12 Best Curling Irons and Wands, Tested and Reviewed on Different Hair Types
Finding the right curling iron is more personal than it seems. Hair type, length, and technique all affect whether you end up with a loose wave, a polished spiral, or something in between. As a beauty editor who’s tested countless tools over the years, I can confirm: Not all curling irons are created equal. And with holiday parties and festive events on the horizon, there’s no time like the present to find a reliable tool that delivers lasting, picture-ready curls.
We regularly put the most buzzed-about hot tools, including hair straighteners, blow-dry brushes, and curlers, to the test on different hair types and lengths, evaluating important attributes like ease of use, heat range, and durability. Below are the best curling iron we’ve tried—including an unexpectedly affordable top-performer from Hot Tools, plus a couple of new standout picks that make styling effortless no matter the look you’re after. T
CYBER MONDAY UPDATE: Some of our favorite curlers on this list are majorly discounted for Cyber Monday, including our top overall pick, the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler for 31% off. We're also spotting discounts on the L'ange Hair Curling Wand for 32% off bringing it down to just $40—a steal. The T3 SinglePass Curl X is also marked down 30% to just $105, and you can snag the Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi-Styler $400, compared to its usual $550.
The best curling irons, at a glance
Best Overall: Bio Ionic Long-Barrel Styler
- What we love: Creates actually long-lasting curls
- What could improve: Temperature dial could use improvement and a little more range
- Best for styling: Long hair that needs to hold curls for an extended period of time
If you have longer hair, short barrels can make it difficult to wrap your entire strands around and curl your ends without giving up (been there). This Bio Ionic curling iron might just solve this problem with its extra-long barrel (8 inches!), which will actually allow you to curl your hair from root to tip, even if it hangs well below your shoulders. Our beauty writer loves this curling iron in particular because it makes it easy to curl longer strands quickly and efficiently.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Fine, thin, and straight
- Barrel size: 1"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 430°F
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“I forgot to bring hairspray to a wedding weekend, so it was all up to this long-barrel styler and a travel-size dry shampoo to get me through the five-plus-hour event,” she says. Despite her misgivings, the duo worked, and Kilkeary attributes it to this magic curler. “It truly gave me long-lasting curls all night, even through hours of dancing, and without the need for a drop of hairspray, which was incredibly impressive.”
Best for Hard to Curl Hair: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K-Gold Long Curling Iron
- What we love: Long barrel; five temperature settings; long power cord
- What could improve: Heavier than some others we tested
- Best for styling: Wider, voluminous wave
Hot Tools just launched an update to its award-winning Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron Collection, and it’s so good that it’s worth swapping yours out if you already own one. The new iteration has a longer barrel, so it’s suitable for a wider range of hair lengths—including those who have nearly waist-length hair. It also heats up faster to more precise temperatures so you can better customize your styling session to suit your hair type, whether fine or coarse.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Wavy, medium texture
- Barrel size: 1.25"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 400°F
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
“This hair curler feels a little heavy in hand, but it’s an OG for good reason,” says Earley. “The clamp is easy to use, and the new extended barrel allows me to wrap more of my very long hair around the wand, so it gives defined curls on the first pass.” We also like the expanded heat settings, which range from 250°F to 480°F, and the 8-inch swivel cord, which gives you plenty of room to maneuver.
Best Multistyler: T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit
- What we love: Less heat damage; lightweight and easy to use; comes in an easy-to-store thermal pouch; works quickly
- What could improve: Our testers’ fingers kept accidentally changing the heat setting.
- Best for styling: Smooth waves with limited heat
If you love the Dyson Airwrap but cringe at the price tag, T3 is the answer. Although it’s about half the price of the Dyson, we found that the Aire 360 works just as well—if not better. In fact, we picked it as our best hairstyling tool, period. When you turn it on, the air-powered tool picks the hair up and wraps it around the wand to create blowout-style curls without heat damage. In our evaluations, curls were sleek and shiny, which the brand says is thanks to the CeraGloss ceramic surface of the curlers. Testers told Glamour that using this hair tool felt like a luxury experience from start to finish. It comes in a beautiful hexagonal box that opens to reveal a pouch to use for storage rather than in a bulky, hard-to-store box that other similar tools come in. This hair curler itself is lightweight and easy to use.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Medium length; thick, coarse
- Barrel size: 1.35"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 237°F
Testing notes from Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
“I have thick, coarse hair, so curling it takes forever, which is why this tool is perfect for quick and easy styling. And the curls last. The next day I woke up with wavy strands.”
