Using a flat iron on curly hair is usually a good idea to get that perfect straight look. Yet there are a ton of possibilities available on the market, it can become overwhelming.
Keep it in your mind as you search for the ideal hair straightener for curly hair. Use a flat iron with ceramic plates if your hair is curly and holds its straightness for a long time. Choose a flat iron with titanium plates if your hair is thicker, coarse, or buzzy.
Examining the straightener’s temperature setting and width is another tip for selecting the best flat iron for curly hair. In other words, choose a flat iron with narrower plates if you need your hair to be precisely straighter closer to the roots and wider plates if your hair is thicker, coarser, or kinkier.
You can also use hair straighteners with combs or steam-releasing technology for more remarkable results. Ionic flat irons minimize damage while enhancing shine and toughness. But, having programmable heat settings is necessary so you may straighten your hair to a lesser degree and prevent burning it.
If you have curly hair, you know that it can be difficult to manage and style. Flat irons can be a great tool for straightening and smoothing curly hair, but not all flat irons are created equal. Choosing the wrong flat iron can lead to damage and breakage, which is why it’s important to choose a flat iron that is specifically designed for curly hair.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science by Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni Dias, curly hair is more prone to damage from heat styling than straight hair. The study found that curly hair has a higher water content and lower protein content, which makes it more vulnerable to heat damage. Additionally, curly hair has a more irregular surface, which can lead to more friction and damage during styling.
Choosing the right flat iron can help minimize damage to curly hair, read more to know more about the best flat irons for curly hair.
5 tops flat irons for curly hair
For me, speaking from experience, you can select the ideal flat irons for curly hair based on various factors, including hair type, price range, and personal preferences. Listed below are a few of the best flat irons for curly hair that I have tried and tested based on their specifications, effect, and general effectiveness:
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Straightening Iron
This flat iron has titanium plates that heat up quickly and evenly distribute heat. It also has temperature settings up to 450°F, making it suitable for all hair types.
The BaBylissPRO is another fantastic alternative when you need a flat iron for curly hair or a flat iron for silk pressing at home. Every time I try to use this hair straightener, its nano titanium technology protects my hair from further harm while providing me with the precise desired styled hair. The review on Byrdie also agreed with me, saying that using the BaBylissPro can “leaves hair softer than usual, easy to target difficult sections of hair and doesn’t completely flatten hair”.
Its thin design makes it more user-friendly, and its highest temperature setting of 450 F makes it the perfect tool to use at home to straighten curly hair. I had an easy time gripping it.
With its distinctive design, the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightening Iron can give our hair a smooth, glossy appearance. It has a temperature setting that can be adjusted, allowing us to select the ideal temperature for our hair type. Moreover, this flat iron has an LED display indicating when it is ready to use.
HSI Professional Glider
This flat iron has ceramic and tourmaline plates that generate negative ions, which help reduce frizz and static. It also has adjustable temperature settings up to 450°F.
It consists of ceramic plates with eight HeatBalance micro-sensors (four on each plate), which control temperature and distribute heat evenly so that fewer passes over hair are necessary.
The ceramic plates enable equal heat distribution by heating up quickly, better retaining heat, and avoiding “hot spots.” It made for a faster hair-ironing routine. Moreover, the ceramic kept my hair lustrous and frizz-free.
To give more control and to take into account all hair types, the temperature setting is entirely adjustable between 140 and 450°F. The floating plates of the iron have curved edges for added flexibility while curling or straightening hair.
Remington S5500 1-inch Anti-Static Flat Iron
This budget-friendly flat iron has ceramic plates that heat quickly and help prevent static and frizz in my hair. It also has adjustable temperature settings up to 410°F.
Ceramic plates with anti-static technology are a feature of the 1-inch Remington S5500 Digital Anti-Static Ceramic Hair Straightener. It can cut the amount of negatively charged styling particles by 50%, provide a clean, sleek style, and produce 50% fewer static and flyaways. You can reach a maximum temperature of 410 degrees very rapidly with the help of the digital temperature controls and the 30-second heat-up.
The floating plates made it very simple for me to glide, while the long ceramic plates gave me greater control and less damage, enabling me to accomplish my desired style swiftly. With the swivel cord, I won’t have to be concerned about the cord tangling or twisting. There is also an auto shutdown option and a 2-year warranty for an added peace of mind.
