5 Best Curved Flat Irons
Hot styling tools in the haircare world seem to be ever-evolving.
Most of us have that one drawer or cabinet in our bathroom that houses all our styling tools, jumbled together with tangled cords and more.
Finding tools that can create multiple styles easily is a helpful way to reduce the clutter in those drawers by one or two items.
Flat irons, commonly referred to as hair straighteners, have been one of the most popular heat tools for decades, along with their counterpart, the curling iron.
The different sizes and shapes of both flat irons and curling irons are designed to achieve various styles, catering to other hair types and lengths accordingly.
However, with all the hair tool innovations, the development of the curved flat iron has been discovered as a way to provide your strands with straight, wavy, or curly locks, all with the use of a single tool.
But, how do you find the best curved flat iron for your hair?
When shopping for a new flat iron, consider the plate material and heat settings as the two primary factors to consider. Based on your hair type and preference, it will determine which plates and temperatures will be best for you.
With curved flat irons, specifically, the plates need to wrap around the sides of the iron to give the tool a curved edge, allowing for a range of styles, including wavy, curly, and straight.
Below, we discuss the difference between regular and curved flat irons, along with a guide for the best curved flat irons for various hair types and textures!
Regular Vs. Curved Flat Irons
Most are familiar with the regular style of flat irons for the hair, the straight edges with flat plates to give you sleek, shiny locks.
Although standard-shaped flat irons serve their purpose, curved flat irons are a popular choice for those who want the option to easily straighten, curl, and wave their hair with one tool.
The curved edges of this style of flat iron serve as a multi-purpose tool, delivering various hairstyle choices and adding volume at the root.
And preventing unnecessary dents or bends in the hair that can occur when using a flat iron at hard-to-reach angles.
A curved-edge flat iron will have plates that curve around the edges of the straightener, giving the tool “side plates” to offer continuous styling with minimal tugging.
The plates that curve around the edges help curl or wave the hair, while the flat part of the plates can straighten it.
The curved edges of the plates also allow the straightener to get close to the root, adding extra volume.
What To Look For In A Curved Flat Iron
As with all hair tools, there are a few key features to look for to ensure it works properly for your hair type and desired styles.
With curved flat irons, there are many similarities to regular flat irons in terms of what features you want to look for.
Below are some factors to consider when shopping around for a curved flat iron.
Plate Material
The material from which the flat iron plates are made is an essential feature of your styling tool, as different materials offer varying benefits.
You may also find that one type works better for your specific hair texture.
Three main materials are used to make the plates for most flat irons, both curved and regular: ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline.
- Ceramic plates are the most common material found in heat styling tools, such as flat irons, due to the even distribution of heat throughout the plates.
Ceramic plates create a smooth, frizz-free finish for the hair and work well for most hair types, especially fine or thin hair.
- Titanium plates are also very popular, as they emit negative ions throughout the material when heated.
The negative ions help counteract frizz, texture, and dryness in the hair, making this an ideal option for those with dry, curly, coarse, or textured hair.
- Tourmaline is a relatively new material used in heat styling tools, but it has quickly gained popularity.
Oftentimes, tourmaline and ceramic materials are used together, with the tourmaline coating the ceramic plates.
The material is also designed to deliver negative ions and combat frizz, and it works effectively for most hair textures, mainly when used in combination with ceramic.
While you can find flat irons made from one of these specific materials, many options feature a combination of materials to deliver optimal results.
Heat Settings
The heat setting, or temperature, is another crucial element in finding the right flat iron for your needs.
Looking for an iron that will provide enough heat to style as desired, but not too much that it will cause unnecessary damage.
Your hair type will inform how much heat your hair can and should be exposed to.
Generally, most heat styling tools reach temperatures of at least 400°F; however, you may not need to use the tool at its maximum heat setting.
Thinner hair can benefit from lower temperature settings, while thicker hair may need more heat to achieve a sleeker appearance.
Having adjustable heat settings with a wide range of temperature options helps ensure the correct setting is used each time.
Using a heat-protecting spray on your hair before using any heat styling tool will protect your strands from extra damage.
While still providing the proper distribution of heat to achieve your desired style.
Plate Size
Based on the style of your hair, its texture, and the style you are after, it will help determine the best plate size for you.
Most flat irons, even those with curved plates, are available in various plate sizes to accommodate different hair lengths and textures.
Smaller plate sizes work well for specific areas, such as bangs or pixie cuts, while larger sizes are suitable for longer hair lengths.
The standard one-inch plate size is versatile for most hair lengths and desired styles.
The Best Curved Flat Irons
Below is a product guide featuring the best curved flat irons for various hair needs.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | T3 Micro Lucea 1” Professional Straightening Iron | Ceramic plates, 9 heat settings, works for any hair type and texture, smooth and frizz-free with one pass |
| 2. | FURIDEN Professional Hair Straightener | Ceramic plates, 15 second heat up, floating, curved plates to eliminate snagging hair, heats up to 450°, ideal for straightening or curling |
| 3. | Remington Pro 1” Multi-Styler | Ceramic titanium plates, 5 heat settings and Heat Control Sensor, twisted design helps achieve different styles of waves and curls, 30 second heat up |
| 4. | Hot Tools Pro Artist Ionic Salon Flat Iron | Ceramic titanium plates, up to 455°, LED digital temperature reading with audio tone when temperature is reached, automatic 2-hour shut off, MicroShine Technology to reduce friction and damage |
| 5. | NITION Professional Salon Hair Straightener | Ceramic-coated heating plate, infused with tourmaline and titanium, 10 second heat up, 6 heat temperatures ranging from 265-450°, 60-minute automatic shut off |
1. T3 Micro Lucea 1” Professional Straightening Iron
T3 styling tools have become the go-to favourites of salon professionals, as well as a must-have for consumers.
