7 top-rated curling wands, according to hairstylists
Experts share favorite curling wands and which features help determine the right one for you.
Abramite called this set a "great" and "very luxurious tool" for anyone who wants to create waves and curls with one interchangeable product. This 4-piece beauty gift set includes a Power Base, plus three interchangeable curling wands: a 1-inch iron for classic curls, a 1.25- to .75-inch tapered barrel for loose curls and waves and a 1.25-inch straight barrel for voluminous waves. The T3 Whirl Trio Set garnered a 4.7-star average rating from more than 410 reviews at Ulta.
Abramite called Remington’s curling wand a “good starter iron” for shoppers on a budget and noted it is “simple and effective.” It also earned an impressive 4.4-star average rating from nearly 21,050 reviews on Amazon. The tapered barrel heats up to 410 degrees and is available in two sizes: 1- to 1.5-inch and 0.5- to 1-inch.
This curling wand sports “professional” features that can help you “look as if you just stepped out of the salon,” said Abramite. For starters, it sports a vibrant yellow ergonomic handle and a reverse-taper ceramic barrel that heats up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It also automatically powers down after 60 minutes and features a 9-foot extension cord. DryBar’s The Wrap Party Curling Wand received a 4.5-star average rating from 115 reviews at Ulta.
Foster has relied on her InfinitiPro by Conair Curling Wand for a few years and appreciates the price point, which is why she called it “consumer-friendly.” This iron has multiple preset temperatures, maxing out at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. There are also two ceramic barrel sizes to choose from: 0.50- to 1-inch and 0.75- to 1.25-inches. The InfinitiPro by Conair Curling Wand earned a 4.5-star average rating from nearly 15,350 reviews on Amazon.
Dyson is a perennial favorite brand among Shopping staff and contributors who have previously lauded the company’s high-end hot tools, including the Supersonic hair dryer and Corrale flat iron. This top-rated curling wand is the sole model on our list that dries and styles damp hair simultaneously. It is compatible with multiple attachments, including a 0.8- 1.2- and 1.6-inch barrel. The Dyson Airwrap boasts a 4.4-star average rating from nearly 1,600 reviews at Ulta.
Notably, it takes 25 seconds for the ghd curling wand to heat up to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. The 1- to 1.5-inch tapered barrel features a cool-tip design that is beneficial for more control while styling. As a safety precaution, Curve Creative Curl Wand enters sleep mode after 30 minutes of use. It earned a 4.5-star average rating from nearly 70 reviews at Sephora.
Experts say the two most important factors to consider when shopping for a curling wand are the barrel size and material.
Experts say hair length determines your ideal barrel size. The longer your hair, the larger the barrel you can use (at least 1.5-inches) and vice-versa. If you use a smaller barrel on longer hair, you’ll achieve tighter curls, similar to Taylor Swift during her country music era. When you use a larger barrel on shorter hair, you’ll create tousled waves. Foster considers a 1-inch barrel a universal size that works on all hair lengths. She suggested those with short hair opt for a 1-inch or smaller barrel while those with medium hair opt for a 1- to 1.25-inch barrel.
Foster said brands behind curling wands, flat irons and curling irons all use similar materials to make barrels or plates, the three most common types being ceramic, tourmaline and titanium.
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