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Verdict: the BaByliss Elegance 235 remains a good straightforward hair straightener when discounted, especially for medium-to-thick hair and occasional waves. Its three temperatures, long plates, 3-metre swivel cord, multi-voltage design and 235°C maximum make it practical, but it is not the best choice for fragile hair requiring precise low-temperature control or for anyone who mainly wants to curl.
Buy it only after checking the exact model number, plug, voltage and price. The standard Elegance 235 is often confused with the BaByliss Pro 235 Elegance and other products that use “235” in their names.
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Quick verdict
| Best for | Not ideal for |
|---|---|
| Affordable everyday straightening, medium-to-thick hair, travel and occasional waves | Highly damaged hair, precise heat control, effortless curls or premium glide |
- Temperature settings: 180°C, 200°C and 235°C
- Maximum temperature: 235°C
- Auto shut-off: 72 minutes for the official 2598U model
- Useful features: ceramic plates, long styling plates, curved body, 3-metre swivel cord, multi-voltage operation and heat wrap
- Value: strongest when substantially cheaper than newer models such as the Smooth Pro 235
- Availability: varies; some listed variants were out of stock when checked
Tech Advisor’s independent review found that it produced a sleek result and was easy to use, but took roughly 30 seconds to reach maximum heat rather than the advertised 12–15 seconds, occasionally snagged hair and was only moderately effective for curling. Read the independent test.
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What is the BaByliss Elegance 235?
The BaByliss Elegance 235 is a mains-powered ceramic straightener for home styling. The official instruction booklet identifies the core model as 2598U. Colour and regional variants include model numbers such as 2598BU and 2598PE.
#1 Best Overall
- FAST, HIGH-HEAT STRAIGHTENING FOR MEDIUM-TO-LONG HAIR — The Nano Titanium straightener heats instantly and reaches up to 450°F, delivering consistent heat that smooths more hair with every pass for faster straightening and smoothing on medium-to-long hair, including thicker, coarser textures.
- SMOOTH, SHINY RESULTS WITH LESS FRIZZ Nano Titanium plates distribute heat evenly to eliminate hot spots, reduce frizz, and create sleek, glossy-looking results while helping straighten hair with fewer passes.
- RAPID HEAT UP WITH CUSTOMIZED CONTROL — A ceramic heater delivers instant heat-up and fast heat recovery, while five digital temperature settings with LED display provide precise heat control up to 450°F for fine, medium, thick, and coarse hair types.
- EFFORTLESS GLIDE AND STYLING COMFORT — Full-floating Nano Titanium plates glide the flat iron smoothly through hair without tugging or pulling, while the lightweight, slim, ergonomic design provides comfortable handling and styling control.
- PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE YOU CAN TRUST — A 9-foot professional swivel cord allows unrestricted movement while styling, and the flat iron is backed by a limited 2-year warranty for added confidence and long-term performance.
Its name refers to the maximum operating temperature, not a separate product generation. The standard model has three heat levels, a curved outer housing for creating bends and waves, long styling plates, automatic shut-off, a heat wrap and a long swivel cable. Retail specifications for the 2598BU list 28mm ceramic plates, a 300mm overall length and a weight of about 466g, but dimensions and accessories can vary between regional versions.
Do not automatically treat the BaByliss Pro 235 Elegance, Smooth Pro 235 or Platinum Diamond 235 as the same appliance. The Pro version, for example, is listed with nano-ceramic plates, Advanced Ceramics heating and plates described as 25% longer. Check the model number printed on the appliance or packaging before relying on a listing’s specifications.
Temperature control: useful, but limited
| Setting | Temperature | Practical starting point |
|---|---|---|
| I | 180°C | Fine, delicate, coloured or chemically treated hair |
| II | 200°C | Medium or normal hair |
| III | 235°C | Thick, coarse or resistant hair |
These are the three settings specified in the official BaByliss 2598U instructions. Start at the lowest suitable setting, test a small section and increase only if necessary.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →235°C is a maximum, not a default. Higher heat may reduce the number of passes on resistant hair, but it also increases the risk of heat damage, particularly on bleached, porous, dry or repeatedly heat-styled hair. A newer straightener with more increments is easier to tailor precisely to fragile hair.
Design and everyday usability
The slim, curved body is comfortable to manoeuvre and makes it possible to rotate the tool through a section for a wave. The long plates can cover more hair in each pass, which is helpful on longer hair. The 3-metre swivel cord is generous at a dressing table and less restrictive than the short leads found on some inexpensive stylers.
The body is relatively light enough for routine styling, and the included heat wrap is convenient for storage once the tool has cooled. However, Tech Advisor noted that the straightener has no plate-locking mechanism. That makes it less compact for storage and travel.
Rank #2
- FAST STRAIGHT RESULTS — Create sleek, straight hairstyles in less time with extra-wide 2-inch wide plates designed specifically for long, thick, coarse, and textured hair. The wider plate surface area allows you to style larger sections of hair at once, delivering faster straightening results for your daily routine.
