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Hair

The 12 Best Curling Irons for Fine Hair Types to Give Impossibly Voluminous Curls

 

Volume without the damage.

While they might not look very different to the untrained eye, today's curling irons are way more effective than their decades-old counterparts. Still, fine hair is notoriously hard to style with heat tools, even with today's advancements. However, curling irons with adjustable temperature settings can help you get the look you want while avoiding frying fragile, thin hair.

There are a few elements to consider, but "temperature is key," says celebrity hair artist Sally Hershberger. "Fine hair is more susceptible to heat damage, so finding one that allows you to keep a steady temperature is major; 310 degrees is ideal for fine hair."

To find the best curling irons, we extensively researched popular and highly rated options and considered tools we'd used ourselves. We evaluated each based on heat settings, materials, design, and ease of use. We then compiled our findings and tapped the expertise of professional stylists to bring you our comprehensive list of the best curling irons for fine hair.

Best Overall

Tymo 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron

What We Like

• Comes with 3 interchangeable barrels
• Features 5 heat settings
• Clamps are smooth and don't tug hair
• Automatic shut-off

What to Consider

• Clamp could hold hair more securely

Temperature Range: 280 to 430 degrees | Size: 0.5, 1, 1.5 inch

Not every hair tool works for every hair type, but this one by TYMO does, thanks to its five temperature settings. When the Byrdie team tested this one on several hair types, it particularly shined on those with thin hair. The curls looked smooth and defined and lasted—they looked good for almost two full days. So, in our extensive curling iron test, we awarded it the best for the fine hair category.

The affordable tool comes with three interchangeable barrels of different sizes, offering versatility and customization. It also boasts an automatic shut-off and a wide range of temperatures (and the temperature you set stays consistent due to an intelligent temperature control system). The ceramic barrels also help protect hair and boost shine. All that to say, if you have fine hair and are looking for a curling iron that gives you plenty of options (at a fair price point), we wholeheartedly recommend this one.

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Hot Tools Curling Iron

What We Like

• Heat sensor technology
• Marcel-style clamp
• 24-carat gold coating

What to Consider

• Not ideal for beginners

Temperature Range: Up to 430 degrees | Size: 1 inch

As its name suggests, this one-inch wonder is coated with 24-carat gold for fast, even heating. "I like the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron," says Hershberger. It's lightweight, creates a great curl, and can hold a steady temperature of 310 degrees that won't damage the hair." When the curling iron senses heat loss, it restores it to the barrel. Unlike traditional spring irons, the Marcel-style clamp offers more control when styling. (If you've never used a Marcel iron, it'll take a little practice, but before long, you'll be a pro.) To top it all off, Hot Tools backs this iron with a seven-year warranty.

Best Budget

Conair Double Ceramic Curling Wand

What We Like

• Auto shut-off feature
• Moderate heat range
• 30 heat settings

What to Consider

• Relatively short barrel

Temperature Range: Up to 375 degrees | Size: 1 inch

With a moderate heat range (but tons of heat settings) that doesn't go above 375 degrees, Conair's budget-friendly Double Ceramic Curling Iron was designed with fine hair in mind. However, Hershberger says you're wise to keep it around 310 degrees to avoid damage. The non-tapered ceramic barrel evenly distributes heat while helping to smooth the hair. The barrel is on the shorter side, so it’s not ideal for people with super long hair, but we love it for those with short or mid-length strands who don't want to invest in an expensive tool. It heats up quickly while the double-ceramic barrel protects against damage.

Best Drugstore

Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand

What We Like

• Temperature lock functionality
• Comes with a protective glove
• Fast heat-up time

What to Consider

• Limited curling options

Temperature Range: Up to 410 degrees | Size: 0.5 to 1 inch

We’ve found this affordable drugstore pick holds its own against much fancier devices. The quick-heating Remington Pro Curling Wand checks all the boxes, featuring a tapered ceramic barrel, ten digitally controlled heat settings, and an auto shut-off feature. We also like that it comes with a protective glove and heats up in just 30 seconds. The only way it could be better is if there were interchangeable barrels for more curl options. 

