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Whether for beachy waves or red-carpet-glam, these are the best hair curling tools for every style
From the must-have gentle and undone “French new wave” to the TikTok favourite mermaid S-shape, there are countless curl styles to choose from to suit every taste and hair type. Now, thanks to the latest generation of hair curlers, it’s even easier to get creative, too.
Generally, if you’re going for a more traditional wand or tong, the smaller the barrel the tighter the curl. The ghd curve thin curling wand will give you the corkscrew curls of dreams, while the T3 curl ID creates more red-carpet-ready curls that ooze glamour.
For those that can’t get to grips with wrapping hair around these hair barrels, innovative tools such as the Dyson airwrap and the BaByliss wave secret air will do it for you automatically, by sucking the hair in shape.
Then there are the the oversized three-barrel hair wavers such as the Beauty Works professional jumbo waver. These designs work differently, in that you clamp the hair, just as you would with an old-fashioned crimper, but, instead of zigzags, you’ll get mermaid-esque waves.
Once you’ve figured out what kind of curler you’re after, consider your hair type. Fine, fragile or over-processed strands will need variable temperature settings to dial down the heat, so as not to damage strands while styling. While thicker or straight styles will need a high temperature, so the curls stay in place. Read on, to find out which appliances we evaluated as being the best hair curlers on the market.
To find the best hair curlers, we put the latest hot tools on trial. All were tested on freshly washed strands, protected with the same all-important heat protection spray. To make this winning line-up, the hair curler had to create long-lasting salon-worthy professional curls. However, they also had to be easy to master and speedy to create. They also had to heat up quickly, and have automatic shut-off, for peace of mind.
As much as we love curling our locks, heat styling is generally viewed as something of an enemy to hair health. However, while using a curling iron can very easily lead to breakage and damage, tools have come a long way, and many either maintain a steady temperature of 185C – the ideal maximum temperature – or give you the option to adjust the temperature to best suit your hair type.
To prevent damage, it’s also vital that you use heat protection products, which add a barrier between the tool and your strands to seal in moisture and fight frizz.
Different tongs will produce different styles, so it’s best to know what kind of curl you want to create before buying. Some curlers are better for beach waves, for example, while others may work better for statement ringlets.
You may also want to consider your hair type when choosing which hair curlers to go for. If you regularly dye or bleach your hair, opt for a tool that uses a lower temperature, as this will minimise damage.
A lower temperature can also be a better option if you will be using the tongs to style your hair regularly or have fine hair, for the same reason. Alternatively, if you have thick hair, tongs with a higher temperature may hold your curls for longer.
Our best buy goes to the latest Dyson airwrap, which has made hair curling even easier, now that you don’t have to change barrels to change curl direction. The only negative is its price point but, for those that style regularly, it’s an investment worth making.
If it’s beachy waves you’re after, the Beauty Works jumbo waver is suitable for beginners and professionals alike, with its super-easy-to-use design and speedy result
For more tried and tested hair tools, read our guide to the best cordless hair straighteners