The plug is rather slim and a bit uncomfortable to grip.
The ghd IV styler is easily one of the best flat irons offered on the market. What makes it so popular is that it is compact, lightweight and travel-friendly and its price is more than reasonable compared to some other brands. Besides, as it doesn't get too hot, it's safe for all hair types.
Ceramic
25 mm
No
185°C
30 seconds
After 30 minutes
On/Off button with indicator light
2 years
The patented smart sensor protects your hair from overheating by automatically selecting the optimal straightening temperature. The Turbo boost function will block that setting.
The turn off button is a bit tricky to push.
The combination of well-thought-out design, functionality, and ceramic plates infused with Keratin and almond oil makes the Remington S8598 a worthy buy. After styling with this tool, your hair will be not only smooth but also beautiful and healthy.
Ceramic infused with Keratin and almond oil
25 mm
5 settings
150°C - 230°C
15 seconds
After 60 minutes
Temperature indicator lights
5 years
The plates feature the Advanced Ceramic Ultra Coating, which is 75% smoother than conventional ceramic. This results in better gliding performance and shinier hair strands.
Handles tend to get hot during use.
The Remington Pro-Ceramic Hair Straightener is one of the best pro flat irons in its price range. With its 45mmm plates and wide temperature selection, it's particularly great for styling long and thick hair. For storage and transportation purposes, the heat-resistant pouch comes included.
Advanced ceramic ultra coating
45 mm
5 settings
150°C - 230°C
15 seconds
After 60 minutes
LCD screen
3 years
The innovative Ultra-Zone technology adapts the intensity of this flat iron according to the thickness of your hair and the section you are working with. It makes the styling process much easier.
There is a ridge that catches hair in and it is snapping off.
The ghd Platimum+ is a smart styling tool that ensures perfect results and keeps your hair healthy and up to 20% shinier thanks to the special cover on the plates. It is suitable even for the most unruly hair.
Precision-milled plates with ultra gloss coating
25 mm
No
185°C
20 seconds
30 minutes
On/Off button with indicator light
3 years
Since the plates of the iron are infused with Moroccan Argan oil and vitamin E, every time you style your hair, it will look 86% shinier than after using an average flat iron.
It may not be suitable for bangs.
The Remington Shine Therapy S8500 not only straightens but also takes care of your hair. It has a flexible temperature control system and a turbo setting that makes the iron ready for use in mere seconds.
Advanced ceramic infused with Moroccan argan oil and vitamin E
45 mm
9 settings
150°C - 235°C
15 seconds
After 60 minutes
LCD screen
5 years
A New Religion for Hair
"A new religion for hair", that’s how the GHD’s slogan goes. Is it the case, though? Let's find out together.
At first glance, the straighter doesn't look any different than hundreds of other irons available out there. However, it might seem so until you take a closer look at it. Under closer inspection, you will notice that the plates of this straightener have a unique design, and its heat control is somewhat different.
Naturally, the plates are still the plates; however, due to their rounded edges, you can use this straightener for a whole variety of hairstyles, experimenting with the shape of your curls and waves as you want. With a length of 25 mm, it will be easy to wind your hair around them no matter what you want to do - straighten your strands or create curls.
When it comes to materials, the device doesn't bring anything new to the table and, just like most straighteners produced today, features ceramic plates. This, however, is considered the safest material and can be used on all hair types without the need to worry about damaging your locks.
The heat control is placed between the plates, on the internal part of the handle, instead of being placed on its side. This placement is very convenient since there's less chance to switch the device off during use inadvertently. It does have only one temperature setting - 185° - but this temperature isn't too hot and is considered the most optimal for all hair types.
Great For Thick Hair
Moving on, the ghd IV Styler is well-built, feels solid in the hand and ensures pretty quick results, so even if your hair is coarse and unmanageable, you'll tame it without breaking a sweat. What's more, it doesn't take ages to heat up. On average, you'll spend ~30 seconds waiting, which is faster than many other models!
Pivoting towards safety features, the ghd IV Styler isn't void of them. As you would expect, it has a heat-resistant body that doesn't tend to get hot, so you will be able to hold it in your hands comfortably no matter how long the process of straightening/curling will take. The auto power-off feature is also present, turning the device off automatically in 30 minutes of non-use, which can come in life-saving in case you do not do that yourself after use. Finally, the device comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer, proving that under careful use it will serve you for a long while.
To summarise, if you have normal or thick hair and need a device that will allow you to achieve fantastic results in a few strokes, the ghd IV Style can be a good choice.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £109.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B000CSLJDW |
Advanced Plates for Efficient Hair Treatment
The Remington S8598 Keratin Protect Hair Straightener is on the lower side in terms of price in Remington's line of straighteners. Despite that, it has quite a lot going for it, making it widely popular among girls.
