What temperature should you straighten your hair at?
Too little heat and your hair will not stay straight. Too much and it breaks. Here is the right hair straightener temperature for every hair type.
The most common mistake we see is simple: people turn the straightener all the way up and leave it there. The right hair straightener temperature depends on your hair, not on how hot the tool can get.
Why temperature matters so much
Hair is made of keratin, a protein held together by bonds that heat can loosen. That is how a straightener works: it softens those bonds so the hair sets straight as it cools. But past a certain point, heat stops reshaping and starts breaking. The trick is to use just enough heat for your hair, and no more.
A temperature guide by hair type
160°C: fine, fragile, relaxed or coloured hair
If your hair is fine, recently relaxed, bleached or coloured, start at the lowest setting. It may take two slow passes, but that is still gentler than one pass at full heat.
180°C: normal, medium-thick hair
This is the everyday setting for most people. It smooths and shines medium hair without putting it under stress, and it is gentle enough for regular use.
200°C: thick or wavy hair
Dense or wavy hair that springs back at lower heat usually settles at 200°C. Work in sections about two fingers wide so the heat reaches the middle of each section.
220°C: coarse, resistant or blow-dried natural hair
Save the top setting for hair that will not straighten any other way. Use small sections, keep the plates moving, and always use heat protectant. Read our guide on how to straighten natural hair without damage before you try it.
Signs you are using too much heat
- A hissing sound or steam (the hair was not fully dry)
- A burnt smell
- Ends that feel rough, look dull or split easily
- Curls or waves that no longer bounce back after washing
If you notice any of these, drop down one setting and focus on slower, single passes.
Why fixed settings beat a dial
A straightener with clear, fixed steps lets you use the same temperature every time. You learn what works for your hair and repeat it. Every Skyfall Nine straightener has four marked settings, 160, 180, 200 and 220°C, with a light for each one, so there is no guessing.
Try it on your own hair
Use the interactive heat guide on our range page to find your setting, then pick a straightener from the shop. If you are still unsure, send us a photo of your hair on WhatsApp and we will tell you where to start.
