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Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watchesCurling irons are a handy tool when it comes to creating beautiful curls. While you can achieve curls with other devices, having a curling iron is convenient, as it allows for easier and more precise curling, along with the ability to create various hairstyles. But, with so many products out there from brands like Bio Ionic, T3, and Neuro, it can be tough to figure out which one will produce the most natural-looking curls while also being easy to use.
We've compared 7 bestselling curling irons available online and put them to the test to recommend the best curling irons for you.
We tested each product for the following:
Which product ended up being the best of the best? We'll also tell you how to pick the best Curling Irons on your own in our buying guide, so read on for more shopping tips.
Taiji Nagata worked as a hairstylist in Japan for six years before moving to LA in 2007 to focus on salon work. He is renowned for his high skill level and has worked on the hair of celebrities in Japan and abroad who are active in various media, from sports to music to entertainment. Utilizing his own experience and network, he supports Japanese stylists who want to work in the U.S. and strives to enrich the development of the beauty industry's culture.
She joined a Japanese beauty company as a new graduate and worked there for three and a half years. She counseled over 6,000 people annually and created personalized beauty regimens for each customer. She then joined mybest, where she has written articles covering everything from makeup to skincare. She is a cosmetics concierge, a specialist in cosmetic ingredients, and a certified image consultant.
Naturally, the most crucial aspect is whether or not the curling iron can produce gorgeous curls. For this test, we evaluated the quality of the curls using blond human hair extensions. We gave high ratings to products that produced spiral-shaped curls that held their shape even after being loosened.Hair extensions usedIvyfree Hair’s Luxury European Cuticle Tape Hair Extensions #27, Size 14-inch
Since the high heat from curling irons can cause damage to hair, minimizing potential harm is a major concern. To determine which products cause the least damage, we had five female testers feel the curls created in the testing to rate them on the following.Does the hair feel dry and stripped of moisture?Does the hair have a rough or coarse texture?
A curling iron with a shorter heat-up time is preferable, especially on busy mornings when time is of the essence. To find out which curling irons heat up the quickest, we measured the time it took to reach 320 degrees Fahrenheit, or the closest available temperature setting.
Usability is crucial to ensure a hassle-free curling experience. For this test, we evaluated the products based on the following factors.Are the buttons easy to press?How many temperature settings are available?Is the temperature easy to read on the display?Does it come with an auto-off feature?
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
The main allure of curling irons is undoubtedly the ability to create curls with ease. While you can achieve wavy hair with straightening irons, curling irons specifically designed for curling allow you to effortlessly create beautiful spiral curls by simply wrapping your hair around the barrel. Whether you meticulously section your hair for a polished look or quickly curl only the top layer when you're in a rush, you can achieve hairstyles that look carefully styled.
The versatility of curling irons enables you to create dynamic styles with wavy hair, giving your hair a natural, textured look or even achieving fine beachy waves. They allow for easy changes in your hairstyle when you want to switch up your look, making it a worthwhile investment for your hairstyling collection.
Do you want big, bouncy curls, soft waves, or tight ringlets? Different curling irons will produce different types of curls, so make sure to consider what look you're after first.
Clamp curling irons, where you clamp your hair and wrap it around the barrel, are known for creating consistent curls and distinct spiral patterns. They are perfect for occasions when you want to make a statement, such as on a date or an outing with friends, or for glamorous events like parties or weddings.
However, be aware that since the hair is clamped, it can leave clamp marks, and you risk creating unnatural curls if you wrap the hair in the wrong direction. While no special technique is required, beginners may need some practice until they become accustomed to using clamped curling irons.
With a curling wand, there is no clamp to hold the hair in place. Instead, you wrap the hair around the barrel to create curls. The tightness of the curls can be adjusted by the force applied while wrapping, allowing you to achieve irregular curls that are distinctively different from those produced by clamp-style irons. This type is especially recommended for those who desire a looser style, like beach waves.
