Curls are awesome! Ringlets, corkscrew curls, beachy waves, and afro hair should all be celebrated. But if you have curly hair, you will know better than anyone that curls can be hard to maintain. They can tangle easily, become frizzy and be difficult to style. And sure, the volume is great.
But sometimes it can be a bit too much. So it can be tempting to turn to heat styling tools and flat iron your hair into submission sometimes. It can help you achieve a straight, sleek look, get more easy styling, and hey, sometimes it’s just fun to change it up.
So you are on the market for a flat iron. But which hair straightener is best on curly locks? There are lots of different features to choose from which can be overwhelming. Should you get a ceramic or titanium-plated device? What is bio ionic or negative ion technology? What temperature do you need for best results? And how much should you expect to spend? Well, the above questions may depend upon your needs and hair type.
Metal-plated tools conduct heat better and heat up faster meaning they are often preferable for people with very curly hair that is hard to straighten. Ceramic plates heat up more evenly however and may provide more consistent results. You may especially consider these if your hair is a normal type, and not too curly or hard to straighten. Check out tourmaline plates and tools with negative ion technology if you suffer with much frizz or static.
Frizz and static are caused by positive ions and so the negative ones help to neutralize them. Flat iron temperatures usually reach up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The hotter the plates, the more effective they will be on your hair, but also the more likely they are to cause damage.
To avoid heat damage, it is best to use the lowest possible heat that will work on your hair. So it is best to experiment with care, make sure you use heat protector and take proper care of your hair before and after applying heat.
So, without further ado let us introduce the list of our top 10 favourite flat irons for curly hair. We know there is a lot of choice out there, so we have made things easier for you by reviewing 10 for you. Take a look below and you will find the best straightener for you in no time.
Best Flat Iron for Curly Hair (2024 Update)
HSI Professional Glider, Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron
This versatile flat iron hits the sweet spot between effective and affordable. It straightens for quick, dramatic results even on super coarse and frizzy hair, making it one of best hair straighteners for curls. This HSI Professional Glider straightener has 1 inch tourmaline ceramic plates. Tourmaline is a crystal that is ground down and infused into the plates. It helps generate negative ions, great to reduce frizz and static which are caused by positive ions.
The plates also have micro-sensor technology, with 8 microsensors in the device to regulate the temperature of the plates. With even heat, you get the best results, and hopefully won’t need to go over the same area multiple times. This will protect your hair from heat. The device also has plates that float, aka plates that are not fixed. They can move and adjust with the hair to get the optimum straightening position during use.
In terms of temperature, this flat iron has adjustable heats from 140F to 450F. It is easy to change the temperature with the turn dial. With narrow plates, it has versatile usage options from straightening and curling to adding volume and other styling. It has an extra-long, 360 degree swivel cord which won’t tangle easily and allows you maximum movement and control while straightening. The product comes with a cute silk carrying pouch and travel-size Argan Oil hair treatment, meaning it’s ready to take with you on the move. It also has dual voltage so you can use this flat iron worldwide. Finally, it also comes with a heat proof glove to protect your hands while styling.
Features:
- Tourmaline-infused 1 inch plates
- Heat range from 140F to 450F
- Comes with carry pouch, styling glove, and Argan Oil hair treatment
Pros:
- Tourmaline plates to reduce frizz
- Floating, narrow plates for versatile styling and optimum results
- 1 year warranty
Cons:
- No LCD screen to monitor temperature
- No automatic shut-off
NITION Professional Salon Hair Straightener Nano Silver, Argan Oil, Tourmaline, Ceramic, Titanium-infused Flat Iron, Gold
This 5 in 1 flat iron offers innovative technology to achieve what NITION is calling ‘healthy styling’. And in a market of heat products known to damage hair, naturally it is hard not to be intrigued by such a claim. But what does healthy styling mean? Does it really work and how? Well this straightening iron has ceramic heating plates. And they are Nano Silver, Argan Oil, Tourmaline and Titanium-infused. The elements work together to protect hair and leave it smooth and sleek. Argan Oil and Nano Silver work to restore and lock in moisture to the hair, while also smoothing and repairing damage. Tourmaline reduces frizz and static, transforming frizzy hair.
