Once you’re ready to use the styler, simply unplug it from the cord and press the button to heat it up. Other models offer a range of temperatures, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you aren’t subjecting your hair to more stress than is necessary.

One thing we learned during testing: some brushes are easier to hold and maneuver while styling than others. You might also refer to these brushes as “hot brushes” – you’d be right to do so, but it’s worth pointing out that not all hot brushes are built for straightening hair. In under 10 minutes, you can have a salon-level blow dry, even for thick, curly, long and frizzy hair. Also, unlike similar hot brushes that I've used, I don't notice the same amount of hair getting caught in the combs.The result is super-soft hair that looks and feels healthy – and, as an added benefit, it took just minutes to style our medium-length hair.

Keep an eye out for brushes that use ionic technology to moisturise your hair as you style, reducing damage and frizz.

A hair-straightening brush usually resembles a paddle brush and has the same hot plates that feature on your straighteners. A hair-straightening brush features a heated paddle (usually coated with ceramic – more on that below) with smoothing bristles, delivering the ease of a brush with the straightening power of a hot plate. These brushes are "ideal for those who are less coordinated in using round brushes while controlling the direction of the blow dryer for a smoother and more controlled finish," says pro hairstylist Devin Graciano.