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Vetted
Jessica Timmons Contributor Content written by Forbes Vetted Contributors is assigned, reviewed and edited by Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Reviewed By Jane Sung
Waves, curls and coils can run the gamut from fine to coarse, and the best hair straighteners for curly hair are designed to smooth various textures without tugging or damaging strands. The T3 SinglePass Smooth X is our top pick for its extra-long ceramic plates and nine heat settings that allow you to choose the ideal temperature for your hair type.
With flat irons, the fewer passes you make the less likelihood of heat damage, so a straightener that maintains even heat at the lowest effective temperature is key. It’s also important to consider the size and type of plates (ceramic or tourmaline are optimal), number of heat settings and general ease of use. We’ve consulted with deputy editor Jane Sung and top hairstylists to round up the very best hair straighteners for curly hair, with options for different textures, budgets and needs.
Best Hair Straightener Overall For Curly Hair: T3 SinglePass Smooth X
Best Value Straightener For Curly Hair: Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron
Best Luxury Straightener For Curly Hair: GHD Platinum+ Styler
Best Hair Straightener For Frizz: Kristin Ess 3-in-One Titanium Flat Iron
Best Straightener For Thick, Curly Hair: Edrée Méline Titanium Flat Iron
Best Straightener For Fine, Curly Hair: Mermade Straightener
Best Hair Straightener Overall For Curly Hair
Designed With Extra-Long Ceramic Plates
MOST POPULAR
T3 SinglePass Smooth X
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch | Temperature: 260 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 8 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Fine to medium hair
- One-pass straightening
Skip if:
- You prefer something compact
- You have very thick, coarse curls
T3 earned the top spot inour guide to thebest hair straighteners, and the SinglePass Smooth Xis another excellent model that’s particularly helpful if you have natural curls. Ithasextra-long ceramic platesthat smooth frizz and amp up shine in fewer passes, which means less potential heat damage. It makes quick work of my medium-fine natural curls, and I can generally get away with one to two passes per section when I straighten my hair. The plates are beveled for a crease-free finish (making this a versatile tool for creating smooth curls and waves, too), and the tension is calibrated to minimize snagging or tugging as you close the iron and glide it through your hair. Plus, the 8-foot cord has a convenient 360-degree swivel.
Another bonus: The Smooth X heats up quickly and maintains even heat, while nine precise temperature settings let you find the right heat level for your hair texture. “You always want to make sure the flat iron has adjustable heat; this is essential for controlling how much heat your hair is receiving,” says Sophie Rose Gutterman, a celebrity hairstylist and curly hair expert.
Best Value Straightener For Curly Hair
Compact, Quick To Heat Up And Reasonably Priced
Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch | Temperature: 392 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 11 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Reducing frizz and boosting shine
- Those looking to spend under $100
Skip if:
- You prefer adjustable heat settings
Our best value pick in our roundup of the best flat irons, the Chi straightener is a great basic model that heats up to its set temperature of 392 degrees Fahrenheit in under 30 seconds. It has ultra smooth, floating ceramic plates, so you can adjust the pressure as you straighten; lightly beveled edges allow for curling, too. Far infrared heat leaves hair smooth, shiny and frizz-free, and the extra-long swivel cord doesn’t get in the way as you move the tool around your head while styling. I’ve used this hair straightener for years, andit consistentlytransformsmy curls into sleek, straight strands.
Best Luxury Straightener For Curly Hair
A High-End Pick With Innovative Heat Sensors
GHD Platinum+ Styler
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch | Temperature: 365 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 9 feet | Warranty: 3 years
Best for:
- Color-treated or damaged curls
- Getting a high shine finish
Skip if:
- You prefer multiple heat settings
Another winner in our tested evaluation of the best hair straighteners, the GHD Platinum+ Styler is as sleek as the styles it creates, with a signature wishbone-shaped hinge and rounded barrel that make it exceptionally comfortable to hold and maneuver. It heats to 365 degrees Fahrenheit—what GHD calls “the sweet spot” for styling (claiming lower temperatures won’t effectively straighten hair, and higher temperatures risk heat damage). This tool also has sensors in the plates that constantly monitor heat and adjust the power accordingly.
The floating plates are made with smooth ceramic to glide throughthe hair with just enough pressure for creating straight, shiny locks. And likeother options on our list, this straightener has beveled edges for extra versatility when you style.
Best Hair Straightener For Frizz
A Versatile Straightener That Evenly Smooths Frizz
Kristin Ess 3-in-One Titanium Flat Iron
Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 1.25 inch | Temperature: 280 to 440 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 9 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Smoothing frizz, especially in thicker, coarser hair
- Versatile styling
Skip if:
- You have fine curls
With titanium plates, this flat iron heats to one of four temperature settings rapidly to straighten hair and smooth frizz. The floating plates automatically adjust to your hair texture, which can help minimize heat damage, while the negative ion technology keeps strands from drying out. “Curly hair tends to be drier, so it’s important to choose a flat iron that helps retain moisture,” says stylist Emilio Uribe. “Ones that emit negative ions can help counteract 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 automatic shut-off feature for peace of mind. Plus, this versatile tool also creates loose waves and polished curls.
