There are a few features and considerations you’ll want to look for to ensure you’re choosing the right curling iron for your hair type and goals. Here’s what to keep in mind as you get started with shopping:
✔️ Barrel size: “Depending on the texture of the hair and the type of curl you are looking for, then you would determine which size barrel to use,” Toye said. If you want relaxed, beachy waves, reach for a larger barrel (1 ¼-inch and above). The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl will be. If your hair is hard to curl, look for a 1-inch barrel for a curl that is less likely to fall flat through the day. Want a do-it-all size? “A curling iron with a 1 ¼ inch barrel is a good size for everyday curls, no matter what look you are going for,” Toye says.
✔️ Material: The GH Beauty Lab has found both ceramic and titanium curling irons are good conductors of heat and will work on all hair types, so try not to get persuaded by marketing claims that state one is better than the next. Toye, however, says that stylists tend to opt for titanium irons, since he finds they are lighter weight than ceramic and can more effectively hold high temperatures, although ceramic irons can be more user-friendly due to their ability to evenly distribute heat.
✔️ Clamp: For ultimate versatility, look for an extended clip that spans the full length of the barrel. This way, the curling iron can also be used to somewhat smooth hair too, if you need. Some models can be used as wands by wrapping hair over the clip for looser curls and waves. “Clamps tend to leave marks in the hair if they are not properly used,” says Toye, which is why some “prefer a clamp-less wand: because it is more user-friendly.”
✔️ Adjustable heat settings: “I recommend a curling iron with adjustable heat settings,” says Toye. Lower temps are great for fine hair and for those thinner hairs around the face, while higher temps are great for coarse, natural, or hard-to-curl hair. As a rule of thumb, our Beauty Lab experts say you should use low heat on fine, chemically processed or fragile hair (180ºF to 370ºF); medium heat on easy-to-curl, healthy hair (375ºF to 395ºF); and high heat on thick, wavy or natural hair (400ºF to 420ºF).
✔️ Cord: It might not seem important, but a good cord can make or break the styling experience. A professional-length cord on a curling iron is nine feet long—anything shorter may make it difficult to maneuver when styling. We also love a swivel mechanism, which prevents the cord from getting tangled or wrapped up as you style.
✔️ Automatic shut-off: Our testers love irons with an auto shut-off feature. You’ll never have to worry about remembering to unplug your curling iron because it shuts off for you.