Are Budget Straighteners Really ‘Better Than ghd’? What Stylists Want You to Know

When a high street sale slashes a £79 hair straightener to under £20 and shoppers call it “better than ghd”, it’s tempting to hit ‘add to basket’ immediately. But beyond the buzz and bargains, how do inexpensive straighteners really compare to premium irons, and what should you watch for if you’re tempted by a deal?

This article unpacks the reality behind ‘better than ghd’ claims, drawing on salon best practice and common features in both high-end and budget straighteners sold in the UK. Rather than focusing on a single product or promotion, we’ll look at what actually matters for hair health, styling performance and everyday practicality – so you can make more informed choices, whether you’re shopping at Boots or booking in with your stylist.

Why Some Budget Straighteners Feel ‘As Good As’ Premium Irons

Over the past decade, the technology in mid-range and budget straighteners has improved dramatically. UK chemists and electricals aisles are now filled with tools promising shine-enhancing plates, fast heat-up and salon-sleek results – at a fraction of the price of classic premium brands.

Many of these irons share features that used to be reserved for high-end models:

• Ceramic or ceramic-coated plates that help distribute heat more evenly than old-school metal plates.
• Variable temperature control, often from around 150°C up to 230°C, allowing you to tailor heat to your hair type.
• Floating plates designed to clamp hair more evenly and reduce snagging.
• Fast heat-up times, sometimes under 30 seconds, making rushed mornings more manageable.
• Ion or ‘shine therapy’ claims, where formulas or ionic technology are said to reduce frizz and boost gloss.

When a discounted straightener has several of these features, it can absolutely feel like a significant upgrade compared with an older or very basic tool. That’s often why reviewers enthuse that something is “better than ghd” – they’re comparing it to what they used before, not necessarily to a current-generation professional iron.

However, professional stylists in the UK tend to look beyond first impressions. They consider consistency of heat, build quality and how hair behaves over months, not just on day one. A bargain iron might straighten quickly, but if it runs too hot or pulls at the hair, it could contribute to dryness and breakage over time.

Key Features to Check Before You Buy a Discount Straightener

Instead of being swayed purely by price or dramatic before-and-after photos, it’s worth evaluating the details. Here are the features UK hair professionals often recommend checking, whether you’re browsing Boots, Superdrug or online retailers.

• Temperature range and control: Look for clear, adjustable settings rather than a single on/off temperature. Fine, fragile or chemically treated hair often benefits from lower heat (around 150–180°C), while thick or coarse hair may need higher settings – but rarely the absolute maximum.
• Plate material and size: True ceramic or high-quality ceramic coating tends to offer smoother glide than basic metal. Narrow plates (around 1 inch) are versatile for most hair lengths; wider plates can be helpful for very long or thick hair but can be harder to manoeuvre near the roots.
• Even heat distribution: Consistent heat across the plate is crucial. While you can’t test this easily in-store, reviews that mention uneven results, hot spots or needing multiple passes over the same section are red flags.
• Cord length and swivel design: A long, swivel cord is more than a luxury; it reduces strain on wrists and helps avoid tugging, especially when styling the back of the head.
• Auto shut-off: For everyday safety, many UK households now consider an automatic shut-off after a set time essential, particularly in shared or busy homes.
• Warranty and brand support: A lower-cost straightener from a reputable electricals brand with a solid UK warranty may be less risky than an ultra-cheap, unbranded tool bought from an unknown marketplace seller.

A practical next step is to compare two or three options side by side, focusing on plate material, temperature control and warranty rather than the discount percentage. Even five minutes of comparison can make a long-term difference to how your hair looks and feels.

Heat, Hair Health and How to Use Straighteners More Safely

Whether you’re using a luxury iron or a sale find, the way you straighten your hair has just as much impact as the tool itself. Many UK stylists and trichologists stress that responsible heat styling – particularly for those with curls, coils, or colour-treated hair – is crucial for maintaining hair strength and shine.

