The best curling irons and wands deliver a polished, professional curl in minutes—no appointment required. The right barrel size, material, and heat settings can make a big difference, especially if you have hard-to-curl or damaged hair. Here, we put 20 different curling wands to the test on different hair types and lengths, evaluating ease of use, heat range, and durability. Whether you’re looking to master a Hollywood blowout or find the ultimate barrel for shorter hair types, these are the top six curling irons we’ve tried after years of testing. Some finds of note: an unexpectedly affordable top performer from Hot Tools, a T3 that gives you beachy waves, bestsellers that are gentle on hair, and more hairstyling tools that make achieving long-lasting curls effortless.
Our top curling irons
- Best Overall: Hot Tools Professional Gold Curling Iron, $47
- Best for Loose Curls on Thick Hair: Bio Ionic Long-Barrel Styler, $163
- Best for Hollywood Waves: T3 SinglePass Curl x Curling Iron, $150
- Best for Short Hair: Paul Mitchell 3-in-1 Curling Iron, $120
- Best for No Heat Damage: Dyson i.d Airwrap Styler, $649
- Best for Beachy Waves on Fine Hair: TYMO Automatic Rotating Curling Iron, $48
Frequently asked questions
- What should you look for when shopping for a curling iron?
- What size barrel should I use on my hair?
- What temperature should you set your curling iron to?
- What type of curling iron is least damaging to hair?
- How do you get Hollywood waves with a curling iron? What about beach waves?
- What kind of curling irons do salons use?
- How do you make curls last?
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
- Comparison chart
Best Overall: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24k Gold Long Curling Iron
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Hot Tools Pro Artist 24k Gold Barrel Curling Iron
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Long barrel at six inches | Some pulling |
| Five temperature settings | |
| Long power cord |
After testing over 20 different stylers, our top pick is the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Long Curling Iron. It stands out because it creates long-lasting curls without overheating—no frying hair. At six inches (two inches longer than your typical curler), it’s suitable for a broader range of lengths. It also heats up faster to more precise temperatures, so you can better customize your styling session to suit fine or coarse strands. We chose this as our best overall pick because it’s under $100, beginner-friendly, and leaves behind long-lasting, swooping curls, even on the straightest or hard-to-curl hair.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has straight, fine hair, says:
“It’s easy to use, even if you’re not a fan of clamp-stylers. The longer barrel is perfect for my long hair; it lets me curl every inch without leaving any pieces out or having to make multiple passes. My hair held its curl for over eight hours, an entire Saturday.”—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who has thick, long hair, says:
“This curling iron actually is able to give me tighter curls than others I’ve tested. If you’re on a rush, this one will get you defined curls fast. I have long, coarse hair and was able to do it in just 20 minutes or so—compared to other expensive curlers that’s pretty good. It also didn’t feel like it was frying my hair. There was no real singing of my strands. You will a tiny bit of pulling if you’re not careful with the clamp but otherwise this was a hardworking curler for under $100.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor.
Fast facts:
- Best for styling: Wider, voluminous wave
- Barrel size: 1.25”
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 480°F
Best for Soft, Loose Curls on Thick Hair: Bio Ionic Long-Barrel Styler
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Bio Ionic Long-Barrel Styler
Amazon
Bio Ionic
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Creates actually long-lasting curls | The temperature dial could use improvement |
| Cool tip to maneuver the iron easily |
If you want to create soft, loose curls, short barrels can make it difficult to wrap your entire strands around and curl your ends. This long-barrel curling iron might just solve this sorun with its extra-long barrel (eight inches!), which lets you curl your hair from root to tip for a sweeping effect throughout, even if it hangs well below your shoulders. This one makes it easy to curl longer strands quickly and efficiently. We also like that the ceramic barrel helps minimize flyaways and frizz, making it perfect for very dry and damaged hair types that are prone to static, as well.
Glamour’s Calle says:
“This curling iron is very gentle which is a huge plus if you hate the pulling or snagging from hot tools. The thicker barrel is great for more loose, soft curls. If you want them a little more tight, I suggest holding it for a bit longer but I was able to achieve my wavy look with just a few second on the barrel which is great since I have a lot of hair.” —J.C.
Fast facts:
- Best for styling: Long hair that needs to hold curls for an extended period of time
- Barrel size: 1”
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 430°F
Best for Hollywood Waves: T3 SinglePass Curl x Curling Iron
T3 SinglePass Curl X Extra-Long Barrel Curling Iron
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Heat settings don’t show exact temperature |
| Easy to maneuver | |
| Delivers shiny curls |
The 6.5-inch ceramic barrel covers every inch of longer hair without requiring multiple passes, and grips hair securely without pulling. We like that the ceramic clamp grips hair securely without pulling, and that the barrel holds steady heat to style larger sections of hair at a time. This iron is versatile on a handful of hair types, and heats up to around 450°F, which can smooth out coarser and curlier strands. The gentle ceramic barrel also helps retain hair’s moisture, giving you an extremely shiny, hydrated hair finish that’s red-carpet-worthy.