- SMOOTH FRIZZ-FREE SHINE — Boost shine with ultra-smooth Nano Titanium technology that glides effortlessly through your hair. These durable titanium plates help reduce frizz and flyaways, ensuring your hair stays smooth, shiny, and sleek while helping prevent snagging, pulling, and flyaways.
- FASTER STRAIGHTENING PERFORMANCE — Experience efficient styling with extended-length, full-floating plates that maintain complete hair contact with every pass. This advanced design requires fewer passes to straighten even the most stubborn thick and coarse hair, protecting your strands from unnecessary heat exposure.
- CUSTOM HEAT CONTROL — Tailor your styling experience with 5 adjustable heat settings for fine, medium, thick, coarse, and textured hair, and an easy-to-read LED display, reaching up to 450°F. The built-in ceramic heater delivers instant heat-up and consistent heat recovery, ensuring the flat iron maintains the perfect temperature for your specific hair type.
- FLEXIBLE STYLING COMFORT — Style with greater flexibility and lightweight movement thanks to the professional 9-foot, 360-degree swivel cord. This extended reach prevents tangling and provides comfortable, unrestricted movement for everyday styling, whether you are at home or in a salon setting.
Retail listings describe the relevant models as multi-voltage or worldwide-voltage appliances. This does not remove the need to check the label on your specific straightener. A plug adapter changes the socket connection; it does not convert voltage. Notino’s 2598PE listing, for example, identifies an EU plug and an included adapter, showing why plug configuration must be checked by market.
How fast does it heat up?
Heat-up claims vary. Some listings quote approximately 15 seconds, while Currys lists 12 seconds for the 2598BU. In Tech Advisor’s September 15, 2023 test, reaching 235°C took at least twice the advertised 15 seconds—closer to 30 seconds.
That does not prove every unit or variant heats at exactly the same speed, but it does mean buyers should not treat the 12–15-second figure as guaranteed real-world performance. It is quick enough for normal morning styling, just not necessarily instant.
Straightening performance
The Elegance 235’s strongest use is basic straightening. Tech Advisor achieved a sleek, reasonably straight result on thick hair that lasted through the day. Finer hair may hold a straight style for longer, while humidity, hair condition, preparation and technique will affect the finish.
Thick or coarse hair may need the 235°C setting, careful sectioning or more than one pass. The long plates help with coverage, but they do not guarantee one-pass results on every texture. The straightener can smooth visible frizz, but it cannot permanently eliminate frizz or prevent damage.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The main performance reservation is glide. The plates generally moved smoothly, but the independent review reported occasional jerking or snagging compared with more expensive straighteners. Possible practical contributors include tangled hair, sections that are too large, excessive pressure, damaged ends, product buildup or attempting to style damp hair. These are troubleshooting possibilities, not evidence that every unit will snag.
Rank #3
- 2X Faster Styling for Thick Hair - The 1.7 inch titanium flat iron plates cover twice the surface area in a single pass. Specifically engineered for thick, long, coarse, and curly hair, it delivers the fastest styling results with fewer passes. Achieve professional salon quality results in half the time, making it the perfect solution for your busy morning routine
- 15s Fast Heating & Even Styling - Equipped with advanced MCH hair straightener technology, this iron heats up in just 15-30 seconds with instant heat recovery. Compared to traditional ceramic plates, it maintains a consistent temperature to prevent heat damage and eliminate hot spots. Flexible 3D floating plates adapt to hair thickness for smooth, effortless styling from root to tip
- Steam Vents for Damp Styling - Featuring unique steam vents, this iron allows you to skip the blow-dryer and safely straighten damp hair. The vents release excess moisture, sealing in natural oils and preventing frizz. It is the ultimate damp to dry styling tool for post-shower routines or quick touch-ups after the gym, keeping your hair glossy and resilient
- Precision Heat Settings for All Hair Types - Stop guessing the right temperature. This iron offers 5 adjustable settings from 290°F to 450°F hair styling power. Whether you have fine, fragile hair or stubborn, coarse hair, the intuitive side wheel provides the exact heat needed for a long-lasting hold. The ultimate solution for stubborn, frizz-prone hair that usually takes hours to style
- Dual Voltage for Travel & Safety: Designed for the global lifestyle, this dual voltage hair straightener for travel (110-220V) works worldwide with just a plug adapter. The lightweight design, 360° swivel cord, and 60-minute auto shut-off provide convenience and peace of mind. Ideal gift for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or any special occasion
Can it curl or create waves?
Yes. The curved housing allows you to rotate the straightener as it moves down the hair. The Pro listing recommends wrapping the section around the outside and turning the tool approximately 180 degrees while gliding towards the ends.
In practice, it is better at soft bends and waves than consistent curls. It takes practice to maintain the same rotation and speed, and the ends may curl more readily than the roots. Tech Advisor found the curling results acceptable but inconsistent. Choose a dedicated curling iron or a specialist straightener-and-curler hybrid if curling is your main requirement.
