Admittedly, hair straighteners are not the sexiest of items, but the innovative history behind the hair tools deserves some recognition.
Cast your mind back to the 1800s and imagine an invention of iron tongs with two flat, heated ends; the first semblance of the hair tools we know today. Fast forward to the 1950s when pressing your hair with an actual iron was all the rage, seared strands and all.
It wasn't until the early 2000s when Good Hair Day (we know them as the brand GHD) introduced easy-to-use, ceramic-plated electrical straightening irons. They became a household necessity.
The Best Hair Straighteners & Flat Irons In Australia 2020
Since then, hair straighteners, like hair dryers, have taken off to all sorts of technological realms.
GHD Platinum+ White Styler uses 'infinity sensors' to monitor heat output 250 times per second. VS Sassoon Intelligent Digital Sensor Straightener is designed with an impressive 12 heat settings. Dyson Airwrap harnesses aerodynamics and smooths hair to a blow-dry finish without using harmful heat.
We no longer burn hair (or our skin) in the pursuit of achieving Jennifer Aniston-esque straight strands. Perhaps hair straighteners deserve a little celebration?
Below are 10 of the best hair straighteners to buy in Australia.
Airwrap Hair Styler Complete by Dyson, $799 at Sephora
A true, high-tech multitasker designed to produce straight strands, curls and waves, Dyson's famous Airwrap can do it all from damp hair—without using extreme heat. It also reduces drying time significantly. It's particularly ideal for those who favour straight hair with a bit of body and volume, over pin straight strands.
Intelligent Digital Sensor Straightener by Vidal Sassoon, $99 at Myer
Still considered a relative newcomer on the straightener scene, the Vidal Sassoon Intelligent Digital Sensor Straightener has become a fast favourite in recent years. It uses (as the name suggests) a digital sensor that continually monitors the temperature of the ironing plates and a 'hair protect sensor mode' to ensure the safety of your strands. It also boasts 12 digital heat settings, ranging from 180 to 235 degrees, to suit all hair types.
Titanium 230 Supernova Rose Gold 25mm by Silver Bullet, $239.95 at Silver Bullet
Luxurious rose gold finish aside, this is one high-tech straightener. Crafted with titanium plates for fast and smooth straightening, not only does it offer variable temperature controls from 110 to 230 degrees, it also boasts an intelligent memory feature that remembers your last used temperature setting.
Steampod New Generation 3.0 Hair Styler by L'Oréal, $269 at Amazon Australia
Not your average hair straightener, the L'Oréal Steampod's unique design allows steam to pass through the hair during styling to maintain hydration, minimise damage and seal the cuticle for an ultra-silky finished.
Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Straightening Brush by Remington, $79.95 at Myer
When it comes to straightening brushes, it's hard to go past this one. Heating up in a mere 30 seconds, the brush features narrow edging so you can get right up close to your roots without the risk of burning your scalp. As the name suggests, the ceramic is infused with keratin and argan oil to ensure a strong yet smooth finish.
The Original Iron by Cloud Nine, $340 at Cloud Nine
A longtime favourite on the beauty scene, Cloud Nine's Original Iron utilises state-of-the-art temperature control technology to straighten, smooth, flick and curl without damaging your hair. Its swivel cord design offers complete freedom of moment while styling, and the mineral-infused ceramic plates deliver a salon-worthy shine every time you straighten.
Platinum+ White Styler by GHD, $350 at MECCA
Widely touted as the world's first 'smart' hair styler, the GHD Platium+ boasts plates that predict and constantly adapt to ensure optimum styling temperature at all times. It's particularly ideal for coloured hair and hair prone to breakage, thanks to it's 'ultra-zone predictive technology' that monitors the hair's needs while it's in use.
Professional Straightening Iron, $150 at Stefan
Salon designed for salon-quality hair, the Stefan Professional Straightening Iron is built with ionic technology and floating ceramic tourmaline plates to optimise the distribution of heat across your locks. It also features automatic switch-off (so you don't have to fret if you accidentally left it on after leaving the house!), universal voltage and adjustable temperature settings.
Professional Gold Straightener by SAS Hair, $139.95 at SAS Hair
Often ranked amongst Australia's top hair straighteners, SAS Hair's Professional Gold model features upgraded floating plates that allow for even easier straightening and curling. The design also boasts an LCD display touch screen, adjustable temperatures ranging from 50 to 232 degrees and titanium coated floating plates, which both conduct heat better and last longer than standard ceramic plates.
Diamond Luxe Straightening Brush by Vidal Sassoon, $79.99 at Priceline
Built to brush and straighten at the same time, this design by Vidal Sassoon boasts a unique bristle combination that works fast to deliver smoothness and shine. It's heated ceramic straightener 'fins' work to de-curl the strand while the brush portion detangles your tresses.
