Waves, curls, and coils range from fine to coarse, and the best hair straighteners for curly hair are designed to smooth different textures without pulling or damaging your hair. I am. The T3 SinglePass Smooth
The best hair straightener for curly hair will leave your hair shiny and smooth without damaging it.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retail store
For flat irons, a straight iron that maintains even heat at the lowest effective temperature is important because the fewer passes the less chance of heat damage. It’s also important to consider the size and type of plate (ceramic or tourmaline are best), number of heat settings, and general ease of use. We consulted Associate Editor Jane Sung and top hairstylists to round up the best curling irons for curly hair, with options for different textures, budgets, and needs.
Best Hair Straightening Iron for Hair Straightening: T3 Single Pass Smooth Kristin Ess 3-in-One Titanium Flat Iron Best Straight Iron Best for Thick Curly Hair: Edre Meline Titanium Flat Iron Best Straight Iron for Fine Curly Hair: Mermaid Straight Iron
T3 micro
T3 Single Pass Smooth X
Plate Material: Ceramic | Plate Size: 1 inch | Temperature: 260-410 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord Length: 8 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Perfect for:
One-pass hair straightening for fine to medium hair
Skip if:
You prefer compact and you have very thick and coarse curls
T3 took the top spot in our guide to the best hair straighteners. SinglePass Smooth X is another great model that is especially helpful if you have natural curls. It uses extra-long ceramic plates to smooth frizz and enhance shine in fewer passes, so there’s less potential heat damage. This allows me to quickly achieve my medium-thin natural curls, and when straightening my hair, I usually only need 1-2 passes per section. The plates are beveled for a wrinkle-free finish (which is also a versatile tool for creating smooth curls and waves) and minimize snags and tugs when you close the iron and glide through your hair. The tension is adjusted to keep it at a minimum. Additionally, the 8-foot cord has a convenient 360-degree rotation feature.
Another benefit: Smooth X heats up quickly and maintains even heat. With 9 precise temperature settings, you can find the right heat level for your hair texture. “You want to be able to adjust the temperature of your iron. This is essential to control the amount of heat your hair receives,” says celebrity hairstylist and curly hair expert Sophie Rose. Gutterman says.
Amazon
Chi Original 1 Inch Ceramic Iron
Plate Material: Ceramic | Plate Size: 1 inch | Temperature: 392 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord Length: 11 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Perfect for:
Want to reduce frizz and increase shine for less than $100?
Skip if:
Prefer adjustable temperature settings
Our pick for the best value in our roundup of the best flat irons, the Chi Straight Iron is a great basic model that heats up to a set temperature of 392 degrees Fahrenheit in under 30 seconds. It has a super smooth floating ceramic plate that allows you to adjust the pressure when straightening. The lightly beveled edges also allow for curling. Far-infrared heat leaves your hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free. Also, the extra-long swivel cord stays out of the way as you move the tool around your head while styling. I’ve been using this curling iron for years and it always turns my curls into smooth, straight hair.
Amazon
GHD Platinum + Styler
Plate Material: Ceramic | Plate Size: 1 inch | Temperature: 365 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord Length: 9 feet | Warranty: 3 years
Perfect for:
Achieves a shiny finish on color-treated or damaged curls
Skip if:
If you prefer multiple temperature settings
Another winner in our best hair straightener test rating, the GHD Platinum+ styler is as sophisticated as the styles it creates, with its signature wishbone hinge and rounded barrel, making it extremely Easy to hold and operate. It heats up to 365 degrees Fahrenheit, which GHD calls the styling “sweet spot” (claiming that temperatures below this cannot effectively straighten hair, and higher temperatures risk heat damage). ). This tool has a sensor inside the plate that constantly monitors the heat and adjusts the output accordingly.
The floating plates are made of smooth ceramic and glide through your hair with enough pressure to create straight, shiny hair. Like the other options on our list, this straightener features beveled edges for added versatility when styling.
Amazon
Kristin Ess 3-in-One Titanium Flat Iron
Plate Material: Titanium Plate Size: 1.25 inches | Temperature: 280-440 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord Length: 9 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Perfect for:
Versatile styling to smooth frizz, especially on thick and coarse hair
Skip if:
With titanium plates, this flat iron heats quickly to one of four temperature settings to straighten hair and smooth frizz. Floating plates automatically adjust to your hair texture to minimize heat damage, and negative ion technology prevents hair from drying out. “Curly hair tends to dry out easily, so it’s important to choose an iron that retains moisture easily,” says stylist Emilio Uribe. “Things that emit negative ions can help tame frizz and add shine.”
