From New York City to London, beauty editors everywhere think this overlooked hair tool deserves much more attention.
One important thing to note about me is that I'm not particularly good at styling my hair. It's the aspect of my appearance I prefer not to spend too much time on, and I'm usually fine with letting my natural waves be. (Though I often assist them with some air-dry styling products.) However, when I went on a trip to London with two friends—who also happen to be beauty editors—two weeks ago, I realized I needed something to combat the frizz caused by rain. Naturally, the first item I grabbed was my T3 Curling Straightener.
I've been using this versatile two-in-one tool for several months now, often pondering why it hasn’t gained more attention. Perhaps I missed something in the editor world, or maybe there's a trendier tool out there that I'm not aware of? Regardless, I continued using my reliable T3 curling straightener because it simplifies my routine—allowing me to both straighten and curl my hair as needed. So, when I took it out of my bag to get ready in our hotel room, my friends responded with two questions: “Wait, what is that?” and “Oh my god, isn’t it amazing?”
One of my beauty-editor friends, who is quite familiar with this multi-styler from T3, expressed similar feelings, saying she loves it and wondered why more people aren’t discussing it. This isn’t just any flat iron that looks nice on a vanity. (It’s the most elegant pale-pink and gold combination I’ve ever seen.) This lightweight, ergonomic device features slim ceramic plates that enable you to get close to your roots for straightening, and it suits all hair types and textures. Additionally, these plates are rounded at the edges, allowing them to clamp together like a curling wand (ensuring all sides heat evenly) and perfect for achieving flipped-end styles, similar to Gigi Hadid’s flipped bob.
Its SinglePass technology removes the need for repeatedly styling the same sections of hair, saving you time and protecting your hair from heat damage. While I enjoy using this hybrid tool at home for easy styling, I particularly like to travel with it due to its portable lipstick cap. (Always allow your tools to cool down completely before packing, but it provides an extra layer of security.) The auto-world voltage feature is another advantage, enabling the tool to function normally when plugged into an international adapter. (This explains why my friends were eager to take turns using it in London.) While I could rave about my new favorite hair tool all day, others may be more suitable for your budget, lifestyle, or hair type. Below are three additional hybrid hair straighteners and curlers worth considering, along with a selection of our favorite straighteners and flat irons—tested and chosen by editors and celebrity hairstylists.
Shop More Hybrid Straighteners and Curlers:
NEXPURE
1-Inch Flat Iron, 2 in 1 Hair Straightener
This more affordable tool features a design similar to the pricier T3 option—curved plates included. It has tourmaline ceramic-coated plates that provide shiny results without pulling or snagging delicate strands. The ends include cooling technology, and you can easily adjust the temperature above the handle.
Paul Mitchell
Neuro Style+ 1-Inch Ceramic Straightening & Styling Iron
This smart tool is $50 cheaper than my T3 choice but boasts various advantages of its own. With flat plates and curved edges, this tool heats evenly on both sides—providing shiny, frizz-free results thanks to its ionic technology. This Paul Mitchell iron has a latch that keeps the plates together while curling (a feature I wish the T3 had), along with six customizable heat settings for different outcomes.
REMINGTON
Flexistyle Multi Styler Curling Iron and Hair Straightener
Like the other tools, this one can be used as both a curler and a straightener—thanks to a heat-distributing cover that slides over the curling wand to convert it into a flat iron. It heats quickly (in just 20 seconds!) and has an auto-shutoff feature after 60 minutes to eliminate concerns about leaving your straightener on.
Shop Top Straighteners and Curlers:
BaBylissPRO
Nano Titanium Prima Styling Iron
T3
Singlepass Curl X 1.5-Inch Barrel Curling Iron
HOT TOOLS
Hot Tools 24k Gold Curling Iron
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From New York City to London, beauty editors everywhere think this overlooked hair tool deserves much more attention.
It's an essential travel-friendly item that serves two purposes.
