10 Best Flat Iron For Waves 2026 in the United States

The Dyson Airstrait™ is quite different from traditional flat irons as it doesn’t use heated plates but high-pressure, precisely heated airflow to dry and straighten hair simultaneously. This approach helps avoid the heat damage that typical straighteners can cause, making it ideal for maintaining healthy and shiny hair. It’s especially useful for wet-to-dry styling, simplifying your routine by combining drying and straightening in one step.

Since it lacks actual plates, it does not include typical specs like plate width or adjustable temperature settings, which may be a downside if you prefer customizing heat levels for your hair. The device automatically senses hair to adjust airflow for quieter and more efficient styling, adding convenience. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle, though it might take longer than traditional irons to achieve the same straight look because it relies on air rather than direct heat.

If you want a gentle, damage-free straightening option and appreciate the idea of drying and styling simultaneously, this device could be a good match. However, if you need precise heat control, quick styling, or curling capabilities, a conventional flat iron might be more suitable.

The ghd Chronos Styler is a smart flat iron designed to create waves, curls, or straight styles with ease. Its ultra-gloss ceramic plates and rounded barrel help achieve smooth waves while reducing frizz and boosting shine. The 1-inch plate width is a versatile size that works well for medium to short hair and detailed styling. A standout feature is its smart HD motion-responsive technology, which adapts to your movements for faster styling, making it quicker than many traditional irons. It heats up very fast—in just 20 seconds—so you won’t have to wait long before starting.

The temperature is kept at a steady 365ºF, which strikes a good balance to style hair without causing extreme heat damage, though it does not offer adjustable temperature settings for more control with different hair types. Safety is enhanced by an auto sleep mode that turns the iron off after 10 minutes of inactivity. The 8.8-foot swivel cord adds flexibility and ease of use while styling.

Because the temperature isn’t adjustable, those with very fine or very thick hair might find it less customizable to their needs. Also, the ceramic plates are excellent for shine but might not grip hair as tightly as some titanium plates, which could affect how well waves hold for certain hair textures. This iron is best suited for users seeking a fast, reliable tool that promotes shine and reduces frizz without fussing over multiple heat settings, especially if you want a device that can create waves and curls as well as sleek straight styles.

The BaBylissPRO 2" Ultra-Sleek Hair Straightening Iron features nano titanium plates, which provide smooth, shiny results and are durable for regular use. Its 2-inch wide plates cover more hair with each pass, speeding up styling and making it useful for creating loose waves or beachy curls. The temperature settings range from 265 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing customization for different hair types—from fine to thick—helping to avoid damage. The LED temperature display offers precise heat control.

BaBylissPRO irons typically heat up quickly, which helps in styling efficiently. The slim and ergonomic design supports comfortable use during longer styling sessions, enhancing ease of handling.

This iron is well-suited for those wanting a versatile tool that can smooth hair and create waves with wide plates and good heat control, though it may not include some safety and convenience features that others might expect.