Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a curling iron?
When shopping for a curling wand, consider the following:
Material: Ceramic barrels evenly distribute heat for smooth, shiny curls with less damage, making it great for fine hair. Titanium heats faster and stays hotter, making it ideal for thick or coarse hair. Tourmaline ceramic helps reduce frizz and boost shine—perfect for damaged or frizz-prone strands.
Heat settings: Match the heat to your hair type. To prevent damage to fine hair, keep the temperature below 300°F. Thick, coarse, or curly hair can handle higher temps between 350°F and 450°F.
Barrel size: The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. Sizes from 0.5 to 0.75 inches create ringlets, while 1.5 to 2 inches give loose, beachy waves. Long hair benefits from an extra-large barrel for faster styling.
Attachments: Interchangeable barrels offer versatility, letting you switch from tight curls to soft waves with a single tool.
There are also two types of curling irons you’ll come across: ceramic irons and titanium irons (the occasional gold curling iron also might pop up in your search). Choosing the right type all depends on your hair type, according to the stylists we spoke with.
Ceramic curling irons distribute heat evenly for smooth, shiny curls and are gentler on fine or fragile hair, says celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine. Titanium irons are more durable, heat up faster, and hold higher temperatures, which is ideal for thick or coarse hair that needs more power to style. If you’re prone to frizz or damage, tourmaline ceramic is another great option, since it emits negative ions that help boost shine and reduce static.
Gold curling irons aren’t necessarily better than other options, but they can handle higher heat, making them a solid choice for thick or coarse hair. That said, they don’t distribute heat as evenly as ceramic models.
What size barrel should I use on my hair?
It depends on your hair length and the type of curl you want.
- 0.5 to 0.75 inches: Creates tight ringlets or corkscrew curls that are best for short to medium hair
- 1-inch: The most versatile size for most lengths, since it can make everything from bouncy curls to soft waves
- 1.25-inch: Great for medium to long hair and loose, glam curls
- 1.5 to 1.75 inches: Ideal for long hair and big, voluminous waves that mimic a blowout
What temperature should you set your curling iron to?
The ideal temperature depends on your hair type, says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. Here’s what he recommends.
- Fine or thin hair: 250°F to 325°F
- Medium to thick hair: 300°F to 375°F
- Very thick or coarse hair: 325°F to 400°F
Whatever your setting, always use a heat protectant to help prevent damage.
What type of curling iron is least damaging to hair?
While the best choice depends on your hair, ceramic curling irons are generally the least damaging for most people because they hold lower temperatures. If you’re concerned about breakage, ceramic irons are the best choice, though they may not give you a long-lasting finish, according to stylists.
How do you get Hollywood waves with a curling iron? What about beach waves?
If your goal is to achieve red-carpet-worthy waves, start with a medium-to-large barrel and curl all sections in the same direction, says Alex Pardoe, a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles. “Let the curls cool completely, then brush them out with a soft bristle brush to create that smooth, sculpted wave. Finish with a light glossing spray,” he adds. We love the Amika Top Gloss Shine Spray for this.
For beach waves, Giannetos recommends using a large curling iron (about two inches) to create loose bends at the midlengths of your hair, leaving the ends mostly straight. After curling, scrunch your hair, then finish with a texturizing spray for volume and a tousled, undone look. Try the Bumble and Bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray for soft, natural texture without the crunch.
What kind of curling irons do salons use?
Professional stylists in salons often use metal curling irons because they heat up quickly and reach higher temperatures, which is ideal for efficient styling, says celebrity hairstylist Giannetos. Since pros know how to manage heat safely, they can use these tools without causing damage. For at-home use, he recommends ceramic barrels, which are more forgiving and evenly distribute heat to protect your hair.
How do you make curls last?
To make curls last longer, use a strong-hold hairspray, like Oribe Free Styler Working Hair Spray, to set your style. It offers a strong hold without leaving hair stiff or greasy. Giannetos also recommends adding a frizz-fighting, hydrating product to maintain smoothness and shine. Try a lightweight hair oil or a moisturizing serum like Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Hyaluronic Moisture Repair Serum.
If your curls tend to fall flat after curling, you may be skipping crucial prep and finish steps. As previously mentioned, hairspray and texture sprays are key for holding volume and shape. The stylists also emphasized maintaining a healthy hair care routine full of hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks; well-conditioned hair is less brittle and better able to hold a style.
To find the best curling wands, we tapped Glamour editors and contributors with a wide range of hair types and lengths to test more than two dozen top-rated tools. We evaluated the best hair tools based on key factors like barrel material (ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline), temperature range, ease of use, and overall performance. We paid close attention to how each tool handled different hair types, how quickly it heated up, how long the curls lasted (we wanted at least a full day’s wear), and how the hair looked and felt afterward.
Note: Although we might receive gifted products, our recommendations are based on months of testing and evaluating the very best products. We maintain complete editorial independence in the products we choose to feature, meaning we do not benefit financially from including any product, except for purchases made through our links.
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