Unruly, curly hair? These straighteners will put in the WORK
There’s nothing quite like the betrayal of a dodgy flat iron. You know the one—the ancient tool buried in your bathroom drawer that promises sleek locks but leaves your hair fried, frizzy, and full of regret. If you’re a curly-haired babe, you know this pain all too well. Taming curls isn’t a styling session anymore, it’s a MISSION.
But here’s the thing, buying a new hair tool isn’t something you can go into blind. Let’s be real—straighteners can be SPENNY, and you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for. That’s why we’re here, your big sis in the world of hair tools, ready to spill the tea on the best straighteners for curly hair.
The truth is that the right straightener can change everything. The frizz? Gone. The endless passes over one section? Ancient history. The fear of heat damage? Bye, babe. It’s all about finding a tool that works with your curls, not against them—something that smooths out your strands in one pass without zapping the life out of them.
Ready to find the perfect tool for you? No matter if you’ve got loose waves or coily curls, we’re breaking down the top straighteners, what to look for, and the tips you need to get perfect results every time.
What to look for in a straightener for curly hair
Shopping for a straightener can feel like diving into a sea of endless options, and let’s face it—not all flat irons are created equal. If you’ve got curly hair, the stakes are even higher. You need a tool that won’t just flatten your curls but will actually smooth, shine, and protect your strands. So, what makes a straightener curly-hair-approved? Let’s break it down.
1. Plate material matters
The plates are the heart of your straightener, and the right material can make all the difference.
– Ceramic plates: These are a classic for a reason. They distribute heat evenly and work wonders on fine to medium curly hair without causing unnecessary damage.
– Titanium plates: Got thick or coarse curls? Titanium is your BFF. It heats up quickly and packs enough power to glide through stubborn strands with ease.
– Ionic plates: If frizz is your nemesis, look for ionic technology. It reduces static and leaves your hair smooth and shiny—like you just walked out of a salon.
2. Temperature control is non-negotiable
Not all curls need the same heat, so a good straightener should have adjustable temperature settings. Fine curls? Stick to lower heat settings (around 300°F). Thick, coarse curls? Crank it up (but never over 450°F). And don’t even think about using a straightener without a digital display—you need to see what heat you’re working with.
3. Plate width—size matters 😉
Curly hair is diverse, and so are your needs. If you’ve got long, thick hair, opt for wider plates (1.5-2 inches) to straighten larger sections at once. For shorter hair or bangs, stick to slim plates (1 inch or less) for precision styling.
4. The extras that make a difference
– Floating plates: These adjust to the angle of your hair, ensuring even pressure and zero snagging.
– Cordless convenience: Tools like the Dyson Corrale give you the freedom to style anywhere—no awkward cord tangles here.
– Automatic shut-off: For those of us who always panic about leaving the straightener on, this is a lifesaver.
TYME tip
Think of your straightener like a partner—you need one that understands you. Look for a tool that matches your hair’s needs and delivers on what it promises. Because once you find the one? Oh, babe, it’s MAGIC.
Ready to meet the top picks that are totally worth the investment? Keep scrolling for the straighteners that are curly-hair-approved and then some.
Top straighteners for curly hair—tried, tested, and loved
Alright, girlie, let’s get into the good stuff—the straighteners that actually deliver on their promises. From boujee splurges to reliable all-rounders, these tools are designed to tackle curly hair without breaking a sweat (or breaking your strands). Whether your curls are thick, coarse, or prone to frizz, these are the MVPs that will put in the work.
1. Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener ($499)
Let’s start with the crème de la crème: Dyson. Leaders in the hair game (and vacuum world, but we’re not here for that), Dyson has redefined how we approach styling. The Corrale Hair Straightener is everything you’d expect from this boujee brand: it’s cordless, precise, and packed with next-gen tech. Its flexing plates gather hair for even heat distribution, meaning fewer passes and less damage—win-win!
– Why we love it: Cordless convenience makes styling on the go a dream, and the manganese copper alloy plates deliver salon-quality results at home. Plus, it charges in just 70 minutes and offers up to 30 minutes of wire-free styling.
– Perfect for: Babes who are always on the move and love a frizz-free finish.
– Bonus: It even switches off automatically after 10 minutes of no use, because we all have those “did I leave it on?!” moments.
2. Chi Lava 4D Hairstyling Iron ($250)
Chi has been a go-to brand for years, and the Lava 4D Hairstyling Iron proves why. This TikTok-famous straightener is packed with ceramic plates infused with volcanic lava (yes, actual lava) to smooth your hair in just one pass. It heats up in 15 seconds flat and glides through even the coarsest curls like butter.
– Why we love it: The curved plates make this tool a multi-tasking queen, perfect for straightening, curling, or creating soft waves.
