The 6 best curling irons, tested by a beauty-industry vet

Best overall

To crown the best curling iron overall, my criteria were as follows: Versatility, user-friendliness, bang for your buck, compatibility with different hair types, and heat adjustment. We tested some big names in this category — stylers like the Dyson Airwarp and Shark Beauty Flex — but when all was said and done, the NuMe Octowand is what checked all of our boxes.

It comes with a base and eight attachments of various sizes, each of which creates a different style of curl. It's extremely easy to get the hang of — the attachments pop on and off, and the curling iron doesn't have a clamp, but comes with a glove that makes manual wrapping simple and safe. Plus, the tourmaline ceramic barrels are infused with far-infrared heat that dries hair from the inside out to prevent too much moisture loss.

When considering our top picks for this guide, we also did a lot of research on how users with hair types different from mine liked the product. This model was widely praised in reviews as being compatible with pretty much all hair types and lengths. You're essentially getting eight curling irons in one, for under $175 — an excellent value for anyone who is serious about daily styling.

Best budget pick

In my many years testing hair tools, I've yet to try a Hot Tools styler that I didn't like, and the 24K Gold Pro Artist Curling Iron is no exception. This pick is where I'd steer you if you told me you're not planning to curl your hair all that often, but you want an affordable tool that helps you get the job done for special occasions.

A few things I really like about this curling iron are its rest stand (an important feature for those of us who are clumsy and have knocked hot irons over before) and the easy-to-hold thumb grip on the handle. It also comes in various barrel widths up to 2 inches, so you can choose what works best for your hair length. I tested the 2-inch barrel, but as someone with lengthy tresses, I think it's optimally suited for medium lengths because the barrel length isn't super long (which means you get fewer revolutions).

Using this curling iron always results in a smooth finish, but don't expect many bells and whistles. It has a light-up on/off switch and a temperature dial that makes for easy operation, and that's the extent of its special features. Though marketed as a pro tool, it's user-friendly for amateurs, too.

Best for beginners

What better curling iron to recommend to a beginner than a styling tool that does nearly half the work for you? The T3 Curlwrap is a rotating tool that comes in two barrel sizes: 1-inch and 1.25-inch. It offers users nine adjustable heat settings, two timer settings, and two rotation speeds.

This curling iron couldn't be easier to use. You'll place the bottom of a section of hair into the clamp per usual, but with a press of a button, the curling iron comes alive and twists just tight enough to create the perfect curl. Not only can you control how high you want to barrel to rotate, you can also set either a 5- or 8-second timer on the iron depending on how intense you want your curl to be (or how thin your hair is). When time's up, the iron alerts you to let go of the curl; however, you can keep the hair curling longer if you choose. This feature alone makes the iron an excellent choice for beginners who aren't sure how long to keep their strands spun around the barrel, or who don't have as much dexterity or experience with the curling motion. It's also a helpful detail for moms with little ones popping in and out of the bathroom, making it difficult to keep count.

Best to prevent heat damage

It's no secret that, over time, heat exposure does a number on your 'do. Luckily, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the damage, like using one of the best heat protectant sprays. But some styling tools go the extra length to prevent heat damage, too. The Sutra IR2 Infrared Curling Iron, for example, claims to prevent heat damage via its infrared heating technology, and we did a deep dive to make sure that this isn't just marketing jargon.

According to Chicago-based bridal and celebrity hair stylist, Megan Schnell, infrared technology won't eliminate moisture loss entirely, but it can minimize it by heating hair from the inside out, providing a "gentler, more even heat that reduces damage to the outer cuticle." So there is some truth to the technology's ability to maintain strand health.

But this is also just a great curling iron that works for any hair type. It features a digital temperature-control system that allows you to add or subtract heat in seconds throughout your styling session, and the ability to adjust heat quickly can also be an important part of preventing damaged strands. It also comes with a glove to safeguard your fingers from burns (a major plus for my butter fingers), and has a rubber top to protect the scalp.

In terms of functionality, it lived up to its promise of being a one-pass iron. I was impressed with the tight curl the 1.3-inch barrel created, but more importantly, I was blown away by how healthy and shiny my hair looked after use, despite not having applied a heat protectant beforehand. This iron, more than any other, left my hair looking totally smooth and frizz-free.

