Wide vs Standard Plate Hair Straightener: Which Size Do You Need? (2026)
By the SAS Hair team · Australian-owned hair straightener brand · Updated October 2026
Choosing a hair straightener isn't only about brand or temperature. Plate size changes how fast you can style, how much control you have and which looks you can create. This guide explains the difference between wide plate and standard plate hair straighteners, and how to choose the right one for your hair type.
Quick answer: wide or standard plates?
Choose a wide plate straightener if your hair is thick, long, coarse or very frizzy. Wide plates cover more hair in each pass, so you finish faster with less repeated heat.
Choose a standard plate straightener if your hair is fine, short, shoulder-length or layered, or if you want to curl, wave or style a fringe. Standard plates reach closer to the root and are easier to twist for curls.
Not sure? Standard plates are the most versatile all-rounder. Wide plates are the time-saver for lots of hair.
Key takeaways
Plate size changes coverage and control, not maximum heat.
Wide plates suit thick, long and coarse hair.
Standard plates suit fine, short and layered hair, fringes, curls and waves.
Fewer passes and the lowest effective temperature are what reduce heat damage.
The SAS Pro+ comes in both sizes with identical technology.
What is the difference between wide and standard plates?
The plates are the two heated surfaces that press and smooth the hair. Most hair straighteners come in two main sizes:
Standard plates are typically around 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide. This is the most common size and suits most hair types and lengths.
Wide plates are typically 3.5 cm (1.5 inches) or wider. They're designed for large sections of thick or long hair.
Plate size doesn't change how hot a straightener gets. It changes how much hair you can style at once and how easily you can move the tool around your head.
Which plate size is best for your hair type?
Your hair | Best plate size | Why |
Thick or coarse | Wide | Smooths bigger sections in fewer passes |
Long (past the shoulders) | Wide | Covers more length per glide, saving time |
Very frizzy or curly | Wide or standard | Wide for speed on lots of hair; standard for tight, controlled sections |
Fine or thin | Standard | More control and less unnecessary heat on delicate hair |
Short, bob or pixie | Standard | Reaches closer to the root on short lengths |
Fringe or face-framing layers | Standard | Precise control around the face |
Curls and waves | Standard | Easier to twist and rotate |
When a wide plate straightener is the better choice
Your hair is thick or dense and takes a long time to straighten
Your hair is long and you want to cut down styling time
You mainly want sleek, straight results rather than curls
You want fewer passes over each section, which means less repeated heat
Fewer passes matters. Going over the same section again and again is one of the biggest causes of heat damage, and wide plates let thick hair get smooth in one or two glides. See our guide to straightening hair without damage for more tips.
Best wide plate pick: SAS Pro+ Wide Plate Hair Straightener, made for thick and long hair.
When a standard plate straightener is the better choice
Your hair is fine, thin, or shoulder-length and shorter
You want to curl, wave or flick out the ends
You style a fringe or short layers around the face
You want one tool that does a bit of everything
Standard plates are easier to rotate, which is why they're the go-to for curling with a straightener. Our step-by-step guide to curling hair with a straightener shows how.
Best standard plate pick: SAS Pro+ Hair Straightener, a versatile all-rounder for fine to thick hair.
SAS Pro+ Wide vs SAS Pro+ Standard: side-by-side
Both SAS Pro+ models share the same technology. The only difference is plate size, so you can choose purely on your hair type.
Feature | SAS Pro+ Standard Plate | SAS Pro+ Wide Plate |
Plate size | Standard | Wide |
Plates | Floating titanium-ceramic | Floating titanium-ceramic |
Ionic technology | Yes | Yes |
Temperature | Adjustable, up to 230°C | Adjustable, up to 230°C |
Best for | Fine to thick hair, short to mid length, curls and waves | Thick, long or coarse hair, fast straightening |
Warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty |
Floating plates move slightly as you glide, keeping even pressure on the hair to reduce pulling and snagging. Ionic technology helps reduce frizz and boost shine.
SAS Pro+ Standard Plate Hair Straightener
For fine to thick hair, short to mid lengths, fringes, curls and waves.
SAS Pro+ Wide Plate Hair Straightener
For thick, long or coarse hair when you want to straighten faster.
Prefer the classic SAS range? The SAS Professional Wide Plate Hair Straightener and the standard-plate SAS Professional Matt Black Hair Straightener offer the same choice of plate size with titanium-ceramic plates.
Does plate size affect heat damage?
Not directly. Heat damage comes mainly from temperature that's too high and from too many passes. Wide plates help thick hair by reducing passes, and standard plates help fine hair by giving more control. Whichever size you choose, use a heat protectant and the lowest temperature that works for your hair. Our hair straightener temperature guide covers the right settings for every hair type.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wide plate straightener better for thick hair?
Yes. Wide plates cover more hair in each pass, so thick, long or coarse hair straightens faster and with fewer passes. For more options, see our best hair straightener for thick hair in Australia guide.
Can you curl hair with a wide plate straightener?
You can create loose, beachy waves with wide plates, but tighter curls are easier with standard plates because they're simpler to twist and rotate.
Are standard plates good for fine hair?
Yes. Standard plates give more control on fine or thin hair and make it easier to avoid over-heating delicate strands. Our best straightener for fine hair guide covers ideal temperatures.
Which plate size is best for short hair?
Standard plates. They reach closer to the root and are easier to manoeuvre on bobs, pixie cuts and fringes.
Do wide plate straighteners get hotter?
No. Plate size doesn't set the temperature. Both SAS Pro+ models are adjustable up to 230°C.
I have thick hair but want to curl it. Which should I get?
If straight styles are your priority, choose wide plates. If you curl or wave your hair often, standard plates are the better all-rounder and still handle thick hair; they just take a few more sections.
The bottom line
Wide plates are best for thick, long and coarse hair when speed matters. Standard plates are best for fine or short hair, fringes, curls and waves. Both SAS Pro+ Standard and SAS Pro+ Wide have the same floating titanium-ceramic plates, ionic technology and 2-year warranty, so you only need to choose the size that suits your hair.
Still comparing brands? Read our Best Hair Straightener Australia 2026 guide.
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