Nicky Clarke Pro Infrared Hair Straightener Review

Price when reviewing

Not available in the United States

Nicky Clarke’s Infrared Pro line is a series of styling tools designed to damage your strands less than regular heated products.

The straighteners in the range use infrared plates, which heat the hair from the inside out. Nicky Clarke claims these plates lock in moisture, giving your locks a shiny finish.

But are these infrared hair straighteners all they’re made out to be? I’ve spent time styling my hair with these tools, both straightening and curling. Here is what I discovered.

Design and appearance

• Matte black finish
• Infrared titanium plates
• 10 temperature settings

Infrared Pro straighteners take a classic approach to their exterior design. They are available in one color, black, with a matte silicone finish on the plates and a glossy finish on the handle.

They are 30cm long and 5cm wide, and the plates are about 1.5 inches, which is slightly wider than a typical straightener. They come with a 2.5m cord with a swivel mechanism for easy maneuvering.

They’re relatively light at 274g without the cord and plug, so they’re comfortable to use. They fit in a large travel bag, but aren’t as bulky as dedicated travel straighteners. Also, there is no wireless option available.

The plates are titanium rather than ceramic and include microsensors that distribute heat evenly across the plates. The red lines on the plates glow red when turned on, an indication of the technology used.

Nicky Clarke claims the plates include nanotechnology which “removes odors and harmful chemicals”. Presumably, that means it helps remove pollutants from your hair, but even after using it, we’re really none the wiser.

The straightener buttons are in the middle, which can be difficult to access. They include a power button, as well as a temperature button with 10 different settings, ranging from 120-230℃. The temperature is displayed in blue on the LED screen and gradually increases until it reaches the number you have chosen.

For your peace of mind, the straighteners have an automatic shut-off feature after 60 minutes, if you forget to turn off the switch. The box also includes a rubber heat protection mat that can be folded up. However, no case or glove is included in the box.

Performance

• Quick to heat up
• Decent performance for smoothing and curling
• More heat needed for thicker hair types

Pro infrared hair straighteners take 50 seconds to heat up if you hit it up to 230℃.

I have reasonably thick hair with straight texture and 2A, naturally loose waves. Some cheaper straighteners often struggle to work well on my hair, but I was able to transform my bushy mane into straight locks in less than ten minutes with the Infrared Pro straighteners – see the results below:

My hair has developed a few kinks and knots after being out (especially in the wind), but often only the most awesome tools can keep my hair straight. I had to use the maximum heat setting to achieve this look – some other products from brands like GHD performed better at lower temperatures.

However, if you have finer, thinner or shorter hair than mine, you may get better long-lasting results with a lower heat setting, which is ultimately better for your hair’s health.

Although not designed specifically for curling, I found curls and waves to hold better than when I straightened them, even using a lower heat setting. The curved ends also make curling easier.

I found Nicky Clarke’s claim to leave hair with a glossy finish to be largely true. A swipe of the plates left hair nice and shiny, and not at all dry like some other cheaper straighteners. The glide is quite smooth, I didn’t find it snagging or clinging to my hair.

The odor-erasing claim seems like a bit of marketing, but I can forgive that for impressive overall performance.

Pricing & Availability

The Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro straighteners cost £129.99 and are available direct from Nicky Clarke, as well as Amazon and Boots. The brand does not generally sell in the United States.

This price is more expensive than traditionally heated products such as the BaByliss Elegance 235 – probably due to the infrared technology used in the construction. However, at the time of writing there is a generous discount of £30 which is definitely worth it.

If creating minimal damage to your hair is a priority, you can also consider the Revamp Progloss Steamcare, which includes ionic technology and steam plates. There’s also the impressive (and cordless) Dyson Corrale, but it’s a luxury item that costs over £400.

To see more alternatives, read our list of the best hair straighteners. We also have a similar chart for the best hair dryers.

Verdict

Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro straighteners can give your locks a sleek, shiny finish in no time. Although they are more expensive than some other rivals, the addition of infrared technology should mean less damage to your locks in the long run.

If you have thicker, more unruly hair, only the highest heats will produce the best results, and the performance isn’t as long lasting as what I’ve seen from other high end brands. Nonetheless, they are still a solid pair of straighteners to consider.