INFORMATION ARTICLE
What is the best hair straightener?
August 14, 2026
The best hair straightener is the one that matches your hair type, styling routine and desired finish. Rather than focusing on a single model, it's important to consider plate material, temperature control, styling versatility, ease of use and whether a device is suited to fine, thick, curly, coily or long hair.
For some people, that may mean choosing a dedicated straightener with adjustable heat settings and styling options. For others, it may mean exploring a machine that can create straight styles alongside other looks.
The Dyson Corrale CoolShine™ hair straightener features four heat settings and is designed for straightening as well as styling waves and curls when used without its heat extracting attachment, while the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer offers 6-in-1 versatility, including the ability to create straighter styles using the AirSmooth2x™ attachment.
Understanding how different machines approach styling can help you decide which option best fits your routine and hair goals
Key factors to consider when choosing a hair straightener
Before buying a hair straightener, look at:
- Plate material – ceramic, titanium or tourmaline.
- Heat settings – multiple temperature options for different hair types.
- Hair type compatibility – fine, thick, curly, coily or long hair.
- Styling versatility – straightening, smoothing, shaping or waving.
- Portability – travel-friendly or cordless designs.
- Ease of use – weight, manoeuvrability and comfort during styling.
Read on for a detailed comparison of plate materials, heat settings, cordless options and advice for different hair types.
How to choose a hair straightener by plate material, temperature and hair type
Choosing a hair straightener starts with understanding three core factors: plate material, heat settings and your individual hair type.
Different combinations suit different styling needs, and matching the device to your hair can help improve the styling experience.
Plate material matters
Most straighteners fall into one of the following categories:
Ceramic plates
A ceramic straightener is often chosen for:
- Fine hair.
- Damaged hair.
- Colour-treated hair.
- Everyday styling.
Ceramic plates typically distribute heat evenly across the surface, helping to reduce hot spots while creating smooth results.
Titanium plates
Titanium straighteners are commonly preferred by users with:
- Thick hair.
- Dense hair.
- Coarse textures.
- Naturally curly hair.
Because titanium heats quickly and retains heat efficiently, it is often selected when faster styling is a priority.
Tourmaline-coated plates
Titanium straighteners are commonly preferred by users with:
- Thick hair.
- Dense hair.
- Coarse textures.
- Naturally curly hair.
Because titanium heats quickly and retains heat efficiently, it is often selected when faster styling is a priority.
Why temperature control is important
Different hair types respond differently to heat.
As a general guide:
| Hair type | Typical temperature range |
|---|---|
| Fine hair | Lower temperatures |
| Medium hair | Mid-range temperatures |
| Thick hair | Higher temperatures |
| Curly or coily hair | Higher temperatures, depending on styling goals |
A hair straightener with multiple heat settings can help you tailor styling to your individual needs.
Choosing by hair type
Different hair types have different styling needs. Here's what to look for in a hair straightener based on your hair's texture, thickness and length.
Fine hair
Look for:
- Multiple temperature settings.
- Even heat distribution.
- Lower heat options.
- Lightweight designs.
Thick hair
Look for:
- Higher maximum temperatures.
- Strong styling performance.
- Plates designed for consistent tension.
Curly and coily hair
Look for:
- Flexible heat settings.
- Good control.
- Styling versatility beyond straight looks.
Long hair
Look for:
- Easy manoeuvrability.
- Faster styling capability.
- Features designed to reduce the number of passes required.
Hair straightener comparison: ceramic, titanium, tourmaline and cordless options
If you're comparing straighteners, it's helpful to understand the strengths of each category before making a choice.
Ceramic straighteners
Best for:
- Daily styling.
- Fine hair.
- Colour-treated hair.
- Beginners.
Benefits include:
- Even heat distribution.
- Smooth styling performance.
- Versatility across multiple hair types.
A ceramic straightener is often considered a reliable all-round option for many users.
Titanium straighteners
Best for:
- Thick hair.
- Dense textures.
- Fast styling routines.
Benefits include:
- Rapid heat-up times.
- Efficient heat retention.
- Consistent performance on thicker sections of hair.
Tourmaline straighteners
Best for:
- Frizz-prone hair.
- Smooth finishing.
- Enhanced shine.
Benefits include:
- Smoother-looking results.
- Polished finishes.
- Compatibility with several hair types.
Cordless straighteners
A cordless straightener offers greater freedom of movement and can be particularly useful for:
- Travel.
- Commutes.
- Touch-ups away from home.
- Styling on the go.
Benefits include:
- Flexibility.
- Portability.
- Convenience.
However, some users may prefer corded models for extended styling sessions at home.
Hair straightener buying checklist for fine, thick, curly or long hair
If you're shopping for a new hair straightener, use this checklist to narrow down your options.
For fine hair
Prioritise:
- Lower heat settings.
- Multiple temperature options.
- Controlled styling performance.
- Lightweight handling.
For thick hair
Prioritise:
- Higher temperature capability.
- Consistent styling performance.
- Designs that help minimise repeated passes.
For curly and coily hair
Prioritise:
- Adjustable heat settings.
- Versatile styling options.
- Devices suitable for both straight and textured looks.
For long hair
Prioritise:
- Comfort during longer styling sessions.
- Good manoeuvrability.
- Features designed to streamline styling.
Travel checklist
Consider:
- Global voltage.
- Compact storage.
- Lightweight construction.
Final buying checklist
Before purchasing any hair straightener, ask:
- Does it suit my hair type?
- Does it offer multiple heat settings?
- Is it comfortable to use?
- Is it suitable for travel?
- Can it create more than one style?
- Does it align with my daily routine?
Answering these questions can help narrow the choice more effectively than simply searching for the ‘best’ straighteners available.
Explore Dyson machines for straight styles and beyond
If you're researching the best hair straightener, it's worth considering how often you wear your hair straight and whether you like to create different styles throughout the week.
The Dyson Corrale CoolShine™ hair straightener is designed around straightening and styling versatility. Its flexing plates are engineered to shape around the hair, while four heat settings allow you to select a temperature that suits your styling preference. The removable heat extracting attachment is designed for straight styles, while removing it allows styling closer to the roots and the creation of curls or waves.
If you're looking beyond a traditional straightener, the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer offers multiple ways to style hair using different attachments. With 6-in-1 versatility, it can dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth and volumise. For people interested in straighter styles, the AirSmooth2x™ attachment is designed to create straighter looks using airflow, making it a useful option for those who want a styling routine that goes beyond straightening alone.
Whether your priority is a dedicated straightening machine or a styling device that can create a range of different looks, understanding your hair type, styling habits and preferred finish can help you find the right fit.
Browse the full Dyson hair straightener range.
