No matter how much fashion trends change over the years, effortless curls never seem to go out of style.
Unfortunately, not all of us have been blessed with naturally wavy hair, which is why a good curling iron seems to have become a staple in so many people’s beauty drawer. In fact, with so many curling irons on the market, creating that perfect curl has never been easier. The only problem is, that there is such a huge range of hair curlers on the market, that choosing the right one for you and your hair can prove a little tricky.
So, we’ve set out to solve this problem.
We’ve done all of the nitty-gritty research for you and put together this in-depth buying guide to getting your hands on the best curlers around. We’ve only chosen products that have been reviewed by thousands of people, so you can rest assured you’re getting the most accurate and transparent information to make the right decision when it comes to the best hair curlers for you.
Best Hair Curlers
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Best For Higher Budgets
1Dyson Complete Styler Hair Curler
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Best Overall
2Babyliss 2667U Hair Curler
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| 4
Best For Low Budgets
4Remington Curl Revolution Hair Curler
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1. Dyson Complete Styler Hair Curler
- 1.2 and 1.6-inch airwrap barrels.
- One-click attachments.
- Swivel cable with 2.6m cord length.
- 10 second heating time with 3 temperature settings.
Hair curlers don’t get much more high-tech than this state-of-the-art curler that dries and styles all at the same time. Perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much time on their hair, this multi-functional styler guarantees 5-star results every time.
Unlike most other hair styling appliances, the Dyson Complete Styler uses air instead of heat, inflicting as little damage as possible, and keeping your hair healthy and happy.
By attracting your hair to the wand and automatically wrapping it around the device, the Dyson Complete Styler also eliminates the need for any manual work from you, making the whole process truly effortless.
Considered to be the most innovative hair curler machine on the market, you may need to pay a little extra for this product, but you won’t find anything else like it for sale. Even better, this curling iron has proven results on almost any hair, offering that just-left-the-hairdressers feeling for those who want it.
Specifications
Pros
- Reduced heat damage to hair.
- Multifunctional (blow dryer, flat iron and curling iron all in one!)
- Volumising results in minutes.
- Style your hair from damp.
Cons
- The technique can be tricky to master at first.
- Top-end pricing for a premium product.
2. Babyliss 2667U Hair Curler
- 2.5m cord length.
- Two temperature settings.
- 30 second heating time.
- Three timer settings.
The Babyliss 2667U Secret Curl Styler is one of the most unique products on the market. Worlds away from the traditional curling wand, this product draws your locks into a curl chamber, where the hair is held in position and heated from all angles.
Three timer settings allow you to choose from loose waves, soft curls and defined curls so you can achieve your desired effect with just the touch of a button.
If you’re a newbie to the hair curling world, and you’re on the lookout for a product that will give you results every time, this could be for you. The hard work is done for you, and a handy four-beep system tells you when your hair is ready to remove. Even better, the curls are said to stay in place for 24 hours or more, leaving you with a look that lasts.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy-to-use with results in minutes.
- Different settings allow you to choose the right one for your hair type.
- Curls hold for hours.
- No-fuss styling.
Cons
- Can be tricky for those with extremely long hair.
- Needs regular cleaning to prevent a build-up of product inside the chamber.
3. ghd Curve Classic Hair Curler
- Automatic sleep mode after 30-minutes of inactivity.
- 25 second heating time.
- One temperature setting at 185°C.
- 3m cord length.
While the ghd Curve Classic may look like one of your ordinary curling tongs, as the newest product to hit the range, this hair curler is anything but average.
Using tri-zone ceramic technology, this medium-sized barrel curler features an innovative temperature technology, maintaining an even heat across the wand so each strand of hair receives the same treatment, and yields the same results.
Along with the tongs, you’ll find a cool tip, heat protective glove and safety stand in the box, all of which allows you to have a seamlessly easy styling process to achieve the curls that you’ve been dreaming of in minutes.
Specifications
Pros
- Controlled temperatures for less heat damage to hair.
- Spring activated lever for easy use.
- Comes with 2 years ghd manufacturer's guarantee.
- Universal voltage can be used around the world.
Cons
- Curls can fall out if the product isn’t used properly.
- Must use a heating glove.
4. Remington Curl Revolution Hair Curler
- Digital display with five temperature settings.
- 15-second heat up time.
- Rotating barrel for easy curling.
