Top Pick for
Affordable hair straightener
Best hair straighteners and flat irons in Australia
We read hundreds of customer reviews to find the seven best hair straighteners and flat irons in Australia right now.
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Top Pick for
Hair straightener for thick hair
Top Pick for
Hair straightener for curly hair
Top Pick for
Hair straightener for damaged hair
How did we pick this list?
For this list, picked products based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Amazon. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within parameters.
The best hair straighteners and flat irons in Australia
- Best overall hair straightener: GHD Original IV Styler
- Best cheap hair straightener: Remington Super Glide Ceramic Hair Straightener
- Best hair straightener for thick hair: Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron 1 ½ inch
- Best hair straightener for curly hair: Denman Professional Hair Straightener Brush D79
- Best hair straightener for damaged hair: Philips Prestige Pro Hair Straightener
- Best travel hair straightener: Sabuy Ceramic Flat Iron
- Best cordless hair straightener: Conair Unbound Cordless 3/4-inch Mini Flat Iron
Best overall hair straightener: GHD Original IV Styler
Pros
- Suitable for all hair type
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Doesn't tame frizzes
- Takes longer to straighten the hair according to reviews
Price (RRP): $190.35
Amazon pricing: From $169.00
Buy at AmazonBuy at eBayBuy at ActiveSkinBuy at Adore BeautyWhy we chose it
The GHD Original IV Styler is our pick for the best overall straightener available online. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 15,000 reviews on Amazon.
The GHD Original IV Styler uses ceramic heat technology that works at the optimum temperature of 185ºC for the best results with a long-lasting finish. It has a rounded barrel and floating plates for the straightener to glide smoothly through the hair. It also has an automatic sleep mode and a universal voltage, perfect for at-home use or international travel.
Customers loved that this hair straightener is easy to use, even for beginners. It gives the hair a sleek, shiny look that lasts all day as well. The automatic sleep mode also turns on after 30 minutes. Reviews said the straightener helps volumise their locks and manage unruly, curly hair. However, it doesn't really tame frizzes. Some customers also mentioned it takes them longer than usual to style their hair using the device.
Best cheap hair straightener: Remington Super Glide Ceramic Hair Straightener
Pros
- Good value for money
- Heats up quickly and glides smoothly through hair strands
Cons
- Customers said it leaves a black plastic residue
- Not suitable for dry hair
Price (RRP): $41.97
Amazon pricing: From $32.00
Buy at AmazonBuy at eBayBuy at CatchWhy we chose it
We recommend Remington's Super Glide Ceramic Hair Straightener as the best cheap hair straightener available online. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 40 reviews.
The Super Glide Ceramic Hair Straightener features advanced tourmaline ceramic that provides hair with four times protection while smoothening your locks. According to the company, the smoothness also lasts all day without being frizzy. It only takes 15-seconds for it to heat-up to 230°C. With its rounded edges, this straightener can also be used to curl your hair or style it with beachy waves.
Customers said this device helps them create beach waves easily. It also leaves their tresses shiny and full without frizzes. Some reviews also liked that it heats up quickly, perfect if you're pressed for time in the morning. At just a little over $40, this hair straightener is good value for money, with customers saying that it works just as well as pricier hair styling tools. But it tends to leave hair a bit dry, which may be a con if your hair is already dry. Some customers also said it leaves a black plastic residue. However, this seems to be an isolated case.
Best hair straightener for thick hair: Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron 1 ½ inch
Pros
- Adjustable heat
- Leaves hair glossy and full
Cons
- Flimsy handles
- You can't see the straightener's temperature in either Fahrenheit or celsius
Price (RRP): $75.00
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing
Buy at AmazonBuy at eBayWhy we chose it
For the best hair straightener for thick hair, we selected the Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron, which has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 35,000 Amazon reviews.
This flat iron has 1 ½-inch double ceramic-coated plates that feature Double Ceramic Technology, delivering even heat and frizz-free shine. It heats to 210°C in 30 seconds and has variable heat settings. This device features an automatic off function and a heat recovery system as well.
The Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron 1 ½ is a reasonably priced flat iron that does the job. Customers praised the device for being beginner-friendly. Others said it straighten their thick hair quite easily. The adjustable heat setting is also helpful. Apart from leaving tresses glossy and frizz-free, it volumises the hair. Some customers wished they could see the device's temperature, especially when in use. Others didn't like the flimsy handles.
Best hair straightener for curly hair: Denman Professional Hair Straightener Brush D79
Pros
- Great for smoothening and straightening curly and unruly hair
- Leaves hair shiny and frizz-free
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- The handles tend to get too hot according to customers
Price (RRP): $33.95
Amazon pricing: From $81.16
Buy at AmazonBuy at eBayWhy we chose it
If you have curly hair, we recommend Denman's Professional Hair Straightener Brush D79 as the best hair straightener. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over a thousand reviews on Amazon.
