There is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the best curling iron. Everyone has their preferences and needs when it comes to styling their hair. Factors like the size, shape, temperature, and how you hold the tool can all make a difference in achieving the type of curl you desire. Other factors such as your hair type, length, and the products you use also play a crucial role in determining the best curling iron for you.
In evaluating close to two dozen highly rated curling irons, we considered attributes like ease of use and heat settings. After months of testing, we narrowed down our selection to the top performers that we were confident in recommending. We also researched the market for any new and notable curling wands to ensure that our recommendations were up-to-date.
Our top pick, the T3 Aire 360, stood out for its versatility. This curling iron allows you to create tight curls to beach waves with minimal heat damage, making it suitable for a wide range of hair types. Below, you’ll find a list of all the curling irons that we believe are worth investing in.
When selecting the best curling irons, we considered various factors such as material, heat settings, size, and attachments. Ceramic barrels are ideal for spreading heat evenly and minimizing heat damage, making them great for fine hair. Titanium irons are preferred by professional stylists for thicker hair due to their durability and ability to style curls at higher temperatures. Tourmaline ceramic is another excellent choice for people with frizzy or damaged hair as it helps reduce dullness and frizz.
The ideal temperature for thin hair is below 300°F, while thicker or coarser curly hair textures can handle temperatures ranging from 350°F to 450°F. The barrel size is also important, with longer barrels recommended for those with long hair. Additionally, attachments such as interchangeable barrels allow for versatile styling options, from tight curls to loose waves.
To compile our list of the best curling irons, we enlisted the help of Glamour staffers and reviewers with diverse hair types. We collectively tested about two dozen curling irons, looking at qualities such as temperature range, barrel size, material, and ease of use. Our testing spanned at least a month to ensure the durability and performance of each curling iron.
In this recent update, we swapped out the Beachwaver for a new model with a larger barrel size, making it more versatile for long hair. We also removed the Chi Lava from our list as we found it to be less intuitive and somewhat gimmicky compared to other options.
Our top recommendations include the T3 Aire 360, which is our best overall pick, offering versatility and excellent results across different hair types. The Beachwaver B 1.5 is ideal for beginners, with its easy-to-use rotating barrel and large barrel size for voluminous waves. The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long is perfect for those looking to prevent heat damage, with its innovative design that dries and styles hair simultaneously without causing damage.
Overall, finding the best curling iron for your hair type and styling needs requires careful consideration of various factors. By selecting a curling iron that suits your hair type, length, and preferred style, you can achieve beautiful curls with minimal heat damage.