Best Hair Straighteners For Curly Hair 2024 - Forbes Vetted

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.

The best hair straighteners for curly hair leave hair shiny and smooth without damaging strands.

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.

T3 Micro

Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch | Temperature: 260 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 8 feet | Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

Skip if:

T3 earned the top spot in our guide to the best hair straighteners, and the SinglePass Smooth X is another excellent model that’s particularly helpful if you have natural curls. It has extra-long ceramic plates that 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.

Amazon

Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch | Temperature: 392 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 11 feet | Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

Skip if:

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, and it consistently transforms my curls into sleek, straight strands.

Amazon

Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1 inch | Temperature: 365 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 9 feet | Warranty: 3 years

Best for:

Skip if:

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 through the hair with just enough pressure for creating straight, shiny locks. And like other options on our list, this straightener has beveled edges for extra versatility when you style.

Amazon

Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 1.25 inch | Temperature: 280 to 440 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 9 feet | Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

Skip if:

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.

Amazon

Plate material: Titanium | Plate size: 1.25 inch | Temperature: 330 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 8 feet | Warranty: 1 year

Best for:

Skip if:

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 through thick hair much quicker. (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.

Target

Plate material: Ceramic | Plate size: 1.1 inch | Temperature: 265 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Cord length: 8.2 feet | Warranty: 2 years

Best for:

Skip if:

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 lightweight tool also has a soft-touch thumb grip that stays cool in use, a long swivel cord and universal voltage. Soft, rounded edges allow users to add waves and curls, too.

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.

We began our research for the best hair straighteners for curly hair internally, referencing existing recommendations in relevant Forbes Vetted content.

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.

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.

“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.

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—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.

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.

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.

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.

We added expert-sourced information on what to consider when shopping for the best hair straighteners for curly hair.