Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hair Straightener
Finding the best hair straightener doesn't have to be complicated. This guide will help you understand which straightener is best for your hair type and lifestyle, featuring our two professional-grade Yokubō straighteners.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Before choosing the best hair straightener, identify your hair type:
Fine Hair: Can barely feel the strand - needs lower heat (140-170°C)
Medium Hair: Feels neither wispy nor thick - works with moderate heat (170-190°C)
Thick/Coarse Hair: Feels substantial and rough - requires higher heat (190-230°C)
Essential Features to Consider
Plate Material: The Foundation of Good Straightening
The plate material directly impacts your results and hair health.
Ceramic Plates
Ceramic distributes heat evenly across the surface, preventing hot spots that can damage your hair. The smooth surface allows the straightener to glide through your hair without snagging, reducing breakage and making styling easier.
Tourmaline Coating
Tourmaline is a semi-precious mineral that generates negative ions when heated. These ions help seal the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and create a smoother, shinier finish. When combined with ceramic, you get the best of both worlds.
Why Yokubō Uses Both: Our straighteners feature ceramic and tourmaline plates, combining even heat distribution with natural frizz-fighting properties for salon-quality results.
Temperature Control: Protecting While Styling
Variable temperature control is crucial for protecting your hair while achieving effective results.
Why Temperature Matters
Using excessive heat causes unnecessary damage - split ends, dryness, and breakage. But insufficient heat means you'll need multiple passes through each section, which can actually cause more damage than using the right temperature once.
Temperature Guidelines:
Fine/Damaged Hair (140-170°C): Delicate strands need gentle heat
Medium/Normal Hair (170-190°C): The versatile middle ground
Thick/Coarse Hair (190-230°C): Resistant hair needs more heat to straighten effectively
Digital Display (available on the Yokubō Deluxe model): The LED temperature display shows exact heat levels, so you're never guessing what temperature you're applying to your hair.
Plate Width: Size Matters
Standard Plates (25mm)
This versatile width works for most hair lengths and types. Wide enough to straighten efficiently, narrow enough for curling and detailed work. Both Yokubō straighteners feature 25mm plates for maximum versatility.
Why Not Wider? Very wide plates (38mm+) are faster for extremely long, thick hair but loose versatility. You can't curl effectively or work around the face easily with oversized plates.
Why Not Narrower? Very narrow plates (13-19mm) are only better for very short hair or precision detail work, but they significantly increase styling time for most people.
Advanced Technologies in Yokubō Straighteners
Ionic Technology
Your hair naturally carries positive ions, especially when dry or damaged. These positive charges cause strands to repel each other - that's what creates frizz and static. Both Yokubō straighteners emit negative ions that neutralize these positive charges, sealing the hair cuticle for smoother, shinier results that last longer, even in humid conditions.
Infrared Heating
Traditional straighteners heat your hair from the outside in, which can create hot spots and uneven results. Infrared technology heats hair from the inside out, distributing warmth more evenly throughout each strand. This means you can achieve the same straightening results at lower temperatures, reducing damage to the hair cuticle.
Floating Plates (available on the Yokubō Deluxe model)
Fixed plates can create uneven pressure - too much near the handles, too little at the tips. Floating plates adjust to your hair's thickness, ensuring consistent contact and even heat distribution from root to tip. This prevents creasing and delivers smoother results without needing to apply excessive pressure.
Heat-Up Time: Don't Keep Hair Waiting
Why Speed Matters: The longer you wait for your straightener to heat up, the more tempting it is to start styling before it reaches optimal temperature - which leads to multiple passes and more damage.
Yokubō Deluxe: 30-second heat-up from cold start
Yokubō Mini Cordless: Instant when charged and powered on
Safety Features You Need
Auto Shutdown: Both straighteners automatically turn off after periods of inactivity, preventing accidents and energy waste.
Safety Lock (Mini Cordless): Prevents accidental activation in bags - essential for a portable tool.
Sleep Mode (Mini Cordless): Conserves battery between styling sections and prevents overheating during storage.
Cool Tips: Heat-resistant tips on both models allow you to hold the straightener closer to the plates for better control.