The plates heat up from 265F to 450F. There are 6 different preset heat options at 265F, 300F, 340F, 375F, 410F, 450F, offering the best heat for all hair types. The narrow plates, at just an inch wide, mean you can also easily use this device to curl your hair. However the plates are also 10% longer which will speed up straightening time. They heat up super fast in just 10 seconds, and recover quickly too. You can also have peace of mind about leaving the flat iron plugged in, as it has an automatic shut off after 1 hour of non-use.
The flat iron is easy to use. With no buttons, simply twist the rotating end of the straightening iron to change the heat. The product has a 9 foot cord with 360 degree swivel as well as coming with a heat resistant glove, carry pouch, comb and clips. Everything you need to transform your hair!
Features:
- Ceramic plates infused with 5 elements
- 6 heat settings between 265F and 450F
- Comes with carry pouch, styling glove, hair clips and styling comb
Pros:
- Elements infused into the plates to moisturise and reduce frizz
- 10% longer plates provides quicker straightening
- Lock feature
Cons:
- As the temperature changer is part of the flat iron’s body it is possible to change the temperature by mistake
- Some people found the temperature hard to control
Ovonni Nano-Titanium Hair Straightener, 1.75 inch
If you want a flat iron that you can use on damp, curly hair, you must consider this hair straightener. It has special steam vents that safely remove the water from damp hair, so you can straighten soon after showering and cut your getting-ready time in half! This flat iron has 1.75 inch plates, which is wider than the standard 1. This means you can achieve faster and more efficient straightening. They also have an even heat distribution across the plates which helps to keep your hair protected.
This flat iron device uses an MCH heater (Metal-Ceramic Heater). This is a particularly efficient heater type which can be up to 30% more energy efficient than a traditional PTC heater (Positive Temperature Co-efficient). The straightener heats up in 18 seconds with a heat range of 300F to 450F. It has adjustable temperatures for all hair types including curly hair. Between 300F and 335F is best on thin, delicate hair. 335F to 375F is best on wavy and curly hair, while 375F to 450F is best on coarse hair.
This device is easy to operate and has a long, tangle-free cord. After 60 minutes of non-use it will turn off automatically. It is lightweight and affordable and quite unique in its use on damp hair.
Features:
- 1.75 inch Nano metal-plated flat iron
- Temperatures from 300F to 450F
- Wet and dry use
Pros:
- Drying vents extract vapour from your hair for faster styling
- Affordable price
- Wide 1.75 inch plates allow faster straightening
Cons:
- Wider plates mean less control for curling or other styling
- Can be hard to use on hair that is very short
Furiden Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Straightener, 1 Inch, Gold
Simple, quick and effective. For faster, easier straightening for curly hair, check out this Furiden Professional styling iron. It has an inch wide plate made with Tourmaline-infused ceramic. This gives even results helping to protect hair from heat damage as well as reduce frizz and static. The flat iron also has floating plates which work to create a smooth straightening experience without tugging or snagging hair. The edges of the device are also rounded which makes it the best hair straightener for curling as well as straightening.
The flat iron has 5 different temperature settings from 250F to 450F meaning whatever your hair type, you should be able to find an effective temperature that works well on your hair. This straightener heats up quickly in just 15 seconds. It is super easy to operate, with no buttons at all, just a rotating directional switch built into the end of the device. Simply turn it on, turn the dial to the right temperature, split your hair into sections, and off you go. Aim to straighten from as close to the root as you can.
This Furiden straightener has an extra-long cord allowing you to walk around the room as you style. No more yoga needed just to see in the mirror! The compact 12 inch design of the flat iron means that it is a good choice to take on the road. With dual voltage, carry bag and safety lock you can carry this safely in your luggage. This product is mid-range in terms of price compared with other models on the market.