- 2.5m swivel cord.
Operating in the hair industry for more than 80 years, Remington’s newest product will not disappoint curl-seekers searching for one of the most affordable and best hair curling tools on the market.
Rather than wrapping your hair around the curling iron yourself, simply place a strand of your hair in the Remington Curl Revolution and be amazed as it twists your hair for you!
This easy-to-use system means it’s a great option for anyone trying to find their feet in the curling world, or someone who wants to try out a few curling styles without breaking the budget.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to use and quick results.
- Fast heat up time.
- Static-free results.
- Five temperature settings to suit any thickness of hair.
Cons
- Difficult to use on shorter hair lengths.
- Outer barrels can get very hot.
5. TRESemmé Waving Wand Hair Curler
- 60 second heating time.
- 3 temperature settings.
- Maximum temperature 200°C.
- 2.5 m swivel cord.
Inspired by professional hair curlers, the TRESemmé Waving Wand brings salon-style quality to your house at an affordable price. It’s extra long wand and medium sized barrel allows it to accommodate a whole range of hair types from medium to long, thick to thick hair.
With changeable temperatures, users have even more control over their curls.
This affordable hair curler comes with a useful safety stand and heat protective glove, so you don’t need to worry about those small burns that are all too easy when styling your hair.
And, if you miss a bit, it’s an easy fix thanks to the fast heat recovery feature.
Specifications
Pros
- Extra long wand accommodates even the longest hair.
- Automatic shut off feature if left on for more than 72-minutes.
- Variable temperatures to suit different hair types.
- Ultra-fast heat recovery.
Cons
- Barrel gets very hot.
- Not as durable as other brands.
Hair Curler Buying Guide
Best Brands
The world of hair curlers is dominated by some pretty big name brands that have been around for years. Rather than focusing on the brand, try to figure out if what they offer is the right product for you and your hair. Here’s the scoop on what some of the big brands have to offer.
Dyson
As one of the most innovative brands of the market, Dyson has invested millions into creating the perfect hair curler. Its products usually come at a premium price, but there’s a good reason behind this, and that’s because they’re like no other branded product that you’ll find on the market.
Getting yourself a Dyson hair curler will not only set you up for a long-time but it’s air heating technology means you’ll be inflicting a lot less damage onto your hair.
BaByliss
Babyliss has been working in the hair industry for years now, creating affordable products for beauty aficionados on a budget.
You’ll find a huge array of curlers in their range suiting everything from short hair to long thick hair, and there’s something for almost every type of budget out there.
At the more affordable end of the range you’ll find your traditional curling wand and at the top of their range you’ll even find an automatic hair curler up for grabs.
Remington
Like BaByliss, Remington is no stranger to the hair curler market, offering up a range of curlers at different price points.
While Remington tends to stick to the traditional style of curling wand, users can choose from a whole range of barrel sizes from 6mm to 50mm. It’s newest product on the market is an automatic hair curler that sucks in the hair to create an effortless look.
Curling Iron Vs Curling Wand
Curling wands and curling irons are two of the main types of hair curler on the market, both delivering subtly different results. If you’re looking for natural waves with slightly less definition, then it’s usually best to go for a curling wand.
Without a clasp to hold your hair around the hot iron, curling wands create stunning loose curls that work well with thicker and longer hair.
Alternatively, a curling iron allows the user to have slightly more control over the size and tightness of their curls. This is due to the clasp which holds your hair around the barrel whilst the heat works its magic. The longer you hold your hair around the barrel, the more defined and tighter the curls are likely to be.
Both of these types of hair curlers involve a lot of direct heat, and if you’re worried about heat damage to your hair, then it’s better to go for a slightly less intense product. Brands like Dyson have already come up with new ways to curl your hair, but there’s normally a higher price to pay for a more tech-savvy product.
However if you want shiny straight hair then use a hair straightener.
Type
Believe it or not, there are tonnes of different curlers for hair on the market, ranging from the traditional wand type to automatic curlers that do all of the hard work for you. We all know how a traditional curling wand works, but here are a few designs breaking the technology barriers in the hair curling world.
Automatic Hair Curler
Gone are the days when you have to manually wrap your hair around the curling iron any longer. With an automatic or electric hair curler, you can simply let the device do all of the hard work for you.