Corded vs Cordless: A Lifestyle Choice
Corded Advantages (Deluxe)
Unlimited styling time - never worry about battery
Typically higher maximum temperatures
Slightly wider temperature range (140-240°C)
No charging needed - always ready when plugged in
Cordless Advantages (Mini)
Style absolutely anywhere - no outlet hunting
Perfect for travel - no voltage converters needed
Touch-ups throughout the day (gym, office, car)
No cord tangling or workspace limitations
USB-C charging works with phone chargers, laptops, power banks
The right choice depends entirely on where and how you style your hair most often.
Meet the Yokubō Straighteners
Yokubō Deluxe Hair Straightener
Best for: Home use, all hair types, maximum control
Professional performance with unlimited styling time. Perfect for those who want the widest temperature range and full control over their styling.
Key Features:
Temperature: 140-240°C (variable with LED display)
25mm ceramic & tourmaline plates
Floating plates
30-second heat-up
360° swivel cord
Auto shutdown
Weighs 200g
Shop Deluxe Hair Straightener →
Yokubō Mini Cordless Hair Straightener
Best for: Travel, touch-ups, on-the-go styling
Ultimate portability with no cords or voltage concerns. Style anywhere with professional results.
Key Features:
Temperature: 160°C / 180°C / 200°C (3 settings)
Ceramic & tourmaline plates
40 minutes battery life
USB-C fast charging
Safety lock & sleep mode
Weighs 200g
Worldwide compatible
Shop Mini Cordless Straightener →
Which Hair Straightener is Best for You?
By Hair Type
Fine Hair
Both work well - start at lower temperatures. The Deluxe offers more precise control starting at 140°C, while the Mini Cordless at 160°C is still gentle enough for fine hair.
Medium Hair
Either straightener is perfect. Choose based on lifestyle - Deluxe for home use, Mini Cordless for portability.
Thick/Coarse Hair
Deluxe is recommended with its 240°C maximum and floating plates. The Mini Cordless at 200°C can work but may require smaller sections.
By Lifestyle
Choose the Deluxe If You:
Style primarily at home
Have very thick or resistant hair
Want maximum temperature control (140-240°C)
Prefer unlimited styling time
Style multiple people's hair
Choose the Mini Cordless If You:
Travel frequently
Need touch-ups throughout the day
Work out at the gym
Want styling freedom anywhere
Have limited space
Need worldwide voltage compatibility
Consider Both If: You want the Deluxe for home styling and the Mini Cordless for travel and touch-ups!
Essential Straightening Tips
Protect Your Hair
Always Use Heat Protectant
This is non-negotiable for heat styling. A quality heat protectant creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage and keeping your hair healthy.
Our Favourite: Lust Thermal Protection Spray - a New Zealand brand that's vegan and cruelty-free. Apply evenly to dry hair before straightening for optimal protection.
Additional Protection Tips:
Always start with completely dry hair
Use the lowest effective temperature for your hair type
Limit to 1-2 passes per section
Section hair with clips for better, faster results
Maintenance
Wipe plates clean after every few uses
Allow to cool before storing
Use included protective case/pouch
Mini Cordless: Charge after each use for optimal battery life
FAQ
Which hair straightener is best for damaged hair?
Both feature ionic and infrared technology that's gentler on hair. The Deluxe's 140°C starting temperature is ideal for damaged hair needing extra care.
Can I take a cordless straightener on a plane?
Yes! The Mini Cordless is designed for travel and TSA-friendly for carry-on luggage.
Can these straighteners create curls too?
Yes, both can straighten and curl. The Mini Cordless is specifically designed as a 2-in-1 tool.
What temperature should I use?
Fine/Damaged: 140-170°C
Medium/Normal: 170-190°C
Thick/Coarse: 190-230°C
Find Your Perfect Straightener
The best hair straightener matches your hair type and lifestyle. Both Yokubō straighteners deliver salon-quality results with advanced technology—your choice simply depends on whether you prioritize maximum temperature control at home or cordless freedom on the go.
Shop Yokubō Deluxe Hair Straightener - Professional home styling
Shop Yokubō Mini Cordless Hair Straightener - Ultimate travel companion
Browse All Yokubō Hair Tools - Complete range
Every Yokubō straightener includes: 12-month warranty • Free shipping on all NZ orders • Professional-grade technology • Designed in New Zealand
