By Marci Robin and Sarah Madaus
When it comes to finding the best curling iron, size really does matter. And the same goes for shape. Different curlers do different things, so the kind of tool you need depends on what size or shape curl you're looking for. Lcd Hair Curling Wand
In terms of options, there are small barrels for tighter curls, large barrels for looser ones, and tapered, clipless, motorized, and interchangeable wands for just about any curl in between. There are even swirled barrels that will show you just what your curls will look like before you even push the on button.
It's a lot to navigate, for sure — but that, fellow beauty geeks, is why you can turn to us. No matter what kind of curl you're looking to create or what your budget happens to be, there is a curling iron, wand, or newfangled gadget out there for you, just waiting to give you the ringlets or waves you're longing for.
No matter which one you pick, the pro advice for long-lasting curls remains the same: Curl from the roots, down. "The ends of your hair are more delicate and don't need nearly as much heat to curl," Dallas-based hairstylist Kirsten Patterson previously told Allure. Another smart top from Patterson: Never use hairspray before curling — only after. "Hairspray and heat from the curling iron can dry your hair out, so it's important to only use hairspray once you're finished styling." Instead, use a heat-protectant spray before. Trust us: We've looked thoroughly, and — lucky you — we've rounded up some of the best curling irons for all hair lengths and types at a range of price points. We included all the details, too, like temperature settings, interchangeable attachments, who each pick is best for and more. So go ahead: Whether you splurge or save, your hair will look fabulous and be low on heat damage with one of these picks.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Why It's Worth It: The Dyson Airwrap did receive six of our most prestigious awards in just four years, including the 2022 Allure Readers' Choice Award, so is it any surprise that it landed on this list? This styler is one of the most versatile hair tools on the market and can create pin-straight hair, curly ringlets, sleek blowouts, and everything in-between, thanks to its six different styling attachments that can be used a myriad of ways.
Editor Tip: The multifunctional tool also serves as a hair-dryer brush, thanks to the Coanda-effect airflow that wraps your hair around the tool—and uses less heat in the process.
Product Specs: 3 heat settings, 3 fan speed settings, 6 attachments | Who It's For: All hair types and textures
Why It's Worth It: T3's always coming up with new hair innovations, including this 2023 Best of Beauty-winning curling iron, comes with three interchangeable barrels that lock into place, producing loose waves, tight spirals, and almost any other kind of curl you might want. "It creates sleek and healthy waves with a ceramic barrel, which is more gentle on the hair and works to smooth the ends for glam looks," Gorman tells Allure.
Editor Tip: If you already know you want waves rather than curls, opt for T3's Switch Kit Wave Trio, which looks like the same tool, but it comes with three larger barrel attachments to create a relaxed, wavy style. You could also opt for the T3 SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron if you know you won't need different sizes.
Product Specs: 9 heat settings, 3 attachments | Who It's For: All hair types and textures
Why It's Worth It: Another 2021 Best of Beauty winner, Trademark Beauty's Babe Waves The Hair Waver looks way more intimidating than it actually is. (Though the pink really does make it quite inviting.) And as soon as you get the hang of its three-barrel design — which will happen faster than you think — you'll get skilled at clever ways to make waves.
Editor Tip: If you're in need of some inspo, we've got you. "When the clamp is opened up, you can wrap your hair around either of two individual barrels as you would with a traditional wand — especially if you want to zero in on the smaller coils framing your face," says commerce editor Sarah Han. There's a jumbo version, seen here, with 1.25-inch barrels, and the original version, which has one-inch barrels.
Product Specs: 16 heat settings, 1-inch barrels, dual voltage | Who It's For: All hair types, especially straight hair
Why It's Worth It: Enough with the manual winding and twisting; the Beachwaver Pro does all that annoying work for you thanks to its rotating wand. "I love the Beachwaver because it's consistent and super user-friendly for clients," Virginia-based stylist Nam Nguyen tells Allure.
Editor Tip: The push of a button spins the barrel toward your scalp with close to zero effort. Just make sure you release the clamp before you reach your scalp to avoid sausage curls—and second-degree burns.
Product Specs: digital temperature control up to 450 degrees, swivel cord, 30-minute auto shut-off | Who It's For: All hair types, especially medium and long hair
Why It's Worth It: Whether you're looking for waves, curls, or tight spirals, this evenly heated curling iron will work magic without breaking the bank. "I always recommend Hot Tools for professional stylists looking to expand their collection because they are a little more old-fashioned-looking with the clip, and the barrel is gold-plated steel, allowing it to create a lot more heat, which means a lot more power," hairstylist Leon Gorman tells Allure.
