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The 8 Best Curling Irons That Make Styling Short Hair a Breeze

 

We took no shortcuts to find the best tools for these short styles.

Whether you've always had short hair or just chopped a long bob, finding the best curling iron for short hair is always challenging. With less length to work with, you need to pay extra attention to the details, like temperature and rod shape. But most importantly, pick a barrel size that's on the thin side for the best results. “Smaller barrels are easier to use on short hair,” says hair educator Elisha Gotha. If the barrel is too thick, you won't have much success getting any sort of wave or texture. Additionally, “350 to 410 degrees gives you the best curls that’ll last,” she says, cautioning always to use heat protectant with higher temperatures.

Still, determining the best curling iron for short hair requires research. So, we scoured the shelves, tested these tools, and chatted with a few hair pros for their expert advice and recommendations.

Best Overall

Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron

Why We Love It: With high praise from hairstylists and beauty editors alike, this tool earned the top spot for its range of barrel sizes, adjustable heat settings, and convenient swivel cord. The gold coating helps even out heat distribution for perfectly symmetrical curls from root to tip. Thanks to the multiple barrel sizes, curls of every size, from beach waves to rigid ringlets, are within reach.

Who It’s For: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this curling iron is easy to maneuver thanks to the tangle-resistant cord, a cool tip that allows you to hold the end safely, and easy-to-reach heat settings. One tip: Keep your strands away from the hinge of the clamp, as they can sometimes get caught.

Barrel Material: Titanium | Size: 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: 280–430 degrees

Best Budget

Remington Pro Conical Curling Wand

Why We Love It:  Best for creating tousled beach waves, this wallet-friendly option bends your strands without breaking the bank. The cone-shaped barrel heats up in 30 seconds, making it perfect for anyone with little time to get ready. After a few passes, it can even curl the most stick-straight strands into submission. Thanks to the slightly shorter rod, it won't be too cumbersome for your short strands.

Who It’s For: Small but mighty, this wand heats up in 30 seconds flat, and the slightly shorter rod is ideal for working with short strands. However, we recommend wearing the included heat-protective glove when using it—it’s easy to burn fingertips on its barrel. 

Barrel Material: Ceramic | Size: 1, 1.25, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: 350–410 degrees

Best Investment

Dyson Airwrap

Why We Love It: Although the Dyson Airwrap hits you with sticker shock, this may be the last hair tool you ever buy. Unlike other tools in your arsenal, Dyson employs Coanda airflow instead of heat to style hair, resulting in less damage and breakage, similar to heatless curlers. Create voluminous curls, loose waves, and everything in between using the 1.2-inch and 1.6-inch barrels. Complete with six attachments (from a hair dryer to curling wands), this all-in-one dryer, curler, and blowout master offers any and every style.

Who It’s For: This multipurpose option uses air to style hair, resulting in less damage and breakage. It also has attachments for drying and shaping. If you’re willing to treat yourself to a bit of a splurge, this could easily replace most of your heat tools.

Barrel Material: Ceramic tourmaline | Size: 1.2, 1.6 inches | Temperature Range: 140–194 degrees

Best Titanium

Ion Titanium Pro Curling Iron

Why We Love It: While this iron is equipped with a clamp—which can be a challenge to use correctly—it delivers a snag-free style so you can curl comfortably. The titanium material evenly distributes heat so your curls last longer. Plus, it’s a seamless move to adjust the conveniently placed temperature control buttons between four options for precise heat control. Its lightweight shape and design stow away neatly in your carry-on. Our favorite feature is the automatic shut-off after an hour. 

Who It’s For: The lightweight design makes this tool an easy travel companion. Especially great for coarse or fine hair, the ceramic warmers generate constant heat without any of those pesky hot spots that cause unwanted damage to your strands. 

Barrel Material: Titanium | Size: 0.75, 1.25, 1, 1.5 inches | Temperature Range: 300–450 degrees

Best Rotating

Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver Pro 1

Why We Love It: Beachy, runway-style waves have never been easier to recreate. Created by celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa, this iron offers professional tool perks, like high heat settings, a swivel cord, and an ergonomic handle while remaining user-friendly. The rotating barrel turns left and right, and the tiny clamp holds down ends and wraps lengths around for effortless, casual curls (and minimal kinks). Plus, finishing your entire head won't take long with shorter strands.

