There are numerous factors to consider while looking for a good curling iron. You’ll want one that’s easy to use without causing kinks or snagging hair, one that heats up quickly so you can style and curl hair quickly, and one that allows you to easily produce ideal beach waves or flawless curls with enough heat to set the style without hurting your hair. Of course, it should do all of this within an acceptable budget.
However, your options can differ substantially. “depending on the texture of the hair and the type of curl you are looking for,” says Eugene Toye, stylist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City — and with so many options on the market, from titanium to ceramic, tourmaline, and even clamp-less curling wands, hair rollers, and heat-free hair curlers, finding the right hair curler for you can be difficult.
That’s why, in the Homeaccessoris Institute Beauty Lab, we tested various sorts of curling irons to help you identify the best curling irons that are genuinely worth your money.
Our top picks:
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1
PROS
- Affordable
- Amazon's top seller
- Versatile heat settings and barrel sizes available
CONS
- May not be durable
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable heat up to 400ºF
Barrel Size
Available in ¾" to 1½"
Material
Ceramic
Though we have yet to put this option to the test in the Lab, the pricing of this iconic and well-loved curling iron is unbeatable. Its low price is a significant selling factor, and Amazon reviewers agree it’s a good buy. It has adjustable heat and a ceramic coating, and it’s a good buy for the price — ask the 52,000+ five-star reviewers who say it works well on both fine and thick hair.
“The adjustable temperature settings provide flexibility, allowing me to choose the heat level that works best for my hair type,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “Whether my hair is fine or thick, I can achieve a perfect balance of heat without causing excessive damage.” It may not last you for years and years at such a low price, but it does the job just fine.
2
PROS
- Top scores across testing categories
- Works on many hair types
- Creates long-lasting curls
- Easy to use
CONS
- Takes a while to heat up
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable heat up to 450ºF
Barrel size
Available in 1" and 1¼"
Material
Titanium
Give the highest-temp Ion a try for a classic clamp curler – it came out on top in our tests for generating lasting curls, even on coarse, thick hair. This iron outperformed the competition in nearly a dozen categories, including grip and manoeuvrability, straightforward controls, small size, and creating curls that stay there.
Users like that “the clamp is as long as the barrel,” which is especially good for shorter hair, and that the shorter handle length “keeps my hand in the perfect position to reach the thumb grip,” it can get rather hot when set to the highest temperature.
We also discovered that it took longer than other curlers to achieve the highest temperature (160 seconds) in lab testing, so give it enough time to heat up before style.
3
PROS
- Wide range of temperature settings, suitable for thin hair
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Creates long-lasting curls
CONS
- Cord is short at only 5.8-feet long
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable temperature 225ºF to 425ºF
Barrel size
Available in 1" and 1 ¼"
Material
Titanium
Fine hair is fragile and can be difficult to curl due to the risk of breakage and its inclination to fall flat. That’s why this Revlon iron is ideal for folks with thin hair: Its adjustable temperature reaches the lowest setting in our roundup, 225oF, yet it still performs towards the top of the pack for long-lasting curls and snagging-free curling.
It received high marks for ergonomics and intuitiveness, and our Lab experts discovered that it had good instructions that may be useful for fine-haired users to avoid over-experimentation (a.k.a. higher risk of harm). One drawback is that we wish the cable were longer for simpler styling. It’s tough to manoeuvre the tool because it’s less than six feet long.
4
PROS
- Scored tops for long-lasting curls in Lab tests
- Smooth barrel and ergonomic operation
- High scores for ease of use, performance and satisfaction
CONS
- Testers found the thumb grip a little hard to press
specifications
Temperature range
Adjustable temperature 250ºF to 450ºF
Barrel size
1 ¼"
Material
Ceramic
In our tests, this solid iron received good marks for ease of use, performance, and satisfaction, and it won the top rank of all irons for creating curls that lasted throughout the day, which is ideal for thick hair that may be resistant to holding a style. It received the greatest grade for releasing hair from the clamp without snagging or pulling it, as well as a perfect score for its clamp.