Which hair types suit it best?
| Hair type | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Fine, fragile or coloured | Usable at 180°C with careful section testing, but three broad settings provide less precision than newer digital models. |
| Medium or normal | Probably the best match; 180–200°C should cover routine smoothing for many users. |
| Thick or coarse | Potentially effective, helped by the 235°C maximum and long plates, though section size and humidity still matter. |
| Curly or highly textured | May straighten effectively, but occasional snagging and limited temperature control are disadvantages; do not expect one-pass results universally. |
| Short hair or fringes | The relatively compact plate format and curved body may help with detailed styling, although this is a design-based judgement rather than a separately verified test. |
| Long hair | Long plates and the generous cable are useful, but very thick long hair may benefit from wider plates. |
Safe operating procedure
- Wash and dry the hair completely. The appliance is intended for dry, combed hair.
- Detangle thoroughly and apply heat protection according to that product’s instructions.
- Divide the hair into manageable sections.
- Begin at 180°C and test a small section.
- Increase to 200°C or 235°C only if the lower setting is ineffective.
- Place a section between the plates near, but not directly against, the roots.
- Close gently and glide from roots to ends in one controlled movement.
- Avoid repeatedly passing over the same section.
- Allow the hair to cool before brushing or combing through.
- Switch off, unplug and let the appliance cool fully before storage.
The official manual says the tool remains hot for several minutes. Keep it away from children and water, do not wrap the cord around the appliance, and stop using it if the cord or appliance is damaged. Do not place the hot straightener on heat-sensitive surfaces: the heat wrap is not a safe substitute for a heatproof surface during use.
Guarantee and buying checks
The official 2598U manual states that UK consumer buyers receive a five-year guarantee, subject to conditions. It is not a worldwide guarantee. Exclusions include incorrect voltage, unauthorised stockists, professional or non-domestic use, unauthorised repairs, misuse and failure to follow the instructions. Some second-hand, refurbished, private-seller and auction purchases may also be excluded, and proof of purchase is required.
Before checkout, confirm:
- the exact model number;
- UK, EU or other plug configuration;
- voltage compatibility;
- plate material and included accessories;
- automatic shut-off time;
- new, used or refurbished condition;
- seller authorisation, guarantee eligibility and returns policy.
Availability is inconsistent. Currys Business marked the 2598BU listing out of stock, and Notino marked the 2598PE listing not currently in stock when checked. Do not assume every colour or variant is readily available.
BaByliss Elegance 235 versus newer alternatives
BaByliss Smooth Pro 235
The Smooth Pro 235 is the more sensible choice when priced close to the Elegance 235. Currys lists six temperature settings, a 235°C maximum, ionic and ceramic technology, a 30-second listed heat-up time, 60-minute auto shut-off, a heat-resistant mat and a five-year guarantee. Its listed price was £34.99 when retrieved.
Rank #4
- SMOOTHS FRIZZ FOR BRILLIANT SHINE – Ultra‑smooth Nano Titanium plates deliver efficient, even heat transfer to instantly smooth hair and enhance natural shine.
- EXTENDED‑LENGTH, FULL‑FLOATING PLATES – Straighten more hair in fewer passes for faster, more efficient styling with consistent results.
- PRECISION HEAT CONTROL WITH LED DISPLAY – Ceramic heater provides instant heat‑up and recovery with 5 adjustable heat settings up to 450°F for all hair types.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, SLIM & ERGONOMIC DESIGN – Designed for comfortable handling and stress‑free styling, even during extended use.
- PROFESSIONAL & TRAVEL‑READY FEATURES – Includes a 9‑ft. 360° swivel cord for flexibility and easy maneuvering, plus a sleek limited‑edition Iced Blue finish.
The Elegance may still win if it is cheaper, if you prefer its appearance, or if its longer listed styling plates and travel features matter more. Do not transfer the Elegance’s 72-minute shut-off specification to the Smooth Pro, or vice versa.
BaByliss Platinum Diamond 235
The Platinum Diamond 235 is aimed higher, with ten digital heat settings from 140°C to 235°C, a memory function, diamond-infused ceramic plates and ionic frizz-control positioning. Holland & Barrett listed it at £55, reduced from £110, when retrieved. It is the stronger option for buyers who value precise temperature adjustment and extra features, but unnecessary for someone who simply wants an inexpensive straightener.
Price and value in 2026
Tech Advisor’s £80 RRP and sale prices as low as £35 date from 2023 and should not be treated as current prices. The useful 2026 rule is comparative: the Elegance 235 is attractive at a clear discount, but if it costs roughly the same as the newer Smooth Pro 235, the Smooth Pro’s six heat settings and newer feature positioning make it easier to recommend.
There is no sensible universal “best under £40” rule because stock, seller and model variant change the deal. A low price is worthwhile only when the item is new, correctly identified, compatible with your voltage and covered by an acceptable guarantee.
Final verdict
Buy the BaByliss Elegance 235 if you want an uncomplicated, affordable tool whose main job is straightening. It offers useful everyday features and a high maximum temperature without the cost or complexity of premium models.
Skip it—or compare the Smooth Pro 235 or Platinum Diamond 235—if you need more precise heat control, have particularly fragile or damaged hair, dislike occasional snagging, expect instant heating, or want consistently easy curls. Most importantly, verify the exact model before paying: “Elegance 235” is not a sufficiently precise description on its own.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
