There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the best curling iron. Similar to a good straightener, the size, shape, temperature, and how you hold the tool make a world of difference in achieving the type of curl you’re looking for—and so do factors like your hair type, length, and the products you apply (don’t forget that heat protectant). To make your life easier, we asked hair stylists for tips on how to get defined curls (or waves, depending on your preference). We also tapped our team of Glamour editors, contributors, and network of testers with various hair types for their recommendations on the best curlers. After evaluating close to two dozen of the most highly-rated options for attributes like ease of use and heat settings, we narrowed the list down to the curling wands below.
The best curling irons, at a glance
Your hair-curling questions, answered
How to curl your hair like a pro
So you have the best curling iron you can find but you’re still not sure how to curl your hair. There’s always a learning curve to get the exact curls you want. Here’s what the pros say when it comes to perfecting curls.
First and foremost, your hair should be completely dry before curling and you should apply a heat protectant, says celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine. Use a hair spray if your hair is resistant to curls.
Depending on the look you’re after, how you wrap your hair around the barrel and the barrel size will differ. If you have short or medium-length hair, use a barrel that’s 1-inch in diameter, and if you have long hair or want looser curls, go for a 1 ¼-inch barrel. Remember, you can always brush through tighter curls to make them relax. The latest hair trend we’ve seen is disco curls which are voluminous and bold and require a smaller ¾- or 1-inch curling iron. For the standard curl, start by placing the hair in the middle of the clamp, and curl away from your face, says Maxine Salon stylist Raven Hurtado. If you want old Hollywood glam curls, make sure your hair is fully around the barrel for more volume.
For triple-barrel options, you simply clamp down in the same way, but you don’t have to rotate the wand, it’s more like a crimper. And for automatic options, it’s even easier: Clamp down on the hair and press a button to send hair whirring through, revealing the perfect curl.
What size barrel should I use on my hair?
“If you’re going for a looser, more relaxed-looking curl, a larger barrel size is best. If you’re trying to create tight curls, a smaller one is ideal,” says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. Typically, a 1-inch barrel should give you medium-sized curls, a 0.5-inch will give you ringlets, and a 2-inch will give you bigger, bombshell waves. But you don’t have to worry too much about the barrel size because you can always comb through tighter curls to get the wavey look you’re after.
It’s important to pay attention to what temperature you’re using based on your hair type, says Giannetos. For fine and thin hair, he recommends sticking to 250°F to 325°F, for medium-thick hair, opt for 300°F to 375°F, and for very thick or coarse hair which can take more heat, you can set it to 325°F to 400°F to get the most out of your iron.” It’s important to use a heat protectant spray no matter what temperature you’re using. We’re fans of the Dae Agave Dry Heat & Hold Styling Mist and the Amika Blockade Heat Defense sprays in particular.
What to look for in a curling iron
Material: The most common curling irons have ceramic barrels that tend to spread heat evenly to ensure smooth, shiny results. They’re a great pick for people with finer hair, Maine says. Those tend to be less damaging on hair, while the adjustable temperature allows you to tailor the heat to your hair type’s needs for long-lasting curls. Professional stylists, however, tend to gravitate toward titanium irons, especially for thicker hair, since the material is more durable and able to style curls at higher temps for longer. Tourmaline ceramic is another material that’s a solid pick for people with frizzy or damaged hair; it emits negative ions that react with the positive ones in your hair to minimize dullness and frizz.
Heat: Thin or fine hair requires less heat than thick hair, Maine says. The ideal temperature for thin hair is no more than 300°F, while thicker or coarser, curly hair textures can handle high heat, from 350°F to 450°F.
Size: “For those with long hair, find a long barrel length,” Maine recommends. Barrel width also makes a difference, says Hurtado.
Attachments: Slimmer attachments (0.5- to 0.75-inch) mean tighter curls, while thicker ones (1.5- to 2-inch) lead to looser curls or waves. These days you’re not limited to one choice, though. There are plenty of curling tools with interchangeable barrels, so you can wear your curls in various sizes and hairstyles (think bouncy curls, tight ringlets, beachy waves).
Are ceramic irons or titanium options better?
