Curly locks can be high maintenance. Curly hair tends to be drier than most hair types because the natural oils produced by your scalp don’t make it all the way down the twists of your hair shaft. Curly hair is also more difficult to tame with a styling tool because of its texture, and results may last little time before your hair curls up again. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the best flat iron for curly hair:

Technology: ceramic is your best bet because it produces a gentle, moist heat that’s perfect for curly hair. As you read before, your curls require moisture, so a flat iron with ceramic heating elements is essential. Never settle for economic brands because they’ll only damage your curls and dry out your hair even more. Look for professional flat irons that contain quality heating elements that won’t harm your curls.

Heat: high temperatures are necessary to penetrate the hair shaft, so a flat iron that can get up to more than 400°F is needed. A flat iron that has variable temperature settings, is ideal, because it gives you more control over the process and lets you start out on a low setting and finish off on a high one.

An ideal flat iron for curly hair can be the Karmin G3, with ceramic tourmaline elements that gently straighten your hair no matter how high the heat can get and seals the cuticles, locking in moisture for a smooth, polished and frizz free finish. The 100% ceramic tourmaline plates work towards that same end to keep your hair soft and healthy. The Karmin G3 also features adjustable temperature settings that reach up to 450°F which is recommended for thick or curly hair.

Don’t forget to check out our article on the Best Flat Iron for Thick Hair.