The 5 Best Hair Straighteners for Curling
Looking for one iron that can make both a smooth finish and a loose curl? The outside of the tool matters as much as the plates. A rounded housing lets hair turn and slide; a square edge can leave a crease. You also need a temperature you can manage for your hair, rather than simply the hottest setting on the box.
I would start with the BaBylissPRO Prima if curling is the main reason for buying a straightener: its heated outer housing is designed for waves and curls. The CHI Original is the simpler, cheaper 1-inch ceramic choice, but its fixed heat setting gives you less control. None of these irons creates a curl automatically; the result still depends on section size and the turn of your wrist.
Our top 5 hair straighteners for curling
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 BaBylissPRO Prima IonicDetails ↓ | $209.99 | 4.5/5Amazon | Best for curls and waves |
02 CHI Original 1-inchDetails ↓ | $39.81 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best simple ceramic iron |
03 BaBylissPRO Nano TitaniumDetails ↓ | $179.99 | 4.7/5Amazon | Best classic titanium alternative |
04 L'ANGE HAIR L’ANGE Le CeramiqueDetails ↓ | $39.49 | 4.5/5Amazon | Best low-cost everyday styling |
05 FURIDEN Professional Flat IronDetails ↓ | $45.99 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best budget multi-style option |
01 — BaBylissPRO
Best for curls and wavesBaBylissPRO Prima Ionic
The Prima is the one I would buy if the same tool needs to straighten on Monday and make loose waves on Friday. BaBylissPRO designed its heated outside housing for wrapping hair around the iron, a meaningful distinction from a conventional flat iron whose casing is just a cool grip.
It leads for curling versatility but costs substantially more than the CHI Original at this check. The heated shell also calls for care around fingers and the scalp. If you rarely curl, paying extra for that outer housing makes little sense; the CHI is the simpler everyday purchase.
Specifications: BaBylissPRO Prima3000 details ↗
View on Amazon ↗Someone regularly alternating straight styles and curls.
You rarely curl or prefer a cool outer housing.
What I like
+Outer housing designed to shape waves and curls.
What to weigh
−Higher price and more hot surface to handle.
- ProductType
- hair straightener
02 — CHI
Best simple ceramic ironCHI Original 1-inch
I would pick the CHI for someone who wants to learn the flat-iron curl without spending for a specialist heated shell. CHI lists floating 1-inch ceramic plates and describes the tool for straightening, flipping and curling, so it is more than a straight-only iron.
The fixed 392°F setting is the sacrifice. You cannot turn it down to suit a more delicate strand, which is why I would pay for adjustable heat if that is important to you. It ranks second on ease and current value, not because it can make a curl with no technique.
Specifications: CHI Original specifications ↗
View on Amazon ↗A budget-conscious user comfortable with fixed heat.
You need a lower or adjustable temperature.
What I like
+1-inch floating ceramic plates for several styles.
What to weigh
−Single preset 392°F heat level.
- ProductType
- hair straightener
03 — BaBylissPRO
Best classic titanium alternativeBaBylissPRO Nano Titanium
This BaBylissPRO is the alternative for someone who wants a familiar straightening iron and occasional curls rather than paying for the Prima's curl-focused exterior. A conventional narrow plate gives you a tool for sleek passes and, with practice, for bending the ends.
I would check the exact plate width and heat controls on this listing before choosing it over the Prima. It ranks below the CHI on current value and below the Prima for a specifically curl-first purchase. If the offer is for a wide-plate variant, it may be less nimble for small curls.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Straightening first, with occasional loose bends.
You mainly want small curls or a confirmed curl housing.
What I like
+Established titanium flat-iron format.
What to weigh
−Exact variant and plate width must be checked.
- ProductType
- hair straightener
04 — L'ANGE HAIR
Best low-cost everyday stylingL’ANGE Le Ceramique
The Le Ceramique is the inexpensive one-tool option for somebody who mostly wants a smooth finish but will occasionally turn the iron for a wave. The ceramic-plate format keeps the purchase simple and the current offer is far below the Prima.
I would not promise the Prima's curl behavior from this more ordinary casing. Check plate width and temperature settings before ordering, especially for short hair or heat-sensitive strands. Its lower rank reflects that curl-specific control is less clear than on the first two picks.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Everyday straightening with occasional waves.
Curling is your main styling routine.
What I like
+Affordable ceramic flat-iron format.
What to weigh
−Less clearly optimized for curling than the Prima.
- ProductType
- hair straightener
05 — FURIDEN
Best budget multi-style optionFURIDEN Professional Flat Iron
The FURIDEN makes sense if you want a low-cost tool marketed for both straightening and curling and prefer to try the technique before making a premium purchase. Its standard flat-iron body is easy to pack when space for separate tools is limited.
Its low current price is the strongest case for it. I place it last because the exact heat controls, outside shape and long-term support need more scrutiny than the established first choices. If smooth, repeatable curls are the priority, I would save for the Prima rather than buy on a dual-use claim alone.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗An inexpensive first try at flat-iron curls.
You need documented heat control and frequent curl use.
What I like
+One low-cost tool for two basic styles.
What to weigh
−Less verified detail on curl-specific design.
- ProductType
- hair straightener
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 12:06 AM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Hair Straighteners for Curling
01Why do some flat irons leave a crease when curling?+
A sharp outside edge, clamping too tightly or stopping mid-pass can mark the hair. Look for a rounded housing and keep the turn and movement smooth.
02Do I need the highest heat setting for curls?+
No. Begin with a lower appropriate setting and increase only if needed; high heat is not a substitute for section size and steady movement. Follow your hair-care professional’s advice for fragile or treated hair.
03Is a curling iron easier than a straightener for curls?+
Usually, if curls are your only goal. A flat iron is worth learning when you also want straight styles and one tool to pack.
The short answer
Start with the BaBylissPRO Prima Ionic.
I recommend it for someone regularly alternating straight styles and curls. Choose something else if you rarely curl or prefer a cool outer housing.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
Related guides
The 5 Best Hair Dryers
Five hair dryers for diffused curls, directed blowouts, attachment variety, simpler routines and compact storage.
The 5 Best Hair Straighteners Professional
Five salon-oriented flat irons compared by plate design, temperature range and cord practicality.
The 5 Best Hair Straighteners
Five flat irons compared by plate material, temperature control and styling range.
5 Best Travel Hair Straighteners
Five Travel Hair Straighteners, including DORISILK 500 Degree High Temp and Quico Hair Straightener, compared for dual voltage, plate size and travel weight.
The 5 Best Dual-Voltage Hair Straighteners
Five dual-voltage flat irons, compared by heat control, plate design, packing features and international power compatibility.