Glamour’s Kilkeary who has straight, fine hair says:
“It’s quite ergonomic and allows you to curl hair from its root to its tip with constant adjusting. It also gave me frizz-free curls that lasted for a full day—an impressive feat for my very straight, typically hard-to-curl hair. The brand also makes a tapered version of this curling wand if you like waves that are looser on the top, tighter on the bottom.”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Best for styling: Longer hair, frizzy or flyaway-prone hair
- Barrel size: 1”
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: 260°F–450°F
Best for Short Hair: Paul Mitchell 3-in-1 Curling Iron
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Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Curling Iron
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Thin barrels make it ülkü for short hair | May not get hot enough for very coarse hair |
| Includes tapered wands | |
| Dual-voltage | |
| Easy-to-read temperature control |
If you have shorter hair and want to achieve tighter curls, this interchangeable option from Paul Mitchell is a smart investment. It comes with three ceramic barrels—a 1-inch rod for loose waves, a 1.25-inch cone for natural-looking curls, and a 0.75-inch cone for tighter ringlets—so you can easily switch up your look. The clamp-free, wrap-and-release design speeds up the styling process and helps minimize damage, while the brand’s far-infrared technology and super-charged negative ions help deliver shiny, frizz-free results. The narrower barrels make it easy to curl short and fine hair types, and it doesn’t get overly hot.
Glamour’s Kilkeary, who has straight, fine hair, says:
“I recently chopped my hair just above my shoulders, and used the superthin barrel to create corkscrew-like curls that completely changed the look and texture of my hair. It added so much volume and stayed put for hours throughout the night. I’d recommend this one if you have hard-to-curl hair like mine—it’s truly a game changer. You can see it clearly in my before-and-after.”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Tester hair type: Fine, thin, and straight
- Barrel size: 0.75”, 1”, 1.25”
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: Up to 410°F
Best for No Heat Damage: Dyson i.d Airwrap Styler
Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Multi-Styler
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Six attachments | Expensive |
| Two-year warranty | Works best on long hair |
| Dries and styles at the same time | |
| Ideal for damaged hair |
Like the Supersonic—Dyson’s best-selling hair dryer—the Dyson i.d Airwrap is expensive. But if you’re looking to invest in something that won’t cause hair damage and truly lives up to the hype, it’s a worthy pick, and also one of the best for curly hair. The first-of-its-kind tool dries and styles simultaneously without burning your hair. To curl, you simply attach one of two included curling wands and dangle your hair over it. The Airwrap sucks it close to the barrel, then expertly wraps your hair around the wand—no need to move your hand. If you want a smoother, sleeker style, opt for the smoothing dryer or one of the three other included brush attachments. Yes, it has an eye-popping price tag, but our editors have been big fans of the product since its 2018 launch and say it’s worth the splurge.
Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs, who has fine, curly hair, says:
“It consistently gives me a blowout-level finish without leaving my bathroom and doesn’t saddle me with the kind of heat damage that destroys fine hair like mine. When I factor in everything I’m getting—and how much I’ve saved on professional styling and time—the cost feels absolutely worth it to me.”—Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor
Fast facts:
- Tester hair type: Fine
- Barrel size: 1.2”, 1.6”
- Material: Ceramic, steel
- Temperature range: 140°F–194°F
- Best for styling: Voluminous, smooth curls with limited heat
Best for Beachy Waves on Fine Hair: TYMO Automatic Rotating Curling Iron
TYMO Automatic Rotating Curling Iron
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Rotates on its own | The material is a little cheap |
| Suitable for finer hair types | |
| Delivers beachy waves |
For fine hair types who find curling irons hard to master, this rotating iron removes the learning curve entirely. This pick captures hair, spins and curls it for long-lasting beachy waves. It features anti-tangle technology, so you don’t have to worry about hair getting caught and pulled during use, and it adjusts to a fixed heat level of 410°F to help hair hold shape, which is particularly important if you have fine, hard-to-curl strands. The ceramic barrels help protect thinner hair from damage, as well, so you won’t have to worry about frying your hair, and the cool-to-touch, heat-resistant exterior helps ensure you don’t burn your scalp during use.