The most common curling irons have ceramic barrels that tend to spread heat evenly to ensure smooth, shiny results. They’re a great pick for people with finer hair, Maine says. Those tend to be less damaging on hair, while the adjustable temperature allows you to tailor the heat to your hair type’s needs for long-lasting curls. Professional stylists, however, tend to gravitate toward titanium irons, especially for thicker hair, since the material is more durable and able to style curls at higher temps for longer. Tourmaline ceramic is another material that’s a solid pick for people with frizzy or damaged hair; it emits negative ions that react with the positive ones in your hair to minimize dullness and frizz.
What kind of curling irons do salons use?
According to celebrity hairstylist Giannetos, pro stylists typically use metal curling irons because of their ability to hold a higher amount of heat. “These irons heat from the outside in, which allows them to heat up quicker, making it great for professionals (who are probably on a time crunch),” he says. Pro-stylists know their way around curling irons and can help mitigate heat damage quickly, even if they’re using a metal barrel. That’s why if you’re a beginner, or curling your hair at home, Giannetos recommends using ceramic barrels instead. “Ceramic barrels are more user-friendly if you’re not familiar with hair curling and can ensure that you’re protected from severe heat,” he says.
Giannetos has a few tips if you’re looking to get beachy waves. “First, start by choosing a curling iron with a large barrel (around 2”) to create loose waves throughout the length of your hair.” Next section out your hair and focus on curling the middle section of each strand, while leaving the ends mostly straight. “Then, you can finish by scrunching and texturizing spray to add volume and a tousled look,” he says. The Bumble and Bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray is a great pick for this because it will add natural-looking texture to your waves, sans the crunch.
So you’ve curled your hair to the high heavens, and now it’s time to make it last. The first step in doing so is using a strong hold hairspray to help keep everything in place. We’re major fans of the Authentic Beauty Concept Working Hair Spray for this because it will lock in your curls without making them look greasy or crunchy. “I also recommend using a frizz-fighting hair product that is going to provide an amazing amount of hydration to the hair while also taming frizz,” says Giannetos. A hair oil can do the trick, or a moisturizing serum like the Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Hyaluronic Moisture Repair Serum.
How we tested curling irons
We tapped some of our Glamour staffers and reviewers with various hair types who have collectively tested over 20 curling irons and asked them what curling irons dominated in their collections. We looked for a variety of qualities like temperature range, barrel size, whether they were ceramic or metal, and how easy they were to use. We also looked at how hot they got relative to our individual hair types, how durable they were over a span of testing them for at least a month, and how our hair looked after using them. Most importantly, all of these irons had to give us curls that lasted over the span of at least a day. These were the ones that rose to the top.
Best Overall: T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle using the T3 Aire 360 styling tool
If you love the Dyson Airwrap but cringe at the price tag, T3 is the answer. Although it’s about half the price of the Dyson, we found that the Aire 360 works just as well—if not better. When you turn it on, the air-powered tool picks the hair up and wraps it around the wand to create blowout-style curls without the heat damage. In evaluations, curls were sleek and shiny, which the brand says is thanks to the CeraGloss ceramic surface of the curling wands.
Testers told Glamour that using this hair tool felt like a luxury experience from start to finish. “Everything from the unboxing to the end style is super sophisticated,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. It comes in this beautiful hexagonal box that opens to reveal a pouch rather than a bulky, hard-to-store box that other similar tools come in. The curling wand itself is lightweight and easy to use too. “It was super intuitive—you simply use the wand head with the proper arrow, so you can curl both sides away from your face without struggle,” says Earley. “I couldn’t believe that I was able to get such a sleek style on my very long hair in less than 15 minutes.” Glamour’s commerce editor Jenifer Calle is also a fan and says she likes to use it when she has to rush out the door. “I have thick, coarse hair, so curling it takes forever, which is why this tool is perfect for quick and easy styling. And the curls last too. The next day I wake up with wavy strands.”