Best Wand

NuMe Magic Curling Wand

What We Like

• Creates ultimate hold
• Auto shut-off feature
• Far-infrared heat technology protects outer cuticle

What to Consider

• Isn't a long-lasting tool

Temperature Range: 140 to 450 degrees | Size: 1 inch

NuMe's Magic Curling Wand features a clampless, non-tapered titanium barrel which helps give curled looks staying power. The negative ion conditioning technology is designed to tame static and flyaways for the smoothest finish, and digital temperature settings start as low as 140 degrees to protect fine strands. You can choose between bouncy ringlets or soft waves without worrying about friction or breakage. If you struggle to use curling irons with a clamp, this is for you. Our only criticism is that some reviewers say it breaks after a few years. 

Best for Short Hair

ghd 1-Inch Curling Iron

What We Like

• Heats evenly and quickly
• Automated temperature control provides safe heating
• Ergonomic design

What to Consider

• Only one temperature

Temperature Range: Up to 365 degrees | Size: 1 inch

For those rocking a shorter style, we recommend the 1-inch Curve. "GHD adapts its heat temperature depending on the section of the hair and heats to 365 degrees (its only heat setting), so it's really great for fine hair or damaged hair," says New York-based hairstylist Sky Kim of Serge Normant at John Frieda. Plus, the cool tip helps prevent burns when holding it near your face and scalp. It also features an ergonomic design and creates shiny results. We do wish it had more than one heat setting, though.

Best for Long Hair

CHI Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin N Curl

What We Like

• Automated curling
• Plates made of volcanic lava and ceramic
• Customizable heating

What to Consider

• Doesn't go below 370 degrees

Temperature Range: 370 to 410 degrees | Size: 1 inch

If you have long hair, Kim says to consider styling time. You'll want to select tools that help you get the job done efficiently. With this in mind, we recommend the Pro Spin N Curl from CHI's Volcanic Lava line. This unique iron sucks up small hair sections into its heated curl chamber, then releases a bouncy 1-inch curl. It’s also made of a unique combination of volcanic lava and ceramic to create the smoothest looks. We like that it has a selection of preset temperature settings for each hair texture, although it doesn’t go below 370 degrees—which isn’t optimal for protecting fine hair. 

Best Barrel

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

What We Like

• Extra-long barrel provides ample styling room
• Keeps hair conditioned
• Easy to hold

What to Consider

• Hair may slide out of the clamp

Temperature Range: 250 to 430 degrees | Size: 1 inch

Unlike many curling tools on the market, this beauty from Bio Ionic doesn't skimp on barrel length. The Long Barrel Iron is 1 inch wide and roughly 2 inches longer than average, allowing you to create glamorous spirals or waves, even in hard-to-reach sections, like the back of your head. It's a fantastic choice for those with long hair, but it also would totally work for people with short or medium hair. Some complain that their hair slips out of the clamp, which isn’t ideal for super fine hair types.

Best Features

Drybar The 3-Day Bender Curling Iron

What We Like

• Rotating clamp
• Auto-shut-off feature
• Long power cord gives range and flexibility

What to Consider

• Hair can get tangled in the rotating clamp

Temperature Range: Up to 440 degrees | Size: 1.25 inches

Drybar's 3-Day Bender pulls out all the stops for at-home styling. This all-star rotating curling iron has a 1.25-inch barrel with a rotating clamp, transforming slick, flat hair into bouncy curls in no time. The iron has ionic and infrared technology, designed to smooth hair and heat it from the inside out, preventing breakage. It also has digital heat settings for ideal temperature control, an automatic shut-off feature, and a 9-foot power cord. The rotating clamp makes curling super easy, but if you're not careful, hair can get caught and tangled. 

Best for Loose Waves

Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver Pro 1

What We Like

• Rotating barrel provides convenient movement
• Heats up in 20 seconds
• Crimp-free clamp

What to Consider

• Doesn't create the most long-lasting curls

Temperature Range: Up to 450 degrees | Size: 1 inch

If it's loose waves that you're after, your best bet is the Beachwaver Pro. It has a 1-inch gold-infused tourmaline barrel with a dual-rotation feature that makes easy-breezy waves a breeze. It heats up in 30 seconds but has low enough wattage to be travel-friendly. We also like that it has a 9-foot power cord and a specially designed-clamp that won't create that dreaded crimp. The curls can fall easily while using this, so try using mousse and hairspray to hold your curls. 

