Finding the best curling iron doesn’t just involve separating the good wands from the ones that never get hot enough to curl hair. It’s all about finding the right hair styling tool for the job. If you’ve ever bought a curling iron to create effortless Victoria’s Secret Angel waves but ended up with full, disco queen curls, you know what we mean. To prevent buyer’s remorse, there are a few essential tips to know when selecting the right tool.
From wands to tongs, skinny barrels to fat ones and everything in between, there are many options when it comes to curling irons. One easy thing to remember is that the width of the curling iron or wand directly correlates to the size of the curl. So, the bigger the curling iron, the bigger the curl. Celebrity hairstylist Johnny Lavoy further explains that closed barrel curling irons generally produce tighter, more polished curls, while wands result in more relaxed waves. (But remember, it’s possible to soften any wave with fingers or a comb.)
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There are irons with variegated shapes and even twist or bubble attachments, but Honey Artists hairstylist Michael Thomas Lollo finds that the classic straight barrel iron is best. “The straight barrel provides even heat, which [will] help create consistent waves for a more professional result at home that will last much longer.”
It’s also important to remember that even if you buy the right curling iron for the style you’re after, the final look will vary depending on how the hair tool is used. Celebrity hairstylist and Beachwaver founder Sarah Potempa points out that the angle the iron is held and the amount of hair left out will also impact the final curl.
Keep those basics in mind, scroll through some wavy #hairspiration photos, then click through the gallery to see the best curling irons and wands to get each look.
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The Best Curling Iron for Every Kind of Wave
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For Tight, Polished Waves
Craving some retro glamour with defined waves? Select a smaller rod for tighter curls. Tina Le Noble, top stylist at ARROJO SoHo, suggests a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch marcel iron (a hair tool with a manual clamp) to curl the entire head. A similar look can still be achieved using a spring iron with a smaller barrel.
Image: Imaxtree
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For Tight, Polished Waves
Make like an Old Hollywood starlet and use this 1/2-inch curling iron. The marcel iron has a 24K gold-plated barrel for hot, even heat distribution — and some major fanciness. The iron even senses heat loss and quickly works to counteract it for bouncy waves each time.
Hot Tools 1/2-Inch Professional Marcel Iron, $39.99 at Ulta
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For Tight, Polished Waves
Marcel irons are a retro favorite and they're still loved by hair pros. They have a clamp that is controlled manually, unlike the spring irons most of us have been using. The marcel iron takes some getting used to, but the adjustment period is worth it. This porcelain ceramic wand produces springy, frizz-free waves.
BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic 3/4-Inch Marcel Curling Iron, $49.99 at Amazon
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For Tight, Polished Waves
This marcel iron may not be solid gold, but it does have a 24K gold-plated barrel. The styling tool heats up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit to coax even the most stubborn straight hair into glossy, defined curls.
Helen of Troy Professional Gold Series 3/4-Inch Marcel Iron, $40.99 at Sally Beauty
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For Beachy, Bedhead Waves
A classic 1-inch to 1 1/4-inch curling iron is the secret to effortless waves. To achieve a proper beach babe look, Le Noble recommends picking up smaller sections of hair a couple of inches from the roots and curling them in opposite directions. Leave the ends out of the curling iron for an undone finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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For Beachy, Bedhead Waves
Those with Rapunzel-like hair will love this iron for its extra-long barrel. It's 2 inches longer than the standard one, making it easier to get a more uniform curl. And it has 24K gold-plated technology that creates a high heat to lock in waves for up to 24 hours.
Pro Beauty Tools Professional X-Long 1 1/4-Inch Gold Curling Iron, $29.99 at Target
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For Beachy, Bedhead Waves
The Beachwaver was the hair tool that gave Angels their signature undone waves at the 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Hold it vertically and the rotating iron will loop itself around a section of hair. There's no need to twist and turn arms because the 1-inch rod does it all.
Beachwaver S1, $129 at Beachwaver
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For Beachy, Bedhead Waves
The best curling iron for beachy waves adds definition, but not too much. Slip on the heat-resistant gloves and use the 1-inch rod to shape and style hair. The curling iron has an ergonomic, nonslip grip to prevent it from falling to the bathroom floor.
Sephora Collection Sculpt: Curling Iron, $40 at Sephora
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For Soft, Loose Waves
For loose waves, take larger sections of hair and curl them with a curling iron that has a barrel size around 1 to 1 1/4 inches. Gently separate and brush hair out so it looks less "done."
Image: Imaxtree
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For Soft, Loose Waves
Get shiny, loose waves that Olivia Palermo would be envious of with this versatile 1-inch curling wand. It has an ergonomic handle and comes with a heat-resistant glove. Use it without fear of burns or wrist strain.
ARROJO 1-Inch Curling Wand, $125 at ARROJO
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For Soft, Loose Waves
Curl away without totally frying locks. The far-infrared rays in the ceramic iron reduce heat damage and "capture" moisture for extra shine.
HAI Beauty Concepts 1 1/4-Inch Classic Rebellion Curling Iron, $49.99 at HAI Beauty Concepts
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For Soft, Loose Waves
The bright white barrel with rose gold accents earns this hair tool pretty points, but it's the auto-rotating feature that wave addicts will love. Select the speed, then start the rotating barrel. The unique barrel gathers the hair, so all we have to do is hold the "go" button down as it curls. It's so easy that it can be used before your morning coffee.
T3 Twirl 360 Motion-Sensing Auto-Rotating 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, $230 at Nordstrom
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For Modern Crimped Hair
A three-barrel curling iron produces a crimped texture that is less frizzy than old-school crimping irons.
Image: Imaxtree
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For Modern Crimped Hair
Good things come in threes — at least when it comes to crimped hair. The tourmaline ceramic barrels heat up in 30 seconds for kinky waves in a flash. And unlike our original crimping irons, this one has hair conditioning ions that smooth strands and add shine.
Revlon Perfect Heat 3 Barrel Deep Waver Styling Curling Iron, $20.96 at Walmart
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For Modern Crimped Hair
Don't be intimidated by the extra barrels. This three-barrel iron isn't that complicated to use. Add a chunk of hair between the plates and it will produce a flattering crimp that lasts. The plates have been designed for even heat distribution and extra shine for professional waves at home.
Ion Titanium Triple Barrel Waver, $49.99 at Sally Beauty
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For Modern Crimped Hair
Experiment with crimped hair 2.0 without investing serious cash in the trend. Attach the wallet-friendly barrel to the Interchangeable Iron Handle and the ceramic tourmaline barrels will add just enough texture to locks.
Plugged In POPSI CURLS Interchangeable Triple Waves Barrel, $16.99 at Sally Beauty
