As someone with afro hair, I’ve spent years battling dryness, heat damage and the endless trial-and-error of finding the right styling tools. So, discovering the Bellissima Absolute Straighteners really has been a breath of fresh air.
Like many women of mixed heritage growing up in the UK, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with my hair. I often wanted it to be sleek and straight, but the damage from intense heat tools left it dry, brittle and far from healthy. That’s why I’m always looking for the best hair straighteners that are powerful enough to smooth tight curls and coils, but gentle enough not to fry them in the process - and...spoiler alert. I may have just found them.
1.
Bellissima Italia Absolute Hair Straighteners
BellissimaPros
- Adjustable temperatures
- Infrared helps the heat to penetrate without causing as much damage
- Wide professional hair straightener
- Protective case - great for travelling
- Elastic cable clip for keeping the cable tidy
- Clear LED display.
- Simplicity
Cons
- Automatic switch-off after 60 minutes - I would have prefered it to be shorter.
- Doesn't come with a heat mat
| Weight: | 0.67kg |
| Cable Length: | 2.5 m |
| Dimensions: | H31.00 x W5.20 x D4.00cm |
- Ceramic and keratin coating
- Flexible plates that adapt to the sections of hair
- Infrared and Ion technology
- LED display
Overview of Bellissima Absolute Straighteners
Bellissima is an Italian brand that’s finally making waves here in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. While many straighteners are designed with finer, European hair in mind, the Absolute Straighteners have textured, afro, and curly hair types at the front and centre. It’s such a welcome change to find a tool that doesn’t just cope with afro hair as an afterthought, but actually excels at styling it.
My hair has been chemically straightened in the past, so I’m left with a mix of textures: coarse and curly at the roots and straighter towards the ends. Left to its own devices, it’s far from uniform and definitely not the look you’d want to post on your social media account. That’s why finding a tool that can smooth and style it evenly without causing more damage has been a game-changer.
Unlike my old, go-to straighteners, the GHD Platinum Straighteners, I really liked that I am in control of the heat I put on my hair. The buttons are straightforward to use, and the ceramic and keratin-coated heat plates take a few minutes to heat up.
What really sets these straighteners apart is the combination of ceramic plates infused with keratin and argan oil. While plenty of hair tools promise to reduce frizz, these genuinely feel different, especially on my damaged, fragile hair. I always use a heat protection spray and rosemary hair oil as part of my routine, but since switching to these a month ago, I’ve noticed far less breakage and my hair feels smoother and more resilient after each use.
The plates also float, adapting to your hair's thickness and movement as you style. This reduces the need to clamp hard or go over the same section multiple times, which is another win for hair health.
Heat damage is one of the biggest concerns for afro hair, which is more prone to breakage. The Bellissima Absolute features four precise temperature settings, ranging from 140°C to 230°C. For me, this flexibility is vital. On days I want a silk press finish, I can go higher. I stick to the low-range settings when I want to smooth out frizz or do a quick refresh.
As someone who constantly panics about leaving my straighteners plugged in, I love that the Bellissima Absolute Straighteners shut off automatically. However, 60 minutes feels way too long; in comparison, new GHD straighteners turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity. So, while I am glad it has this safety feature, I would like to see that time shortened.
My favourite thing about these straighteners is their size. They’re wonderfully wide. As a mum of three, time is everything, and these allow me to style larger sections of hair at once. Combined with their quick heat-up time, it really cuts down how many sections I need to work through, making the whole process much quicker. They’re a brilliant option for anyone with long, thick or dense hair who wants salon-smooth results without spending half the morning in front of the mirror.
The Verdict:
At under £100, the Bellissima Absolute Straighteners sit in the mid-range price bracket, but there’s nothing average about what they deliver. These straighteners offer genuine protection, hydration, and impressive performance on afro and textured hair. While I wouldn’t recommend them for those with very fine hair (a slimmer option like the Silk’n SilkyStraight might be a better fit), they’re a fantastic choice for anyone with thick, curly, or coily hair.
Since making the switch, they’ve completely replaced my old high-end straighteners. I’ve noticed a real reduction in heat damage, my ends are growing out healthier, and I enjoy styling my hair for the first time in a while.
If you’re looking for a straightener that helps minimise heat exposure and supports healthy hair growth, the Bellissima Absolute deserves a spot at the top of your list.
About the author
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.