Glamour’s Kilkeary, who has straight, fine hair, says:
“This curling iron virtually takes no learning curve to master, and did a great job of giving me beachy waves that lasted all day but didn’t singe my fine, naturally straight hair. The rotating barrel might seem a little intimidating at first, but clings onto hair quickly and doesn’t rip or tug at it (which is a huge plus if your thin hair is prone to breakage like me.”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Tester hair type: Fine, hard-to-curl hair
- Barrel size: 1”
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature range: 410°F
- Best for styling: Beachy waves on fine, thin strands
Other curling irons we tested
- A slightly more affordable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap, the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System has quickly built a loyal following. It delivers beautiful curls or a sleek blowout with five versatile attachments, including two 1.25-inch curlers and two brushes. You can customize your style with four heat and three airflow settings, plus a cool-shot button to lock in curls. While it’s easy to use and works well on curly or wavy hair, the barrels are a bit short for very long hair. We love this tool, but the shorter barrels keep it from being our top multistyler.
- The rotating barrel curling iron of the Beachwaver B 1.5 Curling Iron makes this tool a great pick for beginners, since you don’t need salon-level wrist skills to get started. Just clamp in a section of hair, push the button, and let the iron work its magic. While we’re a fan of the iron, we did notice our hair getting clipped and snagged by the rotating barrel a little too much.
- The CHI Ceramic Curling Iron is an easy-to-use curler that is gentle and great for beginners. The clamp allows you to curl an entire section with one hand, and the barrel features a ceramic coating that reduces frizz and keeps strands static-free. The ceramic coating also makes it easier on hair that’s been colored or damaged—you won’t experience breakage or frizz. While we think this is a great starting point for beginners, it’s not a particularly durable investment.
- If you’re chasing soft, beachy waves, the Amika High Tide Deep Waver is simple to use and won’t leave harsh crimps in your hair as you work it down each section. Its ceramic barrels are designed to leave hair looking shiny and smooth after styling, and it never gets overly hot or steaming. Fair warning that this waver is definitely a bit bulkier and heavier than some of the other curling irons on this list, but it gives you a unique, crimped finish that lasts all day long. Combine this with a little texture spray, and you’ll be left with long-lasting beachy waves that look like you’ve spent the day on the sand. While we like this waver generally, it’s a bit too heavy to use, so we removed it from the list.
- If you want a budget buy that will give you long-lasting waves, we also tried the Conair Infiniti Pro Tourmaline Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron, which you can pick up at your local drugstore. It has a protective coating that keeps your curls frizz-free. Unfortunately, the curls didn’t last as long as we’d like, so we ultimately decided to remove them from our list.
- Another Airwrap alternative is the T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler, which is a favorite of the Glamour team. It gives you loose, voluminous curls that resemble a salon blowout with less heat damage, thanks to its gentle temperature settings and material. While we like this one for multistyling, a traditional curling iron just gets the job done a bit better.
- We also tested the GHD Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand, which we found great for thick hair types. It comes with an optional spring clamp, and we like how it gives you volumized, textured curls that last for hours. We didn’t love that it was preset to 365°F, so we had to recurl sections a few times, which is why we removed it from the list.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a curling iron?
When shopping for a curling wand, consider the following:
Material: Ceramic barrels evenly distribute heat for smooth, shiny curls with less damage, making it great for fine hair. Titanium heats faster and stays hotter, making it ülkü for thick or coarse hair. Tourmaline ceramic helps reduce frizz and boost shine—perfect for damaged or frizz-prone strands.
Heat settings: Match the heat to your hair type. To prevent damage to fine hair, keep the temperature below 300°F. Thick, coarse, or curly hair can handle higher temps between 350°F and 450°F.
Barrel size: The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. Sizes from 0.5 to 0.75 inches create ringlets, while 1.5 to 2 inches give loose, beachy waves. Long hair benefits from an extra-large barrel for faster styling.
Attachments: Interchangeable barrels offer versatility, letting you switch from tight curls to soft waves with a single tool.
There are also two types of curling irons you’ll come across: ceramic irons and titanium irons (the occasional gold curling iron also might pop up in your search). Choosing the right type all depends on your hair type, according to the stylists we spoke with.
Ceramic curling irons distribute heat evenly for smooth, shiny curls and are gentler on fine or fragile hair, says celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine. Titanium irons are more durable, heat up faster, and hold higher temperatures, which is ülkü for thick or coarse hair that needs more power to style. If you’re prone to frizz or damage, tourmaline ceramic is another great option, since it emits negative ions that help boost shine and reduce static.
Gold curling irons aren’t necessarily better than other options, but they can handle higher heat, making them a solid choice for thick or coarse hair. That said, they don’t distribute heat as evenly as ceramic models.
What size barrel should I use on my hair?
It depends on your hair length and the type of curl you want.