“The barrel is smooth and the clip works well,” testers remarked, though some found the thumb clamp difficult to push. This iron also has the highest temperature we tested, 450oF, which is great for generating long-lasting curls in thick, coarse, naturally textured, or difficult-to-curl hair.
5
BEST CURLING IRON FOR LONG HAIR
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Pro Curling Iron
NOW 13% OFF
PROS
- Extended barrel is great for longer hair
- Creates lasting curls
CONS
- Barrel may be too long for short hair
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable heat up to 430ºF
Barrel size
Available in 1" and 1 ¼"
Material
Ceramic
Tired of running out of room on your wand when curling your long hair or of having to wrap hair numerous times over itself? This tool works especially well for longer hair due to the barrel’s expanded length, which the brand claims is two inches longer than other curling irons, as well as a clamp that runs nearly the whole length of the barrel for fast, effortless styling.
Though we haven’t tested this choice in the Lab, fans enjoy how long it lasts, with one reviewer noting her “curls last the whole day and I can still have loose curls the next day.” While we think the long barrel is a fantastic option for individuals with long hair, it may not be ideal for those with shorter hair — and the long barrel can be difficult to get used to at first.
6
PROS
- 3-in-1 flat iron, curling wand and curling iron
- Compact barrel
- Easy to maneuver on short hair
CONS
- May be too short for longer hair
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable temperature 240ºF to 430ºF
Barrel size
1 ¼"
Material
Ceramic
This ingenious iron combines three tools in one: a flat iron, a curling wand, and a curling iron. The 14-inch barrel is ideal for glam waves and curls, and our short-haired testers enjoyed it because “it was easy to maneuver and keep from touching the face or scalp,” and because it felt the safest of all alternatives with a low burn risk.
It scored in the centre of the pack in all lab testing, from ease of use to performance to user satisfaction. While the tool’s tiny barrel and compact design make it suitable for use on shorter hair (and the perfect size for travel), it may be too short for longer hair.
7
PROS
- Rotating mechanism curls hair for you
- Creates well-defined, lasting curls
- HA Beauty Lab favorite
CONS
- Learning curve
- Small clip may be tricky for short-haired users
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable heat up to 410ºF
Barrel size
Available in 1" and 1 ½"
Material
Tourmaline
This time-saving, automated curling iron, designed by hairstylist Sarah Potempa, is the only one used by HA Beauty Director April Franzino. “It rotates away from your face, taking the guesswork out of curling your hair,” she explains. “Clamp a section of hair at the bottom, press the button, and watch as it winds around the curler.” Hold for a few seconds, then release for a lovely loose curl.”
This gadget is very popular among HA’s beauty professionals. “It grips hair well,” according to lab testers, and the resulting “curls are well-defined and stay in place” for “beautiful, natural-looking curls in no time.” However, there is a learning curve, and it works best with long hair; testers with short hair found the small clip difficult to use.
8
BEST CURLING IRON FOR BEGINNERS
Hot Tools Signature Series Gold Curling Iron/Wand
NOW 41% OFF
PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight, ergonomic and easy to use
- Salon pro favorite
CONS
- Temperature control dial is tricky to set
- No alert when tool reaches temperature
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable temperature 280ºF to 430ºF
Barrel size
Available in barrels ranging from ½" to 2"
Material
Steel with 24K gold plated
This curling iron is perfect for novices because of its easy movement and ergonomic design, and it will keep the wallet for first-time users. “The clamp is long and clips hair well; it does not pinch it at the end,” according to testers, making it simple to use for beginners.
With “a classic design, simple and functional,” testers found it lightweight and easy to manage at 0.9 pounds. However, a dial rather than a particular button regulates the temperature, and it lacks a warning when it achieves temperature. Its slimmer-than-average handle is easy to grasp. It’s also the curling iron of choice for many of the salon professionals we spoke with: “I use Hot Tools curling irons both at home and in the salon,” adds Toye. We only wish it had an audible alarm to alert us when it reached temperature.