Best Straightener For Thick, Curly Hair
Titanium Plates That Tackle Thicker, Coarser Strands
Edrée Méline Titanium Flat Iron
Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 1.25 inch | Temperature: 330 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 8 feet | Warranty: 1 year
Best for:
- Thick hair and coarse curls and coils
- High shine finish
Skip if:
- You have thin, fine hair
The Méline flat iron from Edrée is Gutterman’s favorite straightener for natural curls. “I end up using less heat on clients because I only have to do one or two passes per section,” she says. The titanium plates are ideal for thicker, coarser curls, and Gutterman says they leave hair smooth and shiny for days. The 1.25-inch plates also allow for more hair per pass, so you can move throughthick hair muchquicker. (Pro tip: Make sure the section you’re straightening is no wider than the plate width.) The plates also have a slight bevel, which gives you the option of stick straight or smooth locks with a polished bend at the ends. The temperature is adjustable from 330 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, with a clear digital display on the top of the iron.
Best Straightener For Fine, Curly Hair
A Travel-Friendly Pick With Ionic Technology
Mermade Straightener
Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.1 inch | Temperature: 265 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 8.2 feet | Warranty: 2 years
Best for:
- Fine to medium textures
- Packing for travel
Skip if:
- You have thick, coarse curls
Fine curls don’t need as much heat to straighten, so lower temperatures are optimal. The Mermade Straightener has 1.1-inch floating ceramic plates that heat evenly, with temperature controls between 265 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the ionic technology helps seal the cuticle for serious shine and fewer flyaways—a bonus for fine hair. The lightweighttool also has a soft-touch thumb grip that stays cool in use,a long swivel cord and universal voltage. Soft, rounded edgesallow users to add waves and curls, too.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming team has researched, written and published countless articles. This includes related topics like the best hair straighteners, hair straighteners for thick hair and curling irons.
- The author of this piece, Jessica Timmons, is a regular Forbes Vetted contributor and flat iron veteran. She has years of experiencing straightening and smoothing her natural curls, and she’s a personal fan of both the T3 SinglePass Smooth X and the Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron.
- Deputy editor Jane Sung assigned and edited this article, and she personally approved all of the straighteners in this guide. She oversees all haircare, skincare, shaving and makeup content.
- We tapped three hair experts for additional insights and recommendations: Stanley Nolan, a master cosmetologist and education specialist at Ogle School; curly hair expert and celebrity hairstylist Sophie Rose Gutterman; and celebrity hairstylist Emilio Uribe.
How We Chose The Best Hair Straighteners For Curly Hair
We began our research for the best hair straighteners for curly hair internally, referencing existing recommendations in relevant Forbes Vetted content.
- We looked for bestsellers from reputable hot tool brands and weighed them against key criteria, including plate material and size, temperature range, cord length, and warranty.
- We incorporated recommendations from Molly Calhoun, a Forbes Vetted contributor who spent a full year testing hair straighteners. Several of her top picks, including the Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron and the GHD Platinum+ Styler, made our list.
- Since natural curls can vary in texture, we made a point of including a range of hair straighteners to suit all curl types. We also included picks that meet specific needs, including budget and styling preferences.
- We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
What To Consider In A Hair Straightener For Curly Hair
There are specific considerations when shopping for a straightener to smooth natural curls. “Material, plate width, temperature settings and maneuverability in a flat iron are very important for people with curly hair, as the right combination allows them to achieve straight hair more easily and efficiently,” says Nolan.
Material
When it comes to choice of material, “both titanium and ceramic have unique benefits, but the best choice depends on your hair’s thickness and texture,” says Uribe. Thicker, coarser curls benefit from titanium flat irons, which heat up quickly and maintain high temperatures. In contrast, ceramic irons are a gentler option that distribute heat evenly and better suits thinner hair.
Plate Width
“Pay attention to the flat iron’s plate width, which determines how much hair you’re able to smooth at once,” says Gutterman. While a 1-inch iron works well for fine to medium hair and shorter styles, “someone with thick, long hair could save so much more time by using a flat iron with wider plates,” she says. The extra-long plates in the T3 SinglePass Smooth X accomplish a similar goal.
Temperature Settings
All the experts we consulted emphasized the importance of temperature settings in a good straightener for curly hair. Uribe says this feature allows you to customize the heat to your hair’s needs. To minimize heat damage, you want to use the lowest possible heat setting, and having multiple settings is the best way to find what works for your hair.
Maneuverability
“Maneuverability—like a lightweight design with a swivel cord—enhances ease of use,” says Uribe. A straightener that fits comfortably in your hand is easier to manage, so you can reach tricky areas like the nape of the neck without awkwardly contorting your wrist or accidentally burning yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Straightener Is Best For Very Curly Hair?
With its multiple heat settings and extra long, floating ceramic plates, the T3 SinglePass Smooth X is our pick of the best straightener overall for curly hair. If you’re shopping on a budget, Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron is a stylist favorite. While it has a single temperature setting, it’s below 400 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize heat damage.
Is Titanium Or Ceramic Better For Curly Hair?
When it comes to the best material for curly hair, it all comes down to texture. “Titanium is meant for coarse thick hair while ceramic can be better for finer curls,” says Gutterman. That’s because titanium maintains higher temperatures. Being mindful of your hair texture can help you choose the most appropriate material for your needs.
What Is The Least Damaging Way To Straighten Curly Hair?
Beyond choosing the right straightener for your hair type, prepping the hair properly goes a long way. “I always recommend using a hydrating shampoo and deep conditioning before, and then using a good heat protectant,” says Nolan. It’s also important to work in small sections to avoid straightening the same spots more than once.
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