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Despite its name, a curling iron can do a whole lot more than curl. Actually, it’s a versatile styling tool that can give you a variety of looks and works on all hair textures. If you have naturally straight hair, a curling iron can create tight ringlets, beachy waves, or a voluminous blowout-style look. Those with naturally curly hair textures can use a curling iron to give their hair more definition and bounce. But choosing the right curling iron for you is key: First, "the barrel size will great effect your result," says Meredith Kirkland, national education manager at GHD. For big, voluminous curls, you’ll want a medium to large barrel. For tighter, more defined curls that last, you’ll want a small barrel.
Our Top Curling Iron Picks
- 1
Best Overall
T3 Micro SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron
$170 at Amazon$170 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Best for Beginners
The Beachwaver Co. Dual Voltage, S1, White
$149 at Amazon$149 at AmazonRead more
- 3
Best for Medium-Length Hair
Kristin Ess Hair Nanoblack 1.25” Ceramic Curling Iron for Waves + Curls
$65 at Ulta Beauty$65 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 4
Best for Colored-Treated Hair
Sam Villa Signature Series Professional Hair Curling Iron
$110 at Amazon$110 at AmazonRead more
- 5
Best for Short Hair
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
$60 at Ulta Beauty$60 at Ulta BeautyRead more
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Make sure your iron has adjustable heat settings, says hairstylist Glenn Ellis. Fine or highly processed hair should dial down the heat since hair is more fragile; if you have dense hair, you can go in with a higher heat. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to sift through your options. That’s where we come into play. Here are the best curling irons, according to professional hairstylists.
1Best Overall
T3 Micro SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron
1Best Overall
T3 Micro SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron
$170 at Amazon$170 at Ulta Beauty$170 at NordstromCredit: t3Pros
Offers smooth and shiny results
Cons
Not travel-friendly
Hairstylist Kevin Kelly says that this ceramic barrel glides through the hair with ease and offers a smooth finish. One pass gives you the perfect curl, no touch-ups necessary. It’s available in multiple sizes, from 3/4-inch for tight curls to 1.5 inches for a looser wave. Temperature settings range from 260°F to 410°F.
2Best for Beginners
The Beachwaver Co. Dual Voltage, S1, White
2Best for Beginners
The Beachwaver Co. Dual Voltage, S1, White
$149 at Amazon$203 at Walmart$149 at Ulta BeautyCredit: The Beachwaver Co.Pros
It creates expert-level waves without expert-level skills
Cons
You need to be a bit methodical, so it can take time to curl each section
If you’ve never quite mastered the "curl toward and away from your face" technique, this curling iron does the twirling work for you with its rotating one-inch barrel. Press the arrow buttons to curl your hair away or toward your face. It’s lightweight and creates perfectly smooth and frizz-free curls.
3Best for Medium-Length Hair
Kristin Ess Hair Nanoblack 1.25” Ceramic Curling Iron for Waves + Curls
3Best for Medium-Length Hair
Kristin Ess Hair Nanoblack 1.25” Ceramic Curling Iron for Waves + Curls
$65 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Kristin Ess HairPros
Budget-friendly
Auto shut-off feature
Cons
Some reviewers say it’s easy to burn your fingers because of the design of the tip
A great pick that’s less than $100, this ceramic curling iron creates effortless beach waves, per Kelly. It automatically shuts off after 30 minutes, so you never have to worry about whether you unplugged your curling iron ever again. The thickness and shape of the barrel also offers versatility as you can create loose waves or curls.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best for Colored-Treated Hair
Sam Villa Signature Series Professional Hair Curling Iron
4Best for Colored-Treated Hair
Sam Villa Signature Series Professional Hair Curling Iron
Now 15% Off$110 at AmazonCredit: Sam VillaPros
Safe for fragile and color-treated hair
Cons
Only available in two sizes
Heat styling can be tricky for color-treated hair, which tends to be fragile and delicate. Luckily, the temperature settings on this curling iron were made with color-treated hair types in mind, so it won’t strip or fade hair. The one-inch iron is great for creating curls on all hair types, and the 1.5-inch is perfect for waves, says Korab.
5Best for Short Hair
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
5Best for Short Hair
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
$60 at Ulta BeautyCredit: BabylissPros
Budget-friendly
Heats up quickly
Cons
It’s bulky
Hairstylist Jennifer Korab loves this affordable pick because its great for all hair lengths, types, and styles. The barrel is available in 3/4, 1-1/2, 1, and 1-1/4-inches, which is great for shorter hair. The ceramic barrel is coated in titanium, which helps it heats up quickly and evenly.
6Best Luxury
dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
6Best Luxury
dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
$600 at Ulta Beauty$600 at Nordstrom$600 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: UltaPros
Styles with minimal heat damage
Has multiple attachments
Cons
It’s expensive
The Dyson Airwrap—one of Korab’s go-tos—is worth the hype. Its Coanda airflow technology allows you to curl your hair fast and without a high temperature, which limits damage. It has three precise airflow speeds and temperatures. In addition to the curling attachment, which comes in two sizes, it includes everything you need for the perfect hairstyle—a soft and firm smoothing brush, a smoothing dryer, and a round volumizing brush.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Wand
Sultra After Hours Collection 1.5-Inch Titanium Styling Wand
7Best Wand
Sultra After Hours Collection 1.5-Inch Titanium Styling Wand
$149 at sultra.comCredit: SultraPros
Smooth results
No tugging or snagging on the hair
Cons
Nothing
If you dream of hair that bounces with every step you take, this styling wand is for you. It’s a clam-free wand, so you don’t have to worry about frizz-causing tugging or snagging (instead, you’ll wrap the hair around the barrel—but do mind your fingers). The titanium barrel heats up to 390 degrees quickly.
8Best for Wet to Dry Styles
Revlon One-Step Blowout Curls
8Best for Wet to Dry Styles
Revlon One-Step Blowout Curls
$75 at Ulta Beauty$70 at WalmartCredit: RevlonPros
Blow dries and curls hair in one
Affordable
Detachable head makes it easy for travel
Cons
Doesn’t come with a travel case
This nifty tool is a blow dryer and curling iron in one. Heated air flows through vents in the barrel as you curl each section, so you can dry and curl your hair at the same time. The detachable barrel makes it convenient for travel, and it comes with a dryer head to dry and lift roots quickly.
9Best for Curly Hair
GHD Thin Curling Wand
9Best for Curly Hair
GHD Thin Curling Wand
Now 25% Off$154 at GHD HairCredit: ghdPros
Defines naturally curly hair
Offers tight curls
Cons
Nothing
You can achieve tight, coily curls that last with this 1/2-inch curling wand. "I can do tight curls in as little as three seconds, and they last for up to 24 hours," says Kirkland. It’s great for defining or refreshing naturally curly hair or giving straight hair very tight curls that hold.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best for All Hair Types
Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron 1.25-Inch
10Best for All Hair Types
Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron 1.25-Inch
$185 at Dermstore$185 at ShopBopCredit: Harry Josh Pro ToolsPros
It’s like multiple curling wands in one
Cons
It may take time to figure out how to assemble
Instead of buying an arsenal of differently sized curling irons, consider this 3-in-1 tool. Use it as a wand or use one of the two detachable clamps to turn it into a classic iron or a marcel.