To start off, this flat iron comes with advanced ceramic plates, infused with Keratin and almond oil. This makes them safe to use on both thick and thin strands of hair without the fear of damaging it. As an added bonus, the oil nourishes your locks, so you get sleek, shiny and healthy-looking hair.
As for the size of the plates, they are slightly bigger than some of the peers, measuring 25 mm in width and 110 mm in length. Thanks to this, you can get your hair straightened with less time and effort required on your side.
Additionally, the S8598 is fitted with a smart sensor that prevents the hair from overheating. By measuring the moisture level in your hair, this sensor automatically selects the optimal heat for you, thus preventing it from getting dry and lifeless after styling.
Speaking of the temperature range, this model has an adjustable thermoregulator that allows you to select one of 5 heat settings (from 150°C to 230°C) that best works for your hair type. Besides that, it features the Turbo function, which can save the latest settings used.
Convenient to Store
The manufacturer has done its best to make this straightener convenient to use and easy to store. It features a plate lock for ergonomic storage and safe transportation, so the device won’t take a lot of space in your drawer or suitcase. Plus, the set includes a convenient heat-resistant pouch. For overseas journeys, the Remington iron has a universal voltage feature.
Like most of its higher-end counterparts, this model is also fitted with auto shut-off feature that turns off the iron after 60 minutes of no use. It helps prevent fire and generally prolongs the service life of the styler. Overall, the manufacturer states that this iron will serve faithfully for long years and offers a generous 5-year warranty.
Wrapping up, the Remington S8598 Keratin Protect Hair Straightener is an affordable yet convenient-to-use flat iron. It boasts advanced plates that will give your hair a salon-quality look.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £62.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07DT9TTL2 |
Extra Wide Floating Plates
While the Remington Pro-Ceramic Hair Straightener has a lower price tag than some premium models, it does an excellent job of turning even the most unruly hair into perfectly straight and sleek hair locks in a short space of time. Let's take a look at its features and see how they stack up against the competition.
The standout feature of this straightener is, without a doubt, its 45mm plates. Notably wider than those found on most other flat irons, they allow you to capture more hair per every stroke and do an excellent job of straightening long, frizzy and thick hair. The floating plate design ensures even alignment with your hair. At the same time, the advanced ceramic coating offers a 75% smoother surface, which, combined with the rest of the features, allows you to achieve beautiful professional results with minimum effort on your side.
To elaborate on the coating, you get advanced ceramic. According to the manufacturer, it allows the straightener to glide through your strands twice as smoothly as conventional flat irons while also providing you with three times longer-lasting results. So, you won't need to use separate hair sprays to hold your straight hair. In addition, this coating offers even heat distribution along the entire length, making it a safe choice for all hair types.
All for Your Comfort
The convenience features of the Remington Pro-Ceramic straightener have not been compromised, either. Similar to top-tier models, this one has an adjustable heat control, allowing you to set the temperature in a range from 150°C up to 230°C. Furthermore, it features a handy LCD, which makes it easy to check the current settings at a glance. The heat-up time of only 15 seconds is pretty impressive, too. Finally, not dissimilar to other pro flat irons, this one has an auto-shutdown feature that kicks in after 60 minutes of no use for your peace of mind.
One downside of this straightener is that it has no heat-resistant glove in the kit, which is a shame seeing that its casing does tend to get quite hot after prolonged use. However, you get a heat-resistant pouch included for the unit's safe transportation and storage after use.
To conclude, the Remington Pro-Ceramic straightener is an ideal tool for girls who have thick and long hair. With its advanced ceramic coating, wide temperature selection and extra-wide plates, it will let you achieve perfectly straight and smooth results in little to no time at all.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £35.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00K547MHA |
Smart Straightener
Those who seek a decent hair straightener that can be used for both professional and individual styling may want to take a closer look at the GHD Platinum+ Professional Smart Hair Straightener.
Starting off with the heat levels, this model is quite basic since it heats up to the constant 185°C. However, thanks to smart construction and innovative technologies, this styler is gentle enough for thin or damaged hair. Also, it can tame thick, unruly hair quite well.
One of those technologies is Ultra-zone that allows the device to adapt to the particular hair section you're working on. The styler adjusts to your hair type, thickness, and personal styling speed. As a result, the straightening becomes more efficient, and there is a lower risk of hair damage. On top of that, this technology also helps protect the colour-treated hair and prevents it from getting dull.
