Black Friday hair straighteners: £20 deals explained

Black Friday has once again pushed hair tool prices to eye-catching lows, with some ceramic straighteners reportedly dropping to around £20 at major UK retailers. According to coverage from Gazette Live, one widely known high-street model saw a discount from an RRP near £79 to circa £20, prompting a wave of comparisons with premium salon favourites. Beyond the buzz, this moment raises worthwhile questions: what does a £20 straightener really offer in 2025, how does it stack up against higher-end tools, and what should UK shoppers consider to protect both hair health and their wallets?

What a £20 straightener typically offers in 2025

Budget doesn’t automatically mean poor performance. Many entry-level straighteners now include features that were once strictly premium—partly thanks to maturing manufacturing and competitive pressure around big retail events.

• Core materials: Most budget models use ceramic-coated aluminium plates designed to distribute heat reasonably evenly. Some add ion- or tourmaline-related claims to help reduce static and boost shine.
• Temperature range: Typical ranges sit between 150–230°C with several fixed settings. Peak temperature is common, but stability (how consistently heat is maintained between passes) varies by model.
• Heat-up and recovery: Sub-30-second heat-up is now common, though recovery time between passes can be slower in cheaper heaters, affecting results on dense or coarse hair.
• Safety features: Auto shut-off (usually 30–60 minutes) and swivel cords are widely available. Plate locking mechanisms for storage also appear on some models.
• Warranty: One- to two-year warranties are standard; extended cover depends on the retailer and registration requirements.

In everyday use, a well-made budget straightener can smooth fine-to-medium hair, tackle fringe touch-ups, and deliver occasional styling for waves or bends. The trade-off is often in temperature regulation, plate tension precision, long-term durability, and frizz control on humidity-prone days.

Budget versus premium: the real-world differences

Premium brands—those commonly priced from around £120 to £300—tend to invest in engineering that protects hair integrity over time while delivering consistent results. Although individual models differ, these are the areas where higher-end tools typically set themselves apart:

• Heat consistency and sensors: Advanced control systems stabilise temperature, reducing hot spots and heat spikes that can worsen cuticle damage.
• Plate engineering: Precision-machined floating plates, better tension alignment, and carefully finished edges can mean fewer passes for the same result.
• Build quality: Higher-spec heaters (e.g., MCH or carefully designed resistive systems), more robust hinges, and reinforced cords improve longevity.
• Aftercare: Longer warranties and more responsive service networks can add value—especially for daily users.
• Finish and frizz reduction: Premium tools often excel at maintaining smoothness through the day, particularly in damp conditions.

Does this mean a budget tool can’t compete? Not necessarily. A £20 straightener might be perfectly adequate for occasional styling, lighter hair types, or as a spare for travel. However, for thick, coarse, curly, or Afro-textured hair—or for anyone styling daily—the stability and control of a premium tool can reduce the number of passes needed and may help mitigate cumulative heat stress.

How to assess a Black Friday deal wisely

Discounts can be dazzling, but a little structure helps you shop smarter. Use this checklist before you buy:

• Plate material and size: Ceramic or ceramic-infused plates are common. Narrow plates (20–25 mm) suit fringes and short hair; wider plates (30–45 mm) help with thick or long hair.
• Temperature control: Look for clear, adjustable settings and a visible indicator. For fine or colour-treated hair, lower settings (150–180°C) are usually safer; coarse textures may require higher heat.
• Heat-up and recovery: Fast heat-up is good; consistent recovery between sections is better. Reviews that mention fewer passes are a positive sign.
• Safety and compliance: In the UK, check for UKCA marking and an appropriate fused plug. Auto shut-off is essential; a heat-resistant cap or mat is a bonus.
• Cord quality and hinge: A robust, 360° swivel cord (2–3 m) and a smooth hinge reduce snags and strain during styling.
• Warranty and returns: Verify the returns window, proof-of-purchase requirements, and whether registration is needed for warranty activation.
• Trust the retailer: To avoid counterfeits, buy from reputable UK retailers or the brand’s official channel. Be cautious of unusually low prices on marketplace listings.

When you see comparisons to well-known salon names during promotional periods, treat them as starting points—not definitive proof of equal performance. Your hair type, daily styling time, and heat tolerance should guide the decision.