Best for long hair

It's not often that I'm "wowed" by a curling iron, but my long hair and I were thoroughly impressed by Bio Ionic's styler. The extra-long barrel length was key to achieving an even curl from top to bottom without having to do any extra twisting of the barrel. This is especially good news for anyone who deals with the dreaded little crimp that can happen when you have to keep slipping a long section of hair through the clamp.

The iron uses an ionic technology that seals hair cuticles to reduce frizz and breaks water molecules into very small particles for faster styling. So not only does this longer styling tool make it easier to manage long hair and style pieces at the back of the head, but it also helps to minimize the impact of heat exposure.

What's more, even considering its extra inches, Bio Ionic's curling iron remains lightweight and easy to hold securely because of its cool-touch grip. Just be warned: The iron comes with plastic on the plates, so you'll want to take that off before turning the heat on.

Best for beach waves

I've been a fan of Beachwaver since I first got my hands on the iron in 2015, and I'm happy that even 10 years later, its products still stand. The 1.5-inch barrel size is what helps you achieve a chunky curl. To get that coveted just-off-the-beach wave, I softly glide my fingers through and break up pieces of hair for vacation-coded results.

The self-rotating curling iron is user-friendly, making it an excellent option for beginners who want bigger waves. You simply open the clamp and secure your strands near the ends of the hair, select either "L" or "R" to let the iron know which side of the hair you're curling, and then press the "Go" button to start its rotation. After waiting a few seconds, glide the barrel down to reveal the curl and comb your fingers through your strands.

Features worth highlighting include the curling iron's rest stand, its 30-second heat-up time, and a decent-length barrel long enough to curl medium to long hair.

What to look for

Barrel size and material: When shopping for the best curling iron for your hair type, remember that barrel sizes determine the type of curl a tool can create. For example, Whatley recommends a larger barrel — 1.5 or 2 inches — to create a larger curl.

Heat: In terms of heat, there are two things to consider: First, curling irons (and any heat styling tool) with a range of heat settings give users more control over their strands' heat exposure. So, if the iron feels too hot, you can adjust. That said, heat directly correlates to the type of curl you can create. According to Whatley, the hair creates a professionally set curl at 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Thinner hair may benefit from the lower end of that temperature setting to avoid burning.

How can I get salon-curled hair at home?

It always comes down to prep and products when styling hair. According to professional hair and makeup artist Kate Johnson, cofounder of Glossed Finishing Studio and founder of The Bridal Beauty Team, mastering a salon curl at home is no exception. The first step, Johnson says, is to wash and blow-dry your hair, followed by a heat protectant that has styling qualities, like Moroccan Oil Protect and Prevent. "This gives you shine, but also isn't heavy and allows bounce and style," Johnson said. "Shorter hair has less weight, so it will hold better."

The other answer is simply a matter of technique. Getting the hang of how you like your hair sectioned, parted, and what direction you prefer your curls makes a big difference. Next time you're at the salon, ask your stylist for some guidance. Identify how much hair to section out, and ask what strategy they use to curl hair like yours.

FAQs

What size barrel should you use?

The barrel size you use will depend on the type of curl you're looking to create. For a tool with maximum versatility, Tom Smith, celebrity hairstylist and International Creative/Colour Director at evo, says smaller barrel sizes will give you more options. For a loose or undone texture, Smith says a barrel that measures 32mm or above is best.

What temperature is best?

"When adding a hot tool to the hair, the hair will start to create a set at 350 degrees that will hold as a professional curl," Whatley says. "I recommend not going any higher than a 350 degrees to a 400 degrees temperature to get that perfect set."

Is it better to curl hair with a curling iron or a straightener?

Johnson says that curling irons are better to curl hair with than straighteners because the latter "smash the cuticle of the hair vs bending it." Plus, she says, "Even [a straightener] that has a beveled edge still squeezes the hair between two flat plates, which will reduce volume over time."

How do I make curls last?

The secret, Johnson says, isn't necessarily how you curl your hair, but how you cool it post-styling. "As an example, if you curl your hair and let the curl drop as it cools, it lengthens," Johnson explains. "But, if you curl your hair and slip it out of the curler, then pin it with an alligator clip (long metal clip with no teeth), then let it set for upwards of 20 minutes, the curl will be gorgeous and last the whole day."