7 best curling irons we've tested on all hair types
When it comes to achieving those eternally cool beachy waves, I’d tried every trick in the book before finally investing in one of the best curling irons. I’d tightly plaited wet hair, twisted sections with my straightener, and experimented with a hot brush – yet I still couldn't quite master that enviably un-done look.
If you can relate, I’ve got good news. In recent years, curling irons have undergone an almost complete reinvention. We no longer have to choose between damaging our hair with uncontrolled heat or settling for curls that drop the moment they meet moisture. As far as hair tools are concerned, the best curling irons have become the gold standard for achieving soft, long-lasting waves that actually hold.
Shop my favourite curling irons, at a glance:
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- My full reviews
- How I tested
- Why you can trust me
- What is the difference between a curling wand and a curling tong?
- How do I choose the right barrel size for my desired curl style?
- What curling wand is best for tight curls?
- Can you protect hair from heat damage while curling it?
- What temperature should I use for my hair type?
Contrary to popular belief, curling irons are far more versatile than you'd think. Every one of them serves up a different type of curl – from mermaid waves to tightly coiled spirals, and big, bouncy ‘90s-influenced curls. And given that each curling wand also comes with its own settings and features, it makes the process of finding the best option for your desirable style even trickier.
But fret not: with the help of my colleagues at Glamour, I've compiled the ultimate guide to the best curling wands on the market, from barrel-shaped curling tongs to tapered wands and even air stylers to fit a variety of lengths and hair types. I've also made sure to include the lowdown on everything you need to know about not only choosing using but also using a curling wand properly, in order to achieve the best (and lasting!) results.
Meet the experts:
| Victoria Panting | Educator, colour and technical educator at Paul Mitchell. |
|---|---|
| Stevie-Leah Loscombe | Stylist at Blue Tit Brixton. |
How I tested curling irons:
Over the past five years, I’ve tested a wealth of curling irons, from coveted GHD tools and Dyson stylers to more affordable options from brands such as Remington and Beauty Works. To ensure my recommendations reflect real-life results across a range of hair types, I also called upon members of the Glamour team to assist, so every curling wand in this edit has been tried and tested across different needs and styling routines.
Together, we took note of everything from barrel size and shape to heat settings, ease of use, curl longevity and suitability for different hair types. We also noted price point, to bring you well-rounded, reliable recommendations you can trust.
While we’ve tested well over than 15 curling irons, only these final seven have made it into our edit, so you can trust they’re actually worth your money. Learn more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me
With over two years of experience writing for Cosmopolitan, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, followed by two and a half years at Glamour as a shopping writer, I’ve made it my job to stay ahead of every new launch. I literally get paid to test products, and have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. From attending press events to interviewing industry experts and putting products through their paces, I’m constantly assessing what’s actually worth your investment.
Along the way, I’ve worked closely with seasoned beauty editors and experts to understand the latest hair tools, techniques and innovations shaping the industry. I’ve also personally tested more curling irons than I could ever count, which means I have a clear, well informed view on which ones are genuinely worth your money.
Ahead, our full edit of the best curling irons, tried and tested by Glamour editors.
Best overall: ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong
Specifications:
- Barrel size: 32mm.
- Weight: 360grams - so it's one of the lightest in this edit.
- Cord length: Not specified.
- Heat settings: 1: Maintains the optimal 185°C temperature throughout.
- Tester: Ali Pantony, Digital Director.
Ali's review: It's no secret that in the vast world of hair tools, ghd reigns supreme. The brand's clever technology helps maintain the same 185°C temperature throughout the whole styling session, which eliminates the need to switch between heat settings. Why 185°C, you ask? The brand conducted intensive research to discover that this temperature is the optimum for hair styling, with hotter temperatures causing unnecessary hair damage, and cooler temperatures delivering disappointing results. It also uses ultra-zone technology, which guarantees consistent heat across the entire barrel for long-lasting results.
Featuring a 32mm ceramic-coated barrel for smooth, glossy curls, this styling tool also includes a sprung lever that grips at the roots for enhanced definition and lasting results. It was clear during testing that safety has also been carefully thought about – there's a protective cool tip for you to hold your hair in place whilst you curl, plus a stand to rest it on during styling. I found this really handy when I was sectioning my hair or making a cuppa mid-curl. I also liked that the auto-shut-off mode comes on after 30 minutes without use.
