14 Best Curling Irons For Instant Styling In 2024
Achieve that perfectly tousled beachy waves look right at home easily.
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and loves to make her clients feel amazing and welcomed.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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At one point or another, women with straight hair wonder how the best curling irons can enhance their look. Whether it’s classic beachy waves or cascading crimps that turn heads, a good-quality curling iron helps lock up your dream style and get you party-ready at the drop of a hat. The options we’ve picked out for you here come highly recommended by beauty experts and stylists in terms of ease of use, portability, effectiveness, price, and a variety of other factors. Check out the top 14 curling irons with excellent reviews that are actually worth your money.
In This Article
14 Best Curling Irons
1. Best Ceramic Curling Iron For Short Hair:Conair InfinitiPro Ceramic Curling Iron
The Conair InfiniPro Ceramic Curling Iron creates silky, defined curls that stay for long. The tool is made of a 1-inch coated barrel for even heat distribution. It’s Tourmaline Ceramic technology reduces hair frizz and dryness. It promotes a voluminous look. The curling iron has 5 heat settings that take the temperate up to 400oF for a long-lasting effect. The built-in 5 precision LED heat settings to indicate the desired temperature and eliminate hot spots to reduce heat-damage. The auto-off technology protects hair from damage. Each hair strand easily glides over the surface of the barrels without any snag. Check out this review featuring a tester’s experience for a detailed understanding of the product.
- Temperature control system
- Adds shine to hair
- Even heat distribution to minimize damage
- 5 LED temperature settings
- Protective heat shield
- Auto-off system
- Quick transition of temperature
- Long-lasting curls
- Reduces hair frizz and dryness
- Tool is too long
- Heat smells bad
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 16,704 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron is made with nano titanium interchangeable barrels that provide stable heat in ultra-high temperatures without damaging the hair. It uses far-infrared heat that heats hair from within the shaft. This versatile curling iron is available in multiple barrel options such as – 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, & 1-1/2″ to give you your desired curls. It creates lustrous, lasting loose waves or defined curls with equal precision. This video review will help you understand more about the product and the benefits from the reviewer’s experience of testing it.
- Gives defined curls or loose waves
- Available in different barrel sizes
- Nano titanium barrel
- Uses far-infrared heat
- Protects hair from damage
- Easy to use
- Gets very hot
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,652 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3. Best Professional Curling Iron For Long, Thick Hair:Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron
The Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron comes with an 8 feet professional swivel cord that offers a free range of movement for variable styling. This gold barrel surface creates gorgeous curls and long-lasting, defined hairstyles. The iron’sunique pulse technology feature allows the system to maintain the heat and quickly identify heat loss and restore it to the surface. It has an extra-long 2-inch barrel size that helps create long, voluminous curls. The rotating handle allows you to wrap hair perfectly for defined curls. The curling iron heats up super-fast up to 430oF. It has ten heat settings with a rheostat control dial. The multiple heat settings enable different ways of styling. The curling iron works well on all types and textures of hair.
- Styling surface distributes heat evenly
- Easily glides on hair strands
- Controlled heating-cooling system
- Pulse technology keeps heating surface hot for long
- Provides long curls
- Heavy
- Takes time to heat up
- Not suitable for curling fine hair
Conair InfinitiPro Ceramic Curling Iron | BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron | Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Turquise | - | - | |
| Material | Ceramic | Titanium | Metal | |
| Hair Type | All | All | All | |
| Shape | Barrel | Barrel | Barrel | |
| Dimensions | 5.98 x 2.56 x 15.24 inches | 24 x 2 x 3.5 inches | 15.3 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches | |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 13.6 Ounces | 1.6 Pounds | |
| Rating | ||||
| Reviews | 16,704 | 2,652 | 20,453 | |
| Price | $26.99 | $59.99 | $43.45 |
4. Ella Bella Professional Curling Iron
The Ella Bella 1-Inch Curling Iron helps transform your hair’s look within seconds. It is engineered with ceramic technology that protects the hair against excess heat and tames frizz. This professional curler features customizable heat settings, ranging from 180°F to 410°F, enabling you to set the temperature according to your hair thickness. The 60-minute auto shut-off mechanism ensures added safety, while the 360° tangle-free cord helps you style your hair conveniently from every position. This versatile iron also features an anti-scald tip and a resting stand. It comes with a professional glove, a heat-resistant mat, and a carry case.
- Easy to use
- Imparts long-lasting curls
- Heats up quickly
- Adjustable heat settings
- Dual-voltage facility
- 60-minute automatic shut-off mechanism
- 360° tangle-free cord
- Anti-scald tip
- Comes with a resting stand
- Not suitable for fine hair
5. BIO IONIC Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron
The BIO IONIC Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron is designed using nanolonic mineral-infused technology that helps to create incredibly long-lasting curls in half the time when compared to ordinary curling wands. The iron is powered with the BIO Ionic Moisturizing HeatTM technology that prevents any moisture loss. The rotating tapered barrel of the iron imparts a sleek, smooth finish to your curls. It also comes with digital temperature control up to 440°F and a digital display, for you to get just the right temperature that your hair needs. The curling iron features a cool touch tip and an easy-grip body for safe usage. Additionally, the 9 ft swivel cord and 60-minute automatic shut-off features of this iron help you experience a super smooth styling experience.
- Cool touch tip
- Automatic shut-off mechanism
- Digital temperature control
- 9ft swivel cord
- Easy grip handle
- Adjustable heat settings
- No dual-voltage facility
6. CHI Ceramic Curling Iron
The CHI Ceramic Curling Iron utilizes advanced technology to give voluminous, healthy curls. It is made of Tourmaline Ceramic for even distribution of heat and a perfect style. It generates a high amount of negative ions and far-infrared that reduce static electricity and promote hair health. The clipless curling iron is designed with a 1-hour auto shut-off system that makes it safer to use. Its non-stick ceramic surface glides through the hair perfectly and creates voluminous waves that last all day. It quickly heats up to 410o F and is suitable for all hair types. It comes with a 6.5 feet long rotating swivel cord that prevents pesky tangles and creates healthy, luxurious curls.
- D voltage
- 1-hour auto shut-off system
- Generates negative ions for healthy hair
- Reduces frizz and static
- Adds shine
- Variable heat settings
- Quick heat-cool set-up
- Non-stick ceramic glides through hair effortlessly
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,076 rave reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Lightweight Design:T3 SinglePass Professional Curling Iron
The T3 SinglePass Professional Curling Iron uses innovative technology that maintains a consistent temperature. It smoothly glides through the hair to produce luxurious, shiny, healthy curls without too much effort. It features an internal microchip that controls temperature fluctuations and ensures even and optimal heat. It creates spirals, waves, and curls in just minutes! It has been tested to have 76% proven efficacy in creating curls that last more than 1 day. The curling iron is made with tourmaline and ceramic blend that emits negative ions. These seal hair cuticles and retain moisture for healthy, shiny locks. This curling iron offers lustrous curls. It ensures even heat for quick styling. It has five adjustable heat settings and quick heat-up to 410°F. The SmartTwist dial easily turns the tool on and off for efficient temperature regulation.
- Lightweight design
- Auto adjustment of temperature
- Emits negative ions for healthy hair
- Adjustable heat settings
- Custom blend ceramic barrel for shiny results
- Produces curls fast
- May not produce long-lasting curls
Quick Tip8. Wavytalk Beach Waves Curling Iron
The Wavytalk Beach Waves Curling Iron features a triple barrel design and a ceramic tourmaline coating that seals moisture in your hair and reduces frizz. This curling iron helps create luxurious waves with a smooth finish. It comes with temperature heat settings ranging from 300°-420°F and is suitable for all hair textures and lengths. Further, its low setting feature is ideal for thin, soft hair and its high setting is great for thick, coarse hair. It is easy to use and it takes only 15 seconds to heat up. The curling wand comes with a dual voltage facility which makes it a travel-friendly option and its protective tip and safety lock features make it a safe investment. Additionally, the curling iron is designed with 1-hour automatic shutoff mechanism. It comes with protective gloves as well.
- Suitable for all hair lengths
- Dual voltage facility
- Heat-insulated tip
- 360-degree swivel cord
- Adjustable heat settings
- 24-hours lasting effect
- Safety lock
- 60 mins auto shut mode
- May frizz up your hair
9. Best Overall Curling Iron:ghd Curve Classic Curl Iron
Get classic, covetable curls with this luxury brand curling iron. The ghd Curve Classic Curling Iron is one of the most popular choices among hairstylists due to the advanced technology sensor. It comes with a 1.25-inch large barrel spring-activated ergonomic lever that helps you create consistent curls. The ultra-zoneTM technology monitors the temperature across the whole barrel and provides a healthy look to your locks. It also includes a professional-length cord for flexible styling and an automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes. The maximum heating temperature is 365°F which is scientifically proven to be safe. This temperature is also maintained across the world with its universal voltage feature.
- Suitable for all hair types and lengths
- Ultra-heat technology for even heat
- Long-lasting curls
- Minimizes heat damage
- Protective cool tip
- Automatic sleep-mode after 30-minutes of non-use
- Universal voltage
- Swivel cord for easy styling
- Expensive
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 850 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
10. Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Curling Iron
The Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Curling Iron provides endless styling options. It has a 1-inch ceramic barrel that helps you create natural-looking curls, coils, and loose waves. It features an extra-long cool tip and an insulated thumb grip that ensures comfort and total control without causing any tangles. The gold-plated wand seals moisture prevents heat damage, and quickly heats up to 430o F. The curling iron is suitable for all hair types.
- Extra-long cooling tip
- Insulated thump grip
- Gold-plated wands prevent moisture loss
- Suitable for all hair types
- Ergonomic design
- Quickly heats up
None
11. MINT Professional Extra Long Curling Iron
The MINT Professional Extra Long Curling Iron is the perfect choice if you are looking for a tool suitable for all hair textures. It heats up quickly and perfectly glides on your hair to create bouncy curls. The extra-long barrel ensures even heat distribution. The barrels are made from ceramic, and tourmaline ionic technology, that minimizes heat damage and imparts a frizz-free look to your curls. This curling iron features variable temperature settings ranging from 270° to 430° F, that help you adjust the heat according to your needs. It also features an auto shut-off mechanism and dual voltage facility. The curling iron has a cool tip band that lightens up indicating that the tool has heated up completely. The cool tip also helps you grip the iron well, allowing you to maneuver it safely.
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Dual voltage facility
- Auto shutoff mechanism
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Easy to use
- Dual-heater system
- Cool tip
- Fast and even heating
- Not durable
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 352 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
12. MBHAIR Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler
The MBHAIR hair curler allows you to create both bouncy, voluminous curls and tight corkscrew curls. Its ceramic-coated barrel ensures you get frizz-free, ultra-shiny curls every time! The ceramic gloss technology of this curling iron prevents it from rusting and provides it with a thermal bottom. The tool is powered by PTC fast heating that ensures even heating and maintains a constant temperature throughout your styling time while preventing heat damage. The adjustable heat setting of 220-450°F makes this curling iron suitable for all hair types. Additionally, this tool features a 360° swivel cord and insulated tip for safe styling. The best part is that its thin barrel allows you to zero in on the smaller curls that frame your face. Additionally, you do not need to worry if you forget to unplug the wand, as it shuts off automatically after 60 minutes. It is also designed with a dual voltage facility, making it ideal for traveling.
- Heats up quickly
- Adjustable temperature
- Long-lasting effect
- Super skinny ceramic barrel
- Automatic 60-minutes shut-off mechanism
- Compact
- Travel-friendly
- Not durable.
13. INH Beach Waver Curling Iron
INH Beach Waver Curling Iron gives you frizz-free, salon-grade curls from the comfort of your home. It helps to tame flyaways, eliminate frizz and counteract static to give you soft, shiny, and healthy-looking hair. It is equipped with tourmaline glaze ceramic coated barrels that work to reduce dryness by sealing in moisture in your hair follicles. This expert-recommended curling iron is designed to evenly distribute the heat and comes with no-scald barrel tips to offer superior protection to your tresses as you style your hair. The most remarkable part about it is that it helps to give you 48 hours of long-lasting, natural-looking curls. The hot tool comes with a temperature control LED screen and a tangle-free 360° swivel cord, to give you salon-level styling. This lightweight ergonomic curling iron comes with a protective stand and heat-resistant gloves for ultimate protection.
- Minimize heat damage
- Beginner-friendly
- Lightweight
- 360° swivel cord
- LED display
- Long-lasting effect
- Dual-voltage facility
- Non-slip handle
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic
- Not suitable for long hair
14. 7Magic 3 Barrel Curling Iron
The 7Magic 3-Barrel Curling Iron is a must-have product for achieving gorgeous curly waves. It heats up within seconds and comes with a rotary temperature adjustment that imparts efficient temperature control. You can easily adjust the temperature settings of the curler depending on your styling needs and hair type. The unique PTC technology of the curling iron ensures that your hair gets even heat. The curling iron is equipped with an LCD display that helps you monitor its temperature and a 360° rotating power long cord that helps you curl your hair easily. This curler has a non-slip grip and an anti-scald tip which prevent any accidents. Additionally, the curler features a 60-minute automatic shut-off feature and dual voltage facility, making it a travel-friendly, safe appliance. It comes with premium heat-resistant gloves for optimum protection.
- LCD temperature display
- Dual voltage facility
- 360° swivel power cord
- 6 temperature settings
- Non-slip design
- Anti-scald end cap
- Easy to use
- Heats up quickly
None
These are the 14 best-rated curling irons with positive reviews that you can buy online. In the following section, we have discussed how you must use a curling iron.
How To Use A Curling Iron
A curling iron can be used to create different types of curls, including beach waves, tight coils, loose curls, formal curls, or bold waves. Each of these styles depends on the method of curling and the size of the iron. Here’s a step-by-step procedure to curl your hair using a curling iron.
- Heat the tool: Heat the curling iron to the right temperature that is the best fit for your hair type. If you have fine hair, heat the device to 320o Those with long, coarse, and thick hair can heat the iron to the maximum temperature. However, it is best to go for the lowest temperature to avoid any hair damage.
- Brush hair: Brush your hair properly to release tangles or any frizziness.
- Apply heat protectant spray: A heat protectant spray ensures the protection of each strand against heat damage.
- Section your hair: Section your hair into two or three parts from the bottom to the crown of your head, one above your ears, and one below.
- Start curling: Wrap your hair around the barrel in the inward direction. Ensure to curl in clockwise and anticlockwise directions for more natural-looking curls. Continue to curl until all the sections are covered.
- Set your curls: Use a curling hairspray to set your curls. It will add shine to your locks and keeps them defined for hours.
, a cosmetologist, says, “When curling your hair with your new favorite curling iron, make sure your hair is 100% dry before you style. If you apply this heat directly to your hair when wet or damp, you will damage it.” If you want to avoid more such certain common mistakes people make while styling their hair, check the following section.
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Styling Your Hair
- Using the wrong barrel size or the wrong type of curling iron.
- Using the curling iron on high heat or letting it stay on your tresses for more time than required.
- Curling your hair when it is wet.
- Curling your hair randomly without sectioning it.
- Curling your tresses without applying a heat protectant spray.
- Wrapping your hair along with the curling iron in the wrong direction.
- Pressing the ends of the curling iron too hard.
- Brushing your curls immediately or scrunching them too hard.
- Skipping hair spray or serum.
The following buying guide will tell you how you can choose the right curling iron.
Tips To Find The Right Curling Iron
- Barrel Size: If you want short, wavy curls, select a curling iron with a 1- to 1.5-inch barrel for a tighter look. If you have long hair and want long, voluminous curls, pick a curling iron with a barrel size 2 inches or more for a more defined look. Also, remember that the barrel size is proportional to your hair length. For more information, click on A Guide To Finding The Perfect Curling Iron Size.
- Barrel Material: Picking a curling iron with the right material is essential to protect your hair from heat damage. There are four common materials found in curling irons. While most curling irons are made of metal, they also come with a coating of one of the four materials.
- Ceramic: It is the most common and the safest materials to use. It heats up quickly and produces consistent heat without damaging your tresses. It emits negative ions that smoothen your hair, making it appear soft and silky.
- Titanium: Most professional curling irons are made of titanium. It is a perfect material to curl thick, coarse, and rough hair as it heats up faster than ceramic irons. Also, it protects your hair and helps you manage your wild tresses.
- Tourmaline: Tourmaline is a gemstone/mineral that is crushed and coated onto the ceramic plate. Tourmaline also prevents the chances of your hair getting burnt or damaged and keeps your hair smooth and silky.
- Gold: Gold is used to coat metal, titanium, or ceramic irons. It protects your hair from overheating and adds an excess of shine to it.
- Adjustable Heat Settings: A curling iron with adjustable temperature settings works best. A lower temperature is great for fine hair, while higher temperatures are great for coarse or hard-to-curl hair.
- Ideal Temperature: Most curling irons come with adjustable heat settings, and the temperature ranges from 300o to 430o Different hair types require different heat settings. Thick hair can accommodate higher temperatures, while thin and brittle hair needs a lower temperature. However, it is vital to check for the minimum and maximum temperatures that suit your hair type. This way, you can change the heat settings depending on your hair type.
- Auto Shut-Off: An auto shut-off feature is important to save power and enhance the life of the tool.
- Accessories: Check if your curling iron contains accessories like thermal styling gloves, an iron cleaner, and a carrying pouch.
- Weight: The curling iron should be lightweight.
Infographic: Different Curling Iron Barrel Sizes And Their Effects
The art of curling requires you to be well-informed about the different curling iron barrel sizes and the types of curls they can successfully create. Each barrel has its uniqueness in terms of sizing, usage, and the hair types they cater to. The infographic below explains which barrel to choose if you want different types of curls – tight, defined, loose, beachy, or springy. It also takes us through the hair types that can benefit from each barrel type. Take a look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Finding a curling iron that won’t damage your hair can be hard. With improvements in heat technology, safety settings, and barrel designs, curling irons have improved a lot over the years. For instance, the Conair InfinitiPro Ceramic Curling Iron is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. Further, the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron is perfect for creating long-lasting curls and waves while minimizing damage to the hair, while the T3 SinglePass Professional Curling Iron locks the moisture and boosts shiny locks. Whether you want classic beachy waves or tight ringlets, a good professional-grade curling iron will always be one of the most useful styling tools. The reviewed products in this article are highly recommended by beauty experts and stylists alike. These expert-recommended curling irons have a temperature control system, protect hair from damage, and help you get long-lasting curls. Consider the barrel size, material, heat settings, and weight of the curling iron before investing in one.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, loves experimenting with the latest hair styling products. According to her, salon-styled hair is an achievable dream right at the comfort of your home, with products like a good curling iron. After hours of research and reading through product reviews and user feedback on online forums, she compiled a comprehensive list of the top curling irons. The easy-to-use styling tool leaves hair evenly styled and frizz-free, without any damage or breakage caused by heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is curling iron good for hair?
Yes, curling irons with appropriate heat settings, safety options, and barrel designs are safe for hair styling.
Is a curling wand or a curling iron better?
Curling irons make classic, bouncy curls, while a curling wand can create various wave styles. Choose one according to the hairstyle you prefer.
What type of curling iron is the least damaging?
Ceramic curling irons are the least damaging since they evenly distribute the heat on the hair, leaving it lustrous.
How do I know what size curling iron I need?
Use barrel sizes of 1″ to 1.25″ for tight curls, 1.5″ for large, bouncy curls, and 1.25″ to 2″ for loose curls.
How often should you replace your curling iron?
Replace your curling iron after 2-3 years of frequent usage. Uzing the same curling iron for an extended period can affect hair texture, produce frizz, and cause split ends.
Is it OK to use a curling iron every day?
No, using a curling iron daily will damage your hair and make it frizzy. Daily heat exposure is not healthy for your hair.
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