The Denman Professional Hair Straightener Brush D79 features natural bristles that work with the hair's natural oils, creating a smooth and glossy finish. It has ceramic-coated plates that distribute heat evenly. The device also has a high-speed drying feature, allowing warm air to directly flow through the hair strands without damaging your locks.
At only $33.95, this hair straightener brush is an affordable device to help style your hair. Customers loved that it leaves their tresses ultra-glossy and soft. It also controls frizzes and reduces static effects. People with curly hair said the brush feature helps straighten their hair in mere minutes. However, the bristles can be difficult to clean. The handles also tend to get too hot when in use, according to some reviews.
Best hair straightener for damaged hair: Philips Prestige Pro Hair Straightener
Pros
- Heats up in just ten seconds
- Includes an adjustable heat setting
Cons
- The plates feel heavy on the hair for some
- Flimsy function buttons
Price (RRP): $144.50
Amazon pricing: From $109.00
Buy at AmazonBuy at Appliances OnlineWhy we chose it
Philips Prestige Pro Hair Straightener is our pick for the best straightener for damaged hair. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 600 reviews.
The Philips Prestige Pro Hair Straightener features titanium-coated plates that transfer heat quickly for fast, smooth styling. It also has floating plates that move when too much pressure is applied, protecting the hair shaft from damages and breakage. The tool has multiple heat settings—from 140 to 230°C and a ThermoGuard that prevents unintentional heat exposure above 200°C.
This hair tool heats up in just ten seconds, perfect if you're in a pinch. Customers loved that it leaves their locks looking shiny and smooth with every use. The floating plates are also helpful to prevent hair from breaking and being damaged. You can also adjust the temperature with its adjustable heat setting feature. There were complaints about the plates being too heavy, with some customers adding it feels a bit uncomfortable. Others also said the function buttons are flimsy and feel cheap.
Best travel hair straightener: Sabuy Ceramic Flat Iron
Pros
- Affordable
- Leaves hair smooth and shiny without any damage
Cons
- Doesn't control frizz
- Not suitable for thick hair
Price (RRP): $68.39
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing
Buy at AmazonBuy at eBayWhy we chose it
For the best travel hair straightener, we picked Sabuy's Ceramic Flat Iron, which has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over a thousand reviews on Amazon.
The Sabuy Ceramic Flat Iron has ceramic plates that evenly distribute heat to each hair strand. The 3D floating plates also move, ensuring that each hair strand is in contact with the plates for faster, smoother straightening. The device also features Anion Moisture Technology to help control frizz all day. It heats up from 60 to 230°C as well.
Customers praised the device for being affordable and high-quality. They added that it heats up quite quickly and leaves their hair smooth. It is also portable at only 10.5 inches. Some reviews also said it doesn't damage nor break their hair strands. But despite claims of frizz-control, some reviews mentioned the tool doesn't tame frizzes. People with thick hair also said the device didn't work for them. They added that they had to glide it through their hair a couple of times before getting the results they wanted.
Best cordless hair straightener: Conair Unbound Cordless 3/4-inch Mini Flat Iron
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use and beginner-friendly
Cons
- Doesn't work while charging
- The tool tends to get stuck between hair strands when curling
Price (RRP): $50.57
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing
Buy at AmazonBuy at eBayWhy we chose it
The Conair Unbound Cordless 3/4-inch Mini Flat Iron is our choice for the best cordless straightener available in Australia right now. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
The Conair Unbound Cordless 3/4-inch Mini Flat Iron features one lithium battery and a removable USB charging cable. Once full charge lasts up to twenty minutes of use. The tool also has ceramic-coated plates that glide through the hair for smooth results. It also heats up to 204°C and has a hinge lock, securing the plates for storage. This mini flat also comes with a heat-resistant pouch and two extra batteries.
Apart from being travel-friendly and cordless, customers loved its affordability. Reviews also recommended this tool for beginners, adding that it's fool-proof. Others praised the product for taming their frizzes while leaving the locks ultra-shiny and soft to the touch. The flat iron also works for 20 minutes before needing a charge. However, you can't use it when charging. Some customers also mentioned that the tool gets stuck between hair strands when curling. However, this seems to be an isolated issue.
Amazon prices last updated on 23 September, 2021 at 08:02 pm
Methodology
18Brands considered
36Products compared
7Best products chosen
- We compared hair straighteners and flat irons from 18 brands and over 30 products.