General professional guidance often includes:

• Always use a heat protectant: Sprays, creams or serums designed for heat styling can help reduce surface damage. Apply evenly to damp or dry hair as directed and comb through before you start.
• Dry hair thoroughly: Most straighteners aren’t designed for wet hair. Straightening when hair is still damp can cause rapid moisture evaporation inside the strand, which many stylists feel increases the risk of damage.
• Avoid unnecessary passes: If you need three, four or five passes to see a result, the temperature or technique may need adjusting. Ideally, one or two slow, controlled passes should be sufficient on most sections.
• Work in small sections: Neat, small sections allow the plates to clamp evenly, reducing snagging and the temptation to crank the heat up to rush.
• Give your hair regular ‘heat holidays’: Building in days or weeks where you skip hot tools helps many people maintain elasticity and shine, particularly if hair is chemically processed.

Dermatologists often suggest that if you notice increased shedding, breakage, a sensitive or irritated scalp, or your hair feeling unusually rough, it’s worth pausing heat styling and seeking personalised advice from a professional stylist or medical expert.

Balancing Value, Performance and Sustainability

Sales can be brilliant for trying a new styling tool without paying full price, but there’s also a sustainability angle to consider. Buying several cheap straighteners that fail or perform poorly can ultimately cost more – financially and environmentally – than investing in one tool that lasts.

From a practical UK lifestyle perspective, it may help to think in terms of cost-per-use. If a discounted straightener at under £20 lasts a couple of years of weekly styling, it could offer excellent value. But if you find yourself replacing it within months due to plate wear, wiring issues or inconsistent heat, the bargain quickly loses its shine.

Many professionals suggest:

• Reading a mix of reviews from different platforms to see how the tool performs after 6–12 months, not just in the first week.
• Checking the returns policy and warranty before purchase, especially for electricals bought online.
• Storing tools properly – avoiding sharp bends in the cable, letting plates cool on a heat-proof surface, and not wrapping the cord tightly around the body.
• Recycling responsibly – many UK retailers participate in WEEE schemes, allowing you to return old electricals for proper disposal when you buy new.

Ultimately, the right straightener for you is the one that fits your hair type, your styling routine and your budget, without asking you to compromise unduly on safety or hair health. If you’re unsure, booking a consultation with a trusted stylist for tailored advice can be more valuable than any flash sale.

Key Takeaways

• Budget straighteners can feel comparable to premium tools because many now include ceramic plates, fast heat-up and adjustable temperatures.
• Rather than focusing on sale hype, assess plate material, temperature control, safety features and warranty to judge value.
• Heat styling technique – including using protectant, working on dry hair and limiting passes – is crucial for preserving hair condition.
• Consider long-term cost-per-use and sustainability; repeatedly replacing low-quality tools can be more expensive than one well-made iron.
• If you notice breakage, dryness or discomfort on the scalp, reduce heat use and seek personalised advice from a stylist or healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap straighteners safe for my hair?
Lower-priced straighteners can be safe when used carefully and when they meet UK safety standards, but they may not always offer the same consistency of heat or longevity as professional models. Using a heat protectant, keeping temperatures moderate and avoiding daily use can help reduce the risk of dryness and breakage.

What temperature should I use on fine or damaged hair?
Many stylists in the UK suggest staying at the lower end of the temperature range – often around 150–180°C – for fine, fragile or colour-treated hair. Start low and only increase if you genuinely need more heat, rather than relying on the highest setting by default.

Can I get salon-smooth hair with a budget straightener?
Yes, many people achieve sleek, polished results with well-chosen, affordable tools, particularly when they combine them with a good blow-dry, appropriate products and neat sectioning. The overall routine – including shampoo, conditioner and leave-in care – plays a big role in the final look.

How often is it okay to straighten my hair?
There isn’t a single rule that fits everyone, but many professionals recommend keeping full straightening to a few times a week at most, with breaks built in. Your hair type, condition and other chemical processes (such as colouring or relaxing) all affect how much heat your hair can tolerate comfortably.

Should I upgrade to a premium straightener if I already have a budget one?
It depends on your experience. If your current straightener tugs, leaves uneven results, forces you to do multiple passes or shows signs of wear, an upgrade – budget or premium – may be worthwhile. If you’re happy with the performance and you’re protecting your hair, there’s no urgent need to switch purely for the sake of a brand name.