The Best Curling Iron For Glorious, Flaunt-Worthy Curls

For those of us who don’t have curly hair to flaunt, we resort to using curling irons to create bouncy and beautiful curls and waves in our hair. However, with repeated curling iron usage, our hair is bound to get damaged.

Looking for the best curling iron that won’t damage your hair? Well, then you have come to the right place. Here is a list of incredible curling irons that will give you shiny, gorgeous curls. 

What Makes a Good Curling Iron?

A good curling iron is one that has a ceramic or tourmaline base that emits negative ions that make your hair appear smoother and shinier. Additionally, a ceramic or tourmaline base is great at spreading heat across the barrel to prevent unnecessary heat damage.

A good curling iron should also have variable temperatures that you can adjust according to your hair thickness to avoid hair damage.

What Features Should You Look for in a Curling Iron?

Here are some features that you should look for in a curling iron:

  • Variable heat settings – again, you don’t want to damage your hair from unnecessary heat exposure.
  • Ceramic barrels – it is hands down the most perfect material for everyday usage as it prevents hair-damaging hot spots. 
  • Ionic technology – it will keep the frizz at bay and help your curls keep moisture.
  • Barrel size – if you want tight curls, then you can choose a 1-inch barrel; however, for loose curls, you need a longer barrel.
  • Shape – wand, clamp, conical, double or triple barrel— choose one that is comfortable

What Is the Best Curling Iron?

We know that finding the best curling iron for your specific hair requirements and needs isn’t an easy task. To help you out, we’ve got a list of the high-quality curling irons that work wonders for different hair types and curl definitions. These curling irons will help you enjoy amazing, bouncy curls, regardless of your hair type!

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top 6 curling irons:

NuMe Classic Curling Wand Pearl

Best Curling Iron for Short Hair

If you have short hair, then you know how difficult it is to curl them! The Classic Curling Wand Pearl by NuMe is the ideal curling wand that will curl and tame your short hair in no time. What makes this curling iron fun to use is its unique and bumpy shape that gives perfect textured waves to your hair. The barrel diameter of this curling wand varies between 13mm and 25mm, which allows you to experiment with different lengths of hair and different curl styles.

What’s more is that the tourmaline ceramic material of this iron gives it a smooth and friction-free surface. This promotes even heat dispersal, which lets you achieve natural-looking curls, without excessive heat damage and breakage. Additionally, the surface helps maintain your hair moisture and gets rid of frizz by sealing your hair cuticles.

This curling wand can heat up to 410°F (210°C) within seconds. The iron also has a rotating power cord that improves its maneuverability. Plus, this curling wand comes with a long 7-ft cord!

What more could you want from a versatile curling wand?!

Pros

  • The clipless design promotes crease-free natural curls
  • Comes with a heat-resistant glove to protect your fingers from burns
  • Far infrared heat technology to promote even and gentle heat
  • More room for experimentation with an alternating barrel diameter

Cons

  • Some people find the shape difficult to maneuver
  • The tip of the handle might get too hot

Where to buy it: Nume

Beachwaver S1.25

Best Curling Iron for Beach Waves

Who doesn’t love beach waves? If you want your hair to have fabulous and effortless beach waves, then The Beachwaver Co. S1.25 Dual Voltage is your go-to curling iron. It will leave you with voluminous, bouncy waves.

It is the ideal curling iron for hair that is shoulder-length or longer. The barrel diameter of this curling iron is 1 and a quarter inches, which is enough for longer and thicker strands of hair. You can also choose the direction in which you want the barrel to rotate.

This curling iron is super easy to use; you have to clamp your hair ends in the clip and let the iron rotate in your chosen direction. Within 2 to 3 seconds, you will have bouncy beach waves.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Many buttons that enhance and ease your curling experience
  • Quickly reaches a temperature of 350°F (176°C)

Cons

  • It is not long-lasting
  • The clip at the bottom can trap and tangle hair strands

Where to buy it: Amazon

Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron

Best Curling Iron for Fine Hair

Many of us have to deal with wispy, fine hair that cannot bear excessive heat from styling products. So, what can you do when you want to curl your fine hair? You can invest in Bio Ionic Curl Expert Pro Curling Iron!

This iron is designed to accommodate your styling needs. It emits negative ions that help tiny water molecules to immerse into your hair. This allows your hair to keep its health and shiny appearance even after heat exposure. Additionally, this curling iron has a super convenient auto shut-off feature that shuts off the machine after one hour.

This curling iron also comes with bioceramic heaters that provide super long-lasting curls and waves to your hair. You can create textured and layered curls with this iron to provide your fine hair with the bounce and volume that it needs. If you allow consistent heat to pierce your hair shafts, you will end up with frizz-free waves and curls in no time.

Pros

  • The long wand works great to curl hair
  • Long-lasting curls
  • Auto shut-off feature
  • Works great for super fine and long hair

Cons

  • The clamp is a bit loose
  • Not too long-lasting

Where to buy it: Amazon

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron

Best Curling Iron for Long Hair

If you have long, flowing hair, then you need a curling iron that you can trust. You can do that with the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron. The long barrel of this curling iron is enriched with ionic minerals that condition and moisturize your hair. This allows your hair to withstand the onslaught of potentially damaging heat and keeps it shiny and healthy.

This pro curling iron comes with an extra-long curling barrel that you can use to curl even the longest strands of hair. It also has bioceramic heaters that ensure your hair gets even and constant heat for even and healthy curls. You can heat the iron up to 430°F (221°C) and you can control the temperature!

Additionally, this curling iron comes with auto shut-off that powers off the unit after one hour. You don’t even have to worry about burning your hands, thanks to the cool touch finger grip of the iron handle. What’s more is that this iron comes with a long 9-ft swivel cord that you can easily maneuver.

Pros

  • Long barrel
  • Super long-lasting curls
  • Easy to use
  • Can curl long and thick hair quite quickly

Cons

  • Might start to peel after repeated use
  • Costly

Where to buy it: Amazon

T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand Set

Best Curling Iron for Thick Hair

If you want just one tool that serves multiple purposes, then you need to invest in the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand Set. This set comes with three exchangeable wands that present you with wondrous and multi-faceted styling opportunities. You can get effortless beach waves, tightly-wound curls, soft effortless waves, and so much more with this wand. 

This wand set comes with a heat-resistant glove and an uber-soft storage tote. It also has a 9-ft long swivel cord that you can move in all directions. Additionally, this wand set has a 1-hour auto shut-off that will protect your styling tool from overheating in case you forget to switch it off.

This wand also comes with a microchip that measures and upholds even heat across the length of the barrels. This allows you to end up with even curls in little to no time. It also protects your hair from uneven and harsh heat exposure.

The three ceramic barrels release negative ions that help your hair keep its moisture and protect it from heat damage. Additionally, you can adjust the heat settings of this unit from 260°F (126°C) to 410°F (210°C) to suit your styling needs.

Pros

  • Three versatile barrels provide countless varied styling opportunities
  • Softer and shinier hair thanks to the negative ion technology
  • Minimal heat damage due to even and controlled heat dispersal
  • Curls last for days on end

Cons

  • Unresponsive customer service

Where to buy it: Amazon

Nume Pentacle 2-In-1 Curling Wand and Deep Waver

Best Triple Barrel Curling Iron

If you want a versatile curling iron, then look no further than the Nume Pentacle 2-In-1 Curling Wand and Deep Waver. This product offers you a crimper, waver, and curling iron in one unit. These versatile crushed gemstone tourmaline-infused ceramic coated barrels provide the ultimate level of protection and shine to your hair.

With this curling wand, you can create deep and generous waves and curls in your hair. What’s more, is that it comes with a heat-resistant glove that will protect your hands from accidental burning.

You can even control the temperature of this wand as it has a temperature range of 140°F (60°C) to 410°F (210°C). It comes with infrared heat technology that will protect your hair against heat damage and keep its natural moisture.

Pros

  • Versatile triple barrel curling iron offers various curling options
  • Infrared heat technology protects hair from damage
  • Long-lasting deep curls

Cons

  • Might start peeling after excessive usage

Where to buy it: Amazon

Final Thoughts

There are tons of curling irons out there for various hair and curl requirements. If you want beach waves, then you can try out the Beachwaver S1.25. If you have long tresses, then you can invest in Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron. If you are one of the lucky ones blessed with gorgeous thick hair, then you can look into buying the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand Set.  

You just have to know what your exact requirements are and go from there. In the end, just trust your gut and splurge on the styling product that works best for you and your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Good Curling Iron for Thick Hair?

Curling irons for thick hair must have a high-temperature setting (heat up to at least 400F) to hold thick hair into curls all-day if not for a few days!
The best curling irons for thick hair use an advanced ionic or infrared technology to reduce frizz and keep your hair moisturized.

What size barrel is best for thick hair?

For thick hair, a curling iron with a barrel sized 1.5 inches is the most suitable option for everyday use.
Depending on your desired hairstyle, you can section your hair into smaller or thicker sections to create both tight and loose curls.

How do you make curls last all day with thick hair?

Use a mousse and heat protectant before you blow-dry in order to give the hair more hold. Prepping with a setting spray is also great for locking in your curls. Many of them offer heat protection, too!

Which Material for Curling Irons Will Cause the Least Hair Damage?

Ceramic! If you simply cannot resist curling your hair every day, then opt for a ceramic barrel curling iron. It provides even heat to hair and prevents it from damage – regardless of your hair type.

How Do I Choose the Size of a Curling Iron?

If you want loose, flowing curls, then you need to invest in a longer barrel. However, for tighter and compact curls, you can easily work with a small barrel size.

How Long Should I Use a Curling Iron for?

If you want to avoid damaging your hair, then only use your curling iron on a single strand of hair for a maximum of 8 to 10 seconds. Any longer than that and you will run the risk of burning your hair.