- We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings from Amazon.
- The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Best Rated Hair Straighteners Brand: Cloud Nine
A clear winner in this category, Cloud Nine is the hair straightener pick thanks to it's performance, ease of use, features and functions and value for money. Not only did it beat out competitors like Dyson, ghd and VS Sasoon across every metric, but it was also recommended by 100% of users.
What types are available?
There are three main types of straighteners: Titanium, ceramic and tourmaline or ionic.
Titanium
Titanium straighteners heat up quickly and apply temperature evenly. They can also operate at lower temperatures while still achieving the same results, making them suitable for daily use as they'll result in less damage than other plate types. However, they are typically the most expensive type of straighteners.
Ceramic
Ceramic plated straighteners tend to be cheaper than titanium, but they don't transfer heat as smoothly as titanium. As a result, they may require higher operating temperatures to achieve the desired result. Using a ceramic straightener daily may cause more damage than a titanium model, However, if you don't have super thick hair and don't straighten your hair daily, ceramic is suitable for most hair types.
Tourmaline or ionic
Tourmaline plates, also known as ionic plates, react differently to heat than other plate types by becoming negatively charged. This heats the hair from the inside out and helps heat the hair more quickly and reduce frizz. Tourmaline straighteners are suitable for those with damaged hair.
How to compare straighteners
While it might be tempting to grab one of the cheapest straighteners available, shelling out a bit more typically gets you a straightener that will last longer, heat up more quickly and do less damage to your hair.
Ultimately, choosing a straightener comes down to what type of hair you have and how you plan to use it.
When choosing a straightener, consider the following key factors:
Width
The size or width of a straightener typically ranges from 2.5cm to 6cm. The wider the plates, the faster you can straighten your hair. However, wider plates are bulkier and heavier and can damage hair by applying too much heat. If you have short hair, look for a slimmer straightener. If you have medium hair or long, fine hair, look for a straightener with a medium-range width. If you have thick, long hair, go for a wide straightener.
Temperature settings
Straighteners with higher temperature settings can help you straighten your hair faster and more efficiently. However, high settings are also more likely to damage your hair. Look for a model with adjustable temperature settings for more flexibility. Typically, cheaper straighteners don't work as effectively on low heat settings so if you want to avoid high heat, you'll have to pay a bit more.
Wattage
Wattage can give you an indication of how powerful the straightener is. However, higher wattage doesn't necessarily mean it's the best model for your hair type. If you have fine or short hair, you probably won't need the highest setting that produces the most wattage anyway.
Shape
Straighteners can have different edge shapes. Rounded edges make it easier to use the straightener to make curls or waves in your hair, while sharper edges can produce straighter hair.
Automatic shut-off
Look for a straightener that shuts off automatically after a certain period of time to avoid starting a fire in case you forget to shut it off.
Controls
Make sure the controls are easy to use with one hand so that you can adjust it easily while you're using it.
Swivel cord
A swivel cord makes it easier to use the straightener at any angle without tangling any cables.
Storage
Some straighteners come with a carry bag, stand or hanging loop for more accessible storage. Some also include a heat-protective mat that you can place the straightener on while you're using it or waiting for it to cool down.
Wet to dry
Wet-to-dry straighteners claim to dry your hair while straightening. However, they usually work best on damp hair, not wet hair. We don't recommend straightening very wet hair, even with a wet-to-dry straightener due to safety concerns.
Straighteners vs straightening brushes
Straightening brushes are another tool that can help you get silky, straight locks. Unlike a flat iron, these brushes look similar to a regular hair brush that heats up your hair while you brush it.
Check out our review of the GHD Glide Professional Hot Brush
Hair brush straighteners usually operate at a lower heat than flat irons, which makes them suitable for damaged hair. However, straightening brushes aren't as effective for thick and curly hair.
Straightening brushes have the following pros and cons:
Pros
- Low heat makes it more suitable for thin and damaged hair
- Brushes and straightens hair at the same time
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Doesn't work effectively on very thick or curly hair
- Takes longer to straighten than a typical flat iron
- Not as effective at achieving a glass hair effect
Safety tips
Anyone who has experienced a hair straightener burn knows just how careful you need to be, so it's all the more important that you follow the right protocol.
When you're using hair tools that function at such a high heat, they can cause hair to dry out, crack and worst-case scenario – burn. To minimise damage, use a heat protecting product, use the lowest effective temperature on your flat iron and avoid straightening more often than necessary.
Here are three rules for using a hair straightener safely:
- Don't use a heat setting that's higher than you need.
- Don't hold it on your hair for too long.
- Don't use your straightener near water.
Best rated hair straightener brand award breakdown
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