Hair curlers can be the best way to create beautiful hairstyles from tight, spiral curls to long beachy waves. However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
In this article we break down everything from heat settings to clamp styles to help you find the hair curler that best meets your specific needs.
1. Silver Bullet Easy Curl Ceramic Curling Iron (Top Pick)
Silver Bullet is an Australian brand with a reputation for creating very high quality, affordable hair styling tools.
Simple and effective, it’s hard to look past the EasyCurl if you’re in the market for a great value curling wand. Its unique design means fast and efficient curling with a short learning curve.
The iron features an ionic ceramic barrel that can be heated anywhere in the range of 120°C to 220°C, depending on your styling needs. A high quality digital display shows you the current temperature so you can be sure you are operating at the correct level for your hair.
The handle is ergonomic and easy to use, with the 90-degree angled design allowing the user to keep their arm in a lower, relaxed position, reducing the strain often encountered with other curlers and straighteners.
The 25mm barrel is middle-of-the-road in terms of size, making this curling iron suitable for both long and short hair.
Be it tight curls or free-flowing loose waves, the EasyCurl can do it all. No matter what your hair type or style, this styling tool will be a great asset in your haircare arsenal.
What We Like:
- Effective, simple design
- 90-degree design reduces arm strain
- Suitable for a wide range of styles and hair types including straight hair
- More affordable than high-end options
- Extra-long swivel cord
- Australian Owned
- 2 Year Replacement Warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users may prefer a smaller or larger barrel
2. VS Sassoon Ceramic Curler (Best Value)
Our best value pick goes to the impressive VS Sassoon Ceramic Curler. Suitable for a wide range of hair types, these hair curlers heat up fast and are easy to use.
The curler features 10 heat settings, with a maximum temperature of 180°C. A ceramic coated barrel glides smoothly across your hair, allowing for effortless styling. Be it curls, waves, or flicks, you can do it all with this great hair styler.
It also includes an LED indicator light and auto shut off for added safety.
The VS Sassoon Ceramic Curler is available in 3 sizes:
- 19mm Barrel (for defined curls and ringlets) – View at Amazon Australia
- 25mm Barrel (for mid-sized curls and waves) – View at Shaver Shop
- 38mm Barrel (for voluminous curls) – View at Shaver Shop
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Auto shut off safety feature
- Available in 3 sizes
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t heat as high as some other curlers
3. GHD Curve Soft Curl Tong
The GHD Curve Soft Curl Tong was awarded one of the top curling irons by Cosmopolitan UK, and was designed with the user experience in mind. It is designed to curl hair both at a safe temperature and in a fast time to keep hair healthy but also save you styling time.
The larger barrel gives the look of soft, looser curls. It comes with a longer cord for better portability, and an automatic shut off after 30 minutes of inactivity for safety.
What We Like:
- it maintains an optimum styling temperature of 185℃.
- Heats up in 25 seconds.
- The hair only needs to be on the barrel for 5-8 seconds.
- Users share that their hair stays curled for 8-12 hours
What We Don’t Like:
- Users have reported a faulty power button after several months of use.
- It does not have temperature control to change heat settings.
4. Dyson AirWrap Curling Iron
Dyson uses its patented air technology to revolutionize the curling process meaning now clamping, gloves, or wrapping. It was awarded the best beauty breakthrough of 2019 by Allure Magazine. It comes with six different attachments for different styles.
The V9 digital motor powers the air pressure ensuring there is no damage due to extreme heat. It comes with a case to safely store and organize all of the attachments. Dyson products all come with a 2-year guarantee.
What We Like:
- The air technology wraps hair automatically without clamping.
- The ability to dry and style simultaneously saves time.
- Various attachments allow for straight, tight curls, or beach wave styles.
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users have reported that the attachments don’t secure completely.
- Expensive
5. Cloud Nine Curling Wand
The Cloud Nine Curling Wand comes with a mineral-infused wand that’s designed to lock in moisture and protect hair from heat damage. It is perfect for all hair types with three temperature settings to control the curl tightness. The wand was the winner of the Hair Awards for 2015 and 2016. It will go into hibernation mode after 35 minutes of inactivity for safety.
What We Like:
- Curls hair faster than a traditional curling iron
- Comes with a 12-month repair or replacement guarantee
- Mineral-infused barrel gives hair a polished shine
What We Don’t Like:
- Users with longer hair report that the curls do not last long as hoped.
6. Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron
Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Irons perfectly curls hair from end to end with either tight curls or beach waves. It holds proprietary pulse technology that means the iron will stay hot, up to 220℃. The tool is perfect for professional hairdressers, as it’s auto shut off does not kick in until 2 hours of no activity. The cord is extra-long, allowing for full mobility while in use.
