Hair styling tools are one of the hottest trending products heading into 2024, and for good reason. Thanks to trends in heat control, smart technology, and of course the desire to look your best after two years of staying at home, the time is right to buy.
That said, the Aussie hair tool market is cluttered with cheap knockoffs and dodgy internet sellers. Even well recognised brands are rushing to put out subpar product that is not worth your hard earned dollars. This is where we come in…
If you are thinking of purchasing a new hair straightener, our list (updated monthly) will help you make the best choice with a focus on features, build quality, and overall value for your money.
Tanami Touch Professional Grade Hair Straightener: Editor’s pick for best hair styling tool for all hair types – $149.99 at Mifo.com.au
Where to buy theTanami Professional Grade hair straightener in Australia
The best hair styling tool for thick, fine, curly, and damaged hair plus all around value for your money come from a brand that is new to Australia. But don’t let that scare you off, as this flat iron is easily one of the best we have ever tested.
BEST VALUE
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So what makes the Tanami Pro the best all around hair styler for fine to thick hair alike?
The best hair straightener for all hair types, period. Tanami have invested in precision controls that enable users to tune the Touch Screen Professional to their unique hair texture. That makes the product ideal for hair that behaves differently during the seasons, as well as tough to style hair that is too thick or too fine. It’s a feeling that has to be experienced first hand, and not one we have experienced outside Tanami at a sub-$150 price range.
Precise heat control prevents damage. The star feature of the Tanami Pro solves the issue of damaging or under-styling hair via intelligent, super precise temperature controls that deliver consistent, even temperature exactly where you set it for the duration of your styling session. That means fewer mistakes, and greatly reduces damage due to uneven or unpredictable flattening iron temperature.
Smart design by salon professionals. The Pro features a lightweight, ergonomic shape that is easy to manipulate during styling sessions that won’t slip. We also appreciate the idea that this tool may be used for longer sessions, and is far more comfortably designed than competitors.
Travel ready and carry on approved. The Tanami Pro is sleek and easy to pack, but also features a handy travel lock to ensure the device stays closed while in baggage. In addition, the Pro offers dual voltage [110V-240V] such that it can be safely plugged in to outlets abroad, making it an ideal road accessory.
Australia-based customer support. We have been continuously disappointed with beauty brands in the past, even from giants like Samsung. Part of that disappointment comes with poor or absent customer service. We tested Tanami on several occasions with questions and every time received proper replies within an hour. That demonstrates commitment to Australian market and contributes greatly to our award of Editor’s Pick.
GHD Platinum+ Styler: Solid but pricey flattening iron – $289.00 at Amazon.com.au
Where to buy the GHD Platinum+ Hair Styler in Australia
If you aren’t price sensitive, GHD may be the brand for you. This easy to use hair styler comes with similar features to the Tanami Touch Screen Professional Grade Hair Styler, but some drawbacks with regard to temperature control and pricing.
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Why GHD makes our list of styling tool products
High overall quality for the hair straightener. GHD has become a legendary name in the styling tool world, and the Platinum+ lives up to the name. The build quality is clearly salon grade with a modern, sleek design that sets it apart visually from other tools. The added chrome accent is a nice touch, though does add a bit of weight to the device.
Easy to use, but hard to hold for longer sessions. Longer styling sessions can be chore thanks to an unconventional wishbone design. Securely gripping the device is a challenge, and we found that it slipped several times during use until we figured out how to best manage. Using metal finishes adds some prestige, but also adds weight, making the Platinum+ less ideal for long sessions or travel.
Temperature is fixed. Despite the high price tag, the Platinum+ does not allow you to control temperature. That means you’ll be locked in to the predetermined “optimal” setting, which may be far too hot for finer hair, and not hot enough for thicker hair. While there are certain temperature boundaries to play in, not offering control at this price point seems ludicrous, and is a strange decision from an otherwise top quality brand.
Remington Proluxe Hair Straightener: A styling tool that lives up to the Remington name – $118.00 at Amazon.com.au
Where to buy the Remington Proluxe Hair Straightener in Australia
While the first versions of Remington’s styling tool were less than perfect, the European beauty company is finally finding its stride. And if the a higher price tag doesn’t scare you, then the Proluxe may be the flattening iron you have been waiting for.
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Why Remington gets our approval for the Proluxe
Solid build that delivers on basic features. Though the Proluxe has a somewhat antiquated look, it includes all of the modern features we expect in a hair styling system costing over $100. That includes a large, easy to read temperature display, intelligent and easy to use controls, and a comfortable handle for longer sessions. The extras, however, are where Remington lose points.
Dodgy temperature accuracy could damage hair. Remington seem to have missed some temperature calibration tests with the Proluxe, as the unit we tested was clearly overshooting the relatively low base temperature that comes pre-programmed. Even a slight oversight like this can cause severe hair damage, especially with finer hair strands.
Built for the salon, but may not work for you. While Remington have a legacy of creating best in class salon products that are up to the task, you can find feature rich competitors that simply do a better job for less money. Unless you are obsessed with brand name alone, you may be able to find a better value, particularly if you are planning to try a number of different styles or hair types.
Runners-up: Best Hair Straightener
There are many, many hair straighteners in the Australian market. And while we attempt to test as many as possible for our readers, some units simply don’t make the cut. Here’s a quick peek at hair styling tools that didn’t make the list.
Kristin Ess 3-in-One Flat Iron – $210.00 at Amazon.com.au
The Kristin Ess namesake brand has become a global phenomenon, but the 3-in-One flat is a less than ideal entry into the styling tool space. Cheap, rickety construction does not give the feeling of confidence, and wild temperature variations during use cement the idea that this flat iron needs more time to bake.
Panasonic Hydrating Nanoe Technology Hair Straightener – $190.00 at Amazon.com.au
Panasonic have developed their own answer to the competitive styling tool market, and unfortunately it falls flat in nearly every category. Underpowered and with an oddly shaped heating element, the Nano is a disappointing affair. Difficult to use and clearly designed with a gimmicky moisturizing concept, we recommend taking a pass.
H2D Linear 2 Hair Styler – $140.00 at Amazon.com.au
H2D are best known for hair dryers and related beauty products, and so it is a natural move to enter the hair styling space. The Linear 2 does a fair job at heating consistently, but confusing features and poor ergonomics hamper what may otherwise be a contender. Combined with the high price tag, we recommend aspiring home stylists choose a more full-featured and well designed product offering.