12 Best Straighteners for Curly Hair - Tested And Reviewed

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Apr 05, 2024
best straightener for curly hair
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Hey curly girls! We love your natural curls, but we get it – sometimes you want a change and go for that smooth, straight look. That's why we've tested tons of straighteners just for you! Our experts put in the work to find the best straighteners for curly hair online.

Discussing the benefits of using hair straighteners, our contributor William Slator, Product developer at HairGuard, a holistic hair care product brand, says, “When done on an occasional basis (every six to eight weeks), straightening your curly hair can be beneficial. With curly hair, it can sometimes be difficult to ascertain the overall health of your locks. This is especially true for those who have various textures throughout (e.g. tighter coils near the crown but looser curls throughout). By straightening your hair, you can determine which areas may have damage or thinning. This enables you to care for your hair more effectively.”

We know every curl is unique, which is why there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your hair type, you might need something for taming frizz, adding that extra shine, giving your hair a volume boost, or just getting a quick styling fix. That's where our curated list comes in. We've handpicked options tailored to different hair types and concerns. 

Our lineup isn't just about showcasing flat irons for sleek hair. We've gone the extra mile, detailing their pros, and cons, and providing expert tips on selecting the perfect tool for you. Dive in and explore our recommendations below.

12 Best Straighteners for Curly Hair

Your hair deserves nothing but the best, and that's what you'll get with the T3 Lucea Professional Straightening & Styling Iron! It features a sleek white and rose gold design with 1.5” ceramic plates – this powerhouse left me with innumerable good hair days. Thanks to the T3 Rapid HeatIQ Technology and 9 customizable heat settings, I was able to bid goodbye to frizz and damage, achieving the perfect style with just one pass. Going forward, prepare for every styling session to be a breeze!

Pros
  • Travel-friendly size
  • Suitable to achieve different hairstyles
  • Easy to clean
  • Makes the hair silky
  • Longlasting results
  • Auto shut-off feature
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with dual-voltage
  • Best Overall

    Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Evolve Ionic Salon Flat Iron

    Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Evolve Ionic Salon Flat Iron
  • Whether you're doing straight or wavy styles on your coily hair, the Evolve Ionic Salon Flat Iron gives a professional result. Its sleek black and gold design with a stylish matte finish gives a great look. You can also set the temperature easily using the dial and LED display, and it beeps when it's good to go. Plus, it's safe with an auto shut-off feature and offers variable heat settings, reaching up to a maximum temperature of 455℉. We were quite impressed with how it remembers your last heat setting, making styling hassle-free.  Not just that, it adds brilliant shine with its advanced ion generator.

    Pros
    • Cool design
    • Heats upto 455℉
    • Chimes when ready
    • Memory-based custom styling
    • Tangle-free cord
    • Ideal for thick curls
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Frizz Control

    HSI Professional Original Glider Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener

    HSI Professional Original Glider Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener
  • With this ceramic tourmaline hairstyling tool from HSI Professional, you can effortlessly transform your curly hair with minimal effort. This flat iron has advanced ceramic plates featuring 8 HeatBalance® microsensors, which ensures your hair is exposed to just the right amount of heat, preventing damage. These plates are infused with ceramic and tourmaline ions, leaving your hair smooth and frizz-free for a silky finish. Further, the 1-inch plates provide excellent control, making them suitable for long and thick curls. The best part is the package comes with a style guide, gloves, pouch, and argan oil treatment. It's great for travel, too - it comes with dual voltage to let you have salon-quality hair on the go.

    Pros
    • Controls heat
    • Tames frizz
    • Great for Afro-American hair
    • Free pouch and gloves
    • One year warranty
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • No auto shut-off
  • Best Ergonomic Design

    CHI 1″ Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron

    CHI 1″ Original Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
  • We were highly impressed with the Chi hair straightener for curly hair, mainly because of its rapid heating capabilities. Equipped with a 1" ceramic plate, it not only heats up quickly but also glides seamlessly through your hair, ensuring effortless usability. The straightener also uses advanced technology to minimize frizz, leaving your hair looking sleek and smooth. We love its ergonomic design and how it covers every bit of your hair without any hassle. The far infrared heating technology works wonders in taming static hair. Plus, it can be flipped easily for smooth versatile styling, and the swivel cord adds to its convenience. Overall, if you want a quick professional finish, this flat iron is a great choice.

    Pros
    • Heats up quickly
    • Instant results
    • Tames static hair
    • Dual voltage
    • Long cord
    Cons
    • Temperature can’t be controlled
  • Most Attractive

    VANESSA PRO Flat Iron Hair Straightener

    VANESSA PRO Flat Iron Hair Straightener
  • This flat iron not only keeps your hair soft but also fights frizz amazingly. It has 11 temperature settings, giving you full control. This flat iron has a longer titanium plate, so it styles your hair faster. It works great even on stubborn curly hair, making it smooth and stylish. Its titanium plate with argan oil helps keep your hair clean and fresh by fighting bacteria and bad smells. Our experts loved its unique design with rounded edge and non-slip finish, along with 8-point 3D floating plates that ensure precise styling without any tugging. Further, it adds an attractive aesthetic touch to your cosmetic kit.