CHI Original 1-inch Flat Hair Straightening Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
This flat iron has ceramic plates that distribute heat evenly and helped reduce my frizz. It also has temperature settings up to 392°F.
With the help of this reliable, professional tool, I was able to quickly straighten, flip, and curl my hair, giving me beautiful, silky, smooth hair. It uses cutting-edge, unique technology that evenly distributes heat across tourmaline ceramics to produce a lot of negative ions. It keeps the industry standard fixed temperature setting of 370 degrees.
Far infrared heating helps to decrease frizz and static electricity and heats up extremely quickly. This tool comes in various colors to best suit your personal preferences. It also has a swivel cord and a slim ergonomic design that made storing the device after using it, easy.
Although the CHI is more expensive, it should serve you well for many years. Many imitators are out there, but only some can deliver the same outcomes as the CHI. Folica and TotalBeauty.com chose The CHI as one of the best hair straighteners, and it is also the flat iron that sells the most on Ulta.com; other independent review sites ranked it at the top.
The overwhelmingly excellent internet evaluations and the 2-year Limited Warranty are additional sources of solace.
Dyson Corrale Straightener
This high-end flat iron has flexible copper plates that made me bend and gather my hair, providing me more control and less damage. It also has three heat settings, 165°C (330°F), 185°C (365°F), and 210°C (410°F), and can be used corded or cord-free.
Thanks to these temps, I was able to adjust the settings based on my preferred style for the day or occasion. I can style at lower temperatures without sacrificing quality thanks to this versatility and the improved control the flexing plates provide.
A platinum sensor can control the temperature 100 times per second. With the help of this technology, a microprocessor controls the heating system and delivers exact, accurate heat.
After picking your desired equipment for your curly hair, you should beware of the damage it gives when misusing it. So, we will provide you with some notes in preparing your routine and to avoid some unnecessary practices, especially when heat is involved.
Tips and prevention to avoid heat damage to curly hair
If misused, heat-styling appliances like flat irons can seriously harm curly hair. These are some guidelines and precautions to take to protect curly hair from heat damage:
- Deep condition your hair: Because curly hair is prone to dryness, it’s crucial to deep condition it frequently to maintain it hydrated and healthy. Using a carefully prepared conditioner on the hair to deeply feed and hydrate it is known as deep conditioning. Using this method will strengthen and repair damaged hair, reduce breakage, and enhance the general health and appearance of the hair.
- Don’t flat iron your hair too frequently: Keep your flat iron usage minimum. Your curls may become more prone to breaking if you overheat them. Overuse of the flat iron can result in heat damage, making your hair dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. If you frequently flat iron your hair, you should take precautions to avoid damage and keep your hair healthy.
- Use a quality flat iron: Get a high-quality flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates to provide even heating and lessen the possibility of hot spots. Your hair is less likely to sustain heat damage if your flat iron has heating plates that disperse heat evenly. Also, it will have temperature controls that are precise and reliable, enabling you to regulate the heat to the level that is best for your hair type. Use a quality flat iron because it will last longer than a less expensive model.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flat Iron for Curly Hair
Temperature Control:
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a flat iron for curly hair is temperature control. Curly hair is more vulnerable to heat damage, so it’s important to use a flat iron with adjustable temperature settings. According to HeadandShoulders, using a flat iron with high temperatures can damage the hair cuticle, leading to breakage and split ends. Look for a flat iron with temperature settings between 300-400°F to minimize heat damage.
Plate Material:
The material of the flat iron plates can also affect how well it works on curly hair. Ceramic plates are a popular choice as they distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots and damage. According to a birdye, ceramic plates produce far-infrared heat, which is less damaging to hair than conventional heat sources. Titanium plates are another popular choice, as they heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for thicker, coarser hair types.
Plate Size and Shape:
The size and shape of the flat iron plates can also make a difference in how well it works on curly hair. For tighter curls, smaller plates can be more effective as they allow for more precision when styling. However, larger plates can be better for longer, looser curls. It’s also important to consider the shape of the plates – rounded plates can help create smooth, bouncy curls, while flat plates are better for straightening.
Ionic Technology:
Ionic technology can also be beneficial for curly hair. According to UCSB, negative ions produced by ionic technology can help reduce frizz and static, leaving hair smoother and more manageable. Look for a flat iron with ionic technology to help tame unruly curls.