– Perfect for: Anyone who wants quick, frizz-free results without spending hours styling.
– Heads up: The lowest heat setting is 370°F, so it’s not ideal for finer hair types. But for thick curls? It’s chef’s kiss.
3. GHD Max Wide Plate Flat Iron ($269)
When it comes to trusted straightener brands, GHD is the moment. They’ve stood the test of time, delivering tools we’ve trusted with our literal lives (well, hair lives). The Max Wide Plate Flat Iron is no exception. With 2-inch ceramic plates, it’s designed to tackle long, thick curls effortlessly. Think: bigger sections, less time, more shine.
– Why we love it: Heats up in 30 seconds, reduces frizz, and leaves hair with a glossy, salon-like finish. Plus, the wide plates mean less time spent on styling.
– Perfect for: Babes with long, thick hair who need a tool that works as hard as they do.
– Limitations: It only has one heat setting (365°F), which might not be enough for some coarse textures. But honestly, GHD deserves a Hair Oscar for consistently nailing the basics.
4. Drybar Reserve Styling Iron ($190)
Chic, ergonomic, and gentle on hair, the Drybar Reserve Styling Iron is a favourite for curly-haired babes who need a little extra TLC. Its standout feature? The ability to customize the temperature on each plate, reducing heat damage while giving you that silky smooth finish. Ionic technology also minimises static, leaving your hair looking polished and frizz-free.
– Why we love it: It’s super easy to handle thanks to its non-slip grip, and it’s perfect for damaged or colour-treated hair.
– Perfect for: Curly-haired queens who want to keep their strands healthy without compromising on sleekness.
– Downside: It doesn’t show the exact temperature on its display—minor, but worth noting for control freaks like us.
5. L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod ($310)
The Steampod brings innovation to a whole new level. Powered by steam (yes, steam!), this straightener hydrates your hair as it straightens, leaving it glossy, smooth, and healthier than ever. It’s perfect for brittle or damaged hair that needs a little extra love. And let’s not forget the detachable comb, which makes styling a breeze.
– Why we love it: The steam feature is a game-changer, conditioning hair while reducing the risk of damage. Plus, the results? Shiny, bouncy, and salon-worthy.
– Perfect for: Hair tool aficionados who want the latest and greatest tech in their beauty arsenal.
– Pro tip: Use the comb attachment for loose waves or big, bouncy curls—it’s surprisingly versatile!
6. Cloud Nine The Touch Iron ($210)
For babes who are always running late (no shame, we’ve all been there), the Cloud Nine Touch Iron is a dream. With its “clap to start” design, it heats up instantly and adjusts between two heat settings with just a tap. The mineral-infused ceramic plates also lock in moisture, making it perfect for daily use.
– Why we love it: It’s speedy, sleek, and leaves hair smooth and shiny with minimal effort.
– Perfect for: Everyday users who want reliable results without frying their hair.
– Heads up: With only two heat settings (165°C and 195°C), it might not be hot enough for very coarse hair, but it’s a lifesaver for medium textures.
7. Dyson Airstrait ($499)
Half dryer, half straightener, the Dyson Airstrait is another gem from the leaders of the hair tool world. It uses high-pressure airflow instead of hot plates to smooth and straighten hair without the heat damage. Perfect for those of us who’ve had one too many run-ins with fried ends.
– Why we love it: Lightweight, fast, and leaves hair feeling healthier than ever. It’s a total game-changer for curly hair that’s prone to frizz.
– Perfect for: Babes looking to avoid heat damage but still want sleek, straight locks.
– The catch: It’s not great for creating waves or curls, but for straight styles, it’s in a league of its own.
Finding your match
When it comes to curly hair, the straightener you choose can make or break your styling routine. Need something for thick, coarse curls? Go for titanium plates like the GHD Max or Chi Lava. Damaged or brittle strands? The L’Oréal Steampod’s steam tech has your back. And if you’re after the ultimate luxury experience, Dyson’s Corrale or Airstrait are worth every penny.
Your hair deserves a straightener that works as hard as you do, babe—and trust us, these picks deliver every time.
Your curls deserve the best
Straightening curly hair doesn’t have to feel like a battle, babe. With the right straightener in hand, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. No matter if you’re after the luxury vibes of Dyson, the timeless reliability of GHD (Hair Oscars forever), or the tech-forward innovation of the L’Oréal Steampod, there’s a perfect match out there for your curls.
The key? Know your hair, invest in the right tool, and protect those strands like the queen you are. Because sleek, shiny, and frizz-free hair isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality waiting for you.
So, which are you choosing? Honestly, we better start saving because, let’s be real, we love them all. Here’s to saying goodbye to frizz, endless passes, and dodgy flat irons. It’s time to upgrade your styling routine and give your curls the love they deserve.