Hair health, safety and sustainability

Regardless of price, technique matters. Damage results from excessive heat, repeated passes, and insufficient protection—not just from the tool itself.

• Prep properly: Always dry hair fully before straightening and apply a heat protectant formulated for hot tools.
• Pick the right temperature: As a rule of thumb, use the lowest effective setting. Fine, fragile, or bleached hair often does better at 150–175°C; coarser textures may need 185–210°C.
• Mind the passes: If you need multiple passes to achieve results, consider slowing down slightly, reducing section size, or upgrading to a tool with better heat consistency.
• Spacing out heat: Alternate straightening days with heat-free styling to reduce cumulative stress on the cuticle.
• Aftercare: Incorporate bond-building or protein-balancing treatments as appropriate for your hair, alongside regular trims to manage split ends.

For UK households, safety compliance is non-negotiable. Look for UKCA marking and a three-pin fused plug, and check that any travel adapter is rated appropriately if you’re styling abroad. Store tools away from water sources and allow them to cool fully on a heat-safe surface. If a straightener shows signs of damage—frayed cord, loose plates, unusual smell—stop using it and contact the retailer or manufacturer.

Sustainability also deserves a mention. Electrical styling tools are covered by WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations, meaning old devices shouldn’t go in household bins. Many retailers offer take-back schemes; local councils also run recycling points. Extending a tool’s lifespan through careful use and proper storage is the greenest first step; when you do replace, recycle responsibly.

Who benefits most from a budget buy—and who should consider premium

Think about your usage pattern and hair type:

• Occasional stylers: If you straighten once or twice a week, have fine-to-medium hair, and don’t need humidity-defying longevity, a well-reviewed budget straightener can be entirely serviceable.
• Daily stylers or textured hair: If you style daily, have thick, coarse, curly, or Afro-textured hair, or want long-lasting smoothness in damp weather, premium options often justify the cost via fewer passes, time savings, and potentially less cumulative heat exposure.
• Creative stylers: If you use your straightener to curl, wave, and bend, look for rounded edges and plates with smooth glide—features more consistently executed in mid-to-premium tools.

Ultimately, the best deal is the one that balances cost with performance for your specific hair goals. A £20 Black Friday price tag is notable and timely—but it’s not the only factor that matters.

Key Takeaways

• Black Friday has pushed some ceramic straighteners to about £20, a striking discount reported by UK media.
• Budget tools can handle light-to-moderate styling; premium tools tend to offer better heat stability, precision, and longevity.
• Prioritise temperature control, safety compliance (UKCA, auto shut-off), and reliable retailers to avoid counterfeits.
• Healthy technique—heat protectant, minimal passes, and the right temperature—matters more than price alone.
• Recycle old tools via WEEE schemes; consider warranty and repair options to extend lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are £20 straighteners safe?
They can be, provided they meet UK standards (UKCA marking, fused plug) and include basic protections like auto shut-off. Buy from reputable retailers and follow safe-use guidelines.

Will a budget straightener work on Afro-textured or very coarse hair?
It can smooth with careful sectioning and technique, but you may need higher, consistent heat and fewer passes—areas where mid-to-premium tools often perform better. Always use heat protectant and avoid excessive passes.

What temperature should I use?
Start low and increase only as needed. Fine or colour-treated hair often responds at 150–175°C; medium textures 175–190°C; coarse textures 190–210°C. Consistency matters as much as the number on the dial.

Ceramic vs titanium—what’s the difference?
Ceramic distributes heat evenly and is generally gentle; titanium heats quickly and maintains high temperatures well, which can benefit coarse hair when used carefully. Quality of engineering matters in both cases.

How do I spot a counterfeit tool?
Red flags include unclear branding, missing UKCA mark, poor packaging, unusually low prices from unknown sellers, and lack of a verifiable serial number. Check the manufacturer’s site for authorised sellers.

Can I travel with a UK straightener?
Check voltage compatibility (dual-voltage is best) and use an appropriate adapter. Always verify wattage and plug standards at your destination.

Is it safe to use straighteners on wigs or extensions?
Only if the fibre is heat-friendly. Human hair pieces generally tolerate moderate heat with protectant; many synthetic fibres do not. Always check care labels.