Looking for the right curling iron can be overwhelming — there are literally hundreds you could choose from. You have to consider your hair type, the kind of curl you want, ease of use, price, material, and more just to find a product to style your hair.
First let’s talk size — because size actually does matter when it comes to styling your hair. Curling irons range to create tiny spirals or big, loose curlsLiana Le, a celebrity stylist at Marie Robinson Salon in New York, New York, told us via email that she prefers one-inch tools to achieve a beachy, undone look, and a 1.25-inch size for a softer, pulled out wave look. For tighter curls you should opt for a three-quarter-inch iron or smaller. If you’re unsure of what size you want, a one-inch curling iron is a safe bet for most hair types and lengths. Read more…
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BEST FOR THE HAIR-CHALLENGED
Beachwaver S1
A self-rotating curling iron that creates waves with minimal effort.
- Size: 1 inch
- Heat range: 290 degrees to 410 degrees
- Barrel material: Ceramic
$129 from Amazon
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BEST FOR A PROFESSIONAL LOOK
Hot Tools Professional Marcel Iron/Wand
Many professional hair stylists use Hot Tools as their go-to curling iron.
- Size: 1, 1.25, or 1.5 inch
- Heat range: 280 degrees to 430 degrees
- Barrel material: 24 karat gold
$49.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR BEACHY WAVES
Revlon Ball Wand
Like two devices in one, use this wand to create tight spirals and loose waves.
- Heat range: Up to 420 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
$23.99 from Walmart
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BEST FOR SHINY CURLS
T3 Whirl Trio Styling Wand
Includes three interchangeable barrels to create different looks.
- Size: 1, 1.5, or 1.25 to 0.75 inch
- Heat range: Up to 410 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
$250 from Nordstrom
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BEST FOR THE LAZY STYLER
CHI Air Spin N Curl
Style your hair with the push of a button — no skill required.
- Size: 1 inch
- Heat range: 370 degrees to 410 degrees
- Barrel material: Ceramic
$99.99 from Best Buy
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BEST FOR ERGONOMIC COMFORT
Paul Mitchell Neuro Angle Rod Curling Iron
Bends to different angles to make styling more comfortable.
- Size: 1 inch
- Heat range: Up to 450 degrees
- Barrel material: Titanium
$134.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR TEXTURED WAVES
Bed Head A Wave We Go Adjustable Waver
A moveable barrel helps create a variety of wave styles.
- Heat range: Up to 400 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
$35.82 from Amazon
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BEST FOR BIG CURLS
ghd Curve Soft Curling Iron
Creates voluminous locks with a soft curl, like you just got a blowout.
- Size: 1.25 inch
- Heat range: 365 degrees
- Barrel material: Ceramic
$199.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR PROTECTING HAIR
The 3-Day Bender from Drybar
Create curls while preventing your hair from damage.
- Size: 1 inch
- Heat range: Up to 440 degrees
- Barrel material: Ceramic
$135 from Nordstrom Rack
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BEST FOR THICK HAIR
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
It reaches high temperatures and has a rotating barrel.
- Size: 1, 1.25, or 1.5 inch
- Heat range: Up to 450 degrees
- Barrel material: Nano titanium
$49.95 from Amazon
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BEST FOR AFFORDABLE VERSATILITY
Revlon 2-in-1 Barrel Wand
Get multiple styling options at a relatively low price.
- Size: 1 inch or tapered cone
- Heat range: Up to 420 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
$28.96 from Amazon
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BEST FOR TAMING FRIZZY HAIR
InStyler MAX
The rotating barrel tames frizz while boosting shine and can double as a straightener.
- Size: 0.75 or 1.25 inch
- Heat range: 285 degrees to 425 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
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MOST INNOVATIVE HAIR TOOL
Dyson Airwrap Complete
This tool uses hot air to wrap and style hair without damaging it.
- Size: 1.2 or 1.6 inch
- Heat range: Up to 302 degrees
$549 from Amazon
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BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
InfinitiPro by Conair
At only $25, this curling iron is a decent competitor to some of the top dogs.
- Size: 0.75, 1, 1.25, or 1.5 inch
- Heat range: 285 degrees to 400 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
$24.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR ENHANCING NATURALLY CURLY HAIR
Bed Head Curlipops skinny iron
This skinny wand adds texture and defines existing curls.
- Size: 0.5 inch
- Heat range: Up to 400 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
$29.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR CURLING AND STRAIGHTENING
Tyme Iron Pro
This all-in-one tool will have you creating tons of styles.
- Heat range: 300 degrees to 400 degrees
- Plate material: Titanium
$169.99 from Amazon