9
PROS
- Comes with multiple barrels for versatile usage
- Top Lab scores for long-lasting curls
- Smoothly styles hair without snagging
- Lock keeps barrels in place
CONS
- Controls and switching barrels can take some getting used to
- Very expensive
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable heat 260ºF to 410ºF
Barrel size
Comes with 1" wand; 1 ¼ and 1 ½" clip barrels
Material
Ceramic
Get the power of three independent tools in one convenient package: This interchangeable iron comes with three barrel diameters ranging from 1 inch to 12 inches, with additional barrels, including tapered barrels, available for separate purchase. The interchangeable mechanism and lock impressed testers, who stated that “the barrels did not wobble once locked in,” however, replacing the barrels takes some getting used to.
This option performed well in our Beauty Lab testing for long-lasting curls and easy hair release without tugging or snagging for a very smooth style, which is always a plus, but it comes at a steep price – this pick is among the most costly on our list.
10
PROS
- Claims to prevent excessive heat damage
- Maintains consistent 365º temperature
- Auto shut-off after 30 minutes
CONS
- No adjustable heat settings
specifications
Temperature settings
Maintains a steady temperature of 365º
Barrel size
1"
Material
Ceramic
This elegant one-inch model offers universal voltage and dozens of positive reviews from reviewers, especially those with fine hair. “I have fine hair, and it is wonderful to find a curling iron that actually does what I need it to,” commented one Nordstrom customer. This iron hasn’t been Lab-tested, but it’s a consistent best-seller with a cult following (and a GH beauty editor favourite!).
While no heat tool can be guaranteed to be “damage-free,” in our Beauty Lab’s flat iron test, we discovered that god’s tools maintained a consistent temperature of 365o, which helps prevent excessive heat damage, unlike other models that can exceed 450o, so we expect the brand’s curling iron to function similarly. The disadvantage is that a single temperature may not be suitable for various hair types, textures, and thicknesses.
11
PROS
- Dries hair super quickly
- Multiple attachments for different uses
- Effective cool shot
- Barrel can be bent to 90 degrees for more ergonomic styling
CONS
- Some reviewers thought it was a little loud
- Heavier than Dyson
specifications
Temperature range
Three heat settings plus cool shot
Barrel size
Comes with 1.2-inch, 1.6-inch barrels
The Dyson Airwrap is a favourite among our Beauty Lab experts: This high-tech styling equipment, which combines a hair drier and curling iron, uses six powerful streams of hot or cool air to magically shape your hair from moist to dry.
“I admire the brilliant air jet design, which causes hair strands to wrap themselves around the curler attachment as if by magic,” says Birnur Aral, PhD, executive director of the GH Beauty Lab. As a result, you’ll have bouncy bends that rival a professional blowout. “It provides salon-level styling while using lower heat, which can also minimize damage,” she explains.
All of this innovation, however, comes at an exorbitant cost. But if it means you can replace your hair dryer, flat iron, and curling tools with a single item, it’s worth it. You can also choose sets that cater to different hair kinds and textures, such as long or short barrel sets and kinky hair attachments.
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MOST VERSATILE CURLING IRON
Drybar Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
NOW 15% OFF
PROS
- Comes with curling iron, wand and waver attachments
- Wide temperature range for all hair types and textures
- Smooth, snag-free operation
- Intuitive display and buttons
CONS
- Heat element rests very closely to the counter
specifications
Temperature settings
Adjustable temperature 200ºF to 450ºF
Barrel size
Three attachments: 1" wand, 1 ¼" curling iron, 3-pronged waver
Material
Ceramic
While we haven’t formally tested this specific model in the Lab yet, Drybar’s curling wand has consistently done well in our tests, so it’s no wonder that this three-in-one selection is a fan favourite.
It comes with three helpful accessories that will meet all of your curling demands and then some: A 1-inch wand for sloppy beach waves, a 14-inch curling iron for perfect curls, and a three-pronged waver for refined texture. Furthermore, the curling iron’s clamp is heated, allowing you to utilize the larger barrel as a wand or a smoothing flat iron of sorts.
According to one GH editor who tested it, “the mechanism for switching the attachments is easy to use and feels secure and safe, while the display is bright and the rubberized buttons are intuitive and simple to press.” While she wishes there was a better kickstand to prevent the heating element from lying on the counter, she notes that the tool heats up quickly in all modes and that each barrel is silky and snag-free for a glossy, smooth style.
How we test curling irons
Curling irons are tested in the HomeAccessoris Institute Beauty Lab for criteria such as preheat speed, whether the tools truly heat up to (or surpass) the temperature levels specified on the tool, and whether other portions of the iron become hot to the touch.
We also have a panel of testers test them at home and report back on how successfully the curling irons make curls, how long the curls last, and how simple and comfortable the equipment is to use.
Our scientists and beauty experts combed through over 103 test measurements and 836 survey responses to compile this list of the top curling irons on the market. We also consulted hairstylists and our beauty editors for more insight into what makes the greatest hair tool, as well as HA colleagues’ online evaluations and recommendations.
How to find the right curling iron for your hair
There are a few features and aspects to keep in mind when selecting the best curling iron for your hair type and objectives. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin shopping:
✔️ Barrel size: “Depending on the texture of the hair and the type of curl you want,” explains Toye, “you would determine which size barrel to use.” Choose a larger barrel (1 14-inch or larger) if you like calm, beachy waves. The tighter the curl, the narrower the barrel. If your hair is difficult to curl, seek a 1-inch barrel for a curl that will not fall flat throughout the day. Do you want a size that can accomplish everything? “A curling iron with a 14-inch barrel is a good size for everyday curls, regardless of the look you want,” explains Toye.
✔️ Material: According to the HA Beauty Lab, both ceramic and titanium curling irons are good heat conductors and will work on all hair types, so don’t be fooled by marketing claims that one is better than the other. Toye, on the other hand, claims that stylists prefer titanium irons because they are lighter in weight and can more successfully hold high temperatures. However, ceramic irons can be more user-friendly due to their ability to uniformly spread heat.
✔️ Clamp: For the most versatility, seek a clip that extends the entire length of the barrel. In this manner, the curling iron can also be used to smooth hair if necessary. Wrapping hair around the clip on some models creates looser curls and waves. “Clamps tend to leave marks in the hair if they are not properly used,” adds Toye, which is why some people “prefer a clamp-less wand: because it is more user-friendly.”
✔️ a curling iron with adjustable heat settings: “I recommend a curling iron with adjustable heat settings,” explains Toye. Lower temperatures are ideal for fine hair, especially around the face, while higher temperatures are ideal for coarse, natural, or difficult-to-curl hair. As a general rule, apply low heat on fine, chemically treated, or fragile hair (180oF to 370oF), medium heat on easy-to-curl, healthy hair (375oF to 395oF), and high heat on thick, wavy, or natural hair (400oF to 420oF).
✔️Cord: It may seem insignificant, but a good cord can make or break the styling experience. A professional-length curling iron cable is nine feet long — anything shorter may make styling difficult. We also appreciate a swivel mechanism that keeps the cable from being tangled or coiled up while you style.
✔️Automatic shut-off: Our testers adore irons with this feature. You’ll never have to remember to unplug your curling iron again because it does it for you.
What curling iron do stylists use?
There is some controversy over whether ceramic or titanium is better for heat-styling tools. However, Toye argues that for in-salon use, “Titanium would be the most preferred by stylists, and tourmaline and ceramic are more popular among the average consumer.”
Why? He notes that titanium barrels are typically lighter than ceramic barrels and can retain high temperatures for longer periods. In contrast, ceramic barrels spread heat more uniformly and are less prone to harm hair, making them more appropriate for at-home clients with varying hair textures.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
