Which straightener is best for curling your hair?

Quick answer

A hair straightener for curling should ideally offer:

• Smooth plate movement.
• Rounded or curved outer edges.
• Good manoeuvrability.
• Multiple heat settings.
• Styling versatility for different curl types.
• A shape that allows the hair to wrap naturally around the tool.

Whether your goal is beachy waves, polished curls or everyday movement, this guide explains how to choose a hair straightener for curling and how to achieve the look you want.

Not all straighteners create curls equally. While most can create some form of bend in the hair, the shape and design of the straightener often influence how easy the styling process feels and the type of curl you achieve. When choosing a hair straightener for curling, several factors are worth considering.

Rounded edges vs square edges

Straighteners with smoother, curved exteriors are often easier to rotate through the hair during curling techniques.

Why this matters:

• Hair wraps more naturally around rounded surfaces.
• Twisting movements can feel smoother.
• The resulting curl may appear softer and more uniform.
• It can be easier to transition between straight styles and curls.
   

By contrast, straighteners with sharper outer edges may be better suited to creating highly defined bends rather than flowing curls.

Plate control matters

Creating curls with a straightener relies on maintaining consistent control as the tool moves through the hair.

Look for features that support:

• Even tension.
• Controlled styling. 
• Smooth gliding.
• Consistent movement from root to tip.
   

Effective control helps create a more uniform curl pattern and can make styling easier, particularly for beginners.

Heat flexibility for different curl goals

Different styles often require different approaches.

Many hair straighteners for curling offer multiple heat settings, allowing users to adapt styling to:

• Fine hair.
• Medium-density hair.
• Thick hair.
• Soft waves.
• Defined curls.
• Long-lasting shapes. 
   

The goal is not necessarily maximum heat but selecting a temperature appropriate for your styling objective.

Consider manoeuvrability

Styling curls involves rotating the straightener through the hair, often repeatedly.
 

A straightener that feels comfortable to hold and move can make a noticeable difference when creating:
 

• Full-head curls.
• Face-framing waves.
• Curtain-bang styling.
• Soft movement through the lengths. 
   

This is particularly important when styling longer or thicker hair.

Hair straightener for curling checklist

If you're comparing models, consider whether the straightener offers:

• Rounded styling surfaces.
• Smooth plate movement.
• Multiple temperature settings.
• Comfortable handling.
• Styling versatility.
• The ability to create both straight and curled looks.

One reason many people look for a hair straightener for curling is versatility. With the right technique, a straightener can create several different looks.

Loose beach waves

Loose waves remain one of the most popular styles created with a straightener.

Characteristics include:

• Relaxed movement. 
• Soft texture. 
• Natural-looking bends. 
• Casual everyday styling.

This style typically uses larger sections of hair and slower, more open rotations. 

Classic soft curls

Soft curls create more definition without appearing overly structured.

These curls often feature: 

• Uniform shaping.
• Smooth finish. 
• Gentle volume. 
• Movement from root to tip. 

Many people choose this style for events, everyday styling or polished finishes.

Face-framing bend

For those seeking subtle styling changes, face-framing bends can add shape around the front sections of hair.

Benefits include:

• A softer appearance around the face.
• Added movement. 
• Easy integration into everyday styling routines. 

Defined curls

Smaller sections combined with more deliberate rotation can produce more defined curl patterns.

This approach may suit:

• Longer-lasting styling.
• Occasion hair.
• Structured looks.
• Greater curl definition.

Lived-in waves

A lived-in wave sits between straight hair and a full curl.

Many people prefer this style because it:

• Looks effortless.
• Can complement a range of hair lengths.
• Works well for everyday wear.
• Adds natural-looking texture.

Creating curls with a straightener is often simpler than people expect.

Step 1: prepare the hair

Before styling:

• Ensure hair is dry.
• Detangle thoroughly.
• Apply a heat protectant.
• Section the hair.

Preparation often contributes significantly to styling consistency.

Step 2: start with a small section

Working in manageable sections can improve control and visibility.

A section should be:

• Easy to grip. 
• Consistent in width. 
• Appropriate for your desired curl size.

Smaller sections generally create more definition, while larger sections tend to create softer movement.

Step 3: rotate the straightener

Clamp the hair gently and rotate the straightener away from the face or towards the face depending on your styling goal.

As you move down the strand:

• Maintain steady movement. 
• Avoid pulling abruptly. 
• Keep tension consistent.

The angle of rotation largely determines the shape that develops.

Step 4: allow the curl to cool

After releasing the section:

• Let the curl settle. 
• Avoid brushing immediately. 
• Allow shape to develop naturally. 

This stage can help maintain curl definition before finishing.

Step 5: finish the style

Once all sections are complete:

• Separate curls with fingers if desired. 
• Add a finishing serum if preferred. 
• Adjust volume and shape. 

The final finish depends entirely on the look you're aiming to achieve.

Even experienced stylers occasionally encounter issues.

Moving too quickly

Passing through the hair too quickly can reduce curl formation.

Instead:

• Use controlled movement. 
• Maintain steady rotation. 
• Allow the shape to develop gradually. 

Using sections that are too large

Overly large sections can make it harder to create uniform curls.

Smaller sections often produce:

• Better definition. 
• More consistency. 
• Easier styling control. 

Using the wrong angle

The straightener angle influences: 

• Curl direction. 
• Curl shape. 
• Overall movement.

Experimentation can help determine the most flattering effect for your desired style.

Forgetting sectioning

Sectioning helps create: 

• Consistency. 
• Symmetry. 
• Faster styling. 
• Improved visibility.

Many uneven results stem from inadequate sectioning rather than the straightener itself.

Different hair types often benefit from slightly different styling approaches.

Fine hair

Those with fine hair may prioritise: 

• Multiple heat settings.
• Lightweight styling.
• Soft waves.
• Flexible movement.

The aim is often shape and body without overwhelming the hair.

Medium hair

Medium-density hair can typically support a wide range of curl styles.

Popular options include:

• Beach waves. 
• Soft curls. 
• Face-framing bends. 
• Polished curls.

Thick hair

For thicker hair, considerations may include:

• Styling control. 
• Section management. 
• Consistent heat settings. 
• Comfortable handling over longer styling sessions. 

Curly and coily hair

People with naturally curly or coily hair may use a straightener for:

• Temporary style changes. 
• Smoother looks. 
• Defined bends. 
• Polished curls. 

The ideal styling approach depends on individual styling goals.

The answer depends on the style you're trying to achieve.

Straighteners may suit people who want:

• Styling versatility. 
• Straight and curled looks from one tool. 
• Waves and bends alongside curls. 
• A streamlined routine. 

Curling irons may suit people who want:

• Dedicated curling. 
• Specific barrel sizes. 
• Uniform curl patterns.

Many people choose a hair straightener for curling because it allows them to switch between sleek styles, waves and curls without changing tools.

If you're looking for a hair straightener for curling, versatility is often one of the most important considerations. Many people want a tool that can support smooth straight styles one day and curls or waves the next. 
 

The Dyson Corrale CoolShine™ hair straightener is engineered with flexing plates that shape around the hair for controlled straightening and fewer passes, while four heat settings enable styling for different hair types and styling goals.
 

Engineered with low-pressure distilled water sealed within removable heat-extracting attachments, it is designed to draw heat away from the hair and cool as you style. When attached, the cooling attachments are intended for straightening; when removed, the straightener can be used to style closer to the roots and create more defined looks such as curls or waves.
 

If you're looking for a hair straightener for curling, understanding how straightener shape and technique influence results can help you choose a styling tool that creates curls, waves and sleek styles with greater versatility.