Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreA good pair of hair straighteners will be with you for years, so it's not a decision to be taken lightly. The best pair has the power to take you from a bad hair day to an outstanding one, giving your hair smoothness and shine, while offering versatility in how it's styled.Whether you've been using the same straighteners for ten years, need a pair to tame frizzy hair and unruly curls, or want to add waves to your poker-straight locks without a hair curler, we're here to help.There are so many amazing brands on the market, from new-wave names like Shark and Cloud Nine, to legacy brands such as Remington and GHD.Here, we've tried out the most hyped offerings from all the big brands you know and love. If you need to make a quick purchase, our hit list below links out to all our favourites, otherwise read on to see my verdict on some of the best straighteners you can buy right now.Best hair straighteners: Quick listBest overall: GHD Chronos MaxBest for thick hair: Cloud Nine New Contouring Wide IronBest for damaged hair: Babyliss Sensor Protector StylerBest wet-to-straight: Shark SilkiproBest for curly hair: L’Oréal Professional SteamPod 4.0Best budget: Remington Shine Therapy Whether you've been using the same one for ten years, want to tame frizzy hair or unruly curls, there are so many amazing brands on the marketHow we test When testing beauty products like hair straighteners, we try them out thoroughly and use them exactly how we would when styling our hair on a typical day.I washed my hair like I usually would, then either blow-dried it or let it air dry before using the straighteners on my hair as I would on any given day. This included using heat protection.When testing, I made sure to look out for a variety of different factors. These include the straightening speed, how hot (and cool) the straighteners could get and the ease of use. I also researched similar products on the market to see how they compare and used this to consider value for money alongside the tools performance.The best hair straighteners to buy now 1. Best straighteners overall: GHD Chronos Max The GHD boasts HD motion-responsive technology which means the straightener adapts to your styling and adjusts power for heat monitoringThis was a nice straightener which was very fast to heat up and effectively straightened my hair (Left: Before, Right: After)GHD Chronos Max (limited edition Jelly collection)★★★★★Product SpecsPower100 - 240VModesSingle, optimal styling modeHeat settings185˚CWhat we loveReduces damageSet at an optimal temperature to keep damage to a minimum while still offering sleek results.PackagingSimple packaging with a luxury feelWhat could be betterLack of versatiltyOnly one heat settingReviewThis was a nice straightener that was very fast to heat up and effectively straightened my hair.It boasts HD motion-responsive technology, which means the straightener adapts to your styling and adjusts power for heat monitoring - i.e there aren't multiple heat settings.The tool has an optimum temperature of 185 degrees celsius for less damage, while still maintaining a sleek finish.I like the wide plates, which mean you are able to cover more hair at once. You can still give yourself some waves and flicks if you wish but it's not as precise as with thinner models.The Chronos styler claims only one pass is needed to achieve the desired results but i found the fixed heat setting was not hot enough for my thick hair.I had to go over sections multiple times and it took slightly longer to finish. Despite this, it still produced my favourite finish of all the straighteners I tried and my hair did feel healthy and glossy, which lasted me 24 hours.I would say this is best suited to someone with hair of medium thickness and if you are looking to reduce damage as much as possible.2. Best straighteners for thick hair: Cloud Nine New Contouring Wide Iron The Cloud Nine's unique selling point is its 'Revive mode' that uses vibrating plates to distribute heat more evenly and reduce breakageThis straightener is designed with wide plates to style long and thick hair faster and as someone with this hair type it only took me 20 minutes (Left: Before, Right: After)Cloud Nine New Contouring Wide Iron★★★★★Product SpecsPower100-240V, 50-60HzModesHibernation mode after 30 minutes of inactivityHeat settings11 temperature settings between 100 and 200°CWhat we loveWide platesHelps style thick and long hair quickerReduces damageUnique 'Revive mode' to minimise breakageVersatilityCan be used for curls and flicks tooWhat could be betterPriceNot affordable for the average userReviewThe Cloud Nine straightener is designed with wide plates to style long and thick hair faster - and it really works. As someone with