From relaxed beach waves to tight, bouncy ringlets, a curling iron has the power to transform your hair from dull to glamorous almost instantaneously. With the right amount of heat and the perfect technique, you can easily achieve stunning looks that match any event or mood, and whether you’re hitting a red carpet or meeting up with friends, your curling iron will be your trusty sidekick that ensures you’re always able to make a statement with your hair. But choosing the right curling iron is just as important as choosing the right hairstyle, and if you want to avoid potentially damaging your gorgeous locks during the styling process, then it’s essential you’re selecting the correct model for your hair type, preferences, and needs. 

Thankfully, this buying guide is here to help you tackle the vast and complex world of curling irons, and by the time you reach the end, you'll be a true expert who will feel confident the next time you browse those store shelves and make a new purchase. Covering everything from the various sizes to the precise temperature ranges, we will dive deep into each of the unique types of curling irons that exist on the market, and whether you have fine hair, thick hair, curly hair, or colored hair, this article offers tailored advice that matches not only your specific hair type, but your styling preferences as well. So if you’re ready to revitalize your hair, boost your confidence, and turn heads with those perfect curls, then this curling iron buying guide is the absolute best place to start your journey. 

Different Types of Curling Irons

When you think of a curling iron, you likely picture the classic clamp-style tool that's been a hairstyling staple for generations, and while still commonly used, this isn’t the only type of model that currently exists on the market. Over the years, curling irons have seen their fair share of changes, and if you’re on the hunt for a new option to add to your bathroom counter, then it’s important to understand the range of models and how they differ from one another. Moving beyond just the standard clamp-style, you can now enjoy clipless wands, automatic irons, and even models with interchangeable barrels, allowing you to customize your curling experience like never before. So before diving into the finer details such as sizes and materials, let’s first begin by breaking down the range of curling iron types that you’ll need to initially select between:

The most iconic type of curling iron available, this classic design is distinguished by a long barrel with a spring-loaded clamp attached to the side, which is used to hold down the hair after its been wrapped. One of the main reasons why this style is so popular is that it’s effortlessly able to produce a wide variety of curl styles, and whether you’re trying to achieve loose waves or tight ringlets, the spring clamp iron can tackle it all. The downside to this option, however, is that it does take a fair bit of practice to truly nail how to use this type of curling iron, and if not done correctly, the clamp can leave an unwanted indent in the hair that can ruin your hairstyle. So, while it offers incredible versatility and the ability to achieve a wide range of curl styles, mastering the art of the spring clamp curling iron may require a bit of patience and experimentation.

Similar to the spring clamp irons, a Marcel curling iron also has a clamp alongside the barrel but instead of being controlled by a spring it will be manually controlled by you. What makes this a preferred choice is that it gives you greater precision and control over the curls you create and it allows for more advanced styling techniques such as hair sculpting and intricate wave patterns. Preferred by the pros, the Marcel curling iron may not be the best choice for complete novices, but if you’re hoping to produce customized hairstyles, intricate updos, and consistent, uniform curls, then these models may be ideal for you. 

A curling wand, most often referred to simply as a “wand”, is the first departure away from a clamped barrel and these models consist solely of a straight, rod-like barrel that lacks any attachment to physically hold the hair in place. Although this may seem more complicated and confusing to use, wands are actually quite simple and easy, and its key benefit is that it's able to create natural, free-flowing curls and waves effortlessly. Without the clamp restricting you, you’ll have the freedom to wrap your hair in a variety of different ways, and you’ll never have to worry about unsightly clamp marks messing up your gorgeous style. Where wands fall short, however, is that they do have a higher burn risk since your fingers come dangerously close to the hot barrel during the wrapping process, so to help avoid this, wearing a heat-resistant glove can be incredibly beneficial; and it is a recommended accessory that all wand users should invest in.

A standard wand is equipped with a long barrel that is the same thickness from end to end, but if you’re hoping for more freedom and flexibility in the size and shape of the curls you create, then a tapered wand may be exactly what you’re after. Starting out thicker at the base and tapering to a thinner size at the end, a tapered wand has the ability to create both tighter, more compact curls as well as looser, more relaxed ones, and you won’t require interchangeable barrels to accomplish this. On top of the range of sizes, you can also create much less uniform looking curls, so if you’re after that “just got out of bed but still look glam” style, then a tapered wand is the perfect choice. The main downside to tapered wands is that they won’t always heat the hair evenly, and the thick base can generate higher temperatures which could lead to damage, especially if you have finer hair. To avoid this, it’s always good practice to start wrapping from the thinner end first, so by the time you get to the base the hair should be more evenly heated. 

In addition to the various barrel styles and types, curling irons are also available in both corded and cordless versions which is another consideration you’ll need to make when shopping around. Choosing between corded and cordless is truly a personal decision, and it will mainly come down to where you usually do your hair, how frequently you travel, and if you mind having to charge your battery in between uses. For most people, the corded version seems to be the most frequently selected model as it can be less expensive, features consistent power, and ensures you never have to worry about running out of battery before you achieve those picture-perfect curls. But if you want something that’s more portable and can be used anywhere, anytime, then the cordless models are well worth considering and can help you create stunning waves even on the go. 

Materials

Once you’ve narrowed down your selection to the type of curling iron you want, the next step in the buying process will be to start exploring the various materials that each of the barrels can be crafted from. The material of the curling iron barrel plays a significant role in how it heats up, retains heat, and even how it interacts with your hair, and each of the different materials will offer distinct advantages, as well as be better suited to various hair types or styling preferences. When selecting a curling iron, understanding the materials used in the barrel construction is essential to achieve the best styling results, and by carefully evaluating the materials used, you'll ensure that your curling iron complements your specific needs, resulting in stunning and long-lasting curls that enhance your overall hairstyle. 

