The hair straightener is one of the essential thermal accessories in a toiletry bag: together with a good dryer, it allows us to shape the hair to adapt it to different styles and moments. The latest are the wireless models that, thanks to the incorporation of an internal battery, can be used without a cable, and are ideal to take on the go and give some final touches or complete the styling.
Cordless irons: the models
On this occasion, we have chosen three models characterized by their high quality, in such a way that they are capable of guaranteeing, on the one hand, hair care and, on the other, a performance that is comparable to that of traditional wired hair straighteners.
These are (with an average score of 8.25 points), (9) and (8.25).
To evaluate them we have followed the same criteria as with the rest of the comparisons of irons that we have carried out in , adding an additional category related to its battery:
- Design. Its size and portability, as well as its finish.
- Plates. Size, material (titanium, ceramic), whether they tilt or not, how they slide through the hair…
- Operating temperature. Not all models have a regulator and not all of them work at the same temperature.
- Smoothing capacity. If they straighten in a single pass, the shine and softness they leave in the hair, the durability of the hairstyle, among others.
- Ability to curl. The design of the straighteners can greatly influence their ability to create curls and waves. What finish do they leave and how long does the hairstyle last?
- Autonomy. The capacity of the integrated battery, how many minutes of use it translates into, what the charging time is or whether it incorporates an indicator to know the remaining autonomy, among others.
- Additional features. Technologies to protect hair, accessories included…
To put them to the test, we have used each of the straighteners on two different hairs, always applying a thermal protector; In this case, these are hair of different length, thickness and level of hydration. They have been used both to straighten and to create waves and curls.
What is the best wireless hair straightener
After 15 hours of testing, the best wireless hair straightener has turned out to be the , due to its great capacity to achieve a perfect finish with a single pass, also taking care of the hair, and the possibility of using it plugged into the mains when its autonomy has been exhausted.
We have to say, however, that the rest of the participants in the comparison (GHD and Babyliss) have proven to be difficult opponents, with very well finished products and adequate performance.
Dyson Corrale cordless iron: our choice
Available in three different colors (the initial black and pink have been joined by matte fuchsia and copper; the latter is the one we have been able to test), it is the size of a traditional wired hair straightener and weighs quite a bit: something we attribute to the materials used and the internal battery that allows it to work wirelessly, and which charges in just over an hour, offering approximately 30 minutes of autonomy.
When used for the first time, the experience is different, because the plates do not glide through the hair as easily as with ceramic, tourmaline or titanium models. And, in this case, the Dyson Corrale plates have been made with copper and manganese and, in addition, they have a total of 15 micro joints that make them adapt to the hair. That is, unlike the tilting plates that move as a block, in this case there are areas that are more attached to the structure than others depending on where the lock of hair is placed. This makes it ‘grip’ it harder and generates some resistance. The effect is also optimal: with just one pass you can leave your hair completely straight, no matter how curly it may be. It does make it difficult, however, to create curls and waves, in which the fact that it glides easily makes it easier.
Technical sheet
- Dimensions: 29.2 x 4.1 x 4.5 centimeters
- Weight: 561 grams
- Heat levels: 165ºC, 185ºC y 210ºC
- Load: 360º magnetic charging cable
- Colors: 3 different ones (black/fuchsia, purple/black and copper)
- Others: travel case included, charging base, safety lock, auto shut-off
With three available temperature settings displayed on its screen, it reports the remaining battery at all times (not in minutes, but in the form of a bar) and calculates the temperature of the plate 100 times every second, ensuring that it does not exceed the established value and does not damage the hair. It can be used corded or cordless, and to make sure it doesn’t accidentally start up while on the move, it has a small airplane ‘mode’ tab that leaves it idle.
The best, the worst and conclusions
- The best: straightens hair with a single pass, avoiding damage thanks to its temperature control
- Worst: It is an expensive model and the plates slide worse than other technologies, making it difficult to create curls and waves.
- Conclusion: Although it can be used wirelessly, it is as powerful as a traditional cordless iron, offering optimal straightening in a single pass.
GHD Unplugged, cordless iron: the alternative
It is a model specifically designed as a travel iron, so its dimensions are smaller than the rest of the GHD irons; Also its plates, made with Dual-zone technology and ceramic heaters that monitor the temperature to provide a styling temperature of 185ºC at all times. That is, as is usual for the firm, the temperature is not adjustable. In addition, its tilting ceramic plates have a high-gloss coating that facilitates gliding for smooth, tug-free styling and 65% shinier hair.
Despite its size, the results are very similar to those we obtain with its ‘big sisters’, although we have found that some people will not have enough autonomy to comb their entire hair. And it has a very tight autonomy of about 20 minutes, and it cannot be used plugged into the mains. It is charged with a USB type C cable, yes, so you can use any charger if you don’t have the one included in the box or fill your battery in the car or from a laptop, for example. And to know how much is left, it has 5 LED lights that illuminate to inform you of the remaining autonomy. With a high-end finish typical of the firm, it comes with a practical heat-resistant toiletry bag.
Babyliss 9000 cordless iron: best value for money
It is the most economical model in the selection. In terms of functionality, they are on par with the competition. Thus, with the size of corded irons, it allows you to choose between three operating temperatures (160ºC, 180ºC and 200ºC). Its ceramic plates are tiltable and the rounded design of its exterior makes the task of creating waves and curls much easier; In fact, it is the iron in the comparison that has given us the best results in this regard. As for smoothing, it is adequate, although a little below other options both in effectiveness in a single pass and in durability.
It works with an internal battery that charges in 3 hours to offer approximately 30 minutes of autonomy (depends on the selected temperature). It incorporates an indicator that shows the charge level. In fact, when you have it plugged into the power you can know if it is ‘almost’ on. In addition, its multi-voltage mode guarantees that it can be used all over the world and the set of accessories it comes with makes it much easier to transport: a British charging adapter that completes the European one, a silicone case, a travel case, a resistant thermo mat…
*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of December 5, 2021.
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