“Everything from the unboxing to the end style is super sophisticated,” adds Earley. “It was super intuitive—you simply use the wand head with the proper arrow, so you can curl both sides away from your face without struggle,” says Earley. “I couldn’t believe that I was able to get such a sleek style on my very long hair in less than 15 minutes.”
Best Rotating: Beachwaver B 1.5
- What we love: Easy to use; curls hair quickly; curls last a long time; brand’s largest barrel size for voluminous curls in long hair
- What could improve: Doesn’t feel as durable as some others we tested
- Best for styling: Long, voluminous waves
We previously reviewed a Beachwaver model from the S series, giving it high marks all around. But the brand’s offerings keep getting better and better—especially for those who have long hair. The new B series comes in 1-inch, 1.25-inch, and 1.5-inch barrel sizes, the latter of which is a brand-new size and delivers voluminous waves that mimic those you get from the perfect blowout. The moving barrel also makes this hair curler a great pick for beginners, since you don’t need salon-level expertise to get started. Just clamp in a section of hair, push the button, and let the iron work its magic.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Wavy, medium texture
- Barrel size: 1.5"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: 290°F–410°F
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Earley
Testing notes: “I tend to struggle with traditional curlers because I always forget which way I should be curling my hair. This one has two arrow buttons that entirely eliminate any guesswork. Simply clamp a section of dry hair at the end, press the arrow button facing away from the face, and allow your hair to wrap as it revolves. Et voilà: Your hair is perfectly curled—a style that stays put for days,” says Earley.
Best for Fine Hair: T3 SinglePass Curl X
- What we love: Lightweight; easy to maneuver
- What could improve: The heat settings don’t actually tell you what temperature the barrel is
- Best for styling: Longer hair, or hair that tends to get frizzy or have flyaways
This slick ceramic curleris another love child of T3’s that won’t leave your hair looking frizzy post-curl. The extra-long barrel (6.5 inches) is great for longer hair. We like that the ceramic clamp nicely grips hair without pulling and that the barrel retains enough heat to style wide sections of hair. After all the curling irons she’s tried throughout her nearly seven-year beauty career, Glamour’s Kilkeary says this is one of the best.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Fine, thin, and straight
- Barrel size: 1"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: 260°F–450°F
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer Kilkeary
“It’s quite ergonomic and allows you to curl hair from its root to its tip with little finesse or constant adjusting,” she says. It also gave Kilkeary frizz-free curls that lasted for a full day—an impressive feat for her very straight, typically hard-to-curl hair. We love that the brand also makes a tapered version of this curling wand if you like waves that are looser on the top, tighter on the bottom.
Best Titanium Curler: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Professional Spring Curling Iron
- What we love: Has longevity; easy to use; ergonomic to handle; holds curls all day
- What could improve: Buttons occasionally stick, requiring it to be unplugged
- Best for styling: Waves or ringlets, especially on medium or thick hair
This no-frills curling iron is easy to use whether you’re a rookie or you curl your hair on the daily. It heats up to 450°F without getting overly hot to the touch, and while it’s suitable for all hair types, we do think you can get the most out of this if you’re looking to create loose waves. It’s one of the best curling wands we’ve tried on this list because it gave us a long-lasting finish that didn’t flatten for hours.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Fine, thin, and straight
- Barrel size: 1.25"
- Material: Titanium
- Temperature range: 250°F–450°F
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer Kilkeary
“I usually don’t gravitate toward curling irons with clamps—I find that the clamp just gets in the way or is a bit too bulky sometimes, but I was really impressed with how easy and flexible this one was to use. I was able to twirl my hair onto the wand without much finesse or holding onto the hair, and I also found it to be quite ergonomic to release the curl (no sticking or getting caught, which sometimes happens with clamp irons). The titanium heats up quickly but doesn’t make my hair burn or smoke, which is definitely ideal. I’d recommend the BaByliss for anyone, no matter what level curler you are. It’s a good one, and I bet it will last me a while,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best to Prevent Heat Damage: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
- What we love: Six attachments; two-year warranty; dries and styles at the same time; ideal for damaged hair
- What could improve: Expensive; works best on long hair
- Best for styling: Voluminous, smooth curls with limited heat
Like the Supersonic—Dyson’s best-selling hair dryer—the Dyson Airwrap is expensive. But if you’re looking to invest in something that won’t cause hair damage and truly lives up to the hype, it’s a worthy pick, and also one of the best for curly hair. The first-of-its-kind tool dries and styles simultaneously without burning your hair to a crisp. To curl, you simply attach one of two included curling wands and dangle your hair over it. The Airwrap sucks it close to the barrel, then expertly wraps your hair around the wand—no need to move your hand. If you want a smoother, sleeker style, opt for the smoothing dryer or one of the three other included brush attachments. Yes, it has an eye-popping price tag, but our editors have been big fans of the product since its launch in 2018 and say it’s worth the splurge.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Fine
- Barrel size: 1.2", 1.6"
- Material: Ceramic, steel
- Temperature range: 140°F–194°F
Testing notes from Glamour editors and contributors
“Not to be dramatic, but my life changed when I tried the first-generation Dyson Airwrap,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour’s senior beauty editor. “At the time I had just gotten curtain bangs, and the interchangeable attachments made it so easy to switch according to my styling needs, delivering salon-level smoothness and blowouts in less than half the time.”