The curling iron makes a little noise to let you know it is on and ready to use (i.e, hot), and also makes another noise to let you know that you have turned it off correctly, which was another handy feature. While my hair is on the thicker side, this hair tool also works beautifully on all hair types, from damaged hair to fine hair and everything in between. It delivers loose, long-lasting waves that actually stay in place and consistently nails the perfect balance between ‘loose’ and ‘tight’ waves and curls. It's a really good all-rounder.
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Best for beachy curls: Hershesons The Wand
Specifications:
- Barrel size: 25mm.
- Weight: 220g.
- Cord length: 35cm.
- Heat settings: From 80°C all the way up to 210°C.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Freelance Writer.
Denise's review: This cobalt blue curling iron is perfect for achieving those soft, undone waves with tousled texture. It's also fabulous at creating big, bouncy curls and simple bends. Featuring an uber-lightweight 25mm ceramic-coated barrel, it's one of the most beginner-friendly hair tools I've tried, thanks to its intuitive design, an easily adjustable temperature control and a 360 degree swivel cord for flexible styling. Its motto is ‘making great hair easy’ after all, so the ease of use is up there with the best.
If you've ever experienced the heartbreak of curls dropping like I have in the past, you don't need to worry about that here. The Wand has been created to make curls last, and I found it to really deliver against its claims. I curled my hair in the morning – at around 7am, before work – and my curls were still in-tact on the tube home. Sometime circa 6pm. I then tested the device before going out on a long walk, and even on a day when I went to the gym. Yes, my curls did drop a little – but no where near as much as they used to with a certain undisclosed and cheap curling iron. I loved the results.
The curling wand delivers 7 temperatures, starting from 80°C (ideal for fine, coloured hair), and you can flick through the temperatures on the LCD display until you reach the highest temperature of 210°C (perfect for full, thick hair). It was really easy to navigate all of the different settings – if a little confusing knowing which one would be the best for me. I had to do a little bit of research, so note that. When using, I noted that the device has a flexible, 35cm swivel cord that won’t pull either, so you can use the tool in any direction, which is always handy, especially if you have a lot of hair. I also like the finger rest on the top for additional control and balance. And of course for that invaluable peace of mind, it turns off automatically after 60 minutes of no use, and displays the word ‘OFF’. It's great!
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Best for curling and drying: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler
Specifications:
- Barrel size: 30mm and 40mm.
- Weight: 611g.
- Cord length: 2.7 metres.
- Heat settings: 3.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, Freelance Writer.
Denise's review: Like the Supersonic – Dyson’s best-selling hair dryer — the Dyson Airwrap is undeniably expensive. But if you’re looking to invest in a tool that’s truly luxe and lives up to the hype, it’s a worthy pick. The Airwrap, the first of its kind, 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 tool sucks it all up, magically wrapping your hair around the wand, without the need to move your hand.
If you want a smoother, sleeker style, opt for the smoothing dryer of one of the three other included brush attachments. Yep, that's right: it comes with practically half of your local hair salon, including a diffuser, wide tooth comb, detangling comb, volumising brush, firming smoothing brush, and the dryer and flyaway smoother.
Working to dry, curl, style, smooth and set, this intelligent tool also features heat control that measures the temperature over 40 times a second, preventing heat damage and keeping your hair looking and feeling healthy.
Yes, it comes with an eye-popping price tag, but I’ve been a big fan of this product ever since its launch in 2018, and I genuinely think it’s worth the splurge. Not to be dramatic, but my life changed when I first tried it. At the time, I had just gotten a fringe, and the interchangeable attachments made it so easy to switch up my styling within seconds. It gave me salon-level smoothness and blowouts in less than half the time of my old curling wand.
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Best for waves: Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer
Specifications:
- Barrel size: 24mm.
- Weight: Just under 700g.
- Cord length: 2.4 metres.
- Heat settings: 4, including Cool Shot.
- Tester: Emily Whitwam, Former Associate Social Media Manager.
