We've put together some reviews of the most popular models of hair straighteners to help you decide what to buy.
There are loads of models on the market (GHD, Sedu, FHI, T3, Babyliss, Braun, Remington, Solia, Chi... the list of hair straighteners brands goes on!) and it's difficult to know which are the best hair straighteners. Although these are quality models, you have to bear in mind our advice about buying straighteners which are matched to your hair type.
Model: GHD Mk 4 Styler
RRP: £119
Plate material: ceramic
Max Temp.: 210 deg. C
Heating time: 6 seconds
Good: very quick to heat up, very well finished, good maximum temperature, versatile for both straightening and curling hair, discreet styling
Bad: some users have had problems with straighteners failing soon after purchase, quite bland appearance if bling is your thing, pricey.
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Model: T3
RRP: £119.95
Plate material: ceramic with Tourmaline
Max Temp.: 210 deg. C
Heating time: 6 seconds
Good: Tourmaline means more negative ions for frizz free straightening, quick to reach temperature, comparable quality to GHD but with added security of 2 year warranty, no reliability issues that we know of.
Bad: expensive, not a lot else!
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Model: T3 Wet or Dry
RRP: £119.95 - £129.95
Plate material: ceramic with Tourmaline
Max Temp.: 210 deg. C
Heating time: 10 seconds
Good: holds style all day, frizz free straightening, quick to reach max temperature, 2 year warranty, no reliability issues. A friend has used these daily for 3 years now without any problems. Wet or dry saves time - less need for hair drying.
Bad: see ordinary T3 review.
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(time is money!) |
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Model: Satin Hair
RRP: £69.99
Plate material: ceramic
Max Temp.: 200 deg. C
Heating time: 30 seconds
Good: well priced, high ion output gives genuine advantage over similarly priced competition.
Bad: looks like a boys toy, silly digital display is a gimmick, build quality is variable.
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Model: 2099U Total Freedom 230 Cordless
RRP: £50
Plate material: ceramic
Max Temp.: 230 deg. C
Heating time: 30 seconds
Good: cheap, high temperature, but relatively pedestrian, cordless feature is a boon for creative stylists.
Bad: looks cheap.
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Model: Maximum VS5314 Tourmaline
RRP: £39.97
Plate material: Tourmaline coated ceramic
Max Temp.: not known (manufacturer states 'high')
Heating time: not known (manufacturer states 'fast')
Good: cheap, medium temperature, tourmaline coating for less hair damage, white - like your iPod!
Bad: slow, lack of ions means more hair frizz, tourmaline coating wears off quite quickly.
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Ceramic hair straighteners are better for your hair. Ionic technology on higher-end straighteners also helps keep your condition and prevent frizz.
