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Buying guide

Best straighteners for curling and waving hair

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    ghd Platinum+: rounder barrel for snag-free waves

    Ultra-zone predictive technology is listed as adapting heat to your hair during each stroke.

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  • Best value

    ghd Gold Pink edition: rounded body with curved edges

    Dual-zone technology keeps heat even across both plates, according to ghd.

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  • Most features

    ghd Chronos Max: wide plates that straighten, curl and wave

    The listing explicitly states it can straighten, curl and wave, with technology that adapts to your styling movements.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

If you want one tool for sleek days and wavy days, look past the plates and at the body. A straightener curls well when its barrel is rounded and its outer edges are curved, so hair glides around it as you twist and pull. Plate tension and a steady temperature matter too, because a curl needs even heat along the whole section. Some makers now design their plates for this job, and others add steam or airflow. This guide compares straighteners whose listings state curling or waving use, looking at body shape, plate type, heat settings and weight. A light tool is easier to twist through a full head. Where a listing leaves out a figure, such as plate width, we say it is not stated.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · ghd

ghd Platinum+: rounder barrel for snag-free waves

ghd's smart straightener with ultra-zone predictive technology that adjusts heat as you style. A rounder barrel and wishbone hinge make it a good fit if you want one tool for straight looks and loose waves.

In its favour

  • Ultra-zone predictive technology is listed as adapting heat to your hair during each stroke.
  • Precision-milled plates with an ultra-gloss coating are stated to give 20% more shine.
  • The rounder barrel is designed for quick, snag-free styling, including flicks and waves.

Good to know

  • The sleep mode timer and cable length are not stated on this listing.
  • One fixed temperature of 185°C, with no lower setting for very fine hair.
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Listing title: ghd Platinum+ Smart Hair Straightener & Styler, 2X More Colour Protect...

No. 2 · ghd

ghd Gold Pink edition: rounded body with curved edges

The ghd Gold in dusted pink, with dual-zone technology across both plates and ceramic floating plates in a high gloss finish. A rounded body with curved edges lets it curl as well.

In its favour

  • Dual-zone technology keeps heat even across both plates, according to ghd.
  • Ceramic floating plates with a high gloss coating are listed.
  • Curved edges help with curls and waves as well as straight styles.

Good to know

  • It lacks the motion-responsive technology of the pink Chronos.
  • The listing does not state cable length or sleep mode.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: ghd Gold Hair Straightener & Styler in Black - Professional Styling, f...

No. 3 · ghd

ghd Chronos Max: wide plates that straighten, curl and wave

A wide plate Chronos for long, thick and curly hair. The listing says it can straighten, curl and wave, with close-edge plates that reach the root and motion-responsive heat that adapts as you move.

In its favour

  • The listing explicitly states it can straighten, curl and wave, with technology that adapts to your styling movements.
  • Close-edge plates are designed to style right from the root, which helps start a curl high up.
  • A 10-minute sleep mode switches it off when idle, according to the maker.

Good to know

  • Wide plates make tight curls harder, so expect looser waves and big curls.
  • There are no adjustable temperature settings; it holds 185°C.
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Listing title: Chronos Max Wide Plate Hair Straightener & Styler for Thick Hair

No. 4 · ghd

ghd Chronos: wishbone hinge, HD one-stroke styling

The standard width ghd Chronos in white. The listing describes one-stroke HD styling, ceramic floating plates and a re-engineered wishbone hinge, and lists curly, straight and wavy as resulting hair types.

In its favour

  • The re-engineered wishbone hinge keeps the plates aligned for control while you twist.
  • Ultra-gloss coated floating plates are listed for easy glide, which helps hair slide through when curling.
  • Sleep mode switches it off after 10 minutes without use.

Good to know

  • The listing bullets focus on straightening and do not describe a curling technique.
  • No adjustable temperature, and plate width is not stated.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: ghd Chronos Hair Straightener & Styler, 3X Faster, One-Stroke Styling

No. 5 · L'Oréal Professionnel Paris

L'Oréal SteamPod 4: steam styler for defined curls

The fourth-generation SteamPod uses steam and a choice of combs. The listing says it creates bouncy, defined curls as well as straight looks, with heat you set for your hair texture.

In its favour

  • The listing states it creates bouncy and defined curls, not only straight styles.
  • Heat is adjustable up to a listed 210°C, so you can tune it to fine or thick hair.
  • Different combs are supplied to match your hair type and the look you want.

Good to know

  • At a listed 1.4 kg it is the heaviest tool here, which can tire your arm when curling.
  • It needs filtered water in the tank; the listing warns against tap water.
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Listing title: L'Oréal Professionnel SteamPod 4, Steam Hair Straightener, UK Plug

No. 6 · Shark

Shark SilkiPro: plates and airflow for curling or smoothing

Shark's 2-in-1 straightener and dryer in Plum Satin. The listing says the design allows straightening, shaping, curling or smoothing, with a Dry mode that turns off the airflow for plate styling.

In its favour

  • The listing states the design allows straightening, shaping, curling or smoothing.
  • Dry mode cuts the airflow so it works like a normal straightener for curling dry hair.
  • Three interchangeable combs are included for different hair types.

Good to know

  • At a listed 1.55 kg it is much heavier than a ghd plate straightener.
  • No auto shut-off timer is stated in the listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Shark SilkiPro Hair Straightener & Dryer, Ceramic, Wet to Dry, HT401UK...

Read before you buy

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Plate and Curl chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.