When choosing a curling wand, size, size, and size matter as much as heat settings and barrel design. Smaller barrels create tighter curls whereas bigger barrels create looser, almost blowout-level curls. The ability to control and customize heat is a key component, with safe heat settings at 360 degrees Fahrenheit and below to minimize heat damage. Curling wands have no clamps and rely on the user’s ability to wrap hair around the barrel, often including a heat-resistant glove for safety.
Curling irons with spring-loaded clamps are common and allow for a variety of curls depending on how you feed the hair, twist the wand, and release. Automatic curling irons offer user-friendly operation with small springboard clamps that wrap the hair for you. The Marcel iron, featuring a manually controlled clamp, is considered more professional and less user-friendly for mass use, though it provides smoother transitions while curling.
What to look for when shopping for a curling iron
Material matters: A ceramic barrel distributes heat evenly for smooth, shiny curls and is gentler on fine hair. Titanium heats faster and stays hotter, ideal for thick or coarse hair. Tourmaline ceramic helps reduce frizz and boost shine, making it great for damaged or frizz-prone strands. Gold curling irons can handle higher heat but may not distribute heat as evenly as ceramic models.
Heat settings should match your hair type. To prevent damage to fine hair, keep the temperature below 300°F. Thick, coarse, or curly hair can handle higher temps between 350°F and 450°F. Whatever the model, always use a heat protectant spray before styling and a setting product after curling for longevity.
Barrel size determines the curl tightness: ½ to ¾ inch creates tight ringlets or corkscrew curls, 1 inch is versatile for many looks, 1¼ inches suits medium to long hair for loose glam curls, and 1½ to 1.75 inches are ideal for big, voluminous waves akin to a blowout. Interchangeable barrels offer even more versatility for switching from tight curls to soft waves with a single tool.
Types of curling irons include ceramic and titanium, with some models offering tourmaline ceramic for anti-frizz benefits. While there are occasional gold irons, they don’t distribute heat as evenly as ceramic. The choice depends on hair type and desired results. For most people concerned about damage, ceramic irons are the least damaging due to their gentler heat distribution, though they may deliver a shorter-lasting finish.
How to achieve different looks
For Hollywood waves, start with a medium-to-large barrel and curl all sections in the same direction; let the curls cool completely, then brush with a soft-bristle brush and finish with a light gloss spray. For beach waves, use a large barrel (around 2 inches) to create loose bends at midlengths, leaving ends straighter, then scrunch and apply a texturizing spray for natural texture.
Salons often use metal curling irons for quick, high-heat styling, but at home, ceramic barrels are recommended for gentler heat distribution and added safety. To make curls last, apply a strong-hold hairspray after styling, and consider frizz-fighting, hydrating products such as lightweight hair oils or moisturizing serums.
Prep and technique matter: curl from the roots down, since the ends are more delicate and require less heat. If you want lasting results, avoid curling from damp hair and ensure your hair is properly prepped with heat protection. Hairspray should be applied after curling, not before, to prevent drying out the hair during styling.
Meet the experts
- Jae-Manuel Cardenas, a hairstylist at Ollin Salon NYC
- Leon Gorman, a hairstylist based in NYC and LA
- Elle Medico, a hairstylist and founder of Umi Salon
- Nam Nguyen, a hairstylist based in Fairfax, Virginia
- Kirsten Patterson, a hairstylist based in Dallas
- Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in Columbus, Ohio
How we test and review curling irons
We enlist editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists with diverse hair types and lengths to test more than two dozen top-rated tools. We assess barrel material, temperature range, ease of use, and overall performance, focusing on how tools handle different hair types, how quickly they heat, how long curls last, and the final hair feel. Our testing emphasizes efficacy, safety, ease of use, and value.
In testing, a smart approach is to consider not only performance but also user experience for various expertise levels. We evaluate whether a tool is intuitive for non-professionals or primarily suited for professionals, and we tailor recommendations accordingly.
Practical tips from experts
Use heat protectant before styling and avoid pre-curl hairspray. Always curl from roots down, curl sections in the same or alternate directions for different looks, and let curls cool before brushing. For long-lasting results, finish with a strong hold hairspray and optional hydrating products to maintain shine and reduce frizz.
To minimize damage, choose the right barrel size for your hair length and desired look, regulate the temperature based on hair type, and consider ceramic irons as the safer everyday choice while recognizing that pros may opt for higher-heat metal irons in salons.