Loose-wave beginners
If you want relaxed bends without a separate curling tool, pay attention to the straightener’s outer shape. ghd describes a rounded barrel for loose waves, while BaByliss describes a curved housing for curling.
Who these choices suit
Regular stylers who want heat choice
If you make bends often and prefer to begin at a lower temperature, compare selectable settings rather than choosing by maximum temperature. Dyson advises Corrale users to start at 165°C and increase the setting only if needed.
People styling away from a socket
If portable touch-ups are the priority, weigh cordless convenience against charging and limited runtime. Dyson states that Corrale offers up to 30 minutes of cordless styling.
What matters when choosing
For loose bends alongside straight styling, check the exterior shape before deciding how much temperature choice or cordless use matters to you.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shape for loose bends | Look for a rounded barrel or curved housing and an explicit waves or curls description. | I want to turn the tool through my hair for relaxed bends without buying a separate curling tool. Around 46% of consumers put bend-making shape first. |
| Temperature choice | Check whether settings are selectable and follow the manufacturer’s starting guidance. | If I style regularly, I want the option to begin at a lower setting rather than defaulting to maximum heat. Temperature choice comes first for around 36% of consumers. |
| Cordless use | Check stated runtime, charging requirements and whether corded operation is available. | I need to style away from a socket and can plan around charging and a limited session. For around 18% of consumers, that portability is the primary concern. |
Buying and use pitfalls
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Choosing by plate material alone
Plate material does not establish whether the exterior is shaped for the turning motion used to make bends. ghd describes the Platinum+ rounded barrel for loose waves, and BaByliss describes the curved housing of its Titanium Brilliance Straight & Curl for curling.
Check the exterior shape and the maker’s stated waves or curls capability before buying.
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Assuming maximum heat is the right setting
The BaByliss Titanium Brilliance Straight & Curl reaches up to 235°C, but that maximum is not a starting recommendation. Dyson advises Corrale users to begin at 165°C and increase the setting if their hair or intended style requires it.
If you want temperature choice, check the available settings and follow the instructions for your model.
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Overlooking checks for a mains-powered model
Electrical Safety First advises checking that a mains-operated straightener for UK use has a standard three-pin plug and fuse.
Buy from a reputable retailer, check the plug and fuse, and stop using the tool if you notice damage, sparking or an unusual smell.
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Storing the straightener while it is hot
Electrical Safety First says straighteners can take up to 40 minutes to cool after use, so switching one off does not make it ready to put away.
Unplug it and leave it on a heat-resistant surface, away from children, until it has cooled.
Brands to consider
ghd
The ghd Platinum+ is a rounded-barrel option for straight styles and loose waves.
- ghd describes 26mm plates, a rounded barrel and a fixed 185°C operating temperature for the Platinum+.
- Its temperature is not manually adjustable, so it will not suit someone who wants to choose a lower starting setting.
BaByliss
The Titanium Brilliance Straight & Curl combines a curved housing with selectable heat.
- BaByliss describes curved metal housing, 28mm titanium plates, five heat settings and cool tips.
- Its maximum setting of 235°C is a capability, not a setting everyone needs to use.
Dyson
The Corrale is an option to examine when styling away from a socket is a priority; cordless operation alone does not establish how well its exterior suits loose bends.
- Dyson states that Corrale offers up to 30 minutes of cordless styling and settings of 165°C, 185°C and 210°C.
- Cordless sessions require charging and have limited runtime. Dyson advises starting at 165°C and increasing the heat only if needed.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
What straightener shape should I look for to make loose bends?
Look for a rounded barrel or curved outer housing with a stated waves or curls capability. ghd describes its Platinum+ rounded barrel for loose waves, while BaByliss describes the curved housing of its Titanium Brilliance Straight & Curl for curling.
Do I need the highest heat setting for loose bends?
No: a maximum setting is not a universal styling recommendation. For the Corrale, Dyson advises starting at 165°C and moving to 185°C or 210°C only if needed for your hair type, length or intended style.
Can I use a conventional straightener on wet hair?
Do not use a conventional straightener on wet hair or with wet hands. Electrical Safety First advises keeping it away from water, including baths, showers and sinks full of water.
What should I check on a mains-powered straightener for UK use?
Check for a standard UK three-pin plug and fuse. Electrical Safety First also advises buying from a reputable retailer and checking the product for damage before use.
When can I put my straightener away after styling?
Put it away only once it has cooled. Unplug it and leave it on a heat-resistant surface first; Electrical Safety First says straighteners can take up to 40 minutes to cool after use.