BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener review: Built for thick hair
This extra-wide straightener focuses on speed without compromising results
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener is all about making styling quicker, particularly if you have long or thick hair. Its extra-wide titanium plates cover much more hair with each pass than a standard straightener, whilst the wide range of heat settings makes it suitable for different hair types. The biggest drawback is the premium price, made slightly more disappointing by the lack of extras such as a heat mat or storage pouch. That said, if speed and performance are your priorities, it's a fantastic straightener that delivers exactly what it promises.
-
+
Extra-wide plates dramatically reduce styling time
-
+
Heats up in seconds
-
+
Excellent range of temperature settings
-
+
Premium, sturdy design
-
-
No heat mat, storage pouch or accessories included
-
-
Currently only available in the US
-
-
Extra-wide plates may be too large for short hair
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
BaByliss Pro has long been a favourite among professional stylists, but tools that were once reserved for salons are now becoming much more accessible for at-home users. The latest to join the lineup is the Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener, a styling tool designed to make light work of thick, long hair.
Featuring extra-wide titanium plates, near-instant heat-up and temperatures of up to 450°F, it's built to straighten larger sections of hair in fewer passes. However, with a premium price tag and no UK launch just yet, is it worth seeking out? I've been putting it to the test to find out.
Price and availability
The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener is currently exclusive to the US, where it's priced at $179.99 on BaByliss' website.
Whilst BaByliss Pro products are available in the UK, the Nano Titanium range hasn't made its way across the Atlantic just yet.
Design and features
The straightener has an ultra-lightweight design that's comfortable to hold, whilst the metallic blue finish gives it a distinctive look compared to the sea of black stylers on the market.
The standout feature is its extra-wide 2-inch titanium plates, which are also extended to 5 inches in length. This means you can straighten much larger sections of hair in a single pass, making it particularly well suited to anyone with thick, long or coarse hair. However, those with shorter hair may want to avoid.
The Nano Titanium plates are designed to heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly and glide smoothly through the hair. A ceramic heating system also ensures near-instant heat-up and rapid temperature recovery.
The Nano Titanium plates are designed to heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly and glide smoothly through the hair. A ceramic heating system also ensures near-instant heat-up and rapid temperature recovery.
There are five adjustable heat settings, starting at 300°F (149°C) and reaching up to 450°F (232°C). It also has a handy locking mechanism for storage, and the power cord is generously long. Just bear in mind that, if you're using it in the UK like I was, you'll need a US plug adaptor.
Performance
During use, one of the biggest advantages I found is simply how much hair the straightener can cover in a single pass. I found myself straightening far larger sections than I would with a traditional hair straightener, which made a noticeable difference to how long my routine took. Even after sectioning my hair properly, I was finished in around five to seven minutes, which is a lot quicker than it usually takes me.
The straightener heats up in a matter of seconds, so there's very little waiting around before you can get started, and the temperature remains steady as you style. The body is sturdy without feeling heavy, the long swivel cord gave me plenty of room to move around.
I also appreciated the sheer number of heat settings on offer, and whilst it's always best to use the lowest temperature to minimise heat damage, it's reassuring to know the higher settings are there if you need them.
One feature I found surprisingly useful was the locking mechanism, which kepet the plates closed when I wasn't using the straightener. This was especially useful whenever I needed to put it down whilst sectioning my hair or taking a quick break.
That said, considering the premium price, I do think BaByliss Pro could have included some extras, including a heat-resistant mat, storage pouch or even a styling glove. This would have made the overall kit feel a little more complete and better justified the price tag.
Verdict
The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener is all about making styling quicker, particularly if you have long or thick hair. Its extra-wide titanium plates cover much more hair with each pass than a standard straightener, whilst the wide range of heat settings makes it suitable for different hair types. The biggest drawback is the premium price, made slightly more disappointing by the lack of extras such as a heat mat or storage pouch. That said, if speed and performance are your priorities, it's a fantastic straightener that delivers exactly what it promises.
Alternatives to consider
Interestingly, the extra-long plates immediately reminded me of the Shark Shark SilkiPro Straight. Whilst Shark's model is more versatile thanks to its ability to dry and straighten hair at the same time, both are excellent choices if you have thick hair and want to speed up your styling routine.
Another comparable option is the Hot Tools Black Gold Dual Plate Salon Straightener. It also uses titanium technology to deliver fast styling and comes in at £129.99/$129.99, making it a more affordable alternative.