The Kristin Ess flat iron has an easy-to-read digital display, a heat-resistant travel cap, and a 30-minute auto-off feature for peace of mind. Additionally, this versatile tool also creates loose waves and sophisticated curls.
Plate Material: Titanium Plate Size: 1.25 inches | Temperature: 330-450 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord Length: 8 feet | Warranty: 1 year
Perfect for:
Thick hair with coarse curls and coil high shine finish
Skip if:
Edrée’s Méline flat iron is Gutterman’s favorite straightening iron for natural-looking curls. “Because you only have to do one or two passes per section, you end up putting less heat on the client,” she says. Titanium plates are perfect for thick, coarse curls, and Gutterman says they can keep your hair smooth and shiny for several days. The 1.25-inch plates allow you to process more hair per pass, allowing you to go through thicker hair faster. (Pro Tip: Make sure the width of the part to be straightened is no wider than the width of the plate.) The plate also has a slight bevel and can be stuck straight or polished and curved at the edges for a smooth lock. You can choose. The temperature is adjustable from 330 degrees Fahrenheit to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and the top of the iron has a clear digital display.
target
mermaid straightener
Plate Material: Ceramic | Plate Size: 1.1 inches | Temperature: 265-450 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord Length: 8.2 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Perfect for:
Fine to medium texture travel packing
Skip if:
have thick, coarse curls
Fine curls don’t need as much heat to straighten, so lower temperatures are best. The Mermade straightener has 1.1-inch floating ceramic plates that heat evenly, and temperature control from 265 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, ionic technology seals the cuticle for more shine and less fuzz. This is great for thin hair. This lightweight tool also features a soft-touch thumb grip that stays cool during use, a long swivel cord, and a universal voltage. The soft, rounded edges also allow you to add waves and curls.
Why trust Forbes’ scrutiny?
Forbes’ vetted beauty and grooming team has researched, written, and published countless articles. This includes related topics such as the best curling irons, curling irons for thick hair, curling irons, and more.
The author of this article, Jessica Timmons, is a regular contributor to Forbes magazine and a flat iron veteran. She has years of experience straightening and smoothing natural curls and is a personal fan of both T3 SinglePass Smooth X and Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron. Associate Editor Jane Sung assigned and edited this article and personally approved all straighteners in this guide. She oversees all hair care, skin care, grooming, and makeup content. We asked three hair experts for additional insight and recommendations. Stanley Nolan is a master cosmetologist and education specialist at Ogle School. Sophie Rose Gutterman is a curly hair expert and celebrity hairstylist. and celebrity hairstylist Emilio Uribe.
How to choose the best hair iron for hair straightening
We started researching the best hair straighteners for hair straightening in-house, referencing existing recommendations from Forbes’ vetted and relevant content.
We searched for the best sellers from popular and reputable tool brands and weighed them against key criteria, including plate material and size, temperature range, cord length, and warranty. We took recommendations from Molly Calhoun, a vetted Forbes contributor who spent an entire year testing curling irons. Some of her top picks have joined the list, including the Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron and the GHD Platinum+ Styler. Natural curls can vary in texture, so we’ve made sure to have a variety of curling irons for every curl type. We also include recommendations to meet your specific needs, such as your budget and styling preferences. We carefully considered customer reviews and average star ratings, and stuck with models that earned an average rating of at least 4 stars and a negligible amount, if any, of concerning reviews.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which hair straightener is best for very curly hair?
With multiple heat settings and extra-long floating ceramic plates, the T3 SinglePass Smooth X is our pick for the overall best straightener for curly hair. If you’re shopping on a budget, the Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron is a stylist favorite. It has one temperature setting, but it’s set at less than 400 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize heat damage.
Which is better for curly hair: titanium or ceramic?
When it comes to the best material for curly hair, it all comes down to texture. “Titanium is better for coarse, thick hair, while ceramic is better for fine curls,” says Gutterman. That’s because titanium maintains a higher temperature. Paying attention to your hair’s texture will help you choose the material that best suits your needs.
What is the least damaging way to straighten curly hair?
In addition to choosing the right hair straightener for your hair type, preparing your hair properly can be very helpful. “I always recommend using a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioning beforehand, and then a good heat protectant,” says Nolan. It is also important to work in small sections to avoid correcting the same area over and over again.
