17 Best Curling Irons for Seamless Curls & Waves

Get salon-quality, red carpet-ready hair with these curling irons. 

Curling irons come in a variety of voluminous curls styles. For instance, bouncy ringlets, beachy waves, and flowy curls.

There are plenty of revolutionary options to date. From opulent ceramic to decadent titanium.

Opt for a ceramic curler if you have fine to medium hair and a titanium curler if you have coarse, thick hair.

Today’s innovative heat-protecting technology has modern features that ensure the safety and maintenance quality of your hair. Hair burns and damage are things of the past now. 

To help you make an informed purchase, we’ve curated this edit to ensure seamless navigation to add to your beauty arsenal. 

Check out our reviews for the Best Heat Protection Sprays for added hair care and the Best Mousses for Curly or Wavy Hair to tame frizz and define curls.

Our Top Curling Iron Picks

BEST OVERALL: Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron

Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1 in)

Consider getting the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron to create the curls you want and the texture your wish for with just the flip of the wrist.

It comes in several barrel sizes that effortlessly rotate with ease. It heats up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit to create a variety of styles.

You’ll use this wonder for many years, to come, just like you did when you first purchased it.

The reliable longevity and versatility make it worth the investment. 

BEST EFFICIENCY: T3 Edge 

T3 Edge Heated Smoothing, Styling & Straightening Brush with Ion Generator, 3 Heat Settings, Custom-Blend Ceramic Surface

For a fast and fuss-free unconventional hair brush, check out the T3 Edge styler.

Its efficiency and versatility are unparalleled.

It gets into the hairline as no other hairbrush has gone before. With one effective wave of this brush, you can create loose waves. 

BEST AIRFLOW TECHNOLOGY: Dyson Airwrap Styler

Dyson Airwrap™ Styler

The miracle Dyson Airwrap Styler delivers the most damage-free voluminous body and bounciest curls thanks to its advanced airflow technology.

This miraculous wonder’s innovative barrel will wave, curl, smooth, and dry hair with nonharmful heat that doesn’t exceed the limit.

No wonder all of these influencers are raving about it. 

BEST FOR LONG HAIR: Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron 

BIO IONIC Long Barrel Styler

Getting tired of running out of space with your styler or wand?

Look no further than the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron. Its efficient long barrel is specially designed for long hair.

The brand states that this unique barrel design is two inches longer than its counterparts.

It gets the job done with sleek, tight curls that last all day that become loose curls within the second day.

BEST VERSATILITY: T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Clip Barrel Curling Iron Set

T3 Interchangeable Custom Blend Ceramic Three Barrel Professional Curling Iron Set for Endless Styling Possibilities

Whether you pick the clip or the wand version, the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Clip Barrel Curling Iron Set features unmatched versatility.

Professional hairstylists love its efficacy and practicality.

It’s their go-to product, thanks to how it glides perfectly through the hair with zero fuss.

It features three different barrel sizes to create three curls, making it a convenient product when one doesn’t want to carry a handful of curling irons.

BEST TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium

The travel friendly BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron will take you through many trips to come thanks to its practical size and durable design.

It features exceptional heating-temperature settings with 128 apertures on the titanium barrel that provide longstanding, outstanding curls.

The contemporary design of the titanium barrel heats the hair from within, creating everything from tight earthy curls to flowy beachy waves that’ll last for days. 

BEST WALLET-FRIENDLY: Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron, 1-inch barrel produces classic curls – for use on short, medium, and long hair

The wallet-friendly Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron is great when you’re on a budget, especially since it’s under $20!

Available in three effective barrel sizes and heats up within 60 seconds.

It also features turbo settings for heat customizable of 30 varying levels. 

BEST CURLING TEMPERATURE: GHD Curve – Thin Curl Wand (14mm)

ghd Curve Thin Wand - Curling Wand

With over 20 years of experience, GHD is the go-to for professional hair styling.

Whether you’re looking to add definition to your natural curls entirely or to transform your locks totally, the new GHD Curve Tight Curls Thin Wand ​has been masterfully designed with a state-of-the-art 14-millimeter barrel to create tight and firm even ringlets.

In just three seconds, it effortlessly forms firm curls that last up to 24 hours without compromising the health of your hair.

There are other sized barrel GHD curlers available to purchase.

BEST BEGINNER-FRIENDLY: CHI Spin & Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler – 1”

CHI Spin N Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler, Ruby Red. Ideal for Shoulder-Length Hair between 6-16” inches.

The beginner-friendly CHI Spin & Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler – 1” has the best ceramic heat technology, making it a rare gem.

For those who struggle with manoeuvring wands and irons, this curler’s easy to manage. The rotating curler seamlessly defines infallible curls without any frizz. 

