If you’ve ever purchased a hair tool (or any product for that matter), you’re probably familiar with the fact that not all are created equal. So, to avoid disappointment or any purchase regret, we’ve done the research for you and scoured the internet to find the best hair straighteners in 2021 for every budget.
Whether you want clever technology that will reduce heat damage, a travel-friendly option good enough for full-time use, or a tool that will cut your normally lengthy hair-styling sessions in half, there’s a straightener on this list perfect for you.
Keep reading below for the best hair straighteners (and straightening tools) from $30 to $800.
Best Overall Straightener
CLOUD NINE The Touch Iron
Price: $285
While this might not be the newest or most technologically advanced straightener on the market, the Cloud Nine Touch Iron hits the perfect sweet spot for both price, features and performance. Heating up in seconds (thanks to its clever tap system), its ceramic floating plates, two heat settings, and long swivel cord will make straightening your hair a breeze. Shop it here.
Best Affordable Hair Straightener
Remington Super Glide Ceramic Straightener
PRICE: $29.95
If you're looking for a more affordable hair straightener, you can't go past this option from Remington. Coming in at under $30, this budget-friendly straightener features digital variable heat settings, a turbo boost function (for fast heat-up) and leaves hair shiny and static-free. Shop it here.
Best Hair Straightener For Travel
ghd unplugged™ cordless hair straightener
PRICE: $475
While most travel-friendly straighteners sacrifice functionality and performance in turn for size, this new release from ghd changes all of that. Delivering the same performance as your standard ghd tool, this rechargeable straightener will allow you to style your hair both at home and on the go thanks to its portable (read: handbag-friendly) and powerful design. Shop it here.
Best Straightener For Frizzy Hair
VS Sassoon Frizz Defense Salon Straightener
PRICE: $79.95
If you're battling frizz, the VS Sassoon Frizz Defense Salon Straightener is our pick. This straightener promises to eliminate static while conditioning the hair cuticle for a super-sleek result with built-in frizz-fighting ion technology. In addition, the advanced Sol-Gel ceramic plates allow for seamless glide and constant even heat for a longer-lasting finish. Shop it here.
Best Straightener For Damaged Hair
ghd platinum+ black styler
PRICE: $355
While the best advice for damaged hair might be to avoid heat styling entirely, if the idea of giving up your straightener just isn't on the books, this might be the tool for you. Its innovative ultra-zone technology works to predict and adjust to the individual needs of your hair, allowing you to ensure a perfect result in just one stroke while never heating over 185 degrees - the optimum temperature for hair styling without damage. Shop it here.
Best Hair Straightener For Thick Hair
CLOUD NINE The Wide Iron
PRICE: $340
Designed with more straightforward and effective styling in mind, the Cloud Nine Wide Iron combines all the usual tech you'd expect in a Cloud Nine straightener but with extra-wide plates. Ideal for very long, thick or coarse hair, the width of this iron will allow you to style your hair faster and more effectively, ultimately reducing heat damage. Shop it here.
Best Straightener For Curly Or Textured Hair
L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod 3.0
PRICE: $330
If you've got naturally curly or textured hair, achieving a super straight look can often take way too long or cause excessive heat damage. The L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod 3.0 utilises steam-powered technology, which performs exceptionally well on coarse, thick and curly hair. This easy-to-use tool releases steam into the hair as it straightens, providing a longer-lasting finish and an overall healthier result. Shop it here.
Best Straightener For Short Hair
CLOUD NINE The Micro Iron
PRICE: $155
When it comes to styling short hair, it can often feel like most tools weren't designed with that functionality in mind. Delivering the same Cloud Iron technology, just in mini-size, the Cloud Nine Micro Iron is perfect for bobs, pixie cuts and everything in-between. We like to put it to use on smaller areas like fringes or use it as a travel tool thanks to its portable 6-inch size. Shop it here.
Best Multi-Use Straightening Tool
Dyson Airwrap Styler Complete
PRICE: $799
The endless functions of this multi-use tool make it a worthwhile investment if you're looking to upgrade your at-home styling. The multiple attachments will allow you to straighten, curl and style your hair (from wet to dry) in about half the time you'd typically be able to. While this won't leave you with a super-straight result (compared to a traditional tool), you can expect a smooth, sleek and effortless finish. Shop it here.
Best Hair Straightening Brush
DRYBAR The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
PRICE: $222
While this won't leave your hair dead-straight like a traditional flat iron, if you want to reduce frizz and replicate the kind of smooth and sleek hair that can typically only be achieved with an in-salon blow dry, this is the tool for you. Featuring digital temperature controls, ionic technology and auto-shutoff, this smoothing paddle brush will give you a sleek, frizz-free look in one easy step. Shop it here.
Best Cordless Straightener
Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener
PRICE: $699
While this is no longer the only cordless straightener available on the market, we're still convinced it's the best. If you straighten your hair daily and you've got the cash to splash, this portable and battery-powered straightener is packed with heaps of unique hair-care technology that will make your daily heat styling worth the splurge. Shop it here.
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Image credit: GHD