The powerful heating element ensures that the device gets ready for use in just 20 seconds. The unit also automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of no use, meaning that even if you don’t turn it off or unplug from the socket, the risk of starting a fire will be lower.
Unique Plates to Add Gloss
This model has a universal voltage feature, meaning it's suitable for travelling, but do note that the plug still needs an adapter, so make sure to buy it in advance. What it also has is a pretty long 2.7-metre cable that increases the range of your movements and thus, adds to the comfort of use.
As for the plates, they feature a special ultra-gloss coating that adds 20% more shine to your locks and makes them smoother and healthier. They have an average size of 25 mm and can be comfortably used for straightening the long and short types of hair and bangs.
When it comes to the overall design, the tool has a unique wishbone hinge that ensures there will be no tangling or snagging during use and you will be able to straighten your hair in a short amount of time. Also, it's got a protective plate guard that makes them more wear-resistance. Besides that, the tool itself sports an ergonomic, slightly rounded shape that comfortably fits in the hand.
For your choice, the manufacturer offers this model in two colour options - black and white.
To wrap this review up, the GHD Platinum+ Professional Smart Hair Straightener is a great option for quick, hassle-free styling. It is highly praised by stylists thanks to its convenience, safety, and functionality.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £219.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07H1T4YR1 |
Plates Infused with Moroccan Oil
If your approach towards hair care is serious, we highly recommend purchasing the Remington S8500 Hair Straightener. This advanced device with ceramic plates will not only help you style your hair beautifully but also nourish it.
The biggest selling point of this hair straightener is its plates. They are infused with Moroccan Argan oil and vitamin E. That’s why every time you style your hair, it will look super-shiny - actually 86% shinier than after using an average flat iron. The floating plates are 45 mm wide and provide even pressure on your hair for the smoothest results possible.
The other thing that users really like about this device is that it has a huge number of temperature settings. There are 9 of them and you can select the desired one with the handy control buttons. Their placement is much more convenient compared to other models: they are situated not between the plates but on the side of the unit. That minimises the chances of you accidentally touching the hot plate and burning yourself. Sill, we strongly advise wearing heat-resistant gloves whenever you use curling or straightening devices.
Above the control buttons, you can see an LCD display that shows the chosen setting. The temperature range of this flat iron is pretty wide (150°C - 235°C), hence this model is suitable for people with both thin and thick hair alike. The heating time is pretty impressive - only 15 seconds. There is also a convenient Turbo mode that makes the device ready for use straight away. This function will be especially handy when you are running late.
Light Design
Moving on, we would like to say that like the majority of modern hairstyling devices, the Remington Hair Straighter is fitted with a safety feature, so it will shut off automatically after 60 minutes of non-use. Hence, there is a low risk of a fire if you forget to turn the iron off while in a rush.
As for the design, this model is made with a nice shiny body. It comes in white with blue plates. The set of this flat iron also includes a heat resistant pouch that comes complete in the same colours. It will become handy if you need to take the straightener with you on a trip.
In the end, we can conclude that the Remington S8500 Hair Straightener is a worthy purchase for those who want to have straight, healthy hair. It doesn’t damage your locks thanks to the advanced plates ifused with vitamin E and Moroccan Argan oil and can make your hair 80% shinier than usual.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £34.79 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B008BDSZFK |
What Is a Flat Iron?
You've got unruly curls? We have a solution for you. With a flat iron (or straightener as it is also called), you will be able to flatten the follicle of your hair and remove frizz, all while keeping your hair looking silky-smooth, shiny, and healthy. What's more, it will allow you to experiment with your looks since the advantage of flat irons is that they are versatile and can be used for both straightening and curling locks.
How does a flat iron work? To put it simply, the tool solders the hair cuticles with heat, which helps eliminate annoying frizz and "flakes" and gives the hair a smooth and silky texture. As for the plates, there are several types to choose from - ceramic, titanium, tourmaline, and combinations. Many of them use innovative technologies to not only straighten the hair but also add shine to your locks by nourishing them with "pearls" and oils. So you can choose whatever suits you the most.
For this review, we've picked the best five models of flat irons available, so you can compare their features and get the most suitable one for your budget and needs.
We also suggest you take a look at our selections of professional hair dryers.
And if you're interested in hair oils, we recommend checking this review.
