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The 17 Best Curling Irons of All Damn Time (Yep, Really)

 

Here's the deal: my love affair with hot tools runs deep. It all started back in middle school when I rummaged through my mom's bathroom cabinets and found her Hot Tools 24K Gold curling iron. The pretty, shiny gold curling iron lured me in, and I never looked back. After a few too many burns (eeep) and some wonky-lookin' curls, I perfected my craft and now consider myself a pro. Today, hot tools (hi, hair straighteners, hot rollers, crimpers, Dyson Airwrap) have become a part of my everyday life—with a heat protectant, ofc. Even better, I've tested enough curling irons and wands to know which ones are the best for achieving beach waves, ringlets, soft “Hollywood glamour”-style curls, and model-off duty crimps that I'm bringing my knowledge of the best curling irons to you, right here, right now.

Tech has been tech-ing the past few years, as I’ve seen an influx of cool new curling iron options, like hot-air tools, multiple barrel systems, and automatic rotating features that help you get any type of curls or waves you want. Of course, I tested ‘em all for you and compiled my favorites. But to help you figure out which hot tool best suits your needs, I enlisted the help of four hairstylists (s/o Tamika Gibson, Priscilla Valles, Joseph Maine, and Amy Abramite) for all the details on choosing the best curling iron for you: What to look for in a curling iron, what works best for your hair, and even what size barrel creates the hairstyle you want.

Our top picks for the best curling irons of 2024:

Keep reading for all of our top picks for the best curling irons of 2024, from clampless curling wands to detachable barrels to classic marcel irons. Then, get into all the details to help you make the right decision, from how to choose between titanium and ceramic to what curling iron professionals use.

Best Curling Iron Overall

Conair Double Ceramic 1-inch Curling Wand

PROS

• Has 30 (!) different heat settings
• Love the dual-voltage power for international travel

CONS

• Very easy to burn your hands, according to reviews

There are certain relics of the past that you refuse to part ways with, no matter how far you get in life. For me, regardless of how many expensive tools graze my desk, I can't let go of the Conair curling wand I purchased in college. It’s inexpensive, for starters, but it is also so easy to use, especially since I don’t have to deal with any clamps. I just section my hair, put on the included gloves, then wrap one-inch pieces around the tool for 10 seconds, and leave them in my palm for another 10 seconds to cool and set. It takes me about 30 minutes to do my entire head of fine-yet-dense hair, and violá—bouncy, voluminous curls.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 400 degrees
Barrel size: Available in 1” and 1.25-1.75”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “At first I wasn't sure if the 1 in. iron was going to give me the curls I was looking for, but boy was I wrong. I love the curls I get when using this wand! Obsessed! I have never been one to curl my hair, but I decided to finally give it a try. Very easy to use for beginners.”

Best Curling Iron for Natural-Looking Waves

Mermade Hair 1.25" PRO Hair Waver

PROS

• I love the piece-y, natural look this gives my hair
• V easy to use, per my testing

CONS

• Some reviewers said their hair was prone to getting caught in the clamp

All it took was one targeted TikTok and watching The Little Mermaid for me to add this waver hair tool to my shopping cart. The waves look so natural and mermaid-y for the perfect “I just woke up like this” vibe. I'm also obsessed with how easy it is to use—I just open the 32mm clamp, insert a 1 to 2-inch strand, then hold for five to ten seconds and release. I finish off my look with a texturizing spray or a strong-hold hairspray to keep it rough and matte. FYI: If you have curly hair, you will most likely need to straighten or blow it out beforehand to get your hair sleek.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat from 180-410 degrees Fahrenheit
Barrel size: Available in 1” or 1.25”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “I have naturally straight hair that I've been curling and waving for several years. I've been wanting a more lived-in, natural, and carefree look for a long time now and I am so happy that I came across this tool.”

