The best curling irons can create a range of hairstyles in just a few easy twists, whether you wear curly, wavy, or somewhere in between. You have a lot of choices when buying a curling wand, and some are better suited to certain hair types and lengths than others. To help you pick the right one, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated curling irons for thick, long hair, and short and fine hair. We’ve also tracked down the best hair straightener for curling hair.
How much you spend on a curling iron is up to you, and plenty of affordable wands are priced from as little as $18. But if you want the best curling iron bar none, prepare to fall in love with the Dyson AirWrap Styler. Not only does it curl hair, but it also smoothes, waves, and banishes frizz. Also, prepare yourself for a hefty bill on this one - $549, to be precise.
Other trusted curling tong brands include Remington, BaByliss, and Conair, all of which also make great hair dryers packed with features catering to different hair types. Speaking of features, our picks for the best curling wands have plenty of nifty design elements, such as temperature control to protect your hair and an automatic switch-off. Other neat touches include an extra-long cord so you can easily reach the back of your head.
When it comes to grooming for other members of your household who have short hair, check out our guides to the best electric head shavers and hair clippers. Here’s our list of the best curling wands for all hair types and budgets…
The best curling irons we recommend
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While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best curling iron overall
If you’re a Dyson Supersonic blow dryer fan, you will love the Dyson Airwrap. This do-it-all hair styler makes light work of creating curls and waves, but it can also dry and smooth (but not properly straighten) your hair. It does all this without using extreme heat, making it an ideal investment for the long-term health of your hair. The Dyson Airwrap is suitable for the majority of hair types, whether yours is thick or thin, frizzy or poker straight, and hard to curl.
The Airwrap is available in three editions: Complete, Volume+Shape, and Smooth+Control. Each edition includes different attachments, apart from the Complete, which contains them all. Attachments include interchangeable brushes and barrels and a dryer attachment to ensure your hair is ready for curling, waving, or smoothing.
As you’d expect, the Dyson Airwrap uses a high-tech design to achieve all this magic, centering around an ‘aerodynamic phenomenon’ called the Coanda effect that curves the air around it. As a result, any hair placed near the barrel is attracted and then wrapped around the Airwrap. That means Dyson’s hair styler does all the waving and curling for you - you don’t need to do anything other than hold it near whichever section of hair needs styling.
It’s fun to use, though we admit it takes a few years to get used to it. We’ve achieved different looks with our Dyson Airwrap, from loose and glossy waves to big and bouncy curls and even a smooth blow-dry with minimal frizz. Yes, it’s the most expensive model in our best curling irons guide, but it’s an award-winning device and the best money can buy now. If you have the budget and need such a comprehensive curling iron, don’t hesitate to buy the Dyson Airwrap.
The best curling iron for all hair types
Conair’s curling wand has features to help you create salon-standard curls and waves at home. It heats up to 400°F with 20 heat settings suitable for every hair type and includes a five-foot professional swivel cord that makes it cinch to use. Meanwhile, the titanium barrel guarantees less damage, helping reduce frizz and add shine with its easy-glide surface.
With such hot temperatures on offer, this Conair curling iron also considers safety and includes an auto-off function and a thermal glove for added precaution. This wand is easy to use, whether you’re after tousled waves or tighter curls. Simply wind a section of hair around the barrel, leaving more space between the wraps for a looser effect.
The Conair InfinitiPro Rainbow Titanium Curling Wand comes in three barrel sizes: 1 inch, 1.5 inches, and the tapered 1.25-0.75. If you're shopping for the best curling iron to achieve a range of looks, we'd suggest this one and the Dyson above.
The best curling wand for long hair
Anyone with long hair will know it can take a little while to curl it, but luckily, the award-winning haircare brand GHD is here to make light work of styling with its GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron, which is why it's made our best curling irons guide.
Keeping things simple, the Soft Curl only has one heat setting—a 365°F optimum styling temperature, which GHD claims is suitable for all hair types. Using the device is easy, too: simply wrap hair around the 1.25-inch barrel and hold for a few seconds before releasing the spring-activated lever for beautiful, soft, bouncy curls with plenty of volume at the root.
Safety features on the GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron include a cool tip, built-in stand, and automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of non-use. For tighter curls, GHD also offers a 1-inch version with the Classic Curl and a tapered barrel version with its Creative Curl Wand.
The best curling iron for beach waves
This dedicated wave-maker from Bed Head instantly creates tousled and effortless-looking beach waves. The Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver II is easy to use, too—just place your hair between the tourmaline ceramic clamps for deep waves, and within seconds, you’ll be rocking the look. Start at the root and lightly clamp the hair before working down.
The Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver II has several neat features, including 30 heat settings and an auto-off function. Tourmaline ceramic technology also ensures the clamps add plenty of shine to your hair for a smooth, frizz-free effect. It's hands-down the best curling iron for mermaid waves.
There are plenty of five-star reviews from existing customers for the Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver II, especially from users with longer and thicker hair. The Deep Waver II is ideal for looser, more tousled waves, but if you want more defined waves, check out the Bed Head’s Makin Waves ‘S’ Waver instead, or try the Dyson Airwrap.
The best curling iron for short hair
The fun Bed Head Skinny Pop Curling Wand takes shorter hair from straight to great. Its 0.5-inch narrow barrel creates neat curls or looser waves alike. If you have longer hair, you can also use the Skinny Pop to get beautiful ringlets.
The clamp-free wand is straightforward to use and heats up to a toasty 400°F for quick results, while a tangle-free swivel cord guarantees you get to those tricky-to-reach sections.
The Bed Head Skinny Pop Curling Wand's tourmaline ceramic technology is kind to hair and offers a frizz-free option for natural-looking, long-lasting curls. Bed Head also includes a heat-protective glove to safely style with the wand without burning your fingertips. As ever, Bed Head has delivered the goods with this well-made, easy-to-use device that has plenty of glowing user reviews on Amazon.
The best hair straighteners for curling hair
Many different gadgets are available for getting great curls and waves for your hair, but if you want the option to straighten and curl your hair, you might only want one device that does both. Step forward to the Remington SS550 1-inch Flat Iron, the best hair straightener for curling and waving.
While straightening irons can only achieve a limited range of curling, if you find the right pair, you’ll be surprised at the fantastic results you can get. Narrower plates, like those found on the Remington SS550 1-inch Flat Iron, create texture on medium—to longer-length hair.
The Remington SS550 flat iron also features anti-static technology and long plates that create loose curls and gorgeous waves in just a few smooth glides. We love the quick heat-up time and a digital display screen that lets you monitor the temperature to suit your hair type. There are six heat settings, ranging from 310°F to 410°F, so you can pick the right one for your hair.
The best curling iron with a large barrel
If you want glamorous, larger-than-life curls fast, look no further than the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron. This device uses far-infrared temperatures to ensure your locks heat evenly, and there are 50 heat settings (up to 450°F) to suit every hair type.
The spring barrel clamps down the hair to effectively control whether you’re after tight curls or loose waves, with shiny and smooth results every time. There is also a turbo heat button that instantly boosts the temperature for faster results and more defined curls.
There are plenty of great Amazon reviews for the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron, including those of people with thicker, longer hair who found the BaBylissPRO particularly effective for their needs. Other comments, including those from Walmart customers, stated how this device curled in ‘half the time’ and had lasting results, with one satisfied customer stating their curls ‘lasted for days.’
The best curling iron for fine hair
When applying heat to fine hair, it’s always best to go gently with lower temperatures and use ceramic technology. Ceramic surfaces distribute the heat more evenly, and you will also get a smooth curl with lasting results.
The affordable Conair Double Ceramic Curling Wand has 30 heat settings up to 375°F to guarantee complete control over your hair. It also gets great results with minimal frizzing, which means it's one of the best curling irons for protecting your hair from heat damage.
Use low-temperature settings 1 to 5 for fragile to fine hair or settings 6 to 10 for thin hair. Of course, it’s suitable for thick and coarse hair, too—just switch the settings up to 21 to 30 to see what suits you best.
Extra handy features include a turbo heat boost, should you need it, and a cool tip for safe handling. There is also an auto-off feature and dual voltage, which makes the Conair Double Ceramic Curling Wand one of the best curling irons for holidays and general travel.
How to choose the best curling iron for you
The barrels on curling irons or curling wands can be made from different materials, such as ceramic or tourmaline. Ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly by emitting negatively charged ions, and this type of barrel will not strip your hair of its natural oils, making curls look smoother. But it’s also worth remembering that ceramic has a rougher surface, so while hair is less likely to slip off, it is also more likely to catch or snag.
Tourmaline curling irons are ceramic but feature a layer of tourmaline around the barrel and plate. This protects the ceramic while also leaving your hair shinier.
Another thing to consider when choosing a curling iron is barrel size, as this will determine the tightness of your curls. The shape of the barrel is also significant, as uniform, spiraled, or tapered barrels will give different results. If you’re looking for natural waves, a curling wand might suit you better than a curling iron, which typically comes with a clip to hold your hair tight against the barrel.
Safety
When left on, a curling iron is not likely to start a fire in your home, but bad outcomes are possible if fabric or tissue falls on it or someone grabs the hot barrel. A feature such as automatic shut-off can reduce the danger. Curling irons that provide safety gloves or a heat-resistant shield also help prevent burns.