Related: Top flat irons for traveling
Features:
- Ceramic tourmaline plates
- Heat range from 250F to 450F with 5 different temperature settings
- Twisting end temperature controller
- Comes with heat resistant glove, flat iron bag, salon comb and hair clips
Pros:
- Tourmaline infused plates help reduce frizz and static
- Floating plates avoid snagging hairs
- 6 month warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than many models on the market
- Some people thought the materials felt cheap
KIPOZI Professional Flat Iron, 1.75 Inch Wide, Black
Another wider-plated option here. This hair straightener, with 1.75 inch plates, allows quick, even straightening. The flat iron is comfortable to use and provides a smooth, straightening experience for curly hair, without snagging or pulling. This is due to the floating plate design with perfectly aligned plates for optimum results. This is a metal-plated straightener, so the plates heat up quickly and achieve sleek, straight hair in no time.
This flat iron has an adjustable temperature range from 170F to 450F. This means you can find the ideal temperature to use on your hair. It does also come with 3 different, easy-to-use temperature presets that are controlled by the ‘P’ button. 270F is best for fragile hair, 350F for damaged or coloured hair, and 410F is best for healthy hair. The temperature can be monitored on the LCD screen.
If you are forgetful, you can have peace of mind using this product as if you leave it on, it will automatically shut off after 60 minutes of non-use. It has an 8 foot swivel cord allowing you freedom to move around while styling. It is also dual voltage allowing you to use it safely in other countries.
Features:
- 1.75 inch titanium-plated flat iron
- Temperatures from 170F to 450F
- LCD screen display
Pros:
- Especially suited to curly, wavy and coarse hair types
- Extra-wide plates for faster straightening
- Smooth, floating plate design means no tugging
Cons:
- Some people found it would stall after some months of using it
- Wide plates make it more difficult to use this product to curl and style
Rosily Professional Salon Quality Nano Titanium-Plated Flat Iron 1.75 inch
This 1.75 inch product is especially well suited to straightening curly hair, as the wide plates cover more surface area at any one time and can handle larger volumes of hair. This device can also be used on damp hair, which is great for those who want to reduce styling time. You can just towel dry hair and start styling! No need to dry first, although it also works perfectly on dry hair. This Rosily device is Nano metal-plated and offers fast and effective straightening. While the extra-wide 1.75 inch plates handle volume, it also has extra-long 4.75 inch plates that do the same the other way. It uses an advanced Metal Ceramic Heater to heat up quickly in just 30 seconds, and run super efficiently.
This device has an adjustable temperature that reaches a maximum of 450F. There are 5 different temperature settings the cover all different hair types. The special 3D, floating plates allow smooth straightening and mean the plates won’t pull at hairs. The flat iron has a 360 degree swivel cord as well as automatic shut off after 60 minutes. The pearl white design is sleek and attractive, with pretty rose gold plates. This product also comes in at a very budget friendly price, so it is definitely worth trying out.
Features:
- Metal-plated iron with 1.75 inch plates
- Adjustable temperatures up to 450F and 5 heat settings
- Wet and dry use
Pros:
- Extra-wide and extra-long plates for faster full straightening
- Can be used on wet or damp hair, just towel dry to remove excess water
- 2 x smoother glide with floating plate design
Cons:
- No LCD screen
- Wider plate can be more difficult to create curls
xtava Professional Infrared Ceramic Hair Straightener, 2 Inch
Want to tame wild, curly or frizzy hair without causing heat damage? Check out the xtava Professional flat iron that uses infrared technology to draw natural moisture from the inside of your hairs out and create a smooth, glossy finish. The plates in this straightener are ceramic tourmaline. They maintain a consistent heat meaning faster and more even styling and the tourmaline creates that anti-frizz factor.