- Tester Hair Type: Medium hair and thick, coarse hair
- What we love: Less heat damage; lightweight and easy to use; comes in an easy-to-store thermal pouch; works quickly
- What could improve: Our testers fingers kept accidentally changing the heat setting
- Barrel size: 1.35 inches
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature Range: Up to 237°F
- Hair types: All hair types
- Best for styling: Smooth waves with limited heat
Original photo courtesy of Jenifer Calle
Best to Prevent Heat Damage: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
Original video by Glamour beauty editor Danielle Sinay using the Dysone Airwrap
Like the Supersonic—Dyson’s best-selling hair dryer—the Dyson 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 a crisp. To curl, you simply attach one of two included curling wands and dangle your hair over it. The Airwrap sucks it all up, expertly wrapping your hair around the wand—no 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.
Yes, it has an eye-popping price tag, but our editors have been big fans of the product since its launch in 2018, and say it’s worth the splurge. “Not to be dramatic, but my life changed when I tried the first-generation Dyson Airwrap,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour’s senior beauty editor. “At the time I had just gotten curtain bangs, and the interchangeable attachments made it so easy to switch according to my styling needs, delivering salon-level smoothness and blowouts in less than half the time.” In her Airwrap review, Glamour commerce writer Malia Griggs, who has coarse, wavy hair, notes that while there’s a steep learning curve, she appreciated how effective it was at taming frizz, while Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro adds that it cut down time on drying her thick 3C curls by 30 minutes.
One thing to consider? While it does work on all hair types, if you have short- to medium-length hair, you won’t likely see those same salon-quality results. It’s better on longer, and especially thicker, hair. “I have fine, shoulder-length, naturally curly, thin hair, and it was hard to get a good curl from the Airwrap since the wand is so long,” says Glamour’s commerce director Brie Schwartz.
- Tester Hair Type: Wavy hair
- What we love: Six attachments; two-year warranty; dries and styles at the same time; ideal for damaged hair
- What could improve: Expensive; works best on long hair
- Barrel size: 1.2 inches; 1.6 inches
- Material: Ceramic, steel
- Temperature Range: 140°F-194°F
- Heat settings: 3
- Hair types: All hair types
- Best for styling: Voluminous, smooth curls with limited heat
Original photo courtesy of Malia Griggs
Best for Thick Hair: GHD Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle using GHD curling wand
While an oval barrel takes a bit of getting used to, it’s a great option for natural, undone waves, adding volume without sacrificing length. We love that GHD’s curling iron has an optional spring clamp and a shut-off feature that kicks in after half an hour of nonuse—no more worrying that you left your curling iron plugged in. Just note that it’s preset to 365°F, which might be a touch hot for finer hair.
“This iron, which comes at the recommendation of dozens of celebrity stylists, was a 10-out-of-10 experience for me,” says Glamour contributor Meg Adams. “It’s straightforward to use, delivers even heat, and has a cool and touchable tip so you’re less likely to burn your fingers.” In evaluations, the results were some of the more impressive too. “After I styled with the spring clamp, my hair was so shiny and so perfect that a girl stopped me on the subway to ask about my style,” says Adams. “When I used the iron as a wand without the clamp the results were—unbelievably—even greater. I loved the unfinished quality about the voluminous curls.”
- Tester Hair Type: Thick hair
- What we love: Heats quickly; automatic shut-off after 30 minutes; two ways to style
- What could improve: Only one heat setting
- Barrel size: 1.5 inches
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature Range: 365°F
- Hair types: Thick and medium hair types
- Best for styling: Waves and tight ringlets
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Original image by Jenifer Calle
Best for Fine Hair: The Beachwaver Co. S1 Dual Voltage
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early using the Beachwaver
If our Beachwaver review is any indication, this rotating curling iron is just as good as social media claims it is. Its moving barrel makes it another great pick for beginners, since you don’t need salon-level expertise to get started—just clamp in a section of hair, push the button, and let the iron work its magic.
“It’s really the only traditional curling iron I can actually use, because it’s as easy as 1-2-3,” says Danielle Sinay, Glamour associate beauty editor. “One, clamp a section of dry hair at the end; two, press the arrow button facing away from the face; and three, allow your hair to wrap as it revolves.” Et voilà: Your hair is perfectly curled and bouncy, says Sinay, who tells Glamour her Beachwaver-styled curls stay put for days.
