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Think of curling wands as the sister to curling irons. They’re similar but not identical: Curling wands don’t have a clamp or clip to hold the hair against the barrel. While the difference might seem minuscule, it does impact your results, and fans swear that a wand is easier to navigate and more user-friendly. "Curling irons that have a clamp create a style that is more defined because the hair is secured as it wraps around the barrel," says Irinel de León, a celebrity hairstylist. Wands, on the other hand, create looser, softer bends that look more effortless and lived-in. "They also won’t crease or dent the hair," de León notes. To use, hold the wand vertically with one hand as you wrap a small section of hair around the barrel with the other; start from mid-length and keep wrapping until you near the end (stylists often like to leave the last inch or two straight). You can wrap toward or away from your face, depending on preference. Hold the section on the barrel for a few seconds, and then release to unveil a perfect curl. (Note that you may find it easier to hold the wand upside down as you wrap.)
How to choose a curling wand
Choosing the right tool depends on the style you’re looking for, says celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan. The size and shape of the barrel will offer different results. Generally speaking, the wider the wand, the looser the curl. If you prefer a traditional and tighter curl, a barrel one inch or less might be better suited for you. "Look for a tool with technology that protects the integrity of the hair," adds León. "Temperature control is important to avoid damage. You need to adjust the heat depending on the condition of your hair. If you have fine hair, a lower temperature is needed. Thick and coarse hair can handle higher temperatures." These curling wands check the boxes:
1Best for Beginners
The Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron in Midnight Rose
1Best for Beginners
The Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron in Midnight Rose
Now 30% Off$69 at AmazonCredit: The Beachwaver Co.Pros
Barrel rotates in both directions
Cons
It creates a single curl size
This hybrid model offers the security of an iron without the creasing. It has a small clamp to hold hair in place and then the 1-inch barrel rotates, so it does the curling for you. You can create everything from beachy waves to Hollywood curls.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 290ºF to 410°F |
| Cord Length | 8 feet |
2Best for Loose Curls
Sultra The Bombshell Rod Curling Iron
2Best for Loose Curls
Sultra The Bombshell Rod Curling Iron
$99 at Amazon$50 at Walmart$89 at JCPenneyCredit: Sultra Pros
Creates beachy, tousled texture
Cons
Nothing
Achieve the most effortless beachy texture with this 1.5-inch wand. It curls hair in a matter of seconds, so no need to wait around or risk excess heat damage. It also conveniently features an auto shutoff feature, so you never have to worry if you’ve turned off your tool.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | up to 395°F |
| Cord Length | 9 feet |
3Best for Waves
Drybar The Wrap Party Styling Wand
3Best for Waves
Drybar The Wrap Party Styling Wand
$169 at Sephora$118 at Nordstrom$118 at Ulta BeautyCredit: DrybarPros
Creates bouncy waves through to the ends
Cons
Nothing
The reverse-tapered design of this wand creates especially bouncy waves. And because the bottom part of the barrel is thinner, it’s easy to wrap the ends of the hair around it. The barrel heats up to 450°F and adds shine to hair, thanks to ionic technology.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | up to 450°F |
| Cord Length | 9 feet |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Budget-Friendly
Conair Infinitipro New Curl Secret
4Best Budget-Friendly
Conair Infinitipro New Curl Secret
$100 at Amazon$100 at Walmart$100 at JCPenneyCredit: ConairPros
More budget-friendly than others 
Gives the option of three types of curls
Cons
It can be tricky to get the hang of at first
This automatic curling wand is made to do the hard work for you. The ceramic barrel is encased in a chamber to protect your hands from heat. To use, select a temperature (there are five options), a curl type (choose between defined, loose, or wavy), and a curl direction. Then, place your hair into the chamber slot before pushing the start button, which will gently wrap your hair around the barrel to achieve your desired look. You get results without the hassle of trying to figure out a clamp or worrying about burning yourself with an exposed rod.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 300°F to 410°F |
| Cord Length | 8 feet |
5Best Luxury Item
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
5Best Luxury Item
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
$599 at Sephora$600 at Nordstrom$600 at Bloomingdale’sCredit: DysonPros
Less damaging 
Comes with different-sized barrels
Cons
It’s pricey
If you’ve questioned whether the Dyson is worth its hefty price tag, we’re here to say yes, especially if you love big, voluminous waves (like the kind that a killer round-brush blowout creates). "The Airwrap comes with a 1.2-inch and a 1.6-inch barrel, so you’re able to customize based on your hair length and the style you’re trying to achieve," says León. It also creates less damage compared to other heat tools because it relies on air force more than heat level thanks to the "Coanda effect," a physics term that refers to the way air (and in this case hair) wraps around a barrel.
6Best for Long Hair
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Pro Curling Iron 1″
6Best for Long Hair
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Pro Curling Iron 1″
$329 at bioionic.comCredit: Bio IonicPros
Long barrel
Cons
Nothing
It’s not uncommon for long hair to run out of room on the barrel. Luckily, this wand is two inches longer than the average, which also makes styling the back of your head easier. It also features technology that seals the hair cuticle to lock in moisture and keep hair conditioned and bouncy.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | up to 430°F |
| Cord Length | 9 feet |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Tapered
Ghd Creative Curl Tapered Wand
7Best Tapered
Ghd Creative Curl Tapered Wand
$199 at Ulta BeautyCredit: GhdPros
Gives hair texture 
Tip stays cool
Cons
Nothing
"This wand has a tapered barrel that allows for more definition through the ends and texture throughout the hair," says Marjan. "It also has ultra zone technology, which is constantly readjusting the temperature to stay at 365°F for more consistent styling, less damage, and longer lasting results." The tip also stays cool to ensure a safer curling experience.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | up to 365°F |
| Heat-Up Time | 25 seconds |
8Best Cordless
Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Wand
8Best Cordless
Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Wand
$325 at DermstoreCredit: Harry Josh Pro ToolsPros
Travel-friendly
Cons
Battery sold separately
Get perfect curls no matter where you are with this travel-friendly wand. It’s the perfect companion for long vacations, weekend trips, or even throwing in your purse on a day you’re running late to work. It offers over 40 minutes of styling on a single battery, and heats up to a maximum temperature of 400˚F within 60 seconds. We tested it!
| Auto Shut-Off | None |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 320˚F to 400˚F |
| Heat-Up Time | 60 seconds |
9Best for Tight Curls
ghd Thin Wand 0.5″ Curling Wand
9Best for Tight Curls
ghd Thin Wand 0.5″ Curling Wand
$209 at Sephora$162 at Walmart$205 at NordstromCredit: GHDPros
Gets hot quickly 
Great for definiton
Cons
Nothing
Whether you have naturally tight curls and want to reinforce and define your texture or you’ve always wanted to create ringlets, this thin barrel makes it easy to achieve either look. The ceramic barrel maintains a temperature of 365°F to help avoid excess heat damage. It also comes with a styling glove to protect hands.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | up to 365ºF |
| Heat-Up Time | 30 seconds |
| Cord Length | 8.8 feet |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Set
Bombay Hair 5-in-1 Curling Wand + Hair Waver
10Best Set
Bombay Hair 5-in-1 Curling Wand + Hair Waver
$220 at bombayhair.comCredit: Bombay HairPros
Contains all different types of wands
Cons
It’s a lot to store
Why have one curling wand when you can have them all? This five-in-one styler has all the options you could ever need for styling. It includes a curling handle, four different-sized curling wands, an iron with a clamp, and a hair waver. All hair types can achieve the hairstyle of their dreams with this multifunctional tool.
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 170°F to 450°F |
| Cord Length | 9 feet |
