10 Best Hair Curling Irons in 2022 (Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
In the mood to step up your styling game? Or maybe you're tired of your curling iron giving you lackluster results? We've got you covered! To get gorgeous curls that last all day, it's essential to use a quality curling iron. Plus, you want to make sure it can give you the style of curl you're looking for without damaging your hair.
So, we searched through customer reviewers to find the best curling irons. Our number one pick is Conair's Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron. This versatile styling tool can create extra bursts of heat with minimal damage for stubborn hair. There are nine more equally worthwhile iron options on our 10 best list, too. From there, we created a buying guide, reviewed by a licensed cosmetologist, to assist you in pairing your hair type with the best curling iron.
Quick List - Top Hair Curling Irons
Conair
A Versatile Ceramic Curling Iron With Plenty of Heat Settings
I'm a hairstylist who works with all types of hair daily. A large part of my job is repairing hair and helping clients restore their hair to a healthy and beautiful place. I'm also an expert on which products and techniques will be best for each person depending on what condition their hair is currently in.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose Hair Curling Irons
Choosing a particular curling iron can be a daunting task, especially when there's the risk of hair damage. The buying guide below should help ease the process of picking the best curling iron for your needs.
Pick Between a Curling Wand or Iron
There are two main types of hair curling irons. One has a clip for better control, and the other requires you to position and guide your hair manually. You'll have to decide which type of iron is more comfortable for you to operate!
Curling Wands Preserve the Tips of Your Hair
A clipless iron is called a curling wand. This type of iron gives you wrapping control. You manually position your hair around the heating tool, avoiding the tips prone to split ends.
Furthermore, a wand's minimalistic design can get closer to your roots, giving you more volume. It also doesn't leave a crease, a common pitfall of a curling iron's clamp.
However, it is extra challenging to create tighter curls that reach the tip using a curling wand. There is a learning curve to using a wand; otherwise, you risk getting non-uniform curls. On the other hand, wands are great for loose beachy curls.
The most common types of curling wands are cone, bubble, and spiral wands. Cone wands have a tapered barrel for more precise curls. The tapered shape also lets you create both thinner and thicker coils with one tool.
A bubble wand has a barrel segmented with round knobs, and it's a great tool for getting beachy waves. Experts use a spiral wand to get flawless classic curls.
Curling wands are a fantastic option for those with color- or chemically-treated hair! Since the wand allows you to wrap your hair around the iron starting at the mid-shaft, the ends of your hair have less exposure to the heat. The protects your ends from getting fried, especially since your ends are the most fragile part of your hair.
Curling Irons Offer Better Control
The most common type of curling iron is has a single barrel with a spring-loaded clamp or clip. The clip captures your hair, keeping it in place while you maneuver the iron. These curling irons are offered in various barrel sizes to achieve different types of curls.
With the help of the clamp, you can curl more efficiently and conveniently. However, there is the possibility of getting a crease or kink in your hair if the iron stays in one area for too long with the clamp firmly in place.
The most common types of curling irons are straight barrels or a waving iron with multiple barrels. The latter has two or three barrels with an enclosing clamp. A double-barrel creates perfect figure-eight or tight beach curls, while a triple barrel iron gives you loose or looping waves.
While curling wands are great for preserving the tips of your hair, curling irons offer better control. With a curling iron, you are able to curl your hair all the way through. Curling irons have a clamp attached. This makes it much easier to style your hair without running the risk of burning yourself. You will have more consistent curls throughout your head with a curling iron.
Interchangeable Barrels Give Versatility
Lastly, you can opt for a versatile curling iron with interchangeable barrels or heads. If you have long hair and want waves one day and tight curls the next, then interchangeable barrels will best suit your requirements. Some sets have seven or more barrels ranging from wands to those with clips.
Given that people have varying hair types and desired styles, manufacturers often create curling irons that are a mix of a wand and clamp. For example, you can find a spiral wand with a built-in clamp for better control. This allows you to pair the best tool with your needs.
Interchangeable barrel sets are by far my favorite as a stylist! It allows you to curl/style your hair in many different ways without having to own a ton of different styling tools. Many sets come with various wands and curling iron heads, giving you maximum versatility. With the growing popularity of interchangeable barrel sets, you can easily find one that best fits your specific needs.
Grab a Barrel Size Based on Your Hair Condition
Most curling iron barrels come in sizes ranging from three-fourths to two inches. The size is based on the width of the curls produced. For example, a three-fourth-inch barrel is recommended for short hair and yields tight, corkscrew type curls. This works best if you’re aiming for a more vintage look.
One-inch barrels are recommended for all hair lengths as they produce classic curls or defined waves when you loosen the wrapping a bit. One and a half-inch barrels are best for long to medium hair as it yields more tousled curls. A two-inch barrel is advised if you have long hair, want beachy waves, or desire volume in your roots.