In her Airwrap review, Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs, who has fine, curly hair, notes that while there’s a steep learning curve, she appreciated how effective it was at taming frizz, while Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro adds that it cut down time on drying her thick 3C curls by 30 minutes.
Best for Thick Hair: GHD Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand
- What we love: Heats quickly; automatic shutoff after 30 minutes; two ways to style
- What could improve: Only one heat setting
- Best for styling: Waves and tight ringlets, especially on thick or medium hair
While an oval barrel takes a bit of getting used to, this wand offers a great option for natural, undone waves, adding volume without sacrificing length. We love that GHD’s curling iron has an optional spring clamp and a shutoff feature that kicks in after a half-hour of nonuse—no more worrying that you left your curling iron plugged in. Just note that it’s preset to 365°F, which might be a touch hot for finer hair.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Long thick, coarse hair
- Barrel size: 1.5"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: 365°F
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Meg Adams
“This iron, which comes at the recommendation of dozens of celebrity stylists, was a 10-out-of-10 experience for me,” says . “It’s straightforward to use, delivers even heat, and has a cool and touchable tip so you’re less likely to burn your fingers.” In evaluations, the results were some of the more impressive. “After I styled with the spring clamp, my hair was so shiny and so perfect that a girl stopped me on the subway to ask about my style,” says Adams. “When I used the iron as a wand without the clamp, the results were—unbelievably—even greater. I loved the unfinished quality about the voluminous curls.”
Best Curling Iron for Beach Waves: Amika High Tide Deep Waver
- What we love: Ease of use is unmatched
- What could improve: A bit heavy to navigate around your whole head
- Best for styling: Hair that could use some extra oomph, especially when styled in a ponytail
Looking to master beachy waves? Let this three-barrel waver be your guide. The Amika High Tide Deep Water is simple to use and won’t leave any crimps in your hair as you work it down each section. The barrels themselves are ceramic to ensure that your hair looks silky and shiny after styling.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Fine, thin, and straight
- Barrel size: 0.7"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: 120°F–390°F
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer Kilkeary
Kilkeary loves to create a high pony when using this tool and section out each piece to curl. “This one is pretty much a no-brainer to use—all you have to do is clamp down a section of hair, then keep working your way down from root to tip,” she says.