Known for providing even heat distribution and reducing frizz, ceramic barrels are one of the most popular options on the market, and for good reason. Suitable for most types of hair, ceramic barrels produce sleek, long-lasting curls and they should be the go-to choice if you happen to have thinner, finer, or more delicate hair. Thanks to the consistent heat and even distribution you will be able to reduce your overall risk of damage, and since ceramic curling irons emit negative ions, they will help to seal the hair cuticle and will fully enhance the natural shine of your hair. 

One of the most durable materials you’ll find available, titanium curling irons are the preferred choice among professionals as they are able to hold higher temperatures for longer periods of time. Providing the perfect combination of speed, high heat, and durability, these models are the ideal option for those with thicker, harder to curl hair and they can help even the most challenging hair types achieve beautifully styled curls that will last all day. 

Made from crushed tourmaline gemstones that are infused into the outer coating of the barrel, tourmaline curling irons have gained popularity in recent years due to their remarkable ability to create smooth, shiny, and frizz-free curls in almost any type of hair. By generating negative ions, these models neutralize the positive ions that naturally exist in the hair and can effectively reduce static and minimize frizz. In addition, tourmaline irons also emit far-infrared heat, which is gentler and less damaging than traditional heat sources. If you’re prone to frizzy hair, or you have naturally curly, coarse locks, then this unique barrel material type may be best suited to you and can help you achieve sleek and radiant curls while also maintaining the overall health and integrity of your hair.

The epitome of luxury within the world of curling irons, gold-plated barrels are both aesthetically superior as well as functionally beneficial, and they are a popular option among shoppers who are seeking a curling iron that can distribute heat evenly while also reducing the risk of damage to their hair. Although they do tend to be more expensive than other materials, these premium irons can tolerate high temperatures for extended periods of time, and this has made them a go-to choice especially among people with very thick or very coarse hair. Unfortunately, the higher price tag may be off-putting for some budget-conscious shoppers, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, then gold-plating can be an effective material for achieving shiny, frizz-free curls that are glamorous and long-lasting. 

Understanding Barrel Sizes

One of the most important decisions you will need to make when shopping for curling irons is what size you require, and unless you’re purchasing a model that has interchangeable barrels, the size you ultimately select will completely determine the types of curls you’re able to achieve. Curling irons come in a wide range of barrel sizes, from very small ⅜" barrels to larger, more robust options exceeding 2" in width, and each size is designed to produce specific curl styles, from tight and defined to loose and voluminous. Before making a purchase, you will want to take into consideration both your hair type as well as your styling preferences and this can help you to hone in on the ideal barrel size that will allow you to achieve the curls or waves that perfectly match your personal style.

Perfect for creating tight, defined curls and intricate hairstyles, a small barrel will help you to achieve both ringlets and spirals and are a preferred choice if you have short to medium-length hair. 

The most versatile size range available, medium barrels can create everything from loose waves to more standard sized curls, and they are effective at producing a solid, everyday look in a wide range of hair lengths.   

Best suited to longer hair lengths, large barrels can help you achieve loose waves and voluminous curls, and if you’re hoping to create a relaxed, beachy, or vintage-inspired hairstyle then this is the barrel size for you. 

Less common than the other barrel sizes, extra-large barrels are mainly utilized by those with very long and very thick hair and they will create bigger, looser curls as well as beachy waves.  

Hair Types & Temperatures

When it comes to temperatures, hotter isn't always better, and while you may be tempted to reach for the curling iron with the highest temperature range and the fastest heat-up time, it's essential to remember that excessive heat is the easiest way to damage your hair during the styling process. By stripping your hair of necessary moisture, high heat can cause your hair to become brittle and prone to breakage, and this is why you always want to purchase a curling iron that has adjustable heat settings so you can set it specifically to the temperature that is right for your hair type. Whether you have fine hair, thick hair, or even color-treated hair, using the appropriate heat setting can help you achieve beautiful curls while minimizing the risk of damage, and it is the best way to maintain your hair’s vitality and shine, even when using heat styling tools.

If you have thinner, finer hair then high heats are not for you and you want to be opting for a lower temperature range that ideally falls between 250°F to 300°F. 

Thicker hair has the ability to withstand higher temperatures, and in order to penetrate your strands more effectively you will likely require heat that is around 300°F to 380°F.

Coarse hair can be challenging to style, and if you want to achieve sleek, long-lasting curls or waves then you will need to increase the curling iron temperature up to about 350°F to 450°F.

When it comes to curly hair, the style of your locks isn’t what’s important, it’s actually the thickness and texture that matters most. If you have thinner curls then a low temperature between 250°F to 300°F will be suitable, but if your curls are coarser or thicker then you’ll need to increase the heat appropriately to between 300°F to 450°F . 

Those with color-treated hair are the most prone to potential damage from heat, so a lower temperature is always going to be ideal when styling your curls. Temperatures around 250°F to 350°F are suitable if you are rocking dyed hair, and will help you to preserve not only your locks but your color as well. 

Bottom Line

An essential styling tool that opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to your hair, curling irons are a worthwhile investment that can quickly transform your appearance from boring to glamorous in mere moments. But before you rush out and grab the first model you see, it’s important that you’re taking the time to really understand exactly what type, materials, and size is best suited to your hair and needs. Whether you're hoping to achieve relaxed, beachy waves, or tight, bouncy curls, the perfect curling iron for your preferences does exist, and with careful consideration, and a little practice, you can be well on your way to creating glamorous, picture-perfect styles that will turn heads everywhere you go.