- 0.5 to 0.75 inches: Creates tight ringlets or corkscrew curls that are best for short to medium hair
- 1-inch: The most versatile size for most lengths, since it can make everything from bouncy curls to soft waves
- 1.25-inch: Great for medium to long hair and loose, glam curls
- 1.5 to 1.75 inches: Ülkü for long hair and big, voluminous waves that mimic a blowout
What temperature should you set your curling iron to?
The ülkü temperature depends on your hair type, says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. Here’s what he recommends.
- Fine or thin hair: 250°F to 325°F
- Medium to thick hair: 300°F to 375°F
- Very thick or coarse hair: 325°F to 400°F
Whatever your setting, always use a heat protectant to help prevent damage.
What type of curling iron is least damaging to hair?
While the best choice depends on your hair, ceramic curling irons are generally the least damaging for most people because they hold lower temperatures. If you’re concerned about breakage, ceramic irons are the best choice, though they may not give you a long-lasting finish, according to stylists.
How do you get Hollywood waves with a curling iron? What about beach waves?
If your goal is to achieve red-carpet-worthy waves, start with a medium-to-large barrel and curl all sections in the same direction, says Alex Pardoe, a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles. “Let the curls cool completely, then brush them out with a soft bristle brush to create that smooth, sculpted wave. Finish with a light glossing spray,” he adds. We love the Amika Top Gloss Shine Spray for this.
For beach waves, Giannetos recommends using a large curling iron (about two inches) to create loose bends at the midlengths of your hair, leaving the ends mostly straight. After curling, scrunch your hair, then finish with a texturizing spray for volume and a tousled, undone look. Try the Bumble and Bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray for soft, natural texture without the crunch.
What kind of curling irons do salons use?
Professional stylists in salons often use metal curling irons because they heat up quickly and reach higher temperatures, which is ülkü for efficient styling, says celebrity hairstylist Giannetos. Since pros know how to manage heat safely, they can use these tools without causing damage. For at-home use, he recommends ceramic barrels, which are more forgiving and evenly distribute heat to protect your hair.
How do you make curls last?
To make curls last longer, use a strong-hold hairspray, like Oribe Free Styler Working Hair Spray, to set your style. It offers a strong hold without leaving hair stiff or greasy. Giannetos also recommends adding a frizz-fighting, hydrating product to maintain smoothness and shine. Try a lightweight hair oil or a moisturizing serum like Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Hyaluronic Moisture Repair Serum.
If your curls tend to fall flat after curling, you may be skipping crucial prep and finish steps. As previously mentioned, hairspray and texture sprays are key for holding volume and shape. The stylists also emphasized maintaining a healthy hair deva routine full of hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks; well-conditioned hair is less brittle and better able to hold a style.
How we tested
To find the best curling wands, we tapped Glamour editors and contributors with a wide range of hair types and lengths to test more than two dozen top-rated tools. We evaluated the best hair tools based on key factors like barrel material (ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline), temperature range, ease of use, and overall performance. We paid close attention to how each tool handled different hair types, how quickly it heated up, how long the curls lasted (we wanted at least a full day’s wear), and how the hair looked and felt afterward.
Note: Although we might receive gifted products, our recommendations are based on months of testing and evaluating the very best products. We maintain complete editorial independence in the products we choose to feature, meaning we do not benefit financially from including any product, except for purchases made through our links.
Meet the experts
- Joseph Maine, celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles
- Dimitris Giannetos, celebrity hairstylist
- Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of Second Floor Salon in NYC
- Alex Pardoe, celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles
Curling Iron Comparison Chart
| TL;DR: Glamour’s Top Curling Irons | Why They Stand Out | What Could Improve | Material | Barrel Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K-Gold Long Curling Iron | Great for hard-to-curl hair types; heats up quick | Heavier than other curling irons on this list | Ceramic | 1.25″ |
| T3 SinglePass Curl X | Great for fine hair types; gentle and easy to use | There’s no way to tell what temperature the barrel is. | Ceramic | 1″ |
| Bio Ionic Long-Barrel Styler | Creates long-lasting curls; extra-long barrel is perfect for long hair | Temperature dial could use improvement and a little more range | Ceramic | 1″ |
| Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long | Cult-favorite among many beauty editors; gentle on all hair types; dries hair while curling | Expensive; not suitable for very short hair | Ceramic, steel | 1.2″, 1.6″ |
| Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Wand | Versatile style possibilities for all hair lengths; comes with both a traditional barrel and tapered wands; dual-voltage; easy-to-read temperature control | Doesn’t get as hot as some other options, which may not be ülkü for coarser hair | Ceramic | 0.75″, 1″, 1.25″ |
| TYMO Automatic Rotating Curling Iron | Suitable for fine hair types, it gives you beachy waves | The material is a little cheap | Ceramic | 1” |