Best for Tight Curls

Chi Ceramic Hairstyling Wand

What We Like

• Extended barrel length
• Multiple heat settings
• 1-hour auto shut-off

What to Consider

• Long barrel is a bit awkward to use

Temperature Range: 300 to 410 degrees | Size: 3/8-3/4 inches

If you have fine hair and like creating tight curls, this wand was practically made for you. It features multiple heat settings to ensure you have an option that's right for you (and safe for your hair). The thin, tapered barrel is extra long, which helps those with long hair get to the end the first time. At first glance, you might not think this tool looks super versatile, but you can use small sections of hair to create ultra-tight curls or larger sections of hair to create a looser, more relaxed look. A bonus is that it has an auto shut-off feature, so you don't need to panic if you forget to unplug it before leaving home. Be warned: The long, thin barrel is tricky to use at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. 

Best for Bangs

Kim Kimble Celebrity Series 1" Ceramic Tourmaline Digital Spring Hair Curling Iron

 

What We Like

• Nonstick barrel and clip
• Auto shut-off
• Comes with protective glove

What to Consider

• Some reviewers note the self-wrap function makes the iron hard to handle

Temperature Range: 325 to 450 degrees | Size: 1 inch

This Kim Kimble tourmaline-ceramic curling iron works especially well on thin hair and bangs by heating up quickly for less damage and static. The design delivers consistent heat across the entire length of the ceramic barrel but still has a clamp, so you can create wraparound curls or with the clamp for added support. We love the tangle-free swivel cord and tourmaline coating for a shinier, damage-free finish.

What to Look for When Buying a Curling Iron for Fine Hair

• Ceramic Barrel: When it comes to curling finer hair, hairstylist Shelly Aguirre stresses the importance of choosing a tool with a fully ceramic (read: not just coated) barrel. Curling irons with ceramic barrels heat evenly, which is key to protecting fine, fragile hair. “You need to have an even heat distribution from the top to bottom of the barrel,” she says. “If the barrel isn’t evenly heated, you’ll tend to go over the section more times than necessary because you’re not getting the results quick enough”—thus, leading to heat damage.
• Ionic Technology: To keep fine, limp hair looking healthy and vibrant, Aguirre also recommends looking for an ionic curling iron. “Negative ions will help make the hair more shiny and smooth due to the simple fact that negative ions close down the cuticle,” she says. “Your cuticle lays like shingles on a roof, so ‘laying them down’ will increase the shine and offer a healthy overall look.”
• Temperature Control: Aguirre says that it’s imperative to look for a tool with temperature control so that you can adjust it to fit your styling needs while maintaining a non-damaging temperature range. “You should keep the heat down to around 325 to 350 degrees so you’re not damaging the hair,” she recommends. “Also, using a heat protectant is necessary and not negotiable.”

FAQ

What kind of curling iron is best for fine hair?

As Aguirre mentions above, fine hair is more prone to damage than other hair types, so it’s important to look for curling that will keep the hair healthy (but, of course, still work). She recommends a curling iron with a fully ceramic barrel for even heat distribution, ionic technology to keep the hair shiny and static-free, and temperature control to style in a non-damaging temperature range.

She also notes that a quality iron that won’t singe your hair may be pricier, but it’s well worth the investment. This is especially true if you use hot tools on your hair consistently. “Spending a little more when investing in a hot tool will help in the long run—ask your stylist for the recommendations when it comes to these tools,” she says.

What temperature should a curling iron be for fine hair?

According to Aguirre, those with fine hair should keep their curling irons in the 325 to 350 degree temperature range to effectively curl the hair sans heat damage. It's always wise to start at the lowest possible temperature and work your way up until you find a sweet spot that works to create curls without frying your strands.

What size barrel is the best for fine hair?

When it comes to choosing the right barrel size, Aguirre says it depends on how curly you’d like your hair to be. “The smaller the barrel, the curlier the look,” she says. “This is also dependent on the length of your hair and what look you’re trying to achieve. When in doubt, talk to your stylist and get some advice.”

Meet Our Experts

To determine the best curling irons for fine hair, we consulted with several experts, including:

• Shelly Aguirre is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
• Sally Hershberger is an internationally known celebrity hairstylist with salons in New York and Los Angeles.
• Sky Kim is a hairstylist of Serge Normant at John Frieda.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a seasoned beauty writer specializing in skincare, makeup, and hair. To write this article, she conducted hours of research and considered dozens of options, judging each based on how easy they were to use and the final results. She also looked through customer reviews to make her final selections. Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin also updated this article in December 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on this list.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any curling irons for fine hair from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.