Additionally, even if you struggle with handling clamp-type curling irons, a curling wand is user-friendly, as you only need to wrap the hair. However, be aware that for shorter hair, there’s less hair to wrap around the barrel, increasing the risk of burning your hand. It is advisable to use gloves for added protection.
Many people may believe that clamping the hair with a curling iron can cause damage. However, in on our testing, there was minimal difference in hair damage between clamp-type and wand-type curling irons. Rather than focusing on the type of curling iron, we recommend avoiding excessively high temperature settings and reducing the amount of time you need to wrap the hair around the barrel.
It's important to note that even at lower temperatures, you should not expose your hair to heat for an extended period. The ideal technique is to wrap a section of hair around the barrel for about 10 seconds at an initial temperature of 300 to 320 degrees Fahrenheit, and then check the result. If the curls are too loose, gradually increase the temperature.
Furthermore, while the curling irons featuring twisted plates were rated positively in our testing, it's worth noting that they can potentially cause friction on the hair during the clamping process, similar to a straightening iron. Therefore, if minimizing hair damage is a priority, it's best to avoid such products.
The results you get with a clamp-type curling iron is influenced by the strength of the spring. If the spring is weak, the curls may not form properly and leave an unsatisfying impression. On the other hand, if the spring is strong, it can result in tight and unnatural curls that can look like doll hair.
The most natural and beautiful curls were achieved with a curling iron that had a medium-level spring strength. Even if you loosen the curls immediately after wrapping, they won't lose their shape, allowing you to create stunning styles, whether you leave them down or go for an updo. Check out the spring strength section in the ranking part of this article to see the level of each product.
For hair-friendly styling, start at low temperatures to minimize damage and increase the heat if needed. A limited range of temperature settings can lead to unnecessary damage to your hair, so it is recommended to choose a curling iron with five or more temperature settings within the 250- to 430-degree Fahrenheit range. With this range, you can adjust the temperature in increments of 30 degrees, allowing you to set a lower temperature to protect your hair after coloring or a higher temperature when your hair is dry and difficult to curl. This flexibility allows you to fine-tune the settings based on the condition of your hair.
However, with only three temperature settings, even the lowest setting can be around 290 degrees Fahrenheit, which is relatively high. In such cases, it is recommended to check what temperature your current curling iron works best at and use that as a reference when shopping for a new curling iron. If you are concerned about hair damage, definitely check the minimum temperature, maximum temperature, and heat settings sections in our ranking.
When you're dealing with a hectic morning, having a curling iron that heats up quickly can make all the difference. Within 30 seconds, the curling iron can warm up while you brush or section your hair, eliminating the need to wait for it to heat up, and reducing stress.
But, if heat-up takes 60 seconds or longer, it may eat up a significant portion of your precious morning time. If you prefer to minimize the wait time for the iron to heat up, be sure to check out the heat-up time section in our ranking, or narrow down your options based on heat-up time.
Among the products we tested, the B1 Rotating Curling Iron is highly recommended, especially for beginners. Simply clamp your hair and press the button, and the barrel automatically rotates, wrapping your hair around it. You can control the curl direction with two buttons, ensuring that you avoid awkward and unnatural curls caused by curling in the wrong direction. With this auto curler, you can effortlessly create curls without the need for any particular technique.
Barrel diameter | 1 1/4 in. |
---|---|
Heat-up time | 44.72 secs. |
Spring strength | Moderate |
Type | Clamp |
The Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler offers multi-level heat control. The clip has just the right amount of grip, resulting in beautiful curls on straight sections of hair. With just one wrap, the curls hold firm, producing ideal spiral curls. While the ends felt slightly dry, the overall texture was smooth and felt like it had retained moisture, and the damage was minimal, which is definitely a plus.
The quick heat-up time of 44.72 seconds allows for speedy styling even on busy mornings. With six temperature settings, it offers great usability through precise temperature control to fit different levels of hair damage and curling needs. This curling iron is a smart choice that allows you to create gorgeous curls in just one go, whether you prefer to leave your curls down or style them further afterwards.