Some of the best hair curling tools have a chamber attached, into which the hair is placed and automatically twisted into the perfect curl, where it’s heated on all sides. An auto-timer knows exactly when your curl is ready, after which it releases your hair into beautiful locks.
Cordless Hair Curler
The world’s first cordless hair curler was only released at the start of 2020, but already it’s interrupting the beauty industry.
With no awkward cords to navigate, you can twist and shape that hair into any which way you desire, reaching all those tricky-to-reach spots at the back.
Hair Type & Length
If you want to buy an effective hair curler, you need to consider your hair type which includes how thick it is and how long it is.
Curlers For Thick Hair
Thick hair tends to require a lot more effort when it comes to curling. For the best results, those blessed with thick luscious locks will want to look into curlers with high temperature settings and larger barrels. With these, you’re more likely to achieve big loose curls, and a blow dryed look.
Curlers For Short Hair
With less hair to wrap around the curling iron, short haired ladies will want to get their hands on thinner-barrelled curling irons. It’s also a good idea to invest in a product that has variable temperature settings so you can choose the right heat for you without damaging your locks.
Curl Type
There are so many different hair curling products on the market that you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right one to create your ultimate look. Of course, it will depend on your hair type as well, so it’s good to take that into consideration too.
Curlers For Loose Curls
Generally speaking, the larger the barrel the looser the curl will be. So, if you go for the largest 50mm barrel, you’ll be able to achieve stunning beachy waves.
Curlers For Tight Curls
The tightest of curls can be achieved with the so-called chopstick curlers, which will leave you with super springy hair. For a tight curl with a little more texture, go for a medium sized barrel with a higher heat setting.
Material
Hair curlers are most commonly made from ceramic or titanium, though several new materials are starting to appear on the market. You’ll find that the majority of hair curlers are made from ceramic as it is the best material for maintaining an even spread of heat, without making your hair frizzy.
These are generally the best option for those with thinner hair that prefer cooler temperatures.
For a more professional touch, titanium is the best option. Although hair curlers made from titanium are generally a little more expensive, they’re very durable and curls last longer. You’ll also see tourmaline curling irons and gold-plated irons on the market, though these are much less common.
Barrel Size
You’ll want to choose a barrel size that will create the curly look that you’re going for. Sizes start from as small as 6mm, which will create tiny tight curls, that resemble a spring, up to 50mm barrels on large hair curlers that will create a more of a blow-dry effect.
As a general rule of thumb, the larger the barrel you go for, the bigger and looser your curls will be.
If you’re not the type who likes to be tied down by one look, consider a hair curler that comes with several different sized barrels that are interchangeable, or one that allows for different curling options. It’s also worth taking into consideration the length of your hair. It makes sense that longer, thicker hair responds much better to a big barrel curling wand, whereas shorter, thinner hair works better with skinnier barrel sizes.
And, if you’re simply not sure on which barrel size would be best for your hair type and length, a 26mm barrel is a safe bet for most.
Heat Setting
Being able to change the temperature on your hair curlers is essential to achieving that perfect curl. Most curlers on the market will have at least two (and sometimes five) settings to choose from.
If your hair is of the finer variety, you’ll need to curl it with a lower heat setting to inflict as little damage as possible. The thicker your hair, the higher you’ll need to go with the heat to achieve results. Remember, to avoid serious damage to your hair, never use a heat above 450°, always apply heat protectant beforehand and dry your hair with a hairdryer.
Pricing Range
The beauty of hair curlers is that there’s a product to suit every type of style, hair and budget. Cheap curling wands cost no more than a meal at a restaurant, and while their functions are a little limited, they’re the perfect fix for anyone looking for a quick hair fix.
For longer durability and flexible temperature controls, it’s best to opt for the mid-range selection of curlers, normally offered by the likes of ghd and Remington. If you enjoy nothing but the finer things in life, there’s a market out there for you too, in the form of technologically-advanced hair curlers that achieve salon-style curls without the hassle.
Our Verdict
When it comes to choosing the right hair curler for you, it’s important to take a few things into consideration, like your hair type, the type of curls you want to achieve and your budget.
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest product on the market, you need to look into whether this is going to achieve results for your hair type.
They may be good for the short term, but spending a little extra may mean your curler lasts a few years longer. Whichever product you decide to choose, make sure it’s backed up by past-user reviews, just like the ones we’ve highlighted above.