As a rule of thumb, smaller barrels are for tighter curls and more volume, and bigger barrels are for looser curls on medium to long hair.
Using smaller barrels for soft/fine hair is most recommended. It will produce a tighter curl that will last longer. Looser curls on fine hair will fall and frizz up. The same rule can be used for those with blunt haircuts, or no layers. Adjusting the heat setting on your iron can control the size of the curl as well. The lower your heat setting, the looser your curl will be, and vice versa.
Decide on Ceramic, Tourmaline, Titanium, or Gold-Plated Curlers
When it comes to choosing a particular material for your curling iron, never go for cheap metals. Not only will it give you limp curls, but it could end up damaging your hair. With that in mind, here are the best materials to look for when picking out a curling iron.
Ceramic Irons Provide Consistent Heating
Ceramic curling irons are the go-to irons of many because they heat up evenly and for a long time. Plus, they accommodate all hair types. The material heats up quickly and distributes the temperature uniformly throughout the barrel. You'll get a smooth glide with every section of hair.
We recommend one with a fully ceramic plate instead of just a ceramic coating. The latter has a tendency to chip and may damage your hair.
Ceramic irons are most recommended for those doing their own hair at home. The ceramic material allows the iron to heat consistently through, giving you more control over how much heat you're using on your hair. These irons tend to be the easiest to find as well. Like what is mentioned above, make sure your iron is a full ceramic plate, and not just ceramic coated.
Sustain Minimal Damage With Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a crystalline mineral compound that produces negative ions and infrared rays capable of penetrating hair follicles while minimizing damage. Furthermore, the compound's contact with your hair gives off a bit of steam that adds some shine. The effect is smooth, frizz-free, shiny curls.
This material works best for those with fine hair due to its low temperature range and minimal damage. Besides being on the more expensive side, tourmaline irons are also less durable than ceramic ones and need more careful usage.
Tourmaline irons are similar to ceramic irons in the sense that they are practically damage-proof for your hair. The negative ions work to close the cuticle to stop and control frizz. Those with fine or thin hair will have better luck with these. The minimal heat exposure will reduce the chances of heat damage.
Titanium Offers Quick Heating
Titanium is a lightweight and very durable material, so you get the same properties with a titanium curling iron. Its perks include fast and even heating. This material also reaches the highest temperatures for curling irons.
Titanium is recommended for coarse hair that is stubborn to style with heat. Coarse hair doesn't heat well, so it's challenging to get the strands to curl and stay that way. Because titanium is lightweight and very sturdy, you can get a gorgeous style from an unruly hair type.
When choosing a titanium hair curler, we recommend reading past the product description and browsing through the reviews. Some manufacturers swap titanium for an inexpensive and ineffective coating of aluminum.
This plating is prone to chipping over time, exposing your hair to damaging heat. Reviewers should be able to confirm if a particular iron is truly made of titanium.
Titanium-plated styling tools are highly recommended for professional use. These curling irons get HOT and FAST. This can be great for those in a salon setting who need to produce long-lasting results in a shorter time. With that being said, it is very important that you are using the proper heat setting with titanium curling irons. You can easily damage your hair with these tools if you are using them incorrectly.
Gold-Plated Irons Have High Heat Capacity
If you have coarse or thick hair that needs more time to style, consider a gold-plated curling iron. This material is known to tolerate high heat for extended periods. These types of irons also emit quick and high heat, making them the go-to for those who have a lot of hair to work with.
The downside with this curling iron is that it requires a bit more skill to operate because it can have sections on the iron with less plating that get too hot. We recommend reading through the reviews to confirm if a particular model provides even heating.
Gold-plated curling irons are usually the most affordable and easiest to find. Many of these irons are able to exceed the temperature at which hair burns (451°). So similarly to the titanium irons, you need to practice extreme caution when using gold-plated curling irons. Unfortunately, gold-plated irons don't always heat up evenly, so that leaves room for inconsistent curls.
Look at the Iron's Heat Settings
Heat settings are essential to any curling iron, and experts advise only using irons with fully-adjustable heat settings. Some curling irons may offer only one or two standard heat settings, which could lead to your hair burning, especially if you are new to using the device.
An adjustable curling iron lets you control the temperature based on your hair type and desired curls, and there are fewer chances for mishaps. Of course, expert stylists know how long to hold a curl and the temperature they need. A universal heat setting will work just fine, in this case.
Most curling irons have a heat range of 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend using one under 300 degrees if you have fine or chemically-treated hair.
Meanwhile, those with normal, healthy, or medium-textured hair can work between 300 to 380 degrees. Lastly, coarse, curly, or thick hair usually responds better to a heat range of 350 to 450 degrees.
In addition to the heat range, an automatic shut-off feature also ensures safety during use in case you forget to unplug the iron. Most curling irons have this feature and turn off after ten minutes of idle use or an hour of continuous use. You can also find certain models that turn off automatically when the heat passes safe levels.
It is highly recommended to use an iron with an adjustable heat setting. Depending on your hair type and the desired look, you'll want to adjust the temperature for the best results. Irons with a universal heat setting tend to be cheap or poorly made. That can lead to damaged hair or curls that fall instantly.
Never ever go over 450°F. Even the thickest and most coarse hair doesn’t need a heat setting of over 430°F. Always be mindful of what temperature your curling iron and other hot tools are set at.
Consider Travel- and Expertise-Friendly Features
To make curling irons even more worthwhile, you can choose one that doesn't require a plug and can be used anywhere. Irons that rotate on their own or use steam to set the style are other examples of nifty features.
Use Cordless Irons for Travel
If you are frequently on the go, you can ensure professional-level curls with a cordless iron. These irons don’t need to be plugged in; they use rechargeable or disposable batteries. They often come with a designated pouch or casing for convenient storage.
Cordless irons often have clamps and vary in barrel sizes to fit your needs. You can find models with interchangeable barrels to achieve multiple styles while traveling.
Cordless curling irons have up to an hour of use time, which is perfect for those who need to do their hair on the go or are traveling. You can simply charge it overnight and use it while you're on the way to work or on vacation. More than likely, any cordless curling iron that you find will be made with ceramic plates, which is totally fine because ceramic works for all hair types.
Try Automatic or Steam Settings for Added Ease
Understandably, using a curling iron for the first time can be tricky and downright scary. It takes time and practice to level up to more advanced irons, such as a triple-barrel waving iron or spiral wand. For beginners, we recommend a bubble wand, cone-shaped wand, or barrel with a clamp.
Still, you can find certain technologies that make curling more effortless and fail-proof. Examples include automatic curling irons or ones with steam technology. The first one does the hair wrapping for you using an auto-rolling barrel to achieve uniform curls, while the latter uses extra heat and steam to secure the curls with minimal effort.
Rotating irons are great for beach waves, while steam irons are best for tight, ringlet, or spiral curls due to the amount of heat involved.
I recommend automatic curling irons for preteens or teenagers who are just getting into styling their hair. Mastering how to use a curling iron can be extremely difficult, and the automatic irons will achieve salon-quality curls without the struggle or risk of burning yourself. Bubble wands are great for practicing how to do wands curls. After using that a couple of times, you'll be ready to move on to the real thing.
10 Best Hair Curling Irons Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron | | A Versatile Ceramic Curling Iron With Plenty of Heat Settings | |
2 | Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron/Wand | | Gold Plated Curling Iron for Even, Quick Heat | |
3 | ghd Curve Creative Curl Wand | | A Curling Wand for Long-Lasting Results | |
4 | T3 Twirl Trio Interchangeable Curling Iron | | A Curling Iron With Interchangeable Barrels | |
5 | Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler | | A Curling Iron With an Extra-Long Barrel | |
6 | BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron | | Titanium Curling Iron for Professional Styling Needs | |
7 | Infinitipro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand | | A Tourmaline Curling Wand for Long-Lasting Curls | |
8 | Chi Spin N Curl in Onyx Black | | ||
9 | Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1Ceramic Curling Iron | | A Curling Wand With Interchangeable Barrels | |
10 | Melophy Cordless Hair Curler | | A Cordless, Travel-Friendly Curler |
A Versatile Ceramic Curling Iron With Plenty of Heat Settings
This curling iron has over 30 heat settings and is equipped with an instant heating feature that reaches 375 degrees. You can also increase the heat by 27-degree bursts for stubborn hair. The iron has an auto-off feature for added safety, too. There's also a model with a tapered barrel available.
A few reviewers wished the barrel was longer to make it easier to wrap longer hair without overlapping. They also wanted the buttons to be in a better spot, as it's easy to change the settings accidentally.
Still, most loved this curling iron because of its multiple heat settings, making it more versatile. Many use it every day with no issues, saying it heats up quickly and is easy to use.
Gold Plated Curling Iron for Even, Quick Heat
This Marcel curling iron is plated with 24-karat gold, making it perfect for thick or coarse hair that needs a longer time to style. It has a knob to set the temperature manually. It creates polished waves without any creases from the clamp. This iron also comes in a wide range of thicknesses.
A few reviewers noted it takes some time to learn how to maneuver the iron since the clamp holds their hair upside down compared to regular irons. Meanwhile, many others commented that the styling tool heats up quickly and stays hot. They liked that the long cord makes it easier to use. Professional hairstylists also approved of this product.
A Curling Wand for Long-Lasting Results
This tapered wand has a barrel designed to distribute and maintain even heat. It has six sensors to detect hair, deliver heat, and prevent moisture loss for long-lasting curls. It also has a long nine-foot cord for better mobility. After 30 minutes of being idle, the tool will automatically sleep.