What We Like:
- The barrel gets extremely hot, curling the hair faster.
- The gold surface is a heat conductor, distributing heat evenly every time.
- The handle is a soft touch to provide extra comfort while using.
What We Don’t Like:
- The extreme heat has been reported to damage some hair.
- Users have reported this model does not last as long as other Hot Tools products.
7. T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand
The T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand offers one tool with 3 wand sizes, and offers additional attachments that are sold separately. It offers the versatility of beachy waves one day and spiral curls the next with one tool. The wand has five heat settings, going as hot as 210℃.
The wand boasts one pass curls meaning no prolonged heat on the hair to cause damage. It was a winner of Allure’s Beauty Awards for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
What We Like:
- Three styling attachments allow for multiple styles with one tool.
- Users report faster curling times than other products they have tried.
- The ceramic surface creates a frizz-free finish.
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users have shared that the attachments do not fasten tightly over time.
Hair Curler Buyer’s Guide
The best curling tool for you will likely depend on your type of hair as well as personal preferences. Keep the following things in mind when selecting your curling iron.
Barrel Size
The barrel size of your curling iron will determine how you style your hair, and size of curls. A wider barrel will create looser waves or a beachy wave style. The smaller irons are good for spiral curls or a mermaid curl style.
Additionally, smaller barrels are ideal for shorter or thinner hair while longer thicker hair benefits from a wider barrel.
Barrel Material
Curling iron barrels come in a variety of materials including ceramic, titanium, and even gold. Ceramic curling irons lock-in moisture, protecting hair from split ends and drying due to the heat.
Titanium curling irons work much the same way as ceramic but heat faster and are more ideal for frequent use.
Gold models are perfect for thicker hair, as the heat transfers through thicker hair with more ease.
Heat Settings
Heat settings also work to create different styles. The hotter the iron gets, the tighter and faster the hair will curl. Turning the curling tong onto a lower setting allows for looser waves, and can be better for touching up the hair later in the day.
Curling Irons vs Curling Wands
Traditional curling irons come with a clip or clamp to hold the hair onto the iron. The clamp runs the full length of the barrel and needs to be held in place by the user. This type of curler is perfect for tight, smooth curls.
Curling wands, on the other hand, have no clamp. The user must, therefore, wrap their hair around the wand and hold it in place (often with a supplied glove) for the desired amount of time, using their other hand. Wands also tend to heat up, and deliver results, much faster than a traditional iron. A wand curler is your best bet if you’re looking for loose curls, gentle beach waves or modern styling.
Types of Hair Curling
How to get the most out of your curling wand or iron will depend on your specific curling tool and hair type. However, here are some common styles that can be achieved:
Spiral Curls
Small spiral curls can be achieved with most hair types using the right tools and methods. Start close to the root and use a small barreled curling iron or wand. Since you want the spirals to hold their shape, you’ll want to hold your hair on the iron for about 10 seconds and apply a setting spray once it cools.
Beach Waves
Beachy waves are one of the most popular hairstyles at the moment, particularly with those who have naturally straight hair. These loose, voluminous curls can be achieved using a variety of methods and tools. Check out the videos below for inspiration.
Hair Curling Tips
Want to achieve perfect, natural-looking curly hair? The best approach to hair styling is trial and error and figuring out what works for you. However, it doesn’t help to have some pointers to set you off on the right path. Keep the following things in mind when starting out on your journey to luscious curly locks:
- Choose the correct size curling iron or wand. Common sizes range in diameter from 19mm to 38mm and the best for you will depend on your hair type and desired style. In general, tighter curls will benefit from a smaller barrel while loose curls work better with bigger hair curlers.
- Use the correct products to prepare your hair. Consider a mousse or heat protectant product to get the best results and also to protect your hair. Some people also find using a hairspray/setting spray prior to curling works well. It’s also a good idea to trial curling at different numbers of days after washing your hair as some people find dirty hair holds curls better than when freshly washed.
- Ensure your hair is completely dry before curling. Whether by using a hair dryer or drying naturally, you’ll want to ensure your hair is completely dry before applying the heat from a curling tong.
- Use hair clips while curling. Clips are a great accessory to the curling process. Use them to divide your hair up into even, workable sections to ensure an even result. You can also use them to hold the curls in place once complete to improve the setting process.
- Want to convert your iron into a curling wand? Some curling irons can be easily converted by removing the clip/clamp with a screwdriver.
- Keep the look for longer with a texturizing spray. This type of spray is often lighter and less intense than a traditional hairspray and can be a great addition to the curling process as it can add structure and volume without weighing down your curls.