Best Rotating Curling Iron

Conair Curl Secret Automatic Curling Iron

PROS

• Wand rotates to help you avoid crimps and creases
• Tangle-free technology ensures your hair won't get stuck in the barrel

CONS

• Barrels are too short for some reviewers with long, thick hair

If I'm being real, I've clamped down on my hair many times and twirled it the wrong way—despite the fact that I've been curling my hair since, well, forever. This rotating ceramic curling iron from Conair (a brand so good, we had to include it twice!) does all the hard work for you by automatically curling your hair, so there will be no more mistakes. Even better, it has tangle-free technology, so you don't have to worry about it getting all caught up in there.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 410 degrees
Barrel size: 1.25"
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: "I have so much hair that it takes forever to curl my whole head, but the results are worth it. I get the most compliments on my hair using this tool. I can get through my whole head quicker with the larger barrel and it creates nice beachy waves I’ve never been able to achieve with any other tool!"

Best Curling Iron & Straightener Duo

BondiBoost Airburst Styler 2-in-1 Curling Iron & Flat Iron

PROS

• Works great on super thick, coarse hair
• Emits cool-air to reduce heat damage

CONS

• Some testers don't think it "grips" your hair securely enough while styling

Some people are really skilled and can use their hair straightener to also create curls, but I am not one of those people. Instead, I opt for the BondiBoost Airburst Styler, which is a hair straightener and curler in one. Simply keep the tool closed to use it as a wand, use the clamp and curl like a regular curling iron, or open the clamp and run it over your hair like a traditional straightener. Oh, and FYI, the tool emits a shot of cool air to reduce the heat on your hair and lock in your style. Please and thanks.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 430 degrees
Barrel size: 1.25"
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: "If you want your hair straight with no frizz or curly with lots of volume this is the hair product for you! It's so versatile and works so amazing…I have never been so obsessed with a hair tool in my entire life!!!!"

Best Cordless Curling Iron

Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic 1 Inch Curling Wand

PROS

• Creates numerous styles of curls, from mermaid piece-y textures to tighter curls
• Great hot tool for traveling

CONS

• Will have to be on it about recharging the battery or you won't have a working iron

A curling iron without a cord you say, eh? Yup, this is not a drill. Harry Josh debuted this bb that—despite being cordless—creates any style curl depending on what look you choose. Oh, and the smart-battery-powered rechargeable curler gives you up to an hour of style time. The cordless feature also makes it key for international travel (or travel in general) as there are no voltage conversions to worry about.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 400 degrees
Barrel size: 1"
Material: Ceramic

Best Trending Hair Curler

Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush

PROS

• Testers love how light the design is, which makes for easier styling
• There's no sound, so it's quiet compared to other hot brushes

CONS

• TikTok made it go viral, so it can be super hard to find in stock

Hi, hello, qq—are you a TikTok beauty qween? Yes? Then you've def heard of the Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush, which testers everywhere have been claiming is the newest best curling brush. Here's the gist: The thermal brush emits far-infrared heat that heats the hair cuticle from the inside out. Translation: your hair is heated evenly and quicker, which, in turn, reduces heat damage. Just a quick tip, though: If you find it in stock, purchase it ASAP because it's super hard to find.

Temperature settings: 356 degrees
Barrel size: 1.5"
Material: Ceramic with nylon bristles

Glowing Customer Review: "I had such high hopes for this and it exceeded all of them! I have medium-length fine hair with lots of layers - this does an amazing job creating volume, enhancing shine + adding style, whether it’s curling ends in/out or full curls."

Best Curling Iron for Beach Waves

Beachwaver Co. Dual-Voltage Rotating Curling Iron

PROS

• Makes curling my hair so easy, thanks to rotating iron

CONS

• Can get too hot if you’re not careful, IMO

My favorite thing about this rotating curling iron is that it does all of the work for me. It did take a few uses to fully grasp the technique (you have to hold down the arrow button to start the rotation, then release it to stop), but now that I’ve mastered it, it’s one of my go-to tools for creating large, bouncy curls and beach waves. Also, it comes with a 30-minute auto shut-off feature, a lifesaver for someone like me whose biggest fear is burning the apartment down.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat from 290-410 degrees
Barrel size: 1.25”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “Beach waver has changed my hair, I swear. I was told my hair could never and would never hold a curl and it did after I used this! I have REALLY thick hair, and it only took me 20 or so minutes to do my whole head. Would 1000% recommend.”

