Who is this for?

People styling waves on busy mornings

If you want relaxed bends without a long wait for the tool to warm up, look for a curved housing and a stated heat-up time. Remington and BaByliss describe these features on specific wave-capable models.

People who want more control over heat

If you style regularly or have fine, coloured or bleached hair, selectable temperature settings let you avoid choosing the highest setting by default. Check the exact model’s settings and follow its instructions.

People with long or dense hair

Longer or wider plates may help you cover larger sections. Check whether you can still turn the tool comfortably for bends, particularly if you also style a fringe or short layers.

What matters when choosing?

For loose bends before work, decide whether easy turning, heat selection or coverage of longer hair is your main priority.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Loose bends and a quick start Look for a curved or rounded housing, an explicit waves or curls description, and a stated heat-up time. If I have little time before work, I want a tool I can turn through my hair without spending long waiting for it to warm up. Around 42% of consumers put bend-making and a quick start first.
Heat control Compare the selectable temperature range and the manufacturer’s guidance for your hair. With fine, coloured or bleached hair, I want to choose a setting rather than use maximum heat by default. Heat selection is the primary concern for around 33% of consumers.
Coverage for long or dense hair Check plate width and length, and whether the housing is also shaped for waves. If larger sections are what slow me down, I need coverage without giving up the ability to form a bend. Around 25% of consumers prioritise coverage for long or dense hair.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every straightener handles bends alike

    A straightener can make waves, but Remington and BaByliss specifically describe curved or rounded housings on models intended for curls and waves.

    Check the exact model’s description for wave or curl use and look at its outer shape before choosing it for a morning bend routine.

  • Choosing wide plates only for speed

    Broader plates can cover larger sections, but may be less convenient around a fringe, short layers or bends close to the roots.

    Prioritise wide plates if coverage is your main constraint; otherwise, consider whether a narrower rounded tool would give you the control you need.

  • Defaulting to the highest heat setting

    A model’s maximum temperature is an available setting, not a temperature everyone needs for loose bends.

    If heat flexibility matters to you, choose adjustable settings and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your hair and the appliance.

  • Forgetting the plug and cooling routine

    Electrical Safety First advises checking that a mains-operated straightener used in the UK has a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse. A hot tool also needs a safe place to cool after use.

    Check the plug on a corded model, keep the appliance away from water and children, and unplug it before letting it cool on a heat-resistant surface.

Brands to consider for loose bends

Remington

Its straightener range includes curved-housing models intended for straight styles, curls and waves.

  • Remington describes the Almond Allure as having a curved casing, a 15-second heat-up and five settings from 150°C to 230°C.
  • Confirm the temperature options and automatic shut-off details for the exact model you choose.

BaByliss

Its range includes adjustable-temperature stylers and models with housings shaped for curls and waves.

  • BaByliss describes the Black Onyx Styler as having rounded housing, five settings from 130°C to 235°C, a 15-second heat-up, cool tips and a heat wrap.
  • If you are considering wider plates for longer hair, check that their shape still suits the bends and shorter sections you style.

ghd

Its range includes standard and wide-plate straighteners with different approaches to straightening and wave styling.

  • ghd describes its Platinum+ as having a rounded barrel for curls and waves, and positions its Max wide-plate model for long, thick or curly hair.
  • Check whether the particular model offers adjustable heat if selecting a temperature is important to you.

L'Oréal Professionnel

Its SteamPod line is an option for people specifically considering a steam-based tool that can also make waves or curls.

  • L'Oréal Professionnel describes SteamPod 4 as a dry-steam styler with a rounder design and a curl-locking guide.
  • Consider its model-specific setup and instructions rather than assuming its straightening claims predict your loose-bend results.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Can a straightener make loose bends as well as straighten hair?

Yes. Remington and BaByliss describe specific straighteners with curved or rounded housings for creating waves and curls. Check that the exact model is intended for this use rather than assuming every straightener will be equally easy to turn through your hair.

What plug should I check for on a corded straightener in the UK?

For a mains-operated straightener, Electrical Safety First advises checking for a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse. Cordless and other non-mains styling tools need to be assessed according to their own power and charging instructions.

Can I straighten wet hair to save time?

Do not use a standard straightener on wet hair or handle it with wet hands. A tool specifically designed for wet-to-dry styling is a different product type; follow its own instructions.

What should I do with a straightener after styling?

Unplug a mains straightener and let it cool on a heat-resistant surface away from children. Wait until it has cooled before storing it, and stop using it if the appliance, cable or plug is damaged.