Best Curling Iron

The best curling irons can be used on a variety of hair types, from fine hair to thick and curly tresses, but the final results will vary depending on your specific hair type and the amount of hair styling products you use. Gone are the days when curling wands would singe your hair in a bid to create curls and waves that dropped out within minutes - today’s best curling irons have built-in temperature control and create longer-lasting movement throughout your hair. There are plenty of curling wands to pick from too, with options to suit your specific needs. 

With such hot temperatures, this Conair curling iron also has safety in mind and includes an auto-off function, as well as a thermal glove for added precaution. The Conair InfinitiPro Rainbow Titanium Curling Wand comes in different sizes, but none of them have a clamp to hold hair in place. Instead, you'll have to hold the hair around the barrel yourself.

Safety features of this curling iron include a cool tip, built-in stand, and automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of non-use.  The ghd curling iron keeps things simple with one heat setting – a 365°F, which is suitable for all hair types.

Features include 30 heat settings and an auto-off function. Tourmaline ceramic technology ensures the clamps add plenty of shine to your hair, for a smooth frizz-free effect. It's hands-down the best curling iron for mermaid waves. The Deep Waver II is ideal for looser, more tousled waves rather than defined waves.

The spring barrel clamps down hair to offer effective control whether you’re after tight curls or loose waves, with shiny and smooth results. There is also a turbo heat button that instantly boosts the temperature for faster results and more defined curls should you need it. It's a little difficult to use on short hair, but other lengths will work just fine.

The tourmaline ceramic barrel is kind to hair and offers a frizz-free finish. Since there isn't a clamp to hold hair in place, Bed Head includes a heat-protective glove so that you can safely use the wand without burning your fingertips. Overall the Bed Head curling iron is well-made, easy-to-use device.

Extra handy features include a turbo heat boost, should you need it, as well as a cool tip for safe handling. There is also an auto-off feature and dual voltage. There is also an auto-off feature and dual voltage, which makes the Conair Double Ceramic Curling Wand one of the best curling irons for holidays and general travel. The barrel of this curling iron is a bit large, so you won't be able to create tight, ringlet curls with it.

How to choose the best curling irons for you 

The barrels on curling irons or curling wands can be made from different materials, such as ceramic or tourmaline. Ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly by emitting negatively charged ions and this type of barrel will not strip your hair of its natural oils, which in turn makes curls look smoother. But it’s also worth bearing in mind ceramic has a rougher surface – so while hair is less likely to slip off, it is also more likely to catch or snag.

Tourmaline curling irons are also ceramic but feature a layer of tourmaline around the barrel and plate. This protects the ceramic, while also leaving your hair shinier.

Another thing to consider when choosing a curling iron is barrel size, as this will determine the tightness of your curls. The shape of the barrel is also significant as uniform, spiraled or tapered barrels will give different results. If you’re looking for natural waves, a curling wand might suit you better than a curling iron, which typically comes with a clip to hold your hair tight against the barrel.

Do curling irons damage your hair?

If you use your curling irons carefully and at the right temperature then it should not damage your hair. You should only use a very hot curling iron on thick or coarse hair, as thin hair is more likely to break or burn at higher temperatures. There are plenty of heat protectants available that you can use to prevent hair damage, but the best advice is to exercise caution and keep a constant eye on your hair in the mirror as you curl it. 

Plenty of devices come with adjustable temperature controls – if you have finer hair try to keep the temperature below 200°F, and if your hair is thicker or coarser you should be able to go up to 300°F at home. Many devices go as high as 400°F, but these sorts of temperatures are best handled by a professional in a salon setting.

Another tip to protect your hair is to avoid passing the irons over the same section of hair repeatedly. If you have the temperature set correctly, one pass should be enough. The hotter the curling iron, the less time you'll need to leave it in your hair – this is particularly important if you have fine hair. And talking of frequency, it’s best to limit how many times per week you use your curling iron. The more often you use it, the more likely you are to cause heat damage to your hair. Try not to use the irons every day, for instance.

Away from the device, using a hair mask to repair any heat damage and replenish moisture will not only improve the quality of your hair but will give you a well-deserved treat at the same time.

Why trust us

At Top Ten Reviews, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.

For curling irons, we tested several different ones on six people, each with a different type of hair. Using what we learned for our in-house tests, we've been able to create a great guide to help you choose the best curling iron for you.