    Pros
    • Easy to handle
    • 360° flexible swivel cord
    • Retains shine
    • Comes with LCD digital display
    • Heats up quickly
    • Long-lasting effect
    Cons
    • The power button needs to be revamped
  • Best Lightweight Choice

    FURIDEN PRO Hair Straightener And Curler

    FURIDEN PRO Hair Straightener And Curler
  • This one is a  2-in-1 straightener and curler equipped with an auto shut-off feature. It also offers adjustable heat settings up to 20 levels and heats up in just 15 seconds with its high-quality titanium heaters. The FURIDEN straightener evenly heats up and works well for all lengths and types of hair. Further, its 3D floating tourmaline coating prevents tangles and provides smooth styling. These floating plates are gentle on hair, avoiding split ends and breakage. Plus, it preserves hair moisture, keeping it healthy and protected over time.

    Pros
    • Contains mirror titanium plates
    • Extra-long cord
    • Heats up in 15s
    • Auto-shutoff
    • Lightweight and compact
    Cons
    • The plate is a bit small
  • Best Broad Plates

    Milano by Laurenza Hair Straightener And Curler

    Milano by Laurenza Hair Straightener And Curler
  • This Milano straightener by Laurenza is larger, allowing you to style more hair with ease. The special ceramic plates are gentle and thus great for damaged hair and dry hair. Also, with 3D ceramic floating plates, your hair won't get pulled during styling. It further features PTC heating technology for a steady heat distribution. We absolutely love the added bonus of the built-in SuperMax plate, which not only styles but also infuses moisture and nourishment into your hair, leaving it soft and shiny. You also get to customize your styling experience with five different heat settings ranging from 320°F to 460°F.

    Pros
    • Broad plates
    • Keeps hair shiny
    • Efficient temperature control
    • Auto shut off
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Paint may peel
  • Best Affordable Choice

    AXUF Professional Hair Straightener

    AXUF Professional Hair Straightener
  • This awesome red hair straightener curler combo from AXUF not only looks great but is also easy to handle. It works for all types of curls, whether you have coily or wavy curls, and can handle both fine and coarse hair. Plus, it's super convenient with adjustable temperature settings and an automatic off switch. The straightening iron also has tourmaline and ceramic plates that keep your hair healthy by reducing frizz and static. We further liked the tangle-free 360° swivel cord, and as a bonus, it comes with handy accessories like clips, a velvet pouch, and gloves, all at an affordable price.

    Pros
    • Heats up quickly
    • Ergonomic design
    • Auto shut off
    • Travel-friendly
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Might not close tight
  • NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener

    NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener
  • Say goodbye to frizzy hair with the NuMe Megastar Hair Straightener. This incredible tool effortlessly smooths baby hair and seals the hair cuticle, using negative ions and far infrared heat, which lock in moisture and eliminate frizz and flyaways. As a result, you get shiny and smooth hair that lasts all day.  Plus, you can also curl your hair with it, though it might need a bit of practice. We also find the floating tourmaline ceramic plates a breeze to use. They let you adjust the pressure on your hair and make sure the heat is evenly distributed. Here's a bonus: it's super easy to control with simple power and temperature buttons.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Easy to use
    • Heats up quickly
    • Has digital display
    • Has infrared light strips
    • Has auto shut-off
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Best Luxurious Choice

    Dyson Corrale™ Hair Straightener

    Dyson Corrale™ Hair Straightener
  • This wireless straightener is a hit for better styling without frying your hair. Dyson's Corrale has smart tech with flexible copper plates that adjust to your hair, applying heat and tension evenly. This keeps your hair in place without needing super high heat, reducing the risk of damage and breakage. We also love the multiple temperature options on this straightener. It offers multiple heat settings and has a built-in sensor system that checks the plate temperature 100 times per second, ensuring it never gets too hot.

    Pros
    • Cordless styling
    • Controls heat
    • Less hair damage
    • Tames static hair
    • Auto shut off in 10 mins
    • Two-year warranty
    Cons
    • Quite expensive
  • Best for Thick Curls

    Terviiix 24K Titanium Flat Iron

    Terviiix 24K Titanium Flat Iron
  • Get that super smooth look effortlessly with Terviiix’s flat iron – a game-changer for hair protection. Featuring advanced 24K Titanium Tech., this wide flat iron heats up quickly, minimizing damage caused by excess styling and giving long-lasting results. Its ARC curved edge 3D floating plates prevent hair tangles, ensuring a seamless glide while styling. Plus, the top-notch PTC heater heats up in just 30 seconds, maintaining an optimal temperature to prevent hair damage. You can also customize the temperature with 5 settings (320~450℉) to suit all types of curls.