Editor Tip: You can choose from seven different barrel sizes depending on what kind of curl you go for, ranging from ½-inch (tight, bouncy curls) to two inches (loose, beachy waves).
Product Specs: 8 heat settings up to 430 degrees, foldaway safety stand | Who It's For: All hair types and textures
Why It's Worth It: Undoubtedly a splurge, the GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron will prove its worth the very first time you secure your hair under the spring-activated ergonomic lever. Ideal for anyone who knows classic curls and tight ringlets just aren't their thing, it's made to create flowy, loose curls — especially on longer hair — and you can count on it to maintain a perfect 365-degree temperature.
Editor Tip: The 1.25-inch curling iron is excellent for maximizing volume, so we recommend it for fine, limp hair. The technology also regulates the temperature 250 times per second, ensuring that you won't end up with crispy, damaged hair.
Product Specs: Single-button interface, 365-degree heat setting, swivel cord, 30-minute auto shut-off | Who It's For: All hair types, especially fine, thin hair
Why It's Worth It: Another interchangeable pick, Drybar's curling iron is made with versatility in mind to create any type of curl. The supercharged with ions to nix frizz and leave your waves and curls perfectly smooth—no matter which attachment you choose. It also takes mere seconds to heat up, which is a great feature for those of us who tend to press the snooze button.
Editor Tip: The smaller barrel is great for tight curls, while the waver makes it seamless to look like you just stepped off the beach.
Product Specs: Digital temperature control up to 450 degrees, 3 attachments, 1-hour auto shut-off | Who It's For: All hair types and textures
Why It's Worth It: With a single-button interface and clipless design, the Sultra Bombshell is a no-brainer for anyone who is looking for a simple tool. The ceramic iron technology of this curling wand gives curls more bounce and shine than traditional metal irons do. It has a swivel cord, too, which means as you work the wand around your hair, the cord won't turn into a tangled mess.
Editor Tip: All you have to do with the Sultra Bombshell Curling Rod is wrap random pieces of hair around it (switching directions with each section) to nail Gisele-style waves. Its long barrel makes it ideal for long, thick hair, too.
Product Specs: 1 heat setting (395 degrees), universal voltage, swivel cord | Who It's For: Fine, thin, and wavy hair
Why It's Worth It: The Chi Spin n Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler looks kind of like a robot tulip, but unlike a robot tulip, it serves an actually useful purpose: making hair-curling effortless. Your hair is drawn into the heated chamber, then it twirls around as the barrel rotates, and then released after the ideal length of time.
Editor Tip: If this description is giving you war flashbacks to the Conair Quick Twist tool of the early aughts, fear not: The tangle-protection technology in this curling iron makes it foolproof instead of fearsome. Your hair will come out perfectly curled, with shine to spare.
Product Specs: Digital temperature control up to 410 degrees, swivel cord, dual voltage, 1-hour automatic shut-off | Who It's For: All hair types and textures, especially shorter hair
Why It's Worth It: Yet another genius design for accomplishing multiple heat-induced hairstyles, the Bio Ionic 3-in-One Styling Iron lets you curl or straighten your hair without a fuss. Like most flat irons, it has flat plates with which to sandwich your hair into sleek submission.
Editor Tip: To get gorgeous curls, wrap your hair around the iron, which is rounded to serve as a traditional curling-iron barrel. On top of going easy on hair with its ceramic surface, it's infused with a mineral complex to help maintain moisture.
Product Specs: Digital temperature control up to 430 degrees, 1-hour automatic shut-off, universal voltage | Who It's For: All hair types and textures
Why It's Worth It: The unique shape of the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Reverse Taper Curling Wand makes it the perfect pick for anyone who prefers a more natural-looking, less perfectly polished wave or curl because every section looks a little different.
Editor Tip: What's consistent, however, is the heat distribution on the titanium barrel, so you can be sure that you're getting even temperature throughout — up to 430 degrees.
Product Specs: 5 heat settings, swivel power cord | Who It's For: All hair types and textures
Why It's Worth It: Previously a two-in-one, the Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron is an upgrade on a long-time favorite styling tool. In addition to its curling-wand base, it comes with a spring-clamp attachment and a marcel-clamp attachment, giving you everything you need for nuanced curled styles.
Editor Tip: Let's be real: That mint-green finish of the tourmaline ceramic coating makes this multitasker as cool as it is hot (which is up to 380 degrees, to be specific).
Product Specs: 10 heat settings, 9-foot swivel cord, universal voltage | Who It's For: All hair types and textures
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