Weight | 0.6 lbs. |
---|---|
Width | unknown |
Depth | unknown |
Length | unknown |
Cord length | 9 ft. |
Temperature lock | |
Sound prompt | |
Voltage | 110V |
Accessories | unknown |
Auto-rotating |
Barrel diameter | 1 in., 1 1/2 in., tapered |
---|---|
Heat-up time | 24.64 secs. |
Spring strength | Moderate |
Type | Wand |
The Whirl Trio comes with three different interchangeable wands, letting you customize the thickness of your curls according to your hair length and styling preference. When tested on straight hair, it produced beautiful curls overall, receiving high praise for its finish. However, as this is a wand curler that requires you to wrap the hair yourself, you may get a more straightened look if not enough tension is applied. Therefore, adjusting the tension while wrapping the hair will help you achieve your desired curls.
The fast heat-up time of 24.64 seconds is convenient, especially for quick styling before heading out. The elongated buttons are user-friendly, providing a wider surface area for easy operation. With five adjustable temperature settings, it offers the advantage of being able to customize the heat according to your hair's condition.
However, in our hair damage tests, although the hair felt adequately moisturized up to the mid-lengths, there was a noticeable dry and brittle texture towards the ends. With the inclusion of three different wands, this curling iron eliminates the need to purchase separate devices for different hair lengths, making it a recommended choice for those who prefer a versatile option.
Weight | 1.13 lbs. |
---|---|
Width | 1.5 in. |
Depth | 19 in. |
Length | 12 in. |
Cord length | 8 ft. |
Temperature lock | |
Sound prompt | |
Voltage | 100-240V |
Accessories | Glove, tote bag |
Auto-rotating |
Barrel diameter | 1 in. |
---|---|
Heat-up time | 42.25 secs. |
Spring strength | Moderate |
Type | Wand |
The Neuro Unclipped Styling Rod features an extra-long barrel, making it convenient for styling long hair. Simply wrap the hair around the curling wand to create beautiful curls in one go that will remain intact even after running a comb through them. The longer barrel makes it easier to wrap hair, particularly if your hair has a lot of volume, and it ensures that heat is evenly distributed throughout, resulting in quick curl formation. It heats up in just 42.25 seconds, so you can save time as it warms up while you're brushing your hair.
The recessed buttons fit comfortably to your fingers, making them easy to press. The large LCD makes it easy to monitor the temperature, which is a nice feature. On the flip side, the efficient heat distribution across the hair during curling can lead to dryness and increased frizz, making it difficult to protect the hair from damage. Although the test for gentleness yielded mixed results, this styling rod remains a user-friendly option for individuals with long or thick hair.
Weight | 1.06 lbs. |
---|---|
Width | 4.3 in. |
Depth | 2.75 in. |
Length | 16.25 in. |
Cord length | unknown |
Temperature lock | |
Sound prompt | |
Voltage | 110-240V |
Accessories | Glove |
Auto-rotating |
Barrel diameter | 1 in. |
---|---|
Heat-up time | 50.36 secs. |
Spring strength | Moderate |
Type | Clamp |
The B1 Rotating Curling Iron automatically spins the barrel to create curled hairstyles. When actually wrapping sections of hair around it, it produced distinct curls, earning high praise in terms of overall finish. It creates well-defined curls with a natural spiral shape, making it suitable for creating hairstyles for outings or parties. Once they get used to operating the button for the direction of rotation, even beginners can easily create curled hairstyles.
The large buttons are easy to press. Its 50.36-second heat-up time is acceptable even on busy mornings. On the downside, while the wrapped hair strands maintained a soft and springy texture, the hair ends tended to become dry and slightly coarse. This one is perfect for beginners or those who have been hesitant to use curling irons due to their lack of technique. Since it creates curls simply by clamping the hair ends and pressing a button, it’s highly recommended for anyone looking for an easy-to-use curling iron.