A few reviewers had difficulty achieving tight curls with this wand. Those with long hair struggled to get their hair around the barrel as well. Meanwhile, many reviewers shared that their curls lasted for days. Many reviewers liked that it's quick and easy to use, even with those who were new to curling.
A Curling Iron With Interchangeable Barrels
If you're in the mood for varying curls or waves, then this is the curling iron to get. It comes with three barrels ranging from one to one and a half inches. The ceramic surface ensures a frizz-free, shiny finish. There are five adjustable heat settings to match your desired look and hair type. You also get a tote to store the iron safely.
A few reviewers complained that the controls were in a location where their hand could accidentally turn off the machine. It also has a little nub at the tip, which sometimes grabbed their hair. But, many reviewers reported that they got professional-looking results. Even those with extra long hair had no problems with this tool!
A Curling Iron With an Extra-Long Barrel
This curling iron has a barrel that's over six inches, longer than many others in the market. It also has a wide temperature range that can be manually adjusted. Plus, you can stay at one setting through the temperature lock feature. This wand is ideal for beach waves or soft curls.
A few reviewers experienced a peeling problem with their iron. Meanwhile, many reviewers liked that the iron heats up quickly. They also appreciated how the extra-long handle, barrel, and cord makes it easier to use. Plus, they noted that the clip is gentle on their hair and doesn't pull or create creases.
Titanium Curling Iron for Professional Styling Needs
This iron uses nano titanium for even heat distribution across the barrel. Ceramic is also used to ensure a smooth glide with minimal frizz. It also has one of the lowest and highest heat settings on the market. The company offers multiple barrel sizes, including an extra-long one.
A few reviewers with very fine hair advise using this iron with caution to avoid burned hair. It also doesn't have an auto-shutoff feature, unlike others. Meanwhile, many reviewers said this iron was easy to handle and produced great curls. They also liked that it's lightweight and works quickly.
A Tourmaline Curling Wand for Long-Lasting Curls
Tourmaline is known to provide minimal heat damage on hair. This curling wand uses tourmaline and ceramic for heat protection and frizz reduction. You can position hair at any part of the cone-shaped wand for varying curl or wave styles. Plus, this wand can be used quickly because it only takes 30 seconds to heat up.
The buttons' placement was inconvenient for a few users since they would accidentally turn off the wand. The barrel was too short for some, too. Meanwhile, most reviewers easily got their desired waves or curls with this tool. Many were also pleased with how long their curls lasted. They also liked the included heat-resistant glove.
This auto-rotating curling iron will wrap your hair for you. You simply position a strand of hair, choose a left or right direction, and the barrel will spin to collect the hair for curling. The device will alert you with three beeps when it's done. Meanwhile, you can keep track of the temperature on the display.
A few reviewers noted the device has a learning curve, especially regarding the amount of hair that should be placed to avoid tangling. It requires small sections of hair to work well. Still, many reviewers said that the device works well and produces beautiful, full curls. Many also loved the minimal effort needed to get curling.
Paul Mitchell Pro ToolsExpress Ion Unclipped 3-in-1Ceramic Curling Iron
A Curling Wand With Interchangeable Barrels
This curling wand uses negative ions and infrared to gently heat hair from the inside out without too much drying. This also leads to a longer staying power. You get three interchangeable barrels to achieve ringlets or loose waves.
A few reviewers mentioned their hair smelled weird after using the product, and some had issues with the device not turning on. Meanwhile, many customers noted that their hairstyles stayed in place regardless of the weather. They also liked that it heats up quickly and suits all hair types.
A Cordless, Travel-Friendly Curler
This curling mechanism works with an automatic barrel that wraps each hair portion for curling. It uses negative ions for hair protection, giving you a shiny, frizz-free finish. It's also rechargeable so that you can take it anywhere for instant waves or curls.
A few reviewers mentioned it might be challenging to use the device at first. Some weren't satisfied with the battery life and recommended using it on a full charge. Meanwhile, the travel-friendly features were a hit among users. They also liked that they didn't have to worry about burning themselves.
Courtney's Recommended Curling Iron for Thick Hair
I recommend the Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron for those with thick hair. Its smooth titanium plates will be able to produce enough heat to create long-lasting curls or waves.
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Buying Guide Reviewed by Licensed Cosmetologist Courtney Mack
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Hair Curling Irons
No. 1: Conair｜Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron
No. 2: Hot Tools｜Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron/Wand
No. 3: ghd｜Curve Creative Curl Wand
No. 4: T3｜Twirl Trio Interchangeable Curling Iron
No. 5: Bio Ionic｜Long Barrel Styler
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Most ViewedFeatured Rankings Similar to Flat irons and curlers
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