thick, sometimes coarse hair, it only took me 20 minutes to get the desired finish.It features curved plates, which allow for versatile styling, so you can choose between sleek and straight style, curls, and flicks.However, it's unique selling point is its 'Revive Mode', which uses vibrating plates to distribute heat more evenly and reduce breakage. You can also style your hair at a lower temperature of 150°C.I did notice my thick, unruly hair looked much healthier than when using my regular straightener and it had a super straight finish despite the lower temperature.The hair tool was also very easy to use as I straightened my mane and it gave it a slight curve at the end, which I love.This is certainly a luxury item that works very well and leaves your hair feeling flawless. However, at such a high price point I can't say it outperforms other rivals at lower costs. It does include a hair repair kit worth £70 though, which is a nice touch.3. Best straighteners for damaged hair: Babyliss Sensor Protector Styler This product possesses heat technology that monitors hair temperature 50 times per second and adjusts heat to prevent damageAs someone with dry, bleached hair, this straightener managed to produce a sleek and shiny look while I was reassured damage was being minimisedBabyliss Sensor Protector Styler★★★★★Product SpecsPower120-240 vModesAutomatic safety shut-off after 20 minutesHeat settingsFive adjustable heat settings between 160 to 200°CWhat we loveHair healthReduces damage and breakagePriceMore affordable than luxury rivals like GHD and Cloud NineReviewThe Babyliss Sensor Protector possesses heat technology that monitors hair temperature 50 times per second and adjusts heat to prevent damage.As someone with dry, bleached hair, this straightener managed to produce a sleek and shiny look, while I was reassured damage was being minimised.The 'protect mode' also allows you to turn on or off the breakage shielding feature.These were super straightforward to use and also really worked with my thick hair despite the straighteners not having wide plates.However, at times going over sections a few times was required due to the lower heat.A no fuss set of straighteners, they offer a luxury finish without the hefty price tag.4. Best wet-to-straight straighteners: Shark Silkipro The Silkipro is the perfect product to use when hair wash day lands on a week night and you don't have the time or patience to use both a hair dryer and straightener separatelyI found this to be fantastic at creating a sleek finish from soaking wet hair - a task that is usually tedious (Left: Before, Right: After)Shark Silkipro Straight★★★★★Product SpecsPower230 voltsModesWet mode and dry modeHeat settings6 temperature settings between 100 - 220°CWhat we loveQuick stylingCan take the hair from soaking wet to straight in a matter of minutesPriceSignificantly cheaper than some rivalsWhat could be betterWeightCan feel slightly heavy with useReviewShark's Silkipro is fantastic at creating a sleek finish from soaking wet hair - a task that is usually tedious.As someone with thick, curly hair, the process from start to finish typically takes up to 45 minutes. But the Silkipro is the perfect product to use when hair wash day lands on a weeknight. Or if you don't have the time or patience to use both a hair dryer and straightener separately.It has a wet mode, to dry the hair in a concentrated style, and a dry mode, which you go in with at the end to ensure a sleek finish.Included with the product is a wide-tooth comb attachment to rough-dry in wet mode, as well as a gentle precision comb for more control for smoothing and styling in dry mode.The product uses heat sensors to help regulate to reduce unnecessary heat exposure to your hair too, so there's less worry about heat damage.While it is on the expensive side, it is certainly worth the price and is still almost half the price of its rival the Dyson Airstraight.5. Best straighteners for curly hair: L’Oréal Professional SteamPod 4.0 It comes wit three comb attachments which are tailored to suit your hair type and an even distribution of steamMy dry, curly and bleached hair became silky smooth after using this and had a softness I don't typically experience after using traditional hair straightenersL’Oréal Professional SteamPod 4.0★★★★★Product SpecsPowerContinuous flow of dey steam (0.8g/ min)ModesCurl locking modeHeat settingsFour heat settings between 100 - 210°CWhat we loveFinishSmooth and soft hair with reduced damage by up to 95%VersatilitySteam technology allows the product to be used for pin-straight hair or curlsWide platesWider plates than a typical straighter which make it quicker to style the hairWhat could be betterFussyThe straightener requires you to fill up a water tank with