What Features to Compare
Plates Material
When choosing a flat iron, the most important thing to consider is the material of the plates or, to be more precise, the coating. Most flat irons that are presented on the market have either a tourmaline or ceramic coating. Ceramic plates are good and will get hot in an instant allowing you to style your hair almost immediately. What's more, they perfectly maintain the pre-set temperature throughout the whole use. With regard to the tourmaline plates, these work a tad bit gentler and will better suit owners of thin or weak hair. That said, both materials have proved themselves to be highly effective and safe in use so that they can be applied to all hair types without the risk of damage. Along with ceramic and tourmaline plates, you can find a titanium coating which is considered the safest option among them all. The only flaw: titanium flat irons are quite expensive and will cost you several times more than an average deal.
Plates Size
Another thing to consider is the size of the plates. They can be narrow, measuring in up to 1 inch, and wide, more than 1 inch. The former works wonders straightening thin hair, short hair, and fridges while the latter will allow you to quickly style thick locks, adding to the convenience of use and saving you lots of time.
Thermoregulator
A thermoregulator is an important feature in a flat iron, especially if your hair is prone to splitting and fraying. It can be of two types: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical thermoregulators are very simple in use; however, they do not allow selecting the temperature with one-degree precision as electronic thermoregulators do. Flat irons with an electronic thermoregulator offer a greater multitude of settings, enabling you to choose from the range of 240°F to 450°F. As a rule, they feature LCD screens or a marked dial and allow customising the heat. The general recommendations say: if your hair is thin, use a flat iron on low settings, and if you have unmanageable strands, you can use a high heat mode.
Extra Options
Finally, pay attention to extra options. By this, we mean the heating speed - some models heat up in 30 seconds while others need only 10 seconds to reach the max heat; whether the flat iron has an auto shut-off function allowing you to prevent fire hazards; heat-resistant gloves for comfortable and safe styling; a bag for storing a hot tool, a stand or mat for convenience of use, and more. Such little things as indicators can make a difference too, so make sure to learn what accessories along with a flat iron come in the package before making a final choice.
Did you know?
All the owners of frizzy unruly hair try different ways to keep it a bit under control. With the invention of the straight irons, the life many people became so much easier because now they can rock a smooth silky hairstyle every day. Flat irons can straighten your locks and make them look longer and shinier. However, every rose has a thorn, and such styles are not an exception. Since flat irons use heat to straighten your locks, they can cause a lot of damage to your hairdo. That’s why we decided to share a few tips on how to keep your hair strong and healthy even if you straighten it every day.
Purchase a “soothing” shampoo
Even though such a solution won’t make your hair perfectly straight, it still can leave some positive impact. It adds moisture to your hair and makes it less unruly, thus prepares it for the straightening. You can also try straightening shampoos. They may have a better effect in smoothing your hair out, but they may not be suitable for all hair types. Plus, no shampoos can compete with results the iron gives you.
Always use a conditioner
We are sure there is no need to tell you about all the advantages of using additional hair care products like conditioner or moisturizer. However, we want to stress how important it is not to skip them in your routine if you straighten or curl your hair. Conditioning your hair will nourish your hair and make it look much stronger and healthier even amid the effect of the heat.
Never iron wet hair
Sometimes in a rush, we can break a few rules, but this one is an exception. Never, and we really mean it, never use a flat iron or a straightening brush on wet or damp hair. It can cause so much damage that you may have to cut your locks. If you are limited in time, use a hair dryer first. Although adding more heat to your hair may not like a very good idea, it is still nearly as dangerous as using an iron directly on a wet hair. Some people, who have very strong locks that are hard to straighten, have to use a hair dryer and a straightener each time they style their hair. There are some models of straighteners that are suitable for wet hair, however, their safety is still pretty questionable.
Always use a heat protector
Before straightening your hair, no matter if you are going straight for the flat iron or use a hair dryer first, apply a heat protector. As the name suggests, this product protects your hair and helps to keep it healthy and shiny.
Invest in a good device
No matter how tempting the desire to purchase the cheapest product may be, we recommend investing in a high-quality hair care device. There are many blow dryers and flat irons that use various technologies to reduce the damage your hair gets. Flat irons are completed with plates made of different materials. so you can choose the safest one. They also come with a wide temperature range that allows selecting the perfect one for your hair type. Plus, you can find pretty decent models at a very affordable price.
Following these steps, you can keep your hair healthy and shiny even if you love styling it with the heat on a frequent basis.
Sources:
1. How To: Choose The Right Flat Iron For Your Hair Type, Folica.
2. Marisa Swanson Straight Story: Everything You Need to Know About Flat Irons, theFashionSpot. January 24, 2013.
3. Katie Hoffman 7 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Have A Flat Iron Phase, Bustle. March 3, 2015.
4. Dana Oliver Flat Iron Tips: How To Not Let Your Straightener Ruin Your Hair, The Huffington Post. March 27, 2014.