BEST SPLURGE: T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25” Professional Ceramic Curling Iron

T3 - SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron Custom Blend Ceramic Curling and Styling Iron with Adjustable Heat Settings for Shiny Smooth Curls and Waves

Treat yourself and splurge on this spectacular T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25” Professional Ceramic Curling Iron.

Leap and purchase this smooth curling iron. The sleek barrel ensures perfection!

It serves salon-quality hair in the comfort of your home.

Best Influencer Favorite: MERMADE The Style Wand Hair Curler

Triple Ceramic Curling Iron, Aima Beauty Mermaid Big Wave 3 Barrel Wand with Adjustable Temperature, Portable Hair Waver Heats Up Quickly

Getting your ideal head of curls was just Mermade easier with The Style Wand.

Mermade is known for guaranteeing you voluminous waves straight from the beach.

Now, the brand introduces The Style Wand, with three interchangeable heads so you can try out whichever type of curl suits your mood.

Its fan-favorite Waver tool gives you sea-swept waves, but the 32-millimeter Curling Tong allows you to flaunt big, bouncy curls for whatever your occasion.

BEST LUXURY:  GHD Classic Curl Tong

GHD Classic Curl Tong

GHD curlers are synonymous with classic style and volume. They’re aptly designed with premium technology to maintain a consistent temperature indefinitely.

The Soft Curl Tong by GHD provides salon-finish results.

A medium round barrel with a spring-activated ergonomic lever creates classic curls, while a protective tip and built-in safety stand make for seamless styling.

BEST LUXURY: Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Ceramic Interchangeable Curling Wand

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Ceramic Interchangeable Curling Wand, 3 Barrels for Multiple Hairstyles

Get this luxuriant Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Ceramic Interchangeable Curling Wand to have firm curls that withstand the most humid weather!

Not only is it easy to use, but it also heats up very fast, making it perfect for last-minute plans. 

BEST FOR RELAXED HAIR: Kristin Ess NanoBlack 1.25’’ Curling Iron

For an everyday, relaxed mane, go for the ceramic Kristin Ess NanoBlack 1.25’’ Curling Iron.

It leaves locks looking effortlessly elegant, especially if one has fine hair.

The heating doesn’t cook or fry hair. Its downside is the heating only reaches 425 degrees, making it not the best quality.

The end game here is to get if you’re on a budget and don’t if you’re not.

Overall, it provides polished waves. 

BEST PRACTICALITY: NuMe Octowand 8-in-1 Curling Wand

NuMe Octowand 8-in-1 Curling Wand Set, Interchangeable Tourmaline Ceramic Barrels 13mm - 32mm, Heat-Resistant Glove and Travel Case, LCD Digital Display

For a practical and ultra-versatile solution to your hair problems, opt for the NuMe Octowand 8-in-1 Curling Wand.

The heating temperature doesn’t harm the hair and creates several curls. The final result is head-turning curls! 

BEST FUNCTIONALITY: DRYBAR The 3-Day Bender Digital 1.25-Inch Curling Iron

Drybar The 3 Day Bender Rotating Curling Iron, 1.25 inch

Heating up to 226°C, this curling iron is infused with innovative technology that works to look after hair as well as style it.

To find an at-home alternative to overpriced salon blowouts, curly-haired founder Alli Webb created Drybar. With the power and practicality of a professional curler you’d expect to find in a salon, the 3-Day Bender Digital curling iron is fitted with a rotating clamp to create curls and waves in half the time.

While the functionality of the ionic technology reduces frizz and increases shine, the dual ceramic heaters ensure an even heat distribution for smooth, customized styling.

Suitable for all hair types. 

BEST ROMANTIC WAVES: JOSIE EBER HST Clipless Curling Iron (32mm)

Jose Eber Clipless Curling Iron, 32mm (1.25"), Black, Heat Resistant Glove Included, Dual-Voltage Worldwide Compatible

The perfect way to create romantic waves without damage.

Create ethereal, sweeping waves with this whimsical José Eber HST curling iron, presented in a clipless design for added control and to serve even heat distribution for faster styling without damaging lengths and ends.

It boasts a lightweight, ergonomic form.

This expertly crafted tool features innovative Cooltip technology to reduce heat at your hair’s weakest point, which is the tip, to save your locks from unnecessary crimping or creasing.

Final Verdict 

We prefer the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron to create the curls you want and the texture your wish for with just the flip of the wrist.

Our second favorite is the travel friendly BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron which will take you through many trips to come thanks to its practical size and durable design.

Our third alternative option is the GHD Curve – Thin Curl Wand (14mm), thanks to its sleek design and desirable delivery of fast, firm curls!