Emily's review: Looking to achieve salon-level soft curls from the comfort of your own home? Say no more. The Shark FlexStyle device has garnered itself a reputation as one of the most sought-after hair tools around, and with good reason. Something between a hair dryer and a styling wand, this versatile essential helps to create soft curls with its auto-wrap curling barrels, which wraps, curls and sets your hair in seconds without you having to lift a finger.
With five ways to style (curl, straighten, volumise, smooth, and define) and with no heat damage (heat is measured 1,000 times a second), this device is perfect for all hair types, delivering more shine and smoothness, and less pesky flyaways.
Compact and lightweight, it rotates between a hair dryer and a styling wand with a single twist, and comes with 4 other attachments and a storage case to make travelling easy. There's a paddle brush, which is perfect for achieving silky smooth strands, and an oval brush, which effortlessly detangles whilst adding body and movement. There's also a diffuser, crafted with extendable prongs to lift the roots and define your curls, and a styling concentrator for speedy drying.
Be sure to check out our Shark discount codes when you shop.
Best for long hair: Beauty Works Professional Styler
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Specifications:
- Barrel size: 32mm.
- Weight: 600g.
- Cord length: 3 metres.
- Heat settings: From 80°C all the way up to 210°C.
- Tester: Samantha Reynolds, Former PA to Acting Executive Editor.
Samantha's review: Whether you're after retro curls, softer waves or a tighter curl situation, the Beauty Works Professional Styler is a solid option for those of us with longer hair or hair extensions, thanks to its extra-long styling barrel. Coated in ceramic, the 32mm barrel will help enhance shine, seal the hair cuticle and reduce the appearance of frizz, delivering a long-lasting result.
You can also alternate between 80°C all the way up to 210°C during styling, which will help to add more dimension and texture to your layers. Beauty Works recommends using 80°C - 150°C for very fine and fragile hair, 150°C - 170°C for fine, coloured, highlighted hair and extensions, 170°C - 180°C for normal, healthy hair, 180°C - 190°C for natural, curly and wavy hair, and 190°C - 220°C for thick, coarse hair. It also heats up within 60 seconds, and comes with a carry case, a built-in stand, a heat-resistant mat, and a protective glove.
With its longer length ensuring even the very ends of your hair are heated and curled, the brand advises to begin by taking a section of hair at eyebrow height, wrapping it around the barrel, away from your face. (The larger the section of hair, the looser the curl). Hold it in place for a couple of seconds, then continue curling, alternating in opposite directions.
Best for thick hair: ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand
Specifications:
- Barrel size: 38mm – 26mm.
- Weight: 740g.
- Cord length: Professional length swivel cable.
- Heat settings: 1: Maintains the optimal 185°C temperature throughout.
- Tester: Jenifer Calle, Glamour US' Senior Commerce Editor.
Jenifer's review: This is a great option for natural, undone waves, adding volume without sacrificing length. I love that this has an optional spring clamp and a shut-off feature that kicks in after 30 minutes of non-use – no more worrying that you left your curling iron plugged in.
Bringing the salon to you (ghd is used by hairdressers and celebrity hair stylists alike), this ceramic curling iron heats up almost immediately (a mere 25 seconds), which is perfect if you're in a rush, and create curls in just 5-8 seconds. It's incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for travel, too, and has universal voltage, so you can use it anywhere in the world. Designed to create deep waves with plenty of movement, this hardworking tool features an advanced ceramic coating specially for smoothing, with a safety-first cool tip and safety stand.
It’s no surprise that dozens of celebrity stylists recommend this styling tool, because it was a perfect 10 out of 10 for me when I put it to the test. It’s easy to use, delivers consistent heat, and has a cool, touchable tip so you’re less likely to burn your fingers. The results were impressive, too. After styling with the spring clamp, my hair was so shiny and flawless that a girl stopped me on the train to ask about my look.
Use our ghd promo codes when you shop for the best hair tools.
Best for long-lasting hold: T3 SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron
Specifications:
- Barrel size: 31mm.
- Weight: Unspecified.
- Cord length: 9ft.
- Heat settings: 5 adjustable heat settings of 126-210°C.
- Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Commerce Writer.