This product can heat up to 445F and has a total of 10 different heat settings! These range from 265F to 300F for delicate, thin hair, 300F to 380F for normal hair, and 380F to 445F for coarse hair. So whatever type of curly hair you have, this product should work for your hair! It heats up in 90 seconds. The extra-wide 2 inch plates mean that this device can handle more hair than many other models that are between 1 and 1.75 inches. They have floating plate design, specially to glide over hair without pulling and so the plates can get optimum contact for the best results possible.
This product has an LCD digital display so you can monitor the temperature of the iron with ease. If the straightener is left on for an hour unattended it will turn itself off with the safety shut off feature. It comes with an 8-foot long swivel cord, for ultimate movement and angling while using this straightener and there is also a lock feature. This is great for if you want to take this device traveling or in your bag.
Features:
- 2 inch ceramic plates
- 10 adjustable heat settings from 265F to 445F
- LCD display
Pros:
- Infrared technology for glossy, moisturised results
- Extra-wide plates for quicker straightening
- Affordable price
- 2 year warranty
Cons:
- Large plates can feel too clunky for curling and styling
- Not best for hair that is very short
Deogra Professional Hair Straightener and Curler 2 in 1
The shape and design of this product make it not only perfect for straightening curly hair with ease, but also adding beachy, waves, perfect curls or adding volume or style to any do. The 2 in 1 iron has narrow 1 inch plates with rounded edges, making it the perfect versatile tool. The flat iron is metal-plated. The plates have a super quick 15 second heat-up time and work efficiently and quickly for gorgeous, straight results. They are also a lovely rose gold colour on a sleek black body, which gives them a modern, professional look.
The Deogra flat iron has a range of heats from 300F to 450F meaning you can easily find the right setting for your hair. It is also plenty hot enough to be effective on even the coarsest or curliest hair. The straightener also has touch control settings so it is super easy to alter the heat as needed. The 3D plates make sure that the iron doesn’t snag or pull your hair during use.
The straightener has international dual voltage, so it is suitable for use in Europe or the UK. It comes with a heat resistant carry pouch, so along with it’s compact size, it is the perfect travelling companion to straighten your hair on the move. It also has an auto shut off feature which enables after 60 minutes without use.
Features:
- Metal-plated straightener with 1 inch plates
- Temperatures from 300F to 450F
- Touch control temperature settings
Pros:
- Narrow plate and rounded edges make this best hair straightener for 2 in 1 straightening and curling
- Super-fast, 15-second heat up
- Floating plate design for no snagging!
Cons:
- Some people felt they got split ends after extended use
- It is easy to switch off accidentally while using
KIPOZI Hair Straightener, 2 in 1 Straightener and Curling iron, Rose Gold
For an innovative straightener with a super smart control system, check out the KIPOZI flat iron with a temperature twist-heat-system. Turn the end of straightener to alter the temperature which ranges from 250F to 450F. There are 3 suggested heat brackets for different hair types. 250F to 320F for delicate or damaged hair, 320F to 355F for normal hair and 355F to 450F for wavy and curly hair.
This product is has Nano-Titanium plates that conduct heat super fast, heating up in just 30 seconds for awesome results. This, plus the 1 inch narrow plates, make this product perfect for straightening, curling and styling all with the same product. This flat iron has 3D floating plate technology and helps to smooth hair right to the ends without pulling or damaging hair.
This product includes a heat resistant glove, hair clips, a salon comb, carry pouch and gift box. There is a 60 minute automatic shut off feature as well as a lock feature that holds the plates together, perfect for travelling. Finally the product is a unique, pinky rose gold and has a bold, modern aesthetic. It is mid-range in terms of price for best hair straighteners.