The heat styling tool allows you to achieve salon-quality results from the comfort of your own home, delivering healthy, shiny hair.
The Micro Lucea 1” Professional Straightening Iron is formulated with ceramic plates to ensure smooth and frizz-free locks.
The typical one-inch plate size is suitable for most hair lengths.
The curved flat iron allows you to straighten, wave, or curl your hair with ease, without worrying about tugs or snags.
The extended plates also help reduce styling time, and the adjustable heat temperature features 9 settings to provide a suitable temperature for every hair texture.
The signature CeraSync Heaters ensure even heat distribution throughout the plates for sleek and effortless styling.
2. FURIDEN Professional Hair Straightener
The FURIDEN Professional Straightener is a ceramic, curved, and floating-plated flat iron designed for hair types ranging from thick and curly to fine and straight.
The floating and curved design of the plates means they will move with you and your hair, no matter the angle.
To provide smooth results without uncomfortable tugging or snagging.
The floating plates are convenient when using the tool for curling or waving the hair.
The heat settings of this styler range from 250°F to 450°F, making it suitable for all different hair types, and heat up within 15 seconds to get you styling your strands in no time!
The ceramic plates work to eliminate frizz and leave a silky appearance.
3. Remington Pro 1” Multi-Styler
This twisted styler is a unique shape that glides effortlessly over the hair to deliver straightened locks.
While also offering various styles of curls and waves.
The curved and twisted design of this Remington tool enables you to style your hair into casual beach waves or defined curls with ease.
The ceramic titanium plates ensure the results are sleek and frizz-free, with evenly distributed heat for seamless styling.
The five heat settings, along with a 30-second heat-up time, ensure that many hair textures can be accommodated, while also delivering the desired temperature quickly.
This iron is also equipped with a Heat Control Sensor, which monitors the hair to prevent overheating and protect colour-treated hair against colour fading.
The popular plate size makes it ideal for most hair lengths and textures.
4. Hot Tools Pro Artist Ionic Salon Flat Iron
Much like T3, Hot Tools is another brand that has been in the industry for decades and is loved by consumers and professionals alike.
This flat iron features curved edges for a comfortable grip, allowing you to execute straight, curly, or wavy styles effortlessly.
The ceramic titanium plates ensure a smooth, frizz- and damage-free result.
While delivering evenly distributed temperatures up to 455°F, and a styling glove to protect your fingers from the heat.
The straightener is also developed with the brand’s signature MicroShine Technology, which reduces friction and damage to your strands while styling.
With a digital, LED screen that displays the temperature, along with an audible tune to alert you that the desired heat has been reached, the function of the straightener is user-friendly.
The straightener also comes with a two-hour automatic shut-off to ensure safety.
5. NITION Professional Salon Hair Straightener
The NITION Professional Salon Hair Straightener is a curved flat iron featuring ceramic-coated plates infused with tourmaline, titanium, argan oil, and nano silver ions, which help eliminate frizz and leave your strands soft and sleek.
The 5-in-1 coated plates help to lock in hair’s natural moisture, while also providing anti-static benefits.
The iron features six heat settings that range from 265°F to 450°F, making it a suitable option for all hair types.
The 10-second heat-up saves time, while the 60-minute automatic shut-off feature ensures overall safety.
The iron also includes a Microchip Temperature Sensor to ensure evenly heated plates throughout your styling process.
The curved edges and overall style of the iron prevent any unwanted snagging of the strands, whether you are using the tool to straighten or curl your hair.
Conclusion
It may take some adjusting, but once you are familiar with using a curved flat iron, you will be able to achieve your desired style with ease.
The curved shape of the tool helps to style your hair from sleek and straight to casual and curly with just one different swipe through your strands.
The versatility and multi-functionality of a curved flat iron save you time and space, while still allowing you to create a range of hairstyles based on your preferences.
The ability to use one tool to straighten the hair one day and curl the hair the next combines the best of both the most popular hair tools.
Even if you mainly prefer to keep your hair straightened, a curved flat iron can still work wonders for your hair based on its shape and design alone.
Because the plates curve towards the outer edge, it eliminates the chance of any unnecessary snagging or tugging of the delicate hair strands.
The curved nature of the iron can also add volume at the root, especially for thin or fine hair, by being able to curve and fit closely to the root without issue.
We have all had to try to straighten a section of our hair at an unnatural angle, and with a regular flat iron, which can often cause the hair to be dented from the straight plates.
A curved flat iron allows you to straighten hard-to-reach areas without leaving distracting dents or bends in the hair.
Thanks to the continuous side of the plates that enables the hair to glide through the iron easily.
The options above range from various heat settings, sizes, and plate materials, ensuring that each hair type and texture can find a tool that works for them.
No matter what hairstyle you are after, the innovative shape of a curved flat iron can help you achieve your desired look.
While also helping to clear some space in your hair tools drawer as a bonus!