Mayola's review: This curling iron makes light work of creating neat, uniform waves – even for someone as as devoid of attention span as me – and the results lasted all day in the city, despite a fine veil of drizzle. The real win, though, is how quickly you can style an entire head of hair: my usually untameable frizz was waved to perfection in about 20 minutes.
If you’re a styling novice, don’t be put off – this curling iron is packed with practical features. There’s an internal microchip that constantly measures and maintains even temperature across the entire barrel, so you’re not exposed to unnecessary heat, a custom-blend ceramic barrel that delivers a high-gloss finish, and a long 1¼” barrel that's designed for all hair lengths. Even better, the temperature is fully adjustable, with five settings from 126 to 210°C – so if you have fine, dry or damaged hair you don’t need to sit this one out.
Plus, it’s brilliant for adding root-lifting volume that naturally flows into soft, loose waves. The 31mm ceramic barrel combined with the sprung lever gently lifts hair at the roots while shaping the lengths into soft curls. A spritz of texturising spray, creates a messier, more tousled finish, too.
Your curing iron FAQs, answered:
What is the difference between a curling wand and a curling tong?
Curling wands and curling tongs look very similar: they each feature a heated barrel, with a handle for curling the hair. Curling tongs have clamps at the handle end to hold the hair in place, while a curling wand doesn't.
Victoria Panting, educator, colour and technical educator at Paul Mitchell, believes that the difference between the two comes down to the result you want. “A wand (without a clamp) creates soft, effortless waves, while a tong (with a clamp) delivers more defined, polished curls. Wands are great for a modern, undone texture, whereas tongs offer more control for classic styles,” she says.
What is the best curling wand for everyday use?
It depends what you're looking for, but Victoria has some advice.
"A quality, everyday curling wand should have adjustable heat settings (because different hair types need different temperatures), and ceramic or titanium plates for even heat distribution," she comments. “Look for a barrel size that suits your styling goals, and a good swivel cord and quick heat-up time.”
Bear in mind that wide wands will create bigger, looser curls, so are best for beach waves, whereas slim chopstick stylers are ideal for tighter ringlets. And you can personalise further by choosing between tools with a variable heat setting (low, medium or high) to cater best to fine or coarse hair.
There are also the non-traditional curling devices that deliver a variety of waves and curls in novel ways. Take the BaByliss Wave Secret Air Hair Waver, which sucks the hair up into a spinning barrel to create easy beach waves in seconds.
How do I choose the right barrel size for my desired curl style?
Barrel size plays a key role in shaping the finish of your curls. “Smaller barrels, around 10-19mm, create tighter, more defined curls, while medium barrels, roughly 25mm, produce classic, bouncy curls,” explains Stevie-Leah Loscombe, Stylist at Blue Tit Brixton. She adds that larger barrels, 32mm and above, are ideal for loose waves and added volume rather than structured curls. Hair length also matters: shorter hair works best with smaller barrels for precise definition, whereas longer hair can handle bigger barrels for softer, more flowing movement.
Can you protect hair from heat damage while curling it?
Yes, you absolutely can.
Victoria recommends to start by applying a good heat protectant such as the Paul Mitchell Heat Styling Spray to damp hair before you blow-dry. “Then, I would add an extra layer of heat protection on dry hair before styling, like the Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Spray,” she says.
Stevie-Leah Loscombe agrees saying “You should always apply a thermal protectant before styling, ensuring even through mid-lengths and ends, Like Oway thermal- detangling cloud.” Make sure it’s completely dried into the hair, as using heat on damp hair can cause significant damage and investing in tools with adjustable temperature controls also helps minimise stress on the hair.
What temperature should I use for my hair type?
“Fine or damaged hair should stay between 120-160°C, as it’s more prone to breakage,” says Stevie-Leah. “Medium or normal hair can handle 160–180°C, while thicker or coarser hair may need 180-200°C to set the curl effectively. The key is to start at a lower temperature and only increase if necessary – too much heat won’t improve the results, it will just raise the risk of damage.”
After more electrical styling tools and haircare content? Check out our guides for hot tools such as the best hair dryers and best hair straighteners. We can also help you pick the best shampoo, best hair conditioner and best hair serums. Oh, and don't forget to read our GHD Unplugged Cordless Styler review or our ghd Max Styler review. Yep, we've covered every strand.
This article originally appeared Glamour US.