Ceramic vs Tourmaline vs Titanium curling irons
Ceramic curling irons distribute heat evenly by emitting negatively charged ions. They don't strip your hair of its natural oils, which will make your curls look smoother. Ceramic irons also have the roughest curling iron surface, which means your hair is less likely to slip off and more likely to catch and snag.
Tourmaline curling irons also heat your hair by emitting negative ions. This kind of curling iron is ceramic but has a layer of tourmaline wrapped around the barrel and plate. This protects the ceramic place and will leave your hair looking shinier after you use it.
Performance
When considering the type of curl you hope to achieve, the size of a curling iron or wand’s barrel is important because it determines the tightness of your curls. The shape of the barrel is also significant. Whether uniform, spiraled, or tapered, it can yield different results. If you’re looking for more natural waves, you might like a curling wand better than a curling iron. Defining your style before shopping can help you find the right product for your needs.
While using a curling iron it's important not to leave the iron in your hair for too long. Read the directions for the product you buy and follow them. The hotter the curling iron, the less time you'll need to leave it in your hair. You should only use a very hot curling iron on thick or coarse hair. Thin hair is more likely to break or burn.
Convenience
Look for curling irons that have a longer power cord. Anything over 6 feet is a good place to start. A long cord keeps you from feeling attached to the wall as you curl your hair. A digital screen is nice, so you can easily monitor the temperature of the curling iron.
Storage
If you travel a lot, consider a heat-resistant storage pouch for your curling iron. These bags protect curling irons from unnecessary wear and tear while you travel and other items from your still-warm curling iron. Just make sure you've purchased a bag that is heat—and water-resistant. You can toss the curling wand in the bag while it's still warm and head out the door without waiting for your curling iron to cool down.
Curling iron FAQs
Do curling irons damage your hair?
If you use your curling irons carefully and at the right temperature, they should not damage your hair. You should only use a very hot curling iron on thick or coarse hair, as thin hair is more likely to break or burn at higher temperatures. There are plenty of heat protectants available to prevent hair damage, but the best advice is to exercise caution and keep a constant eye on your hair in the mirror as you curl it.
Plenty of devices come with adjustable temperature controls. If you have finer hair, try to keep the temperature below 200°F, and if your hair is thicker or coarser, you should be able to go up to 300°F at home. Many devices go as high as 400°F, but a professional best handles these temperatures in a salon setting.
Another tip to protect your hair is to avoid passing the irons over the same section of hair repeatedly. If you have the temperature set correctly, one pass should be enough. The hotter the curling iron, the less time you'll need to leave it in your hair – particularly important if you have fine hair. And talking of frequency, it’s best to limit how many times per week you use your curling iron. The more often you use it, the more likely you are to cause heat damage to your hair. Try not to use the irons every day, for instance.
When away from the device, using a hair mask to repair any heat damage and replenish moisture will not only improve the quality of your hair but also give you a well-deserved treat.
Are curling wands suitable for all hair types?
Unless your hair is short, there should be a curling wand or iron to suit most hair lengths. People with shorter hair often find a thinner barrel (0.5 to 1 inch) easier to use, as you can wrap more hair around it. If you have long hair and use a thinner barrel, you can achieve tight corkscrew curls. For larger, bouncier curls on long hair, try a wider barrel for more volume and a glamorous look.
It’s important to note that finer hair generally requires lower temperatures, so try to choose a device that has plenty of temperature control options and a quick-release option if things get overheated. Thicker hair can generally withstand higher temperatures.
Curling irons are a great choice for frizzy hair, as the heat will smooth out the hair and create sleeker waves and curls. However, if your hair is damaged or brittle, then applying any sort of heat to it is best avoided.
Curling irons vs hair straighteners: What’s the difference?
As it sounds, the best hair straighteners straighten hair into sleek, smooth styles while curling irons and tongs add curls, waves, and texture. But with a little practice, they can be used interchangeably.
The best straightening irons can also create waves and flicks to straight hair while giving the hair a lovely smooth finish. Choose narrower plates and experiment with manipulating the hair as you move the plates down to create curls. These waves and curls may not be as uniform as using a dedicated curling iron, but this effect can look great and natural. For precise uniform curls, though, you will need a dedicated curling iron or wand.
Curling irons can tame coarser, more frizzy hair into smooth styles while keeping volume and bounce. Again, experiment with the irons to see what works for you. A continuous movement, rather than holding the irons, may also be more suitable for a straightening effect.
Achieving curls with a curling device is easier and faster than straighteners, as each section will be set immediately rather than in sections. If you like to mix and match straight, curly, and wavy styles, then you might want to consider buying both curling irons and straighteners – plenty of affordable options.