Who It’s For: While mastering the iron may take a while, the results are well worth it. Plus, it’s travel-friendly and automatically shuts off after 30 minutes as an extra safety measure. 

Barrel Material: Ceramic tourmaline | Size: 1, 1.25 inches | Temperature Range: 310–450 degrees

Best Wand

BaBylissPro Curling Wand

Why We Love It: Recently, curling wands have taken over the hair-tool industry. Wands are curling irons without a clamp and are ideal for a more lived-in look. The ionic technology in this wand helps banish frizz and evenly distribute heat across the iron to ensure long-lasting waves. For some, it also can be easier to control, which is key when you have short hair. If you don’t love using protective gloves (same!), no worries because this one’s end has a cool tip. 

Who It’s For: This wand helps tame frizz and evenly distributes heat for lasting waves at an accessible price point. Its five temperature settings make it ideal for fine to thick hair, and its slim, lightweight design makes it a great travel companion.

Barrel Material: Titanium | Size: 1 inch | Temperature Range: 265–430 degrees

Best for Thick Hair

Kristin Ess Soft Wave Pivoting Wand

Why We Love It: Thick hair is a blessing and a curse. While natural volume causes serious hair envy, styling is time-consuming and arduous, even at a shorter length. The wand’s bendable barrel stretches to a 90-degree angle, so you can easily access your head’s back. The design ensures you will never get stuck noticing a stray straight piece after you've left the house ever again. This curling iron has a higher heat range than many on the list, which is excellent for thicker tresses, but definitely don't skip a heat protectant.

Who It’s For: Since the titanium barrel bends at a 90-degree angle, it’s great for reaching shorter and longer layers. The barrel delivers consistent heat, and the higher temperature range is ideal for thick hair.

Barrel Material: Titanium | Size: 1.25 inches | Temperature Range: 325–425 degrees

Best for Fine Hair

Ghd Soft Curl Curling Iron

Why We Love It: Heat styling, tugging, and pulling can cause more wear and tear on finer hair textures. While applying heat to hair causes damage, this iron keeps a consistent 365 degrees. The tip remains cool for hours. However, our favorite part is the automatic shut-off after 30 minutes. 

Who It’s For: This iron keeps it minimal with one 356-degree heat setting, making it a more gentle option for fine strands. We also love the cool tip on the barrel’s end, which creates a safe space for hands to hold when styling without getting burned.

Barrel Material: Ceramic | Size: 1 inch, 1.25 inches | Temperature Range: 365 degrees

What to Keep in Mind

Material: Brands mainly make curling irons of ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline. Professional stylists often prefer titanium because it’s super lightweight, heats up quickly, and holds heat longer than ceramic. Ceramic and tourmaline distribute heat more evenly and are easier on the hair, making them more popular with at-home users. Both materials work on all hair textures and types.
Barrel Size: The hairstyle you try to create depends on the barrel size; the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curls will be," says professional stylist Raven Hurtado. For shorter strands, barrels 1 inch or less in diameter will create smaller ringlets, while anything larger will create bouncy waves.

Your Questions, Answered

What features should you look for in a curling iron when you have short hair?

According to celebrity hairstylist David Lopez, it's best to choose your iron based on your styling capacity. "Are you more comfortable with a wand or a clip iron? Overall, a clip iron is better for coarse or frizzier hair types, and wands are better for fine hair." He thinks the most important thing about the iron is adjustable heat settings. Depending on your hair texture, different heat settings will be most effective.

What size curling iron is best for short hair?

"For short hair, it's best to use a 0.5-inch to a 1-inch curling iron," says Hurtado. "It's easier to maneuver and wrap the hair all the way around,” she adds. Lopez recommends deciding on what style you prefer. "A 1.25-inch iron will get you loose texture and bounce, but a 1-inch iron will be a better pick if you're looking for more texture."

Why Shop With Us

Chaise Sanders is a freelance contributor who covers lifestyle, beauty, and fashion for InStyle. She interviewed professional hair stylists for their expertise and insights on the best curling irons for short hair.

• Elisha Gotha is a Toronto-based licensed curly hair expert and owner of The Curl Lounge, a hair salon specializing in all curl types.
• David Lopez is a celebrity hairstylist whose previous clients include Chrissy Teigen and Ashley Graham.
• Raven Hurtado is a Chicago-based hair stylist with 15 years of experience at the Maxine Salon.