- Tester Hair Type: Wavy medium texture
- What we love: Easy to use; curls hair quickly; curls last a long time
- What could improve: Doesn’t feel as durable as some others we tested
- Barrel size: 1.75 inches
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature Range: 290°F–410°F
- Hair types: Most hair types
- Best for styling: Beachy waves or controlled curls
Best Automatic: Chi Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin N Curl
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley using the Chi Spin ’N Curl
If you’re even somewhat interested in hair care, there’s a good chance Chi’s rotating curling iron has come across your TikTok For You page. The thing may look intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it couldn’t be easier to use. The tool automatically draws hair into a rotating chamber, timing each section for consistency. “It’s a little heavy and clunky-looking, but the design is great if you’re someone who always burns yourself, since the outside chamber stays cool,” says Glamour contributor Halie LeSavage. “The lasting results were what really sold me, though,” she says. “I purposefully tested the iron right before bed to see how the curls would match up against a night of sleep. The next morning, my hair still had modern, thick waves.”
There’s more to love than the do-it-for-you design of this curling iron though. Testers appreciated the auto-off feature, which turns the device off after an hour, and said the 11-foot cord offers plenty of length for any home user.
- Tester Hair Type: Wavy medium texture
- What we love: Great for beginners; adjustable temperature; works quickly
- What could improve: The curling iron has a tendency to jam with thicker hair
- Barrel size: 1 inch
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature Range: 370° F – 410° F
- Hair types: Most hair types
- Best for styling: Loose, beachy waves or bouncy curls
Best Value: Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Would you believe us if we told you it’s not necessary to shell out more than $20 for a curling iron that can get the job done? This classic may not have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive options, but we found it delivered pretty envious curls, making it a great pick for newbies or those who don’t regularly reach for a curling iron yet like the option.
“It’s hard to beat the price point on this curling iron, and it really performs!” says Earley. “I like that it doesn’t have a clamp, so you don’t get weird lines or fried ends. You can also set the curling iron to various levels based on your hair type to help prevent damage. As someone with wavy hair, mine is set to 20 out of 30 and it was just right. Not too hot, but still styles. Overall, this iron just feels more gentle on hair, which is really important to me.”
- Tester Hair Type: Wavy medium texture
- What we love: Affordable; 30 heat settings; comes with an insulated
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature Range: Up to 400°F
- Hair types: Medium or fine hair types
- Best for styling: Spiral curls, bouncy curls, and wavy hair
Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Best for Beginners: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Long Curling Iron
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Hot Tools just launched an update to its award-winning Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron Collection, and it’s so good that it’s worth swapping yours out if you already own one. The new iteration has a longer barrel, so it’s suitable for a wider range of hair lengths—including those who have nearly waist-length hair. It also heats up faster to more precise temperatures, so you can better customize your styling session to suit your hair type, whether fine or coarse.
“This curling wand feels a little heavy in hand, but it’s an OG for good reason,” says Earley. “The clamp is easy to use, and the new extended barrel allows me to wrap more of my very long hair around the wand, so it curls on the first pass.” We also like the expanded heat settings, which range from 250°F to 480°F, and the 8-inch swivel cord, which gives you plenty of room to maneuver.
- Tester Hair Type: Wavy medium texture
- What we love: Long barrel; five temperature settings; long power cord
- What could improve: Heavier than some others we tested
- Barrel size: 1.25 inches
- Material: Ceramic
- Temperature Range: Up to 400°F
- Hair types: Most hair types
- Best for styling: Wider, voluminous wave
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Most Popular: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Original video by Glamour reviewer Alanna Martine Kilkeary using Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Though it’s known as another dupe for the Dyson Airwrap, Shark’s FlexStyle is quickly gaining its own very dedicated fan base. The air-powered styler comes at a fraction of the price—more comparable to our top overall pick—but delivers beautiful curls or a sleek blowout, depending on which attachment you choose. The five attachments include: a drying concentrator, two 1.25-inch curlers (one for each side of the head), and two brush attachments. No matter which one you use, you’ll have your choice of four heat and three airflow settings to personalize your styling session. There’s also a cool-shot button to help curls go the distance. “This is a really solid styling tool that gave me enviable curls,” our tester said. “My hair is very long, though, so I do wish the barrel was a little bit longer.”