Weight | 1.25 lbs. |
---|---|
Width | 3.43 in. |
Depth | 2.48 in. |
Length | 16.45 in. |
Cord length | 8 ft. |
Temperature lock | |
Sound prompt | |
Voltage | 110-240V |
Accessories | unknown |
Auto-rotating |
Barrel diameter | 1 1/4 in. |
---|---|
Heat-up time | 87.11 secs. |
Spring strength | Moderate |
Type | Clamp |
The SinglePass Curl is designed to create glossy curls with ease in just one try. In our curling tests, it was able to create tight and precise curls. The length of the clip allows you to wrap a larger section of hair at once. Moreover, the barrel has excellent glide, making it less likely for hair to tangle, even for individuals with long hair or concerns about hair damage.
Instead of separate power and temperature adjustment buttons, the device features a rotating mechanism at the base for temperature control. It offers five temperature settings, allowing you to adjust according to your hair's condition, which is definitely a plus. On the downside, the hair lost its moisture and felt dry after curling, resulting in a slightly coarse texture. In addition, it took 87.11 seconds to heat up, which might seem somewhat long when you're in a hurry.
Weight | 0.8 lbs. |
---|---|
Width | 1.6 in. |
Depth | 2.5 in. |
Length | 13.25 in. |
Cord length | 8 ft. |
Temperature lock | |
Sound prompt | |
Voltage | 100-240V |
Accessories | unknown |
Auto-rotating |
Barrel diameter | 1 in. |
---|---|
Heat-up time | 65.99 secs. |
Spring strength | Weak |
Type | Clamp |
The Conair Double Ceramic is designed to create beautiful classic curls. After curling, the hair maintained its overall moisture, and didn’t feel dry to the touch. It received high ratings in terms of preventing damage to the hair, as testers hardly noticed any. The recessed buttons fit the fingers nicely and are easy to press.
It offers 30 temperature settings, allowing precise adjustments according to the condition of your hair, which is a major plus. However, due to the weak grip of the clip, the curls didn't turn out as defined as expected, resulting in a flatter look. For this reason, the product received less than favorable ratings for finish. In addition, it takes 65.99 seconds to heat up, which might feel a tad too long when you're in a hurry.
Weight | 0.14 lbs. |
---|---|
Width | 1 in. |
Depth | 4.7 in. |
Length | 12.4 in. |
Cord length | unknown |
Temperature lock | |
Sound prompt | |
Voltage | 120-240V |
Accessories | unknown |
Auto-rotating |
Barrel diameter | 1 in. |
---|---|
Heat-up time | 32.6 secs. |
Spring strength | Strong |
Type | Clamp |
The Remington Pro Multi-styler features twisted plates designed to offer both straightening and curling capabilities in one. One of the highlights of this product is its quick heat-up time. It reaches the desired temperature in just 32.6 seconds, making it especially convenient for busy mornings when time is limited. When actually curling the hair, the ends may feel dry, but the midsections have a pleasantly moist texture. However, since the curls are formed by sliding the plates, it's difficult to avoid some friction and potential damage to the hair, which is a drawback.
The Multi-Styler received high praise for its user-friendliness, thanks to the large display that makes it easy to monitor the temperature and its five adjustable heat settings. On the downside, the curls created by this styler are quite tight and can appear overly defined, giving a somewhat unnatural look for everyday use. However, if you're looking to achieve voluminous and glamorous curls for special occasions or parties, it can be a good choice.
Weight | unknown |
---|---|
Width | unknown |
Depth | unknown |
Length | unknown |
Cord length | unknown |
Temperature lock | |
Sound prompt | |
Voltage | 120V |
Accessories | unknown |
Auto-rotating |
Products we tested
A curling iron with a shorter heat-up time is preferable, especially on busy mornings when time is of the essence. To find out which curling irons heat up the quickest, we measured the time it took to reach 320 degrees Fahrenheit, or the closest available temperature setting.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Apps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHealth
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsFood and drinks
Alcohol, Breads and jams, Cocktails and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsShoes
Accessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat supplies, Dog suppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches