Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brandsSave this storySave this story
Let's start with the obvious: The best curling irons should, at the very least, curl your hair. But anyone who's dealt with uneven heat, fried ends, or curls that don’t last past your morning coffee knows a great tool can do so much more. For starters, barrel diameter can mean the difference between tight, bouncy ringlets and loose, beachy waves. Some also come with interchangeable barrels so you can switch up your look without buying multiple tools, while others rotate automatically, taking much of the guesswork (and wrist gymnastics) out of styling. In other words, our favorite hot tools bring on the innovation.
Our Top Curling Irons
- Best Overall: Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron, $162
- Best for Long Hair: Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron, $80
- Best for Curly Hair: Curlsmith Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand, $189
- Best for Travel: Pattern Beauty The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron, $259
The best curling irons also cater to different hair types and textures. Fine hair benefits from lower heat to minimize damage, while thicker or coarse hair often needs higher temperatures to lock in a curl. The material matters, too: Ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly for consistent results, titanium heats up quickly and excels on stubborn hair, and newer tech helps reduce hot spots and unnecessary heat exposure.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What to look for in a curling iron
- How to use a curling iron
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
After consulting hairstylists and testing the top contenders ourselves, we narrowed the list down to the curling irons that are worth the investment.
Best Overall: Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
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Bio Ionic
Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
Lexi Herrick
Why it's worth it: Bio Ionic’s Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron, a 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner, features a barrel that is about two inches longer than the average curling iron, making it especially handy for those with longer hair to give them more room to work with. “Since you’re able to wrap more hair around it, it automatically cuts down on styling time,” says hairstylist Jae-Manuel Cardenas based in New York City. Available in four barrel sizes to create everything from loose waves to tighter curls, it also features the brand’s signature ionic technology, “which maintains constant, even temperature when you style so you’re not left with inconsistent curls or unwanted bends,” he says.
Herrick before using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
Lexi Herrick
Herrick after using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
Lexi Herrick
Tester feedback from global senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
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“I struggle to find irons that actually reach the end of my very long hair, but the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Iron is perfect. The grip at the end of the barrel is excellent for ease of use, and for a burn risk like myself. There is a wide range of heat settings as well, and the hold is quick and lasting.” —Lexi Herrick, global senior director of commerce audience & analytics
More to know
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- Barrel width: 0.75”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”
- Heat settings: 4
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 10 oz. (1” barrel)
- Wattage: 73W
- Dual voltage: yes
- Best for: long hair, thick hair
Best for Long Hair: Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron
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Hot Tools
Pro Artist 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior writer Elizabeth Gulino using the Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron
Elizabeth Gulino
Why it's worth it: Someone with a bob probably isn't reaching for a 1.5” barrel, just as someone with waist-length hair may not want the tighter curl pattern that a ¾” barrel creates. That's why the Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron comes in seven diameters, letting you tailor your curls—from springy spirals to loose, lived-in waves—to both your hair length and your desired finish. The 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner features an extra-long barrel (about six inches longer than a traditional curling iron), which also gives longer or thicker hair more room to wrap, so styling goes faster with fewer awkward maneuvers to reposition. And while the brand's signature 24K Gold Technology sounds luxurious, its real benefit is even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, helping create consistent, long-lasting curls without repeatedly passing over the same section.
Gulino before using the Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron
Elizabeth Gulino
Gulino after using the Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron
Elizabeth Gulino
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“I've been using Hot Tools curling irons for as long as I can remember. I have both the 1-1/4" and the 2" and am looking to add the 1-1/2" to my growing collection (you can never have too many barrel sizes). Hot Tools curling irons are easy to use, reliable, and last forever—just like the curls they give me. I like using the clamp, which can be a learning curve for people who mainly use wands, but it's pretty easy to learn. I'd compare it to riding a bike: Once you get the hang of it, the skill never leaves you.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Barrel width: 0.5”, ⅝”, 0.75”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”, 2”
- Heat settings: 5 settings (280°F–450°F)
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 18.4 oz. (1” barrel)
- Wattage: 45W (1” barrel)
- Dual voltage: yes
- Best for: anyone
Best for Curly Hair: Curlsmith Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand
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Curlsmith
Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann using the Curlsmith Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: They may look like something you'd borrow from a wizard, but the unconventional barrel shapes are the real magic of the Curlsmith Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand. Instead of one standard curling iron, the clampless wand comes with four interchangeable ceramic attachments: The Wiggle creates looser, S-shaped waves, the Twistin' Taper defines tighter ringlets and spirals, and the two Loop-D-Loop barrels (one left, one right) wrap hair in opposite directions for the most natural-looking curls around the face. There is also a huge temperature range with 13 heat settings, from 220°F to 400°F, so you can tailor the temperature to your hair type—the finer the hair, the lower the temperature.
Hoffmann before using the Curlsmith Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the Curlsmith Defrizzion Curl Reviving Wand
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“This curling iron has completely changed my life. My hair is on the border between wavy and curly, but because it's very fine and most gels weigh it down too much, my curls don't really hold a nice shape overnight. I'm obsessed with using this wand to touch up flattened, second-day curls. I like the larger wands with grooves in them, because the result is closest to my natural texture, but I love having the option to switch up the attachments to get tighter curls. You can technically switch the attachment for curling in different directions, but I tend to stick to just one in the interest of time. Speaking of time: It works so fast too. I hold each piece on the barrel for less than 10 seconds and usually work with fairly large sections, so it takes around 10 minutes to do my entire head. A few spritzes of wave spray (I'm loving this one from Roz right now), and a vigorous finger comb later, and I'm left with nice waves that fall throughout the day (if you skip hairspray, my personal preference) to pretty closely mimic my natural texture. I love having this tool as a styling option when I don't have time for a proper air-dry, or if I'm wearing my hair (mostly) natural to an event, this curling wand does a great job of polishing my curls without looking too ‘done.’" —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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- Barrel width: The Wiggle: 1.2" base → 3/8" tip; Loop-D-Loops (2): 6.5" long barrels for loose curls and waves (left- and right-facing); Twistin' Taper: 1" base → 3/8" tip
- Heat settings: 13 (220°F–400°F)
- Attachments: 4, plus a heat-resistant glove and storage pouch
- Weight: 0.5–8.6 oz., depending on the barrel attached
- Wattage: not disclosed
- Dual voltage: yes
- Best for: people with wavy, curly, or coily hair
Best for Travel: Pattern Beauty The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron
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Pattern Beauty
The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Pattern Beauty The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Pattern Beauty's 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron is dual voltage and comes with three tourmaline ceramic barrels—a 3/8-inch for tight curls, a 3/4-inch for bouncy, defined spirals, and a 1-inch for classic curls—so you can pack a single handle instead of multiple hot tools. "This curling iron addresses moisture and heat in a completely different way than a typical iron thanks to its tourmaline ceramic barrels," says New York City-based hairstylist Elle Medico based in New York City. Tourmaline-infused ceramic emits negative ions as it heats, reducing frizz and flyaways and leaving curls shinier. As the barrels heat, the tourmaline-infused ceramic emits negative ions that help smooth frizz, tame flyaways, and boost shine while distributing heat more evenly to minimize hot spots. It also comes with a heat-resistant storage pouch, so you don't have to wait for the iron to cool completely before packing it away, plus a protective glove for easy barrel swaps.
Shipin before using the Pattern Beauty The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Pattern Beauty The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“This is a great blow dryer. First of all, it's cute, a pretty color, and very lightweight. It dried my hair super fast, even just using the second heat and power settings. I was originally going to let my roommate have this one, but I might have to keep it all to myself. This is going to replace my old hair dryer and become a new staple. I love that this hair dryer package is focusing on curly hair. Usually, we have to buy a hair dryer and get the diffuser separately. This product comes with four attachments so that users with all different hair textures can get the full use out of it. Obsessed!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Barrel width: 3/8", 0.75", 1"
- Heat settings: 8 (250°F–425°F)
- Attachments: 3, plus a heat-resistant glove and storage pouch
- Weight: not disclosed
- Wattage: not disclosed
- Dual voltage: yes
- Best for: curly or coily hair
Best Multistyler: Dyson Airwrap
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Dyson
Airwrap
Amazon
Allure contributing writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Dyson Airwrap
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: The Dyson Airwrap has earned six of our most prestigious awards in just four years—including a 2024 Best of Beauty Award—so is it any surprise it landed on this list? Unlike a traditional curling iron, which uses hot plates to clamp and curl dry hair, the Airwrap styles hair while it's still damp. Its digital motor generates the Coanda airflow effect, which automatically attracts and wraps hair around the barrel, creating soft, bouncy curls as it dries using airflow instead of excessive heat to minimize damage. “I recommend this to clients who have a really difficult time using typical hot tools, as it’s very user-friendly and intuitive,” says Medico. And because it comes with six interchangeable attachments, it can also smooth, straighten, and create salon-level blowouts.
As if the Airwrap weren't impressive enough, Dyson gave it an upgrade in 2024 with the Airwrap i.d, which adds Bluetooth connectivity through the Dyson app to create a personalized styling sequence based on your hair type and goals. It's available in two versions: the Straight/Wavy model, which includes a larger curling barrel and a flyaway smoother, and the Curly/Coily model.
Lee before using the Dyson Airwrap
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the Dyson Airwrap
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I'm a little embarrassed by how long my Dyson Airwrap sat unopened in its box. Between all the attachments, I convinced myself there'd be some steep learning curve. Turns out, it couldn't be easier. The trick for my long hair is letting it air-dry most of the way first. (Yes, that sounds like a recipe for frizz, but a few drops of my beloved Virtue Hair Oil smooth everything out in about three seconds.) Then I go in with the Airwrap, and about 10 minutes later I have the bounciest, salon-worthy curls ever. As a mom of two young kids, I have very little time—or patience—for complicated styling routines, so this has truly been a game changer for me." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1.2”
- Heat settings: 3 (and 3 fan speed settings)
- Attachments: 6
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Wattage: 1,300W
- Dual voltage: no
- Best for: all hair types and textures
Best Interchangeable: T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio
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T3
Switch Kit Curl Trio
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Allure content director Kara McGrath using the T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio
Kara McGrath
Why it's worth it: Some days call for polished ringlets; others are all about effortless, lived-in waves. Instead of requiring multiple curling irons, the T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio lets you swap between three ceramic barrels (0.5”, 1.25”, and 1.5”) to create a range of looks with a single handle. T3's SmartTwist locking mechanism makes changing barrels quick and secure, while the brand’s SinglePass ceramic technology maintains an even temperature “for a glossy, lasting finish,” says Medico. Nine heat settings let you dial in the right temperature for your hair type, making it a more versatile alternative to a traditional one-size-fits-all curling iron. If you don't want to commit to a single look—or you're someone who switches things up with extensions or a dramatic haircut every few months—this tool keeps up with you.
McGrath before using the T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio
Kara McGrath
McGrath after using the T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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"I love using the tiny 0.5-inch attachment to enhance my natural hair texture when it’s falling a little flat. I take a small section of hair, wrap it around the barrel for about two seconds, then gently tug it while it’s still warm. This creates a more defined, less frizzy version of my natural waves, rather than tight ringlets.”—Kara McGrath, former content director
More to know
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- Barrel width: 0.5, 1.25, and 1.5 inches
- Heat settings: 9
- Attachments: 3
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Wattage: 96W
- Dual voltage: yes
- Best for: all hair types and textures
Best Self-Rotating: The Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron
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The Beachwaver Co.