Best for Short Hair: Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Wand
- What we love: Versatile style possibilities for all hair lengths; comes with both tapered wands and a traditional barrel; dual-voltage; easy-to-read temperature control
- What could improve: Doesn’t get as hot as some other options, which may not be ideal for coarser hair
- Best for styling: Ringlets, natural curls, and loose waves
If you want a more traditional curling wand that can do it all, this interchangeable option from Paul Mitchell is a smart investment. It comes with three ceramic barrels—a 1-inch rod for loose waves, a 1.25-inch cone for natural-looking curls, and a 0.75-inch cone for tighter ringlets—so you can easily switch up your look depending on the day. The clamp-free, wrap-and-release design speeds up the styling process and helps minimize damage, while the brand’s far-infrared technology and super-charged negative ions help deliver shiny, frizz-free results. It’s also dual voltage for travel and has a one-hour auto shutoff for safety.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Fine, thin, and straight
- Barrel size: 0.75", 1", 1.25"
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 410°F
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer Kilkeary
“I have to say, this tapered curling iron is one of the best I’ve ever tried for shorter hair. I used the superthin barrel to create corkscrew-like curls that completely changed the look and texture of my hair. It added so much volume and stayed put for hours throughout the night. I’d recommend this one if you have hard-to-curl hair like mine—it’s truly a game changer. You can see it clearly in my before-and-after,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best on Amazon: L’Ange Hair Le Curl 25 mm Titanium Curling Wand
- What we love: Lightweight; easy to maneuver; heats up quickly
- What could improve: May not be ideal for thin or fine hair
- Best for styling: Loose, Hollywood-style curls
This titanium wand has a lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver, and its 25-mm barrel creates loose, glamorous waves. Just be mindful: Our tester found it heats up fast and runs hot, so it’s best suited for medium, thicker hair that can handle higher temps.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Fine, thin, and straight
- Barrel size: 1 inch
- Material: Titanium
- Temperature range: Up to 410°F
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer Kilkeary
“The iron itself is light and easy to maneuver around your head, but I didn’t love that it was hard to see what temperature it got up to. I’d use this again at a lower temp, but did enjoy the looser, Hollywood-esque curls it gave me,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Interchangeable: Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
- What we love: Highly versatile; heats up quickly; long power cord
- What could improve: On the bulkier side
- Best for styling: More than one type of curl
This multifaceted tool comes with three snap-in attachments, making it easy to switch between a 1-inch wand, a 1.25-inch curling iron, and a triple-barrel iron. Use it for sleek curls or beachy waves, depending on your mood. Either way, the digital temperature control and a nine-foot cord make styling a little bit easier.
Specs
- Tester hair type: Wavy, medium texture
- Barrel size: 1 inch; 1.25 inches; 3 inches
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 450°F
Testing notes from Glamour contributor Earley
Testing notes: “I’ve tried many of Drybar’s signature tools, and this one is especially versatile, which frees up space in a jammed vanity drawer,” says Earley. “Their tools do tend to be on the heavier and bulkier side, but heat up quickly to deliver a style that lasts.”
How we chose the best curling irons
What to look for in a curling iron
When shopping for the best curling wand, consider:
Material: Ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly for smooth, shiny curls with less damage, which is great for fine hair. Titanium heats faster and stays hotter, making it ideal for thick or coarse hair. Tourmaline ceramic helps reduce frizz and boost shine—perfect for damaged or frizz-prone strands.
Heat settings: Match the heat to your hair type. To prevent damage in fine hair, try to stay under 300°F. Thick, coarse, or curly hair can handle higher temps between 350°F and 450°F.
Barrel size: The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. Sizes from 0.5 to 0.75 inches create ringlets, while 1.5 to 2 inches give loose, beachy waves. Long hair benefits from an extra-large barrel for faster styling.
Attachments: Interchangeable barrels offer versatility and allow you to swap sizes to switch from tight curls to soft waves using a single tool.
How we tested
To find the best curling irons, we tapped Glamour editors and contributors with a wide range of hair types and lengths to test more than two dozen top-rated tools. We evaluated each one based on key factors like barrel material (ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline), temperature range, ease of use, and overall performance. We paid close attention to how each tool handled different hair types, how hot it got, how long the curls lasted (we wanted at least a full day’s wear), and how the hair looked and felt afterward.
We also continually monitor the market for new and notable tools. In the last two months we’ve tested five additional curling irons and wands, ultimately selecting two standouts. We also asked our testers to reevaluate each curling iron. How well did each product hold up throughout continued use? Did our testers still stand behind their picks—why or why not?
Note: Although we might receive gifted products, our recommendations come from months of testing and evaluating the very best products. We maintain complete editorial independence in the products we choose to feature meaning we do not benefit financially from including any of the products, except from purchases of products through our links.
Frequently asked questions
What size barrel should I use on my hair?
The size barrel you should use depends on your hair length and the type of curl you want:
- 0.5" to 0.75": Creates tight ringlets or corkscrew curls that are best for short to medium hair
- 1": The most versatile size for most lengths, since it can make everything from bouncy curls to soft waves
- 1.25": Great for medium to long hair and loose, glam curls
- 1.5" to 1.75": Ideal for long hair and big, voluminous waves that mimic a blowout
What temperature should you set your curling iron to?
The ideal temperature depends on your hair type, says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. Here’s what he recommends:
- Fine or thin hair: 250°F to 325°F
- Medium to thick hair: 300°F to 375°F
- Very thick or coarse hair: 325°F to 400°F
Whatever your setting, always use a heat protectant to help prevent damage.
What kind of curling irons do salons use?