Best Curling Iron for Damaged Hair

Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler

PROS

• Uses warm air, not a hot iron, to curl, which can be less damaging
• Set comes with six attachments to curl, blow-out, and straighten

CONS

• Most expensive tool on this list (but loved by all of Team 'Cosmo')

No, this isn’t your traditional curling iron. But the coveted, $$$ Dyson Airwrap is the GOAT for getting big waves and curls with as minimal damage as possible. Because instead of using ultra-high heat, it blows out warm air that sucks and wraps your hair around it for you, sans clamp, to give your hair a super bouncy wave. Think: Less work and no arm strain. There's also a round-brush attachment available if you want to achieve a more ringlet-style look or like to add some extra volume at your roots. But, IMO, the best part? It doesn't burn your hair to a crisp, which definitely makes your hair less susceptible to damage and breakage over time, especially if you heat style daily.

Temperature settings: Three heat settings and a cool shot setting
Barrel size: 1.2-inch and 1.6-inch barrels (included)
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: "I bought this and have used several times. I like mixing up curl sizes. I use the cold burst and my hair keeps the curl longer. I’m excited that with this set of tools, I can style my hair almost as good as the professionals.”

Most Versatile Curling Iron

T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio Interchangeable Curling Iron

PROS

• Comes with three detachable barrels (0.5 in., 1.25 in., and 1.5 in.)
• My curls last v long with this iron compared to others I tested

CONS

• A few reviewers wished all included barrels were wand style

If you want a curling iron that will get you through a “bus, club, another club, another club, plane, next place” kind of night, look no further than this ceramic curling iron set. No, seriously, it's gotten me through at least six bachelorette parties because it comes with three different barrels (0.5 in., 1.25 in., and 1.5 in.) depending on the ~vibe~ I’m going for that day/night. It has five heat settings and comes with a detachable barrel that you can switch out with two other sizes, whether you want tighter ringlets or loose, tousled waves. Don’t just take my word for it: Both Gibson and celebrity extensionist Priscilla Valles swear by T3 curling irons for how well the curls last. “The next day when I wake up, my hair looks exactly the same,” Valles says.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat from 260-410 degrees
Barrel size: .05” wand, 1.25” wand, 1.5” clip
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “The absolute best curling wand I’ve ever used. I’ve never seen my curls last this long and they don’t lose shape."

Best Curling Iron for Long Hair

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Pro Curling Iron 1"

PROS

• Extra-long barrel helps me quickly curl long hair
• Can lock temperature setting (which testers and I loved)

CONS

• Cord broke for a few testers after a year or two

I love curls but despise how long it takes to curl every piece of my long hair. Enter: This Bio Ionic iron, which has an extra-long length (it’s two inches longer than nearly every other iron on this list, fyi) to help me wrap the entirety of each strand around the iron, giving me back so much time during curling. And to make things even quicker, I can choose my go-to temperature (I go for 375 degrees for my thick hair, but def go for under 330 if you have fine or damaged hair) and lock it into place, so every time I turn the iron on, it automatically heats up to my preferred setting.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 430 degrees
Barrel size: 1” and 1.25”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “​​If you have long hair, this is the best curling iron I’ve ever used. My curls last literally three days, and they actually stay—usually, my hair is stick straight, and I couldn’t find anything to keep my curls in. Definitely a great purchase.”