    Pros
    • Good heating system
    • Easy temperature control
    • Won’t snag the hair
    • Dual voltage
    • Auto shut off in 60 minutes
    • Long swivel cord
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Travel-friendly Choice

    Dreame Hair Straightener

    Dreame Hair Straightener
  • This cordless straightener from Dreame is super lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel. It lasts for 25 minutes on a single charge and has 3 heat settings, leaving your hair sleek and tangle-free.  We tested it and found it reduces static and frizz because of its built-in negative ion generator. It releases nourishing negative ions, making your hair soft and shiny. Also, the tourmaline plates protect your hair from damage and pulling, keeping it healthy and shiny. It's a must-have for easy, on-the-go hairstyling.

    Pros
    • Cordless styling
    • Easy to handle
    • Fast charging
    • Lightweight
    • Heats up quick
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Battery life could be better

    How to Choose the Best Straightener for Curly Hair?

    When buying a straightener for your curly hair, our experts suggest keeping an eye out for these 5 important things.

    1. Type of Straightener

    When deciding between a straightening iron and a straightening brush, it all comes down to your style preferences. If you want a quick, super-straight look, go for a straightening iron. But if you prefer some extra volume and a natural vibe, a straightening brush is your go-to. It gives your hair a textured, fuller look effortlessly.

    2. Temperature Considerations

    Picking the right hair straightener for your curly locks involves checking the heat settings. Finer short hair or loose waves that are easy to manage can do well with a temperature of around 200°C. But if your curls are thick and stubborn, you might need higher heat, usually between 350 and 400 degrees. When using high-temperature straighteners, steer clear of wet hair at all costs. It can be damaging and won't give that desired hair texture.

    3. Size of Plates

    For thicker hair, consider ceramic irons with wider plates. They cover larger sections, reducing the need for repetitive straightening, minimizing damage, and saving time. If you have fragile hair and fine curls, opt for slim plate straighteners, which provide precision and control in styling smaller sections of hair.

    4. Type of Plates

    Hair straighteners mainly come in two types — ceramic and titanium. 

    Our contributor William Slator shares, “While titanium straighteners are often recommended for those with curly hair, they heat quickly which makes it easier to get through the curls more efficiently. Those with fine curls should opt for ceramic straighteners. Ceramic straighteners heat evenly which means damage is kept to a minimum.”

    Ceramic plates, known for their smooth texture, are perfect for finer hair with natural curl patterns. In contrast, titanium plates can withstand high temperatures and are ideal for coily and thick curly hair types, ensuring effective styling without causing much damage to your hair.

    5. Consider Additional Features

    When choosing hair styling tools, consider extra features like automatic shut-off, temperature control, quick heating, and cordless options for convenient, safe styling on the go. This ensures your hair health while minimizing styling time.

    Contributor: William Slator, Product developer at HairGuard

    Conclusion

    Getting sleek, straight hair from your curly locks is easy with the best straightener for curly hair. Follow our buying tips to find the perfect tool for your curls. Opt for a less damaging option like the Dyson Corrale™ Hair Straightener, equipped with advanced sensors that minimize hair breakage. If you're on a budget and still want to protect your hair from heat damage, pay attention to the temperature settings and use a reliable heat protectant. Choose the lowest effective heat, wrap your hair in silk or satin, and apply a bit of hair oil to keep your style intact and moisturized. With proper care and the right tools, your straightened curls can look fabulous and stay healthy.

    FAQ's

    Is titanium or ceramic straightener better for curly hair?
    Titanium straighteners are better for thick, curly hair due to their ability to hold higher temperatures and quick heating. Ceramic straighteners are ideal for fine curls as they provide a smoother and gentle working surface.
    What plate size should I choose for my curly hair?
    For large and coarse curly hair, opt for wide plates, usually more than 1 inch wide, for better coverage as they glide through your mane more effortlessly.
    Is it essential to use a heat protectant before straightening curly hair?
    Yes, using a heat protectant is crucial to prevent damage in all hair types.
    Can I straighten my curly hair without causing damage?
    Yes, you can reduce heat damage by following a proper prep routine. Begin by detangling your hair, then apply a heat protectant before using your tool with minimal heat setting.
    Should I use a steam straightener for curly hair?
    Yes, steam straighteners are highly recommended for curly hair. They excel at maintaining moisture balance, which is crucial for curls that often face challenges in retaining moisture.
    How often should I clean my straightener for curly hair?
    Clean your straightener regularly, at least once a month, to maintain its effectiveness and hygiene.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house haircare expert, Alvira, claims that the right straightener can turn coily curls into poker-straight hair. Using controlled heat, they smooth the hair shaft, creating a lustrous, glossy finish. After testing several top-rated appliances, she curated a list of 11 best straighteners for curly hair in the market. Her personal favorite, the Terviiix 24K Titanium Flat Iron, made the cut with its wide plate for effortless gliding.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More