The Best Flat-Curling Iron Combos

Having a tool that can perform in a versatile manner gives you an amazing array of styles. Dual-use flat iron and curling tools can be great for giving you the bouncy curls you desire one day and poker straight hair the next.

If you’re a person with a diverse personality, having a double tool like this can give you the right style to match your mood each day without having to compromise. And an adaptable product such as a flat and curling iron combo can give you a range of different curly and straight options.

Quick Take: Best flat and curling iron combos

1. 2-in-1 Mini Hair Straightener Travel Curling Iron Flat
   
2. VAV 2 in 1 straightening and curling Flat Iron
3. Trèsutopia Anti Frizz Ceramic Hair Straightener for Straightening and Curling

What to Look for in a Curling Iron

When considering a curling iron, you need to take into account a couple of different things.

First, you want to think about the size of the barrel. This will differ for each person depending on your hair length and the overall finish that you are aiming for. If you have long hair and you want a looser curl, you’ll need the biggest barrel you can find. Alternatively, if you have shorter hair but you want spring, tight curls, think about purchasing a curling iron with a smaller barrel.

Secondly, consider the material it is made from. Many older curling irons have metal barrels. While titanium can give a good finish, it can be more damaging to the hair. Think about investing in a ceramic barrel as it gives a more even heat distribution as well as protecting the hair.

The temperature that your curling iron can reach is also important. If you have fine hair, you might want to look for curling irons that can function at a lower temperature. If you have thick or course hair, you will need a curling iron that can reach higher temperatures. Variable temperature settings will also enable you to create different curls, with higher temperatures keeping tighter curls and lower temperatures giving a looser feel.

Finally, you may want to consider a curling wand instead of curling iron. Curling wands do not have the clamp and give more natural looking curls. There are many curling wand options on the market with interchangeable heads, allowing you to create waves as well as curls.

What to Look for in a Flat Iron  

When looking to purchase a flat iron, try to look for ceramic blades. Similarly to curling irons, the ceramic blades will protect your hair better and give a more even heat distribution, protecting the hair. Make sure to check that the blades are 100% ceramic as many cheaper options are titanium blades coated in ceramic.

Secondly, look for flat irons that have variable temperatures. This will enable you to use them for various purposes, such as curling and straightening. Moreover, if you have fine or damaged hair, you will need to work with the lower temperatures. Look at how high the temperature gauge goes. People with thick, course or very curly hair will want to use higher temperatures to get sleeker, straight hair.

Many flat irons now come with added extras infused into the blades, such as ionic technology that will help to create a smoother look by neutralizing positive ions. Equally, you will find that some flat irons are infused with oils to help lock in the moisture and provide an extra protective layer.

Think about the plate size of the flat iron you are purchasing. If you have long hair and want to straighten it quicker, you may want to consider blades that are slightly wider. However, if you want to use your flat iron to curl your hair, smaller blades will work better to create a rounder curl.

With this in mind, for those who want to use their flat iron to curl, you need to look for a rotating cord, otherwise the cord will twist and fray. Not only is this a fire hazard, it will eventually stop your flat iron from working.

Our Criteria for Choosing the Best

When we consider which flat iron and curling combos to present as our top picks, we really try to consider the whole package.

We try to look at the quality of the product compared to its price, searching out the best value for money. We are looking for products that showcase high-quality materials to give a great user experience and durability. Low-quality products decrease user experience and provide less value for money as they tend not to last as long and create unexpected problems, such as burning your hands from hot housing or burning the hair from poor heat distribution.

Also,if a product is made of poor components, it has a lower lifespan, meaning you spend your money for nothing. While some hair tools may be cheaper, they often don’t match up in quality and longevity.

Secondly, we search for versatility. A diverse tool enables you to create a myriad of looks to match your mood. With this in mind, we’re searching for products that have variable heat temperatures, that can be used in a variety of ways, and can be used on all different hair types and lengths.

We also try to consider what else is included. Does the product come with accessories? How useful are these accessories? We want to present products that improve the user experience compared to their competitor products on the market. For us, that means finding tools that can offer the most in the best way possible.

Quick Comparison Chart of the Best Curling and Flat Irons

Reviews of the Best Curling and Flat Irons

Let’s have a look at some of the best curling and flat iron kits and combos available.

2-in-1 Mini Hair Straightener Travel Curling Iron Flat

This 2-in-1 tool is a handy mini straightener and curler that is ideal for traveling.

PROS

• This tool has a handy lock that makes it easier to switch from curling to straightening.
• The curler has a clamp, meaning it can be used both as a curling wand and as a curling iron.
• It is a mini tool, making it great for short hair.
• The small size and light weight, combined with its dual voltage capacity, make it a great travel companion.
• It comes with a handy carry case to protect it and to make for easy packing.

CONS

• This tool only has one heat setting and titanium plates which could be an issue if you have fine hair.
• The small size might be an issue if you have long or thick hair as it will take a considerable time to do the whole head.

VAV 2 in 1 Straightening and Curling Flat Iron

This affordable dual tool comes with tourmaline technology and ceramic blades, making it a great option for hair that needs protecting.

PROS

• With dual voltage, this flat iron and curling combo is great for traveling.
• It has variable heat settings, making it suitable for all types of hair.
• The variable heat combined with the tourmaline technology and ceramic blades makes this is an excellent option for fine or damaged hair.
• It heats quickly
• It has an automatic shut off as an extra safety feature.

CONS

• This model doesn’t come with any added extras and doesn’t come with a case to protect it.

This stylish model is a slim hair straightener that can be used for easy curling.

PROS

• This model features various heat settings and heats extremely quickly with highs of 450F.
• The automatic shut off gives extra safety protection.
• It has floating blades for extra precision and dual voltage, so it works abroad.
• It is extremely lightweight, making it easy to use.
• This model comes with a heat-proof glove and a storage case.

CONS

• This tool is a hair straightener that can be used to curl.
• While you can curl with this model, it doesn’t give the same tight ringlets as a curling iron, more of a loose wave.
• The blades are only coated with ceramic, which means this straightener doesn’t provide as much protection as other models.

This 3-in-1 tool gives the added feature of a hairbrush to help smooth the hair as you go.

PROS

• This tool has a brush attached to it which detangles the hair as it works.
• It has ionic ceramic blades for better hair protection and four temperature settings.
• This model comes with a case for traveling and protection
• It has an automatic shut off function.

CONS

• This tool is not dual voltage so cannot be used abroad without an adapter.
• Some customers note that the brush can brush out the curls as they are working with it.

This wide-barrelled straightening tool doubles up as a hair curler for loose waves.

PROS

• This model has varying heat settings, with temperatures as low 280F, making it a useful tool for people with damaged or fine hair.
• It has a dual-voltage feature and includes a slim carry case, making it a great traveling option.
• The concave/convex blades twist to create more precision when curling.
• It also comes with a heat glove and two clips.

CONS

• This model will only create loose curls, not bouncy ringlets.
• The blades are not ceramic, they are titanium and do not feature ionic technology.

Conclusion

The type of curl you are looking for may determine which of the tools above suits you best. Try to consider your hair type and the overall finish you are looking for. However, choosing a two-in-one tool will certainly reduce your overall cost and provide you with the versatility that a simple curling or flat iron cannot.