demineralised waterPriceLuxury price tagReviewMy dry, curly and bleached hair became silky smooth after using this and had a softness I don't typically experience after using traditional hair straighteners.It comes with three comb attachments tailored to suit your hair type and they produce a even distribution of steam to help tame frizz and curls.High pressure steam also makes the SteamPod perfect for creating a variety of finishes. I was able to curl and flick my hair with ease. The outside of the plates heat up to a constant 100°C to help create more defined curls.The style stayed almost perfect until my next hair wash day and I could really tell the difference using the Steampod made to the health of my hair compared to my standard straightener.My only gripe is that you have to fill up the water tank with demineralised water for optimal results. While this was easy to do, I still find this extra step to be a bit of a fuss. However the straightener does still work if the tank is empty, so it can still be used that way if you are in a rush.Overall I would recommend this product if you're looking for something for taming frizz that also reduces damage. However, the steep price tag is only justified if you are going to be using this product regularly.6. Best budget straighteners: Remington Shine Therapy The plates are infused with Moroccan argan oil which reduces frizz and ensures a glossy effectThis no fuss straightener is a great budget option which guarantees straight hairRemington Shine Therapy★★★★★Product SpecsPower52 wattsModesAuto shut off after 60 minutesHeat settings9 heat settings between 150–230What we lovePriceVery affordableHeat settingsTemperature goes higher than most, ensuring as straight hair as possible.What could be betterArgan oil infused platesThis can sometimes make hair not last as long between washes.ReviewThese Remington's are a classic for a reason. They're a no fuss straightener at a great price that guarantees straight hair.The plates are infused with Moroccan argan oil, which reduces frizz and ensures a glossy effect. However at times, I did find this made my hair get greasy quicker, especially if done at the highest temperature.I noticed the straighteners heat up very quickly - in just 15 seconds - and features automatic switch-off after one hour. This makes them ideal if you're in a rush.These ones aren't going to protect your hair like some of the others on this list, so it's important to always use plenty of heat protection spray when using them.Overall though, this is definitely a product I'd highly recommend if you want straight hair on a budget.Our verdictOur favourite all-rounders are the GHD Chronos Max. They're suitable for most hair types, have nice wide plates for maximum coverage and help maintain healthy locks with lower heat settings.Unruly, thick or curly hair? We suggest the Shark Silkipro or, if you've got a bit more of a budget, the L'Oreal Professional Steampod straighteners for ultra-slick styles that will last until your next wash.Those on a budget will want to consider Remington's Shine Therapy straighteners. They're often on offer for under £50 and while they won't blow you away with the results or help protect your hair from heat damage as much as others on the list, they do a good job of giving you poker-straight hair fast.Why trust usAt the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers have been researching, reviewing and writing about their respective specialisms for years.Jada has been reviewing hair and beauty products for years, both at home or professionally. She will always be honest, impartial and give a full-rounded opinion of the products she tests. How to best use a straightener for optimal results?Session stylist and BaByliss Pro Ambassador Syd Hayes says the key is to make sure you get the roots: 'For best results at the roots, I would always use a root protector - make sure this is dried completely before using. 'Tension is also so important when straightening- one slow pass over the hair is so much better than five.'What are common straightening mistakes?Never straighten wet or damp hair, unless using a wet to straight product, as this causes the water to boil, resulting in serious damage, including breakage and split ends. Mr Hayes also advises being wary of overdoing it with products, and freshly washed hair looks best. How to make sure the style lasts in between washes?'To keep your sleek hair straight, I would advise sleeping on a silk pillow, which helps reduce friction and only tie your hair loosely, if needed,' adds Mr HayesOil from your hands is also another way that can make your hair greasier quicker: 'Keep those hands away - the less touching the better! I also love to use a dry shampoo at the roots if the scalp is getting oily.