Photo: Instagram/@heatfreehairCurling irons are a popular tool among hairstylists and individuals looking to create a variety of styles. The reality is that your hair will need some styling at some point no matter how perfect it may seem. Without a superb curling iron that is quite simple to use and reaches enough temps to create the perfect effects without damaging your hair, it is impossible to achieve those flawless beach waves or bombshell curls. Additionally, options might considerably differ based on your desired budget, style of curl, and the texture of your hair.
Finding the best curling iron for you might be challenging because there are so many alternatives available, ranging from titanium to ceramic, tourmaline, and even clamp-free curling wands, hair rollers, and heat-free hair curlers. That is why we have carefully selected a few of the best ones that fit every hair type and budget. No matter what features in curling irons you’re looking for, keep reading for the 11 unique varieties in our archives.
What Are Curling Irons?
Curling irons are hairstyling tools that are designed to create curls, waves, and other textured styles in hair. They typically have a heated barrel that is cylindrical in shape and ranges in size from small (for tight curls) to large (for loose waves).
These hot tools function by applying heat to the hair, which changes the hydrogen bonds in the hair’s protein structure, causing it to take on a new shape. The hair is wrapped around the barrel of the curling iron, held for a few seconds, and then released to create a curl.
Curling irons can be used to create a variety of styles, from tight ringlets to loose waves. They are suitable for most hair types, although the temperature and size of the barrel may need to be adjusted depending on the hair’s thickness, length, and texture. They are relatively easy to use, and with practice, anyone can achieve beautiful curls or waves at home.
However, it is important to use a heat-protectant product on the hair before using a curling iron to prevent heat damage.
11 best Curling Irons For All Hair Types and Budgets
Conair InfinitiPro Curling Iron
If you’re on a tight budget but still looking for a high-quality tool, this curling iron is great for you. It has multiple heat settings, a ceramic barrel for even heat distribution, and an affordable price point. By wrapping your hair around this curling wand, you can rapidly create the waves and curls of your choice. It has a tapered barrel and no clamps, allowing you to create a range of stylish twisted spirals, curls, and waves without kinks or wrinkles.
InfinitiPro by Conair Curling Wand
Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron
If you have thick, coarse hair, this may be your best option for getting quick, long-lasting results. The barrel’s 24K gold plating guarantees uniform heat distribution and can withstand high heat settings to produce tight, defined curls.
Hot Tools Pro Artist
Dyson Airwrap Styler
You would instantly adore this air wrap styler featuring incredible, no extreme heat, styling options, and innovative components including an airflow switch, a flyaway-smoothing attachment, and extended curling barrels for long hair. The Dyson Airwrap Styler offers a unique feature that uses air to style hair instead of heat. It’s perfect for those with fragile or damaged hair that can’t handle high temperatures.
Dyson Airwrap Styler
GHD Curve Classic Curling Iron
This 1-inch barrel curling iron is classic in every aspect, featuring a cool, touchable tip and an even heat dispersion function. Its ergonomic spring-activated lever is ideal for generating classic, bouncy curls on all hair types, even short hair, and it has a ceramic coating and built-in safety technology for safe styling and long-lasting hold.
GHD Curve® Classic Curl Tong
T3 Twirl Convertible Curling Iron
With this curling iron and at your convenience, you can create beautiful waves and coveted curls in a single whirl. This Convertible Curling Iron is great for those with fine or thin hair. Its barrel maintains a constant temperature to consistently produce smooth, long-lasting curls without damaging delicate strands thanks to its Digital T3 SinglePass technology and special blend ceramic surface.
T3 Twirl Convertible Curling Iron
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Curling Iron
You can rely on this easy-to-use, incredibly lightweight curling iron to give your hair smooth, well-defined curls. It has a titanium barrel with quick and consistent heating. It works well for people with thick or coarse hair and is ideal for tight curls.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Curling Iron
Beachwaver Pro Rotating Curling Iron
With the push of a button, you can create gorgeous, bombshell waves with this cutting-edge professional curling iron invented by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa. The Beachwaver Pro Rotating Curling Iron rotates automatically, making it easy to create perfectly formed curls. It has multiple heat settings and is ideal for all hair types.
Beachwaver PRO 1 curling iron
CHI Air Spin N Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler
Curling is made easy with this curling iron’s automated rotating barrel, which encourages a more comfortable styling position, and an alert system, which gives you a notice when to release the automatic rotating barrel to generate even, smooth, and lovely curl results based on your hair type.
CHI Ceramic Curler
Remington Ultimate Stylist Curling Iron
Every time you use this budget-friendly curling iron, you can be certain to achieve the desired effect. With its custom teardrop curling wand attachment, you can create luscious waves with Remington Ultimate Stylist Curling Iron ceramic barrel that heats up to 410°.
Remington Stylist Teardrop Wand
Paul Mitchell Neuro Curl Curling Iron
Features of this curling iron’s features include a superior titanium barrel that delivers quick, precisely controlled heat in seconds, a cool tip for simpler styling, a clip that grips hair for improved style control, a smooth finish, and a configurable auto shut-off. It produces a long-lasting impact and is great for people with thick or coarse hair that requires high heat to style.
Paul Mitchell Spring Curling Iron
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler
Well, this is not a case of saving the best for last. However, this curling iron stands out for a few specific reasons. For example, the expanded length barrel instantly generates loose, contemporary curls and waves and makes it easy to style the hair whether long or short. Also, the combination of Nanonioc MX and Bio Ionic Moisturizing HeatTM Technology helps to lock in moisture, seal the cuticle, and ensure that the curls endure a long time and remain conditioned and bouncy rather than looking drab.
