Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Classic design
- Less damaging to hair
- Decent results
Cons
- Higher heat needed for thicker hair
- Buttons in awkward places
- Some rivals offer longer-lasting performance
Our Verdict
If reducing damage is a priority in your hair care routine, then it’s worth considering the Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro hair straightener – plus, it will leave your hair sleek, smooth and glossy.
Price When Reviewed
Not available in the Netherlands
Nicky Clarke’s Infrared Pro line is a series of hair styling tools designed to do less damage to your locks than regular heated products.
The straighteners in the range use infrared plates, which heat the hair from the inside out. Nicky Clarke claims that these plates lock in moisture, giving your locks a glossy finish.
But are these infrared straighteners all that they’re cracked up to be? I’ve spent some time styling my hair with these tools – both straightening and curling. Here is what I’ve found out.
Design & appearance
- Matte black finish
- Infrared titanium plates
- 10 temperature settings
The Infrared Pro Straighteners take a classic approach to their exterior design. They come in one colour, black, with a matte silicone finish on the plates and a shiny finish on the handle.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
They are 30cm long and 5cm wide, and the plates are around 1.5in, 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 lightweight at 274g excluding the cord and plug, so are comfortable to use. They’ll fit inside a large overnight bag, but aren’t as space-saving as dedicated travel straighteners. Plus, there’s no cordless option available.
The plates are made from titanium, rather than ceramic, and include microsensors which distribute the heat evenly through the plates. The red lines on the plates glow red when turned on, an indication of the technology used.
Nicky Clarke claims that the plates include nanotechnology that “removes odour and harmful chemicals”. Presumably this means that it helps to remove pollutants from your hair but even after using them, we’re really none the wiser.
The buttons on the straightener are in the middle, which can be awkward to get to. They include a power button, as well as a temperature button with 10 different settings, ranging from 120-230℃. The temperature is displayed on the LED screen in blue, and rises gradually until it reaches the number you’ve chosen.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
For your peace of mind, the straighteners have an auto shut-off feature after 60 minutes, should you forget to turn off the switch. The box also includes a rubber heat protective mat that can be folded away. However, no case or glove is included in the box.
Performance
- Quick to heat up
- Decent performance for both straightening and curling
- Higher heat needed for thicker hair types
The Infrared Pro Straighteners take 50 seconds to heat up if you’re whacking it all the way to 230℃.
I have reasonably thick hair with a wiry texture and 2A, loose waves naturally. Some cheaper straighteners often struggle to work well on my hair, but I was able to transform my bushy mane into straight locks in under ten minutes with the Infrared Pro Straighteners – see the results below:
My hair developed a few kinks and knots after going out and about (especially in the wind), but often only the most impressive tools can keep my hair poker straight. I had to use the max heat setting in order to achieve this look – some other products from brands like GHD have given better results at lower temperatures.
Nonetheless, if you have finer, thinner or shorter hair than mine, you may have better lasting results with a lower heat setting – which is ultimately better for the health of your hair.
Though these aren’t designed specifically for curling, I found curls and waves held better than when I straightened it, even when using on a lower heat setting. The curved ends make curling reasonably easy, too.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
I found Nicky Clarke’s claim to leave a shiny finish on the hair largely true. One stroke of the plates left the hair looking nice and glossy, and not at all dry like some other cheaper straighteners. The glide is quite smooth, I didn’t find that it caught or snagged on my hair.
The odour erasing claim seems like a bit of marketing fluff, but I can forgive that for what is an overall impressive performance.
Price & availability
The Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro straighteners cost £129.99 and are available directly from Nicky Clarke, as well as from Amazon and Boots. The brand doesn’t typically sell in the US.
This price point is more expensive than traditionally heated products such as the BaByliss Elegance 235 – most likely because of the infrared technology used in the build. However, at the time of writing there is a generous £30 discount, which certainly makes them worth the money.
If creating minimal damage to your hair is a priority, then you could also consider the Revamp Progloss Steamcare, which includes ionic technology and steam plates. There is also the impressive (and cordless) Dyson Corrale, but this is a luxury product that costs over £400.
To see more alternatives, read at our list of the best straighteners. We also have a similar chart for the best hair dryers.
Verdict
The Nicky Clarke Infrared Pro straighteners can give your locks a sleek and shiny finish in a short amount of time. Whilst they are more expensive than some other rivals, the addition of the infrared technology should mean that you’re doing less damage to your locks in the long run.
If you have thicker and more unruly hair, then only the highest heats will product the best results, and the performance isn’t quite as long-lasting as what I’ve seen from other premium brands. Nonetheless, this is still a solid pair of straighteners to consider.