optimum 185°C styling temperature protects hair health while delivering smooth results Precision-milled floating plates with gloss coating for effortless glide and shine Wishbone hinge provides perfect plate alignment and superior styling control Rounded barrel allows for versatile styling, from sleek looks to curls and waves Professional 2.7m swivel cord for flexible, salon-quality use Automatic sleep mode activates after 30 minutes for safety Universal voltage for convenient worldwide use Suitable for all hair types Made in China 3-year warranty for long-lasting reliability
$439.00
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Halo Kate Ceramic Hair Straightener
The Halo Kate is designed for damaged and colour-treated hair, with Japanese Kyocera® ceramic heater technology that generates gentle heatwaves and far infrared rays for even heat distribution that protects your hair's condition. Mineral-infused 25mm ceramic floating plates glide through your hair to prevent moisture loss, with adjustable temperature controls from 100 to 210°C for precise heat.Product Specifications:- Revolutionary Japanese Kyocera® Technology - 25mm Ceramic Floating Plates - Fast Heat-Up Time- Adjustable Temperature Controls of 100°C – 210°C (+/– 5°C)- Universal Voltage- Auto Shut-Off after 30 minutes if left unattended. - 360° Swivel Cord- 2 Year Warranty- Made in South Korea- Suitable for all hair types. Ideal for fine to medium hair, or colour treated hair.
$289.95
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Dyson Corrale™ Cordless Straightener Black Nickel/Fuchsia
The Dyson Corrale™ is the only hair straightener with flexing copper plates that shape around your hair to gather it, delivering the same results with less heat and half the damage compared to non-flexing plates. With up to 30 minutes of cord-free styling and three heat settings ranging from 165 to 210°C, it suits all hair types and gives you the freedom to style anywhere. Product Specifications Flexing plates for less hair damage Three precise heat settings – 165°C, 185°C, and 210°C Thermal damage measured by hair strength, tested on Corrale with flexing plates vs solid plates Direct image analysis vs untreated hair Exact run time depends on hair and styling habits Stricter regulations in Japan mean you cannot fly in or out of Japanese airports with this straightener
$560.00
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Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener In Matte Black
Transform your styling routine with the ghd Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener in Matte Black, featuring dual-zone technology for consistent heat distribution.With a sleek, ergonomic design, this cordless straightener is perfect for on-the-go styling, offering up to 20 minutes of continuous use. The ceramic-coated plates glide smoothly through hair, delivering sleek, shiny results without extreme heat.Product Specifications Cordless design for portable use Dual-zone technology maintains 185°C styling temperature High-gloss plates for snag-free styling USB-C charging in just two hours Flight-friendly for travel convenience Automatic sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity Hybrid Co-lithium technology with lithium-ion battery 30% smaller and 47% lighter than leading competitors 65% more shine compared to naturally dried hair Not recommended for use during flights
$515.00
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Titanium Hair Straightener - Pink Punch
The Curious Grace Titanium Hair Straightener is the hot tool of your dreams. Lightweight with a soft-touch design, our styler is perfect for all hair types, creating glossy curls, waves or a silky-smooth finish with ease.The Metal Ceramic Heater Technology (MCH) straightens strands in one seamless pass minimising damage, while infrared and ionic technology protect hair and lock in moisture, revealing shiny curls, waves or a silky-smooth style.Suitable for all hair types, ideal for medium, coarse and thick hair.Benefits - Metal Ceramic Heater Technology (MCH): Energy-efficient technology straightens hair in a single pass with immediate heat recovery for speedy styling.- Titanium Coated Plates: Durable and lightweight premium-grade 25mm titanium plates effortlessly glide through hair, creating smooth, silky and frizz-free hair.- Ionic Technology: The styler’s generator releases negative ions to help close the hair cuticle, boosting glossy shine and hair hydration.- Infrared Heating Technology: Special wavelengths heat hair gently and evenly from the inside, protecting hair health and reducing damage while infusing hair with ultimate shine.- Fast Heat Up Time- Digital Temperature Control 100°C – 230°C - Auto-shut-off feature after 60 minutes- Universal Voltage- Premium- 360°C Swivel Cord- 2 year warranty
$119.95
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Silver Bullet Fastlane Straightener
The Silver Bullet Fastlane is a great-value ceramic hair straightener built for speed, with 25mm ionic ceramic plates that heat up instantly and hold a consistent temperature to keep your style locked in all day. With heat settings up to 230°C and a floating plate design that glides through your hair like silk, it caters to all hair types and comes with dual voltage for worldwide use. Product Specifications Adjustable temperature up to 230°C for all hair types 25mm ionic ceramic surface plates to smooth and add shine Floating plate design: glides through hair like silk Extra long 360° swivel cord Dual voltage for worldwide travel Easy grip heat resistant handle Suits all hair types Includes a heat resistant pouch for easy storage and 4 crocodile clips 2-year warranty
$119.95
Shop NowHow to protect your hair from heat damage
The most effective way to protect your hair is to apply a heat protectant before every styling session. This creates a protective barrier for your strands, significantly reducing breakage over time. Before you reach for your straightener, make sure to blow-dry your hair fully, as styling on damp hair can cause much more damage than working with dry hair.
You should also start at a lower heat setting than you think you need, only working your way up if necessary. This is especially important for damaged, colour-treated or fine hair, where lower temperatures help you avoid unnecessary harm.
For an even faster routine, try a smoothing product like a keratin serum to shorten your styling time and leave your hair with a frizz-free finish. You'll find a wide range of haircare and other hair products at Hairhouse to suit your specific hair type.
Are you still looking for the best hair straightener?
Our full lineup of hair straighteners is available online and in-store at Hairhouse. Find the right one for your hair type and budget, and get it delivered free on orders over $70.
Thermal protection should always be used alongside hot tools.
While our hero hair straighteners boast protective elements and quality, a heat protectant is essential for shielding strands from damage caused by excessive heat.
Shop Thermal Protection