10Best.Guide

Curling Iron

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Holds curls well
  • Smooth and healthy hair
  • High quality and durable
  • Good temperature control
Cons
  • Hair can get caught in the base
  • Clamp doesn't hold hair tightly enough
Bottom Line
The Ella Bella curling iron is a high-quality and durable product that is easy to use and holds curls well. However, it may not be suitable for fine, straight hair and the clamp may not hold hair tightly enough.
Pros
  • Lightweight and stable
  • Best for lazy curls and loose waves
  • Warms up and cools off fast
  • Smooth barrel and even temperature
  • Easy to use and gives the best curls
Cons
  • Hard to curl hair without pulling it out
  • Terrible design and cheap plastic parts
Bottom Line
The T3 curling iron is a high-quality and modern product that is lightweight, stable, and easy to use. It warms up fast and gives long-lasting curls. However, it may be expensive and have a terrible design that snags hair and causes lights to flicker. Buyers should consider their hair type and needs before purchasing this product.
Pros
  • Electrical cord doesn't tangle
  • Hair glides smoothly on the heating iron
  • Easy to use
  • Gives soft and amazing curls
  • Controls are in the right place
Cons
  • Cord material is concerning
  • Handle can get warm even after turned off
Bottom Line
The Babyliss Pro Curling Iron is a great option for those looking for a high-quality curling iron that gives soft and long-lasting curls. However, it may not be the best choice for those with thick hair or those who want a curling iron that lasts for a long time.
Pros
  • Versatile with different barrel sizes
  • Heats up quickly and gets very hot
  • Easy to change out the different styling tools
  • Creates long-lasting curls
  • Great value for the price
Cons
  • Difficult to change barrels, especially when hot
  • Some quality issues with screws and clamps
Bottom Line
This curling iron set is a great value for those looking for versatility and high heat. However, it may not work well for those with short hair and there are some quality issues to be aware of. Overall, a good option for those on a budget.
Pros
  • Heats up quickly
  • Adjustable temperature
  • Lightweight
  • Long cord
  • Clamp to hold hair
Cons
  • Barrel is not smooth
  • Snags hair
Bottom Line
The Conair curling iron is an inexpensive option that heats up quickly, has adjustable temperature, and is lightweight with a long cord. However, the barrel is not smooth, can snag hair, and may fry hair. The spring clamp doesn't hold hair well. It is a good option for short hair and those on a budget.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Curling Irons: How to Choose the Best One for You

Overview

Curling irons are a must-have styling tool for anyone looking to create beautiful curls or waves. With so many different types, features, and price points available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a curling iron.

Types

1. Barrel size: Curling irons come in different barrel sizes, ranging from ⅜ inch to 2 inches. The size of the barrel determines the size of the curls or waves you can create. Smaller barrels are best for tight curls, while larger barrels are better for loose waves.

2. Material: Curling irons can be made from various materials, including ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline. Ceramic is the most common and affordable option, while titanium and tourmaline are more expensive but offer faster heating and better heat distribution.

3. Shape: Curling irons come in different shapes, including straight, tapered, and bubble. Straight barrels are best for uniform curls, tapered barrels are great for creating natural-looking waves, and bubble barrels create bouncy curls.

Key Considerations

1. Hair type: Consider your hair type when choosing a curling iron. Fine hair requires lower heat settings, while thick and coarse hair can handle higher temperatures.

2. Heat settings: Look for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings so you can customize the temperature to your hair type and desired style.

3. Safety features: Look for a curling iron with safety features such as automatic shut-off and heat-resistant gloves to prevent burns and accidents.

Features

1. Temperature control: Adjustable temperature settings allow you to customize the heat to your hair type and desired style.

2. Quick heating: Look for a curling iron that heats up quickly, so you don't have to wait long to start styling.

3. Swivel cord: A swivel cord allows for easier maneuvering and prevents tangling.

4. Dual voltage: If you travel frequently, look for a curling iron with dual voltage compatibility.

Prices

Curling irons range in price from around $15 to $200. The price varies based on the brand, features, and material. Higher-end curling irons often have better heat distribution and more advanced features.

Tips

1. Use heat protectant spray before styling to prevent damage to your hair.

2. Section your hair before curling to ensure even curls.

3. Don't hold the curling iron on your hair for too long to prevent heat damage.

FAQs

Q: How do I clean my curling iron?

A: You can clean your curling iron by wiping it down with a damp cloth after it cools down. For stubborn buildup, use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the barrel.

Q: Can I use a curling iron on wet hair?

A: No, you should never use a curling iron on wet hair as it can cause damage and breakage.

Q: How often should I replace my curling iron?

A: It is recommended to replace your curling iron every 2-3 years to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Comes with 5 attachments
  • Decently priced
  • Easy to use
  • Gets hot quickly
  • Leaves hair silky
Cons
  • Only 2 heat settings
  • Coolest setting is too hot
Bottom Line
This curling iron comes with 5 attachments and achieves different curl styles. It is decently priced and easy to use, but only has 2 heat settings and some of the parts feel cheap. It is great for thin hair and achieves chopstick curls.
Pros
  • Heats up quickly
  • Comes with multiple attachments
  • No weird chemical smell
  • Curls come out wonderful
  • Cheap
Cons
  • Can easily damage hair
  • No temperature control
Bottom Line
This curling brush with attachments is a cheap option that comes with multiple attachments and heats up quickly. However, it can easily damage hair, has no temperature control, and curls do not last. It is difficult to change styles and there is no clip attached to the iron part.
Pros
  • Gives beautiful waves and body to hair
  • Heats up quickly and evenly
  • Easy to use and adjust heat settings
  • Leaves hair shiny and alive
  • Has a kickstand to avoid causing damage
Cons
  • Pink color flakes off and stains barrels
  • Bulky and may not last long
Bottom Line
This curling iron is a great option for those looking to achieve beautiful waves and body in their hair. It heats up quickly and evenly, is easy to use, and leaves hair shiny and alive. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for the pink color to flake off and stain the barrels, as well as the low heat temperature compared to other heat stylers.
Pros
  • High quality and gets really hot.
  • Multiple settings.
  • Swiveling cord.
  • Heats up fast.
  • Opens and closes well.
Cons
  • Not good for travel.
  • Misses the spirally curls.
Bottom Line
The Hot Tools Curling Iron is a high-quality product with multiple settings and a swiveling cord. It heats up fast, opens and closes well, and grips hair well. However, it may not be suitable for travel, misses spirally curls, and may not be hot enough for thick hair. Some users have also reported issues with the clamp and the product dying after a few months.
Pros
  • Long barrel perfect for long hair
  • Temperature control is easy to use
  • Makes hair shiny and smooth
  • Similar to more expensive brands
  • Clamp is perfect for curling
Cons
  • Curls don't last long
  • Snags hair
Bottom Line
This curling iron is great for long hair and produces shiny and smooth curls. However, it has some quality issues and the placement of the buttons is problematic.
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