Best Tapered Curling Iron

Drybar The Wrap Party Styling Wand

PROS

• Tapered style tightly curls close to my roots to help boost some volume
• I love how easy the handle is to hold

CONS

• Broke after two years for a couple of testers (sad)

I know what you’re thinking—the barrel on this curling wand gets bigger towards the end of the wand, instead of the opposite way around—but trust me, it actually works in your favor. The reverse-taper here actually prevents your hair from slipping on the iron, so that you don’t waste time re-curling (or accidentally burning) your hair. I love the ergonomic handle too for its easy adjustment style and the pressure that’s taken off your wrist.

Temperature settings: Adjustable temperature from 200-450 degrees
Barrel size: 1”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “​​I love this. I have very fine hair and struggle to curl my hair any other way. The curl with this somehow stays without hairspray.”

Best Curling Iron for Long, Thick Hair

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium 1'' XL Spring Curling Iron

PROS

• Extra-long barrel helps testers curl waist-length hair
• Uses titanium coating to heat up to 400+ degrees v fast

CONS

• Some reviewers wish there were thicker barrel options

If your hair is thick, coarse, and long, I'm gonna guess that you're used to your curls falling flat (if your hair even takes a curl at all). What you need is a titanium curling iron that reaches super-hot temps (but is still adjustable) and has an extra-long barrel with plenty of space to wrap the entire section from the end to the root. FYI, Gibson and Abramite are both big fans of this one for thick, long hair for those exact reasons.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 430 degrees
Barrel size: 1”
Material: Titanium

Glowing Customer Review: “I have long hair and this was perfect to use. I have a BaBylissPro straightener so I felt comfortable using this brand as my straightener is still going strong after like 6+ years.”

Best Curling Iron Set

Trademark Beauty Mood Interchangeable Curling Iron

PROS

• Three-piece set is easy to pack and bring on vacation
• I *love* that the temperature switch doesn’t get easily changed while using

CONS

• Barrels were a little long for short-haired testers

Instead of purchasing a bajillion different tools to create all your lewks (or filling your suitcase), just grab this interchangeable ceramic-coated curling iron set. It includes a spring-clamp barrel, a clampless wand barrel, and a triple barrel for perfect S-shaped beach waves, and was actually created by hairstylist Joseph Maine. One small detail that might sound like NBD but makes the biggest difference, IMO: The temperature dial is on the far end of the handle, rather than right underneath the clamp (the usual spot for it), so it’s out of the way and won’t accidentally get bumped and change your settings. It's the little things, y'all.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 450 degrees
Barrel size: 1” clamp iron, 1” wand, three-barrel waver
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “This is a fabulous invention to include multiple barrels to avoid extra cords and devices. I love the pink and the feel of it. You have a storage bag which is perfect to keep them together. The beach waves look amazing!”

Easiest Curling Iron to Use

Ghd Classic Curl 1" Curling Iron

PROS

• Heats up to 365 degrees in 2 seconds (per my testing and reviews)

CONS

• Singular 365-degree setting might be too hot for very-fine or damaged hair

Can we quickly chat about the decision fatigue that comes with deciding the temperature of your curling iron? Like, I’m exhausted, just do the work for me, pls. Which is where this ceramic-coated curling iron comes in: It exclusively heats up to 365 degrees, basically the perfect middle-ground temperature for a long-lasting curl without fully frying my medium-to-thick hair. But it also somehow heats up to that temperature in a whopping two seconds, meaning I don’t have to wait around for my iron to be able to do my thing.

Temperature settings: 365 degrees
Barrel size: 1”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “This is a great curling iron. I have hair that is thick and naturally wavy and I love the curls it creates. I never like an overly curled look so the waves I get are perfect for me.”

Best Curling Wand

Hot Tools Professional Nano Ceramic 1-1/4" Flipperless Tapered Curling Wand

PROS

• Tapered-wand style give a tighter curl at the ends that helps keep my curls from falling
• Comes with a heat-resistant glove to help protect your hands while using

CONS

• Doesn't have an automatic shut-off feature

If you have a love-hate relationship with your curling iron's spring clamp (all those creases and ripped-out strands), try this clamp-free wand instead. “A wand is very easy to use as you are only wrapping your hair around the barrel,” Maine explains. Some wands have a diameter that's consistent from end to end, and others have more of a conical or tapered shape, like the ceramic one shown here that has 4,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon. As Abramite explains it, these tapered wands are designed to give a looser curl toward the root and a tighter one toward the end, or vice versa, depending on the shape of the tool.

Temperature settings: Adjustable temperature from 280-430 degrees
Barrel size: 1”-1.4”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “The wand heats fast and makes curls that will last all day! I can now wrap large portions of hair on top of not having to overlap the curl. This wand is fabulous and would buy again.”

Best Clamp Curling Iron

Kristin Ess Hair Nanoblack 1.25'' Curling Iron

PROS

• Glides through my hair without catching in the clamp, in my experience
• I like the affordable price for how sleek and high-quality the iron feels

CONS

• Easy to accidentally hit the off button while using

If you love the look of big, brushed-out, glam waves (á la celeb hairstylist Kristin Ess’s specialty), get yourself this classic curling iron with a springy clamp. According to hairstylist Joseph Maine, a clamp is a good idea for anyone whose style falls out easily since it creates more of a “perfect” ringlet-style curl, rather than a bendy wave. I particularly loved this iron because it heats up in about 30 seconds to 425 degrees, plus makes my hair look super shiny and soft, especially if I smooth a shine serum through my ends.

Temperature settings: Adjustable heat up to 425 degrees
Barrel size: 1.25”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “The curling iron heated to the desired heat very quickly, and it's easy to change from one heating setting to the next with ease by just pressing a button.”

Best Marcel Curling Iron

Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron

PROS

• Can be used as a clamp iron, wand, or marcel iron

CONS

• Testers with long hair wished the barrels were longer

Not sure what type of curling iron you want? This multipurpose ceramic styling tool from celeb hairstylist Harry Josh's line can easily transform from a classic curling iron with a spring clamp to a clampless curling wand, to a professional marcel iron, thanks to the removable attachments that come with it. “Some find winding their hair around a curling wand more intuitive than working with a classic spring clamp or professional marcel tongs, which require more hand agility,” Abramite explains. “It’s a personal choice, and I find people click with one type and excel with their results with practice.”

Temperature settings: Adjustable temperature from 190-380 degrees
Barrel size: 1.25”
Material: Ceramic

Glowing Customer Review: “The wand heats fast and makes curls that will last all day! I can now wrap large portions of hair on top of not having to overlap the curl. This wand is fabulous and would buy again.”

What is the difference between a curling iron and curling wand?

The difference between a curling iron and a curling wand lies in the presence of a clamp. Curling irons come with clamps that are used to pin the hair in place or even straighten parts of the hair. However, if not used properly, these clamps can potentially leave a crease in your hair. Which is why many prefer curling wands, which are clamp-free and require you to use your hands to hold your hair in place on the iron.

Curling wands tend to be easier for many people, but because they don’t have a clamp, they also increase the risk of burning your hand if you're not careful.Thankfully, many curling wands come with a heat-resistant glove, which may look a bit dorky but can save you from panic-googling whether or not you have a third-degree burn.

Is titanium or ceramic better for curling hair?

Titanium nor ceramic is “better” for curling hair; the best tool material depends on your hair type and styling needs. Ceramic irons are best for fine, fragile, or dry hair because they heat up to lower temperatures more evenly and slowly, which can help prevent some damage, says hairstylist Amy Abramite. Titanium irons, on the other hand, will work best on coarse textures that require hotter temperatures to smooth or style your hair.

If you're looking for an at-home option that'll offer the least amount of heat damage, go with ceramic. “I prefer ceramic barrels, as they aren't as harsh on the hair and typically glide very nicely, so the hair doesn’t stick,” says hairstylist Joseph Maine.

What curling iron do professionals use?

There is no one type of curling iron professionals use—they have and use all shapes and sizes to create different looks. But they also tend to pick their faves. Maine says marcel irons (which requires some serious hand coordination not unlike using chopsticks—here’s a visual) are typically more for professional use because they're difficult for someone to use on themselves, but it all comes down to preference.

How to choose the best curling iron for you:

Consider the temperature

“You definitely should find a curling iron that has temperature control, so you can adjust it for your texture,” Maine says. “For fine hair or heavily color-treated, you want to keep the iron closer to 325 degrees,” he explains (and fwiw, Cosmo’s beauty editor Beth Gillette is obsessed with the Kristin Ess Hair Nanoblack 1.25'' Curling Iron for her baby-fine hair). “But for coarser and more-resistant hair types, around 400 degrees is appropriate,” Maine says. Which is why testers with thick hair loved the ease of not having to adjust the temperature on the Ghd Classic Curl Curling Iron, since it exclusively heats up to 365 degrees.

For the most accurate temperature reading, find a curling iron or wand with a digital screen (see: Kim Kimble Tourmaline Ceramic Multi-Barrel Auto-Rotating Curling Iron and the Trademark Mood Starter Kit). Otherwise, a dial or toggle button works, too—it's just less precise. Just make sure you have the option to adjust the temperature as needed. Hairstylist Amy Abramite says you always want to take into consideration the overall condition of your hair and adjust the heat for the safest, healthiest results. Start low and raise the temp in small increments until you've found the sweet-spot that styles without scorching.

Figure out the easiest tool for your skills

Next, you want to decide if you want a classic curling iron with a spring clamp, a marcel iron, or a curling wand. Not only does the type of curling iron change the way you hold and maneuver it, but it also affects the end results of your curls. “I love a curling wand for a beachy, messy look, and the iron for a perfect curl shape and hold.” says Tamika Gibson, hairstylist and wig expert. “A wand is great for looser curls but doesn't give the same hold or structure as an iron." Of all the curling irons and wands I’ve tested, my favorite is the Conair Double Ceramic 1-inch Curling Wand for how long my curls last and how simple it is to use.

Meanwhile, "an iron allows for a sturdier, tighter curl, which is why looser curls and waves are a bit harder to achieve with it,” says Gibson. Which is why reviewers overall loved the Beachwaver Curling Iron for giving them long-lasting, beachy waves. And if you're deciding between a spring iron vs. a marcel (like the Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron) they give pretty similar results, says Maine, but the main difference is how you hold and clamp the curl. If you're a beginner, go for a spring clamp or wand.

Look at the barrel size

One of the most important features of a curling iron is the barrel size because the diameter of the iron determines the size of the curl. “Creating a tight corkscrew curl needs a smaller diameter than a loose beach wave, which needs a bigger diameter,” Abramite explains. “On average, barrel sizes range from 0.5 inches to 2 in. with increments in between. This greatly affects the springiness or how relaxed a curl is.” If you want beachy waves, go for a 1 to 2 in. iron; if you want big, voluminous curls, try a 1.75 to 2 in. iron; and if you want springy, Taylor-Swift debut-era ringlets, look for a 0.5 to 0.75 in. iron.

Meet the experts:

Tamika Gibson is a licensed cosmetologist, wig expert, and the founder of Bold Hold hair products.

Priscilla Valles is a celebrity extensionist and hairstylist who works with celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner.

Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty, a beauty brand that specializes in styling tools, hair products, accessories, and skincare.
 

Amy Abramite is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, IL where she is also creative director. She specializes in haircuts, styling, and chemical treatments.

 

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty, with over four years of experience writing in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the best curl creams and the best travel hair dryers. She regularly works with the industry’s top hairstylists and professionals to assess new formulas and products.

Iman Balagam is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with nearly three years of experience writing beauty stories that range from pre-wash hair oils to mini flat irons. She’s an authority in all hair categories, but is an expert when it comes to curling irons, thanks to years of personally testing them on her thick, curly hair.

Valeriya Chupinina was the beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing haircare stories that range from hair toner to spring hair color trends.