Professional stylists in salons often use metal curling irons because they heat up quickly and reach higher temperatures, which is ideal for efficient styling, says celebrity hairstylist Giannetos. Since pros know how to manage heat safely, they can use these tools without causing damage. For at-home use, however, Giannetos recommends ceramic barrels, which are more forgiving and evenly distribute heat to protect your hair.
How do you get beachy waves?
To create beachy waves, Giannetos recommends using a large curling iron (around 2 inches) to form loose bends through the mid-lengths of your hair, leaving the ends mostly straight. After curling, scrunch your hair and finish with a texturizing spray for volume and that tousled, undone look. Try Bumble and Bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray for soft, natural texture without the crunch.
How do you make curls last?
To make curls last longer use a strong-hold hairspray, like Oribe Free Styler Working Hair Spray, to set your style. It offers great hold without leaving hair stiff or greasy. Giannetos also recommends adding a frizz-fighting, hydrating product to maintain smoothness and shine. Try a lightweight hair oil or a moisturizing serum like Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Hyaluronic Moisture Repair Serum.
Can you use a flatiron for curls?
Yes—you can curl your hair with a flatiron, though the results are typically looser and more relaxed than with a curling iron. To style your hair this way, clamp a section of hair between the plates of your straightener and twist the iron while gliding it down the sectioned hair. The angle determines your curl type—hold the iron horizontally for tighter curls or diagonally for softer waves. Plate size matters too. Wider plates create larger curls, while narrower ones make smaller curls.
Are ceramic or titanium curling irons better?
It depends on your hair type. Ceramic curling irons distribute heat evenly for smooth, shiny curls and are gentler on fine or fragile hair, says celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine. Titanium irons are more durable, heat up faster, and hold higher temperatures, which is ideal for thick or coarse hair that needs more power to style. If you’re prone to frizz or damage, tourmaline ceramic is another great option, since it emits negative ions that help boost shine and reduce static.
Are gold curling irons better?
Gold curling irons aren’t necessarily better than other options, but they can handle higher heat, making them a solid choice for thick or coarse hair. That said, they don’t distribute heat as evenly as ceramic models.
How can you protect your hair from heat damage?
To protect your hair from heat damage, Cavalcante recommends using a heat protectant like Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum, keeping your tools at lower temperatures, and limiting heat styling to no more than twice a week.
What's the best way to avoid burning yourself with a curling iron?
To avoid burning yourself, practice proper technique: Section your hair, clamp mid-shaft, twist away from your face, move steadily, and let curls cool before touching. It’s also important to stay aware of where the barrel is and use tools with a cool tip for safer handling.
What does Glamour do with the products after testing them?
After testing heat tools, including the curling irons we evaluated for this story, our editors and contributors usually donate, gift, or keep them for long-term use. Most of the tools we’ve tried still have a spot in our beauty closets today.
Meet the experts
- Joseph Maine, celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles
- Dimitris Giannetos, celebrity hairstylist
- Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of Second Floor Salon in NYC
Curling iron comparison chart
| TL;DR: Glamour’s Top Curling Irons | Why They Stand Out | What Could Improve | Material | Barrel Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K-Gold Long Curling Iron | Great for hard-to-curl hair types; heats up quick | Heavier than other curling irons on this list | Ceramic | 1.25" |
| T3 SinglePass Curl X | Great for fine hair types; gentle and easy to use | There’s no way to tell what temperature the barrel is | Ceramic | 1" |
| T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit | Less heat damage; lightweight and easy to use; versatile enough to create ringlet curls or loose waves | The buttons are very sensitive, so watch out when using it (you may accidentally click something you don’t mean to) | Ceramic | 1.35" |
| Bio Ionic Long-Barrel Styler | Creates long-lasting curls; extra long barrel is perfect for long hair types | Temperature dial could use improvement and a little more range | Ceramic | 1" |
| Beachwaver B 1.5 | Large barrel size guarantees voluminous curls; easy to use and beginner friendly | Not as durable as other irons we tested | Ceramic | 1.5" |
| Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long | Cult-favorite amongst many beauty editors; gentle on all hair types; dries hair while curling | Expensive; not suitable for very short hair types | Ceramic, steel | 1.2", 1.6" |
| GHD Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand | Heats quickly; automatic shutoff after 30 minutes; two ways to style | Only one heat setting | Ceramic | 1.5" |
| Amika High Tide Deep Waver | Ease of use is unmatched | A bit heavy to navigate around your whole head | Ceramic | 0.7" |
| BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Professional Spring Curling Iron | Has longevity; easy to use; ergonomic to handle; holds curls all day | The buttons tend to get stuck | Titanium | 1.25" |
| Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Wand | Versatile style possibilities for all hair lengths; comes with both tapered wands and a traditional barrel; dual-voltage; easy-to-read temperature control | Doesn’t get as hot as some other options, which may not be ideal for coarser hair | Ceramic | 0.75", 1", 1.25" |
| Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron | Highly versatile; heats up quickly; long power cord | On the bulkier side | Ceramic | 1", 1.25", 3" |
| L'ANGE Hair Le Curl 25 MM Titanium Curling Wand | Lightweight; easy to maneuver; heats up quickly | May not be ideal for thin or fine hair | Titanium | 1" |
Other curling irons we tested
- BondiBoost Clever Curler Curling Iron: This wand is extremely light, so it’s easy to move around your head, and it comes with a heat-styling glove to ensure that no fingertips are burned throughout the process. Glamour’s Kilkeary likes that it’s not heavy (a huge plus if you have a lot of hair that takes time to curl) and has a 360-degree swivel cord that makes it easy to use all around her head. “Some curlers are just too heavy, but this one is extremely light and easy to work with, and it doesn’t tire out my arms when it sometimes can take 40 minutes to curl my entire head!” She also loves that the curls are loose and wavy, and this barrel won’t give you a scrunched ringlet style.
- Hairitage Wand It Need It Curling Iron: If your hair is hard to curl, hear us out: This hot tool gives you tight curls that brush out to soft, bouncy waves. The extra-long barrel (6.3 inches) plus gentle tourmaline coating is great for all different lengths and types of hair, especially if your hair is prone to breakage and frizz. Glamour’s Kilkeary loves that she can curl the hardest-to-reach areas like the back of her head. “The heat is consistent, the wand is light, and the results are long-lasting curls—a godsend for very-hard-to-curl or thin hair types.”
- Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron: This no-nonsense curler is great for beginners and anyone who wants to invest in a curler without breaking the bank. “I love this one because it never gets overly hot, is easy to use, and costs literally under $20, which is amazing,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
- Remington Pro 1" Curling Wand: If you have fine or thin hair and are looking for an easy-to-use iron, we love this pick. Amazon users do too—it’s one of the retailer’s bestsellers. It has 10 heat settings and doesn’t get overly hot, plus its smooth barrel is gentle on hair and helps improve flyaways. “I really liked this curling wand after testing it out a couple times, and it gave me loose curls that lasted throughout a humid afternoon up in the Adirondacks. I also liked that this one didn’t get too hot and didn’t singe my hair upon contact. I did have to touch up my curls before dinner, but I was impressed at how my hair looked overall, especially since it’s only $30,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
- Chi Vibes XL Colossal Curling Wand: We appreciate that this curler heats up quickly, is dual-voltage for international travel, and has an auto shutoff for peace of mind, plus it comes with a protective glove. That said, it maxes out at 410°F, so it may not get hot enough for very coarse textures, and the tool itself is a bit heavier than others we tested.“I love how long the barrel is,” says Earley. “It’s perfect for my hair, which goes past my mid-back, and makes curling way more efficient. The clamp-free design is also a win for me. I always end up with weird creases and damaged ends when there’s a clamp, and this completely eliminates that.”
- Wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron: This curling iron is clamp-free, which helps prevent creases and protects hair ends. It comes with five attachments—standard, bubble, two tapered barrels, and a blow-dry brush—making it very versatile. Ultimately, though, we found the two heat settings limited, plus we found the wands to be so smooth that hair tended to slip during styling.
- Conair Infinitipro Rose Gold Titanium 1-Inch Curling Iron: At just about $30, this Conair curling iron is an affordable option that’s widely available at drugstores. In tests, it delivered well-defined ringlets that were neither too tight or too loose and held up well throughout the day. We also appreciated the wide temperature range with 30 heat settings, but ultimately felt it gets a little too hot.
- Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System: As an affordable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap, Shark’s FlexStyle has quickly built its own fan base. It delivers beautiful curls or a sleek blowout with five versatile attachments, including two 1.25-inch curlers and two brushes. You can customize your style with four heat and three airflow settings, plus a cool-shot button to lock in curls. While it’s easy to use and works well on curly or wavy hair, the barrels are a bit short for very long hair. We love this tool, but the shorter barrels keep it from being our top multistyler for curling.



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