Features:
- 2 in 1 straightener and curler
- Temperature range from 250F to 450F with 30-second heat up
- One-twist temperature control
Pros:
- PTC smart temperature heat system provides fast straightening that retains moisture in the hair
- Versatile product with rounded edges, perfect for both straightening and curling
- Attractive, unique design
Cons:
- More expensive than some models
- Some people felt the plates didn’t open up wide enough
Salona Hair Straightener – 1 inch Titanium- plated Flat Iron
If you are looking for the best hair straightener that is salon-grade quality as well as perfect for using both at home and taking on the road, look no further than the Salona Hair Straightener. The powerful plates work to turn your curly hair into smooth, straight and sleek locks.
The infrared heat emits negative ions that work to reduce positive ions and reduce frizz. The compact size, and plate width of 1 inch mean the device is versatile and easy to operate. But it also means they are great to take travelling and pack easily away in a bag.
Not just that, but this straightening iron also comes with 3 different adaptors for travelling, and a heat proof carry pouch. You will be able to plug the device in pretty much anywhere and pack it away straight after use! It also has an automatic shut off time of 1 hour, just in case you leave this device on in your home or hotel room.
This styling iron can heat up to anywhere between 255F to 400F, making it great for any hair type. It can get instant heat and recovery making it one of the best flat irons for saving you time. The plates are designed to have an extra smooth surface, this will help make sure you get straight hair without any pulling or snagging.
The interface and control buttons are easy to use, and there is an LCD screen so you can keep an eye on the temperature. The extra-long swivel cord means you will have freedom to angle the device as you wish, as well as move around the room as you style. This device also has a comfortable grip, and a sleek, professional look.
Features:
- Plates are an inch in width
- Temperature range from 255F to 400F
- Comes with heat resistant carry bag and 3 international plug adaptors
Pros:
- Infrared heat technology creates straight, smooth hair quickly and reduces frizz
- Features make it ideal for both home and travelling like compact size, auto shut off, plug adaptors and heat resistant carry bag
- 1 year warranty for 100% money back guarantee
Cons:
- Some people felt the materials felt flimsy
- Some people found they accidentally turned off the device due to where the buttons are placed
Which are the best hair straighteners for curly hair?
Finding the best flat iron for curly hair can depend on your exact hair type and your needs and preferences. Like if your curly hair is very coarse, you will likely need a tool that reaches higher temperatures than someone with very fine curls. When choosing the best hair straightener for you, look at the plate material and size.
Metal-plated tools (like these titanium straighteners) heat up faster and might be more suited to very curly, coarse hair, while ceramic ones heat up more evenly and could be more suited to finer hair. If you want quicker straightening with a tool that can handle large volumes, consider a 1.75 or 2 inch plate. If you would like versatility to curl and style with your straightener, we would recommend a 1-inch design.
Finally consider factors like price, size, and ease of use to make your decision. Take a look at the list above for some of the best hair straightener choices on the market for curls.
Is hair straightening good for curly hair?
In general using excessive heat on your hair in any form can be damaging and drying to the hair. This goes for curly and straight hair alike. But don’t worry! This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t straighten your hair. As long as you take the correct precautions, like using heat protector, taking breaks between straightening days, and using the lowest heat possible for your hair, it is perfectly healthy to do so.
In fact if you have very tight curls or knotty hair, straightening can be a benefit. This is because it can help with things like reducing knots and tangling, and therefore reduce hair breakage and loss. If you already have particularly delicate or damaged hair, you may be more susceptible to further damage from straightening.
How to flat iron curly hair?
To get the best results when using a flat iron on curly hair, start by dividing your hair into small sections. It can be best to clip up your upper layers of hair and work your way up from the under layers.
Once you have a small section, comb it out from the tips first to remove knots. Add heat protector and grab hair in the iron from as close to the root as possible. Pull device over your hair and voila! Now move on to a new piece until entire head is covered.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Our top 10 flat irons for curly hair. Although we celebrate every hair type, we think it is fun to change things up and keep it fresh. And we are advocates of people doing whatever makes them feel good! So whether you want to rock curly or straight tresses tomorrow, now you have the tools to go for it!
You might also like:
Best flat irons for natural black hair
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