B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Amazon
Allure former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein using The Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Jennifer Hussein
Why it's worth it: If manually wrapping and twisting your hair around a barrel has always been your biggest styling roadblock, the Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron is here to do the heavy lifting. This innovative, self-rotating tool is so easy to use, which is why so many TikTok beauty vloggers (and Allure staffers) can't stop preaching about this goof-proof curling tool. "I love the Beachwaver because it's consistent and super user-friendly for clients," Fairfax, Virginia-based stylist Nam Nguyen tells Allure. The push of a button spins the ceramic barrel toward your scalp with close to zero effort. Just make sure you release the clamp before you reach your scalp to avoid sausage curls—and second-degree burns. “I recommend this for anyone who is just a beginner and might need a little assistance to get some gorgeous waves on their own,” adds Cardenas.
Hussein before using The Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Jennifer Hussein
Hussein after using The Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Jennifer Hussein
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
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"I rarely curl my hair, and I constantly get confused with which direction to twirl the barrel, so Beachwaver's viral curler takes all of the guesswork out for me. I usually use the B1 (or any curler, for that matter) to style the front tendrils of hair that are too short to put in my updo, but I love that this curler has a long barrel for times when I feel like experimenting with my style. It also gets bonus points for its heat settings—usually, I need high heat for my hair to form a curl, but somehow this tool effortlessly creates them at its medium setting, which is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that its 1-inch barrel creates tighter curls rather than loose beach waves, so if you prefer a more relaxed vibe to your curly hairstyles, you may want to try the larger, 1.25-inch version of this self-curling device.”—Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1 inch
- Heat settings: 3
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 1 pound
- Wattage: 50W
- Best for: all hair types, especially medium and long hair
Frequently Asked Questions
What to look for in a curling iron
Size, size, and size. According to Columbus-based hairstylist Mia Santiago, "Smaller barrels create tighter curls whereas bigger barrels create looser, almost blowout-level curls." Another key component is being able to control and customize your heat settings. Santiago says that "safe" heat settings are 360 degrees Fahrenheit and below, so keep that in mind if you want to avoid unnecessary heat damage. (Don't we all?)
In terms of shapes and designs, curling irons come in quite a few options. Curling wands have no clamps and rely on the user's ability to wrap around and hold their hair in place, which is why most wands come packaged with a heat-resistant glove (to avoid close-contact injuries). Curling irons with spring-loaded clamps are probably the most common type and allow you to create a variety of curls depending on how you feed the hair, twist/roll the wand, open/close the clamp, and release.
Automatic curling irons are relatively user-friendly (please read the instructions) and have small springboard clamps that wrap the hair for you. Then, there's the Marcel iron, which has a manually controlled clamp that Santiago says is mostly for professionals, as it has a manual handle that's not as user-friendly to the masses. "However, it allows for a smoother transition while curling," she notes.
How to use a curling iron
No matter what kind of curling iron you choose, the pro advice for long-lasting curls remains the same: Curl from the roots down. "The ends of your hair are more delicate and don't need nearly as much heat to curl," Dallas-based hairstylist Kirsten Patterson told Allure. If you're going for glam waves, you'll want to curl in the same direction throughout, while you should curl sections in alternate directions for beachy waves.
Another smart tip from Patterson: Never use hairspray before curling—only after. "Hairspray and heat from the curling iron can dry your hair out, so it's important to only use hairspray once you're finished styling," Patterson adds. Instead, use a heat-protectant spray before.
Meet the experts
- Jae-Manuel Cardenas, a hairstylist at Ollin Salon NYC based in New York City
- Leon Gorman, a hairstylist based in New York and Los Angeles
- Elle Medico, a hairstylist and founder of Umi Salon based in New York City
- Nam Nguyen, a hairstylist based in Fairfax, Virginia
- Kirsten Patterson, a hairstylist based in Dallas
- Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in Columbus, Ohio
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers' experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best curling irons, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists—who all have different hair types and want an easy-to-use tool that achieves loose waves, tight curls, and everything in between without damaging hair. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Even more hair tools & styling products worth the hype:
- The 11 Best Hair Dryers to Make Blowouts a Breeze, Tested by Allure Editors
- 12 Best Hair Straighteners for Sleek and Shiny Strands
- 10 Best Heat-Protectant Sprays That'll Tone Down Damage
- 15 Best Blowout Products to Smooth and Protect Hair
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