Tried & Tested: 10 Best Hair Straighteners We Swear By

Hair straighteners are differentiated based on the plates. There are three main types—ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium. Ceramic is the most affordable is good for dry, damaged or fine hair. They usually use infrared technology that straightens the hair from the inside out which is considered gentler. Tourmaline is best suited for all types of hair, and is best known to soothe and fight frizz making the hair look super sleek and polished while also locking in moisture. While titanium is great for coarse, thick, curly, or coiled hair because it heats up super quickly and can handle high heat, reaching full temperature quickly.

While affordability is a factor when it comes to buying a hair straightener, it doesn't always mean than the more expensive, the better. Hair texture plays a vital role when it comes to choosing a flat iron. If you're someone with thin, brittle, or even colour-treated hair, all you might need is a ceramic-plated straighter with either low or adjustable heat settings. On the other hand, if you have thick, curly hair you will need one with high temperature settings and possibly one with titanium plates that'll help lock in moisture and not further dry out your hair. In addition to this, always use heat protectants and hair serums to help lessen the damage done by the heat.

All salon experts recommend the ideal heat temperature for flat irons to be between 148 Celsius and  205 Celsius since its is not too hot, not too high to get the job done. However, if you're someone with chemically-treated or fine hair, pick a temperature range closer to 176 Celsius. Those with virgin hair can always go higher than 205 Celsius as well, but always be mindful to use a protectant and a smoothing oil or serum after. For folks with bleached hair, or supremely damaged hair, limit straightening your hair as much as possible because heat will only further ruin your tresses. 

Loved by not one, but five people, including our LBB crew and myself, the Phillips Heated Hair Straightening Brush gets all the points for doing what it claims to do. Our former LBB crew member Aakansha had this to say about it, 'If you're anything like me, then you have probably only decided 10 minutes before leaving the house to actually style your hair a bit! The Philips Straightener brush has been my BFF for a few years now, because it's really easy to use and does a great job with straightening hair. It's just like a brush, though you're not meant to touch the scalp with it, or use it on damn/wet hair. I love that the bristles are strong enough to detangle the hair, but also flexible enough to not pull at knots. This one also has keratin so actually adds shine! Also, if you have fairly straight hair but want it straighter, then this one doesn't add bounce or volume.' Another friend's sister loved this for all of the above reasons too, but they added that they appreciate the cord rotates 360 degree, so you don't run the risk of it bending and breaking it over time!

Recommended by an LBB user who got this years ago,this one is also a Phillips product. She loves it because it's still going strong, giving her poker straight hair (since she already has fine, semi-straight hair) without drying out her tresses. It comes with two temperature settings, heating up within 60 seconds. Another plus to this is that the plates are wide, making it easier and faster to straighten your hair, since thicker plates mean more hair can be accommodated in each section.

Recommended by a co-worker Krittika, who uses the Ikonic Gleam straightener. She got her hands on this one after she noticed the salon person using this one to style her hair. She says that it's great when it comes to not frying her hair, and adding shine. The only con however is that since the plates aren't wide, it takes a while, especially if you have thick, voluminous hair. In addition to this, the plates claim to emit gentle, far-infrared heat that is gentle on the hair, heating it from the inside out.  A bit on the higher side when it comes to price, she says it is still worth it, and we'd take her word for it.

Ira, a co-worker uses this one. Though she doesn't straighten her hair that often, but whenever she does, it gets the job done. It gets bonus points for being super affordable too. It's got ceramic plates, and even though it's not all about giving you that 'keratin shine', it doesn't fry your hair. Though she suggested using a hair protectant or serum of sorts before using it. 

Pro-Tip: You can also check out this review of it.

Though not a full-blown straightener, this blow-dry brush can be used in multiple ways, giving you six styling options, including straightening, volumanising, hair-relaxing, amongst others. LBB crew member Oorja says that it's easy to use, and comes with a brass oval-shaped barrel for more surface contact and styling. It's unlike your traditional straighteners because you don't have to wait for your hair to dry! So you dry and style together, which is great if you're in a hurry. Another plus point is that it hardly weighs 400 grams so you definitely don't get sore arms. 

Pro-Tip: Check out this review for more details and our verdict! 

How do I write about hair straighteners and not mention Dyson? Much loved and recommended by an LBB user, the first thing she said was that it is definitely worth all the hype! What she loves about it is that it is low on heat, travel-friendly, cordless, and comes with adjustable plates, which don't tug or pull on your hair. It's easy to use and features high-end technology, which is true for all Dyson products. Plus it comes with a Dyson-designed paddle brush and de-tangling comb. 

Pro-Tip: Check out alternatives to Dyson's bestsellers here.  

I've been using this for over 10 years now, so it's safe to say that if you get this one, it will last you for a long time. On loose curly hair, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get a super polished straight look. I tend to use this at least thrice a week, and don't see my hair being damaged by it. But since you're still exposing your hair to heat, using a serum or hair protectant would be advisable. It definitely adds shine and removes frizz, what I love most about it is that the ends of my hair do not look dry and brittle. The product also comes with an easy lock function so it's easier to travel and store. 

Muskan from the LBB crew had this to say about the Remington straightener, 'this has lasted me for over eight years, and from the looks of it, I'm sure it'll last me another eight! Making it super worth the investment. It works great on curly-wavy hair (which I have). The only thing is that you have to be careful because it heats up in seconds. The finish is great, smooth, silky hair thanks to the ceramic plates. 

Siya from the crew also owns a Philips straightener. Here's what she had to say about it, 'This is hair straightener that not only straightens but also adds extra shine to my hair, which tends to look dull and dry on any other given day. You can always rely on Philips for trusty hair appliances that will last you for a good four to five years (if not a lifetime) and this stands true because I've had this for four years now. I love how it comes with their innovative Keratin plates that allow fast heat transfer and smoother gliding through the hair without it every feeling like I'm frying my hair. It also has six heat temperature settings.'