How to identify what flat iron works for your curly hair
Created from sturdy materials, a top-notch flat iron can sustain frequent usage, unlike a cheap flat iron that may shatter or wear out rapidly. Here are two types of flat iron plates:
Ceramic:
A form of flat iron plate composed of ceramic materials is known as a ceramic plate. Use flat irons with ceramic plates because they evenly disperse heat and can lessen hair damage.
Far-infrared heat, produced by ceramic plates, heats hair from the inside out by penetrating the hair shaft. This lessens the likelihood of hot patches on the hair and reduces heat damage. The uniform heat distribution creates a smooth, sleek style without creating frizz or static.
Ceramic flat iron plates are a popular choice since they are soft on the hair, help lessen damage and frizz, and produce a smooth, lustrous finish. But it’s crucial to pick a flat iron with high-quality ceramic plates since low-quality ceramic plates might wear out or break over time, harming the hair.
Titanium:
A flat iron type with titanium plates is known as a titanium flat iron. Flat titanium irons are popular because they are light, heat up quickly, and can lessen hair damage.
Titanium is a strong, long-lasting substance that does not warp or corrode. Its ability to endure high heat and repeated usage without losing shape or efficacy makes it a preferred option for flat iron plates.
Overall, titanium flat irons are a wonderful option for individuals looking for a strong, portable, and efficient flat iron that helps lessen hair damage. When using a flat iron on fine or delicate hair, it’s crucial to remember that titanium plates can get quite hot, so use a heat protectant and proceed with caution.
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into portions and work on each section separately to avoid repeatedly using a flat iron on the same area of hair. To ensure that you straighten every region of your hair equally and thoroughly, it is a good idea to divide your hair before flat ironing.
- Don’t use a flat iron on wet hair: Only fully dry hair should be used with a flat iron. Damp hair can become damaged and break when flat ironed. When using a flat iron on wet hair, the steam emitted from the hair can also cause the flat iron plates to sizzle or make a popping sound. Avoid doing this, as it may indicate that your hair is damaged.
- Avoid high heat: For the intended results, curly hair needs less heat than straight hair. Reduce the heat setting on your flat iron to prevent breaking your curls. When curly hair is exposed to intense heat, the heat may enter the hair shaft and damage or raise the hair’s cuticles. This may lead to split ends and dry, brittle hair that is easy to break. Moreover, excessive heat can make the hair lose its natural curl pattern, making it appear limp and lifeless.
- Use a heat protectant: Applying a heat protectant to your hair is crucial before using a flat iron. Heat protectants act as a shield between your hair and the flat iron’s heat, lowering the danger of damage. Several types of heat protection include sprays, lotions, and serums. Before using heat to style the hair, the products can be applied to damp or dry hair. Some heat shields also have conditioning elements that help to moisturize and nourish the hair, which can further lessen damage from heat styling.
How to Use a Flat Iron on Curly Hair
Using a flat iron on curly hair requires a bit of extra care to minimize damage and achieve the desired results. Here are some tips for using a flat iron on curly hair:
- Prepare Your Hair for Flat Ironing:
Before using a flat iron, it’s important to prepare your hair by washing and conditioning it with products designed for curly hair. According to Healthline, using the right shampoo and conditioner can help improve the strength and elasticity of curly hair, making it more resistant to damage from heat styling.
- Section Your Hair:
Sectioning your hair can make it easier to style with a flat iron. Use clips or hair ties to divide your hair into small sections, starting at the bottom and working your way up. This will ensure that you can reach all areas of your hair and create a more uniform look.
- Use the Right Temperature:
Using the right temperature is crucial when using a flat iron on curly hair. As mentioned earlier, temperatures between 300-400°F are generally safe for curly hair. Start with a lower temperature and gradually increase it if necessary, taking care not to apply too much heat to any one area.
- Use a Heat Protectant:
Using a heat protectant spray or serum can help protect your hair from heat damage when using a flat iron. According to StyleCraze, using a heat protectant can help reduce the amount of damage caused by heat styling.
Finally, picking the best flat iron for curly hair can be difficult, but it can be simple with the correct information and resources. It’s crucial to consider the hair type, the size of the plates, the temperature range, and the flat iron’s quality when choosing a flat iron for curly hair. Using a heat protectant, avoiding high heat, and routinely deep conditioning your hair are other vital safety measures to follow when flat ironing curly hair. You may attain a sleek, smooth look while keeping your curly hair healthy and damage-free by heeding the advice and recommendations in this article.
References: