Creating perfect ringlets or effortless beach waves requires the right heat-styling tools. We’ve rigorously tested a variety of popular curling irons and wands, as well as newer options on the market, to find the best ones for your hair styling needs.
These hair tools are great for adding waves to straight hair or achieving an elegant look with beautiful barrel curls.
Best Iron Curlers:
The GHD has a unique design, with a tapered barrel that starts off round and graduates to a flat oval at the top, tapering from 1-inch to 0.9-inch. Both of these traits keep the curls from molding into a strategically tapered curl, which can sometimes look too perfect and unnatural. The slight taper and the gritty finish of the barrel keeps the hair from sliding down as it can do with a barrel that has a super-glossy finish.
Pros:
- Heats up quickly
- Well-placed kickstand
Cons:
- None
Beachwaver Pro is an innovative professional rotating curling iron invented by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa. This curling iron rotates in both directions to give you glamorous, bombshell waves with the touch of a button!
Pros:
Rotating mechanism curls hair for you Pro
Creates well-defined, lasting curls Pro
GH Beauty Lab favorite
Cons:
Learning curve
Small clip may be tricky for short-haired users
With the Shark Air Styling & Drying System, you can easily transform between a powerful, fast, hair dryer, and an ultra-versatile multi styler with no-heat-damage. One twist is all it takes to flex from one to the other. Attach different stylers and unlock the ability to curl, volumize, smooth, and dry. Lightweight & powerful, FlexStyle is the answer to fast, easy styling.
Features:
The T3 CurlWrap features a long, 1.25″ auto-rotating barrel and 2 SmartCurl timer settings for fast, easy, flawless curls and waves. A two-way AutoTwist switch steers effortless barrel rotation, and Digital T3 SinglePass Technology powers 9 precise heat settings for lasting curls on all hair types.
Features:
- Long Barrel
- 2 Timer Settings
- 9 Heat Settings
- Auto-Rotating Ceramic Barrel and Ion Generator for Fast
- Easy Curls and Waves on All Hair Types
The Bio Ionic curling iron offers six labeled heating settings ranging from 250°F to 430°F, increasing in increments of 30°F. I chose 360°F, which the brand recommends for “normal hair.” The longer, 1.25-inch thick barrel makes it easier to curl larger sections of hair at once without forfeiting your desired style. While clamps can sometimes leave kinks in the hair that force you to redo a lock of hair, this one didn’t.
I enjoyed using this iron, but some with short or medium-length hair may find it bulky or unnecessary for achieving their desired style. On the other hand, if you have long hair that makes it difficult to get an even, tight curl from root to tip, this extra-long curling iron could be your solution.
Pros:
- Long barrel is great for long hair
- Good range of temperatures
Cons:
- Bulkier
InfinitiPRO By Conair Curl Secret Auto Curler is the way to create curls that won’t quit. Select a temperature, a curl type, and a curl direction, then place a section of hair into the slot. Push START & watch hair gently wrap around the barrel.
Features:
Mix & Match: Switch up temperature, direction, and curl type to change your style
Heat for Every Hair Type: 5 heat settings for all hair types (300, 330, 355, 385 or 410 degree F)
Worry-Free Styling: Tangle-Free Technology and barrel cover protect hair while curling and prevent accidental scalding
No Stress: Low energy-efficient mode and auto-off
Dual Voltage: Designed for international travel technology
If you’re after curls that last, you might want to give the Ion curling iron with the highest temperature a shot. It really stood out in our tests, especially for those with thick or coarse hair. People loved how it excelled in so many areas, like how easy it was to grip and maneuver, the simple controls, its compact size, and most importantly, how well it kept those curls intact.
One thing users particularly liked was that the clamp is the same length as the barrel, which is great for folks with shorter hair. And the shorter handle? Well, that keeps your hand in just the right spot to reach the thumb grip easily. Just a heads up though, the handle can get a tad warm when you crank up the heat to the max.
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
The Airwrap is a styling tool with multiple heads and a controlled heat system. Essentially, it’s meant to be your hairdryer, straightener, and styler all in one as well as a healthier way to style your hair.
But all of this innovation comes with a sky high sticker price. If it means you’re able to swap out your hair dryer, flat iron and curling tools for one item, though, we think it’s justifiable. You can also opt for sets that target different hair types and textures, including long or short barrel sets, and attachments for kinky hair.
Pros:
- Styles and dries hair at once
- Prevents excessive heat damage
- Can be used for curling or straightening
Cons:
- Expensive