Best Curling Iron of 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

The best curling iron can help you create the perfect beach wave or voluminous curls on demand.

That said, there are so many things you need to consider before you find the one.

Should you get a hot curling iron or a curling wand? What barrel size is best for you? How easy or hard is it to use?

When shopping around for this styling tool, multiple questions will hit you left and right, making your head spin.

If you don’t know where to start, take a look at some of today’s top models from the most trusted brands.

Best Curling Iron Reviews

1. Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron – Best Overall

When Conair started out in 1959, it specialized in hair tools designed to help women achieve salon-quality hair at home.

Its claim to fame is the now-iconic pistol-shaped hair dryer, which reshaped the haircare industry along with Conair’s other offerings.

Over the years, the company expanded to other creations for grooming, health, and even cooking.

That said, it remains deeply rooted in its original goal, which is to help women feel more beautiful and confident.

It still has a wide array of personal care and hair products, including the Double Ceramic Curling Iron.

This ceramic iron is the more affordable cousin of the Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron.

Review

The Double Ceramic Curling Iron has all the qualities that people look for in this type of hot tool.

With these features, it seared its way through its competition and became one of the most popular curling irons today.

• High Ceramic Content

You won’t know it just from looking at this one-inch curling iron, but it is one of the most effective models on the market today.

This is due in large part to its high-quality ceramic content, which is great for even heat distribution.

Even better, it helps create longer-lasting hairstyles while reducing the risk of frizz.

The one-inch size barrel is ideal for beautiful, classic curls. If you’re going for soft curls, try the 1.25-inch barrel instead.

• Adjustable Heat Settings

One of the most critical features when looking for a curling iron is the heat range and temperature settings.

Remember that heat can really do a number on your hair.

So, when using modern or traditional curling irons, you must be able to regulate their temperature.

The great thing about the Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron is that it has adjustable temperature settings.

It allows you to cycle through 30 different levels of heat, depending on your need.

This feature makes the curling iron suitable for many different hair types and hair textures, from fine to coarse.

• Easy To Use

Another thing that makes this product a popular choice among users is that it is very easy to operate.

It heats up instantly to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t have to wait long to start styling your hair.

All its buttons are recessed, which means there is no chance of you accidentally activating them during use.

It has a dual voltage feature, allowing you to bring it along on international trips without worrying about the power supply.

There is also an automatic shutoff feature, which helps protect you from any unexpected incidents.

• Backed By the Conair Brand

Before you even lay your eyes on this product, you already have a good reason to buy it.

That’s because it bears the Conair logo, which is virtually a guarantee of high quality and innovation.

Conair has been delighting customers since 1959, and it has managed to stay on top over the years.

It won’t achieve this level of success for this long if it creates low-performing products.

Pros:

• Suitable for many hair types
• Distributes heat evenly
• Safe and easy to operate
• Made by a trusted brand

Con:

• Curling barrel is a bit short

2. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron – Best for Fine Hair

With 50 years of experience in hair care, BaBylissPRO is one of the few names trusted by styling experts and their clients alike.

It has a wide range of professional styling tools, from hair dryers and straightening irons to curling irons and hot rollers.

The Nano Titanium Curling Iron is one of two available models from BaBylissPRO, with the other one featuring a ceramic barrel.

If you have been on the hunt for a reliable curling iron for finer hair types, this product is for you.

Review

BaBylissPRO is a respected brand throughout the world because of its professional-quality hair tools.

The Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron has no problems living up to the company’s stellar reputation.

• Ultra Thin and Sleek Design

The first thing you would notice about this product is its slim and ergonomic design.

It is thin and light enough to maneuver around the roots, allowing you to style the entire length of your hair.

With this curling iron, you do not have to invest in a separate tool to get the overall look you want.

You can also create loose waves or amazing curls right from the comfort of your own home.

• No Heat Damage

This BaBylissPRO curling iron features a titanium barrel that uses far-infrared technology.

It heats the hair shaft up from within, allowing you to style as you please without having to worry about damaged hair.

In addition, it reaches a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and distributes the heat evenly.

With these features, you can get long-lasting curls that shine radiantly.

• Temperature Settings Adjustable Heat

The lowest temperature range you can set the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron to is 250 to 285 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this level, you can style and curl as you please without experiencing heat damage.

This feature, along with the far-infrared technology, makes the curling iron a great option for women with very fine hair.

• Easy to Use

Hearing the words nano and far-infrared might make you cringe if you are not a techie. However, you will find that this BaBylissPRO product is quite easy to operate.

It has the Turbo Heat button, which boosts the heat instantly and locks in your hair.

You won’t have to make multiple passes to make bouncy curls that last throughout the day.

Its power cord is eight feet long and swivels in all directions, giving you freedom of movement during use.

Finally, its lightweight and versatile design give you total control as you curl your way to a great hair day.

Pros:

• Great for styling fine hair
• Minimizes hair damage
• Easy to use
• Has adjustable heat settings

Con:

• Has no auto-shutoff feature

3. Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Extra Long Curling Iron – Best for Thick Hair

If you have the tendency to listen to what professional hairstylists say, you would love this product from Hot Tools.

Hot Tools started out with a line of curling irons designed to make the lives of stylists easier. It has since grown into an award-winning company advocated by experts.

The Pro Artist 24K Gold Extra Long Curling Iron is one of its mid-tier offerings. It is designed to make short work of long, thick hair.

Review

If you’re looking for a styling tool that will curl your long, thick hair, try the Pro Artist 24K Gold Extra Long Curling Iron. Here’s why:

• Recommended by Professionals

Most people try to find out as much as they can about a product before buying it. A big part of this decision-making process is looking into what others think about the item.

You try to see how other users feel about it, but if you could get the insight of an expert, the better.

The same is true for hair care products like curling irons. That is one of the many reasons why the Pro Artist 24K Gold is very popular.

It comes with glowing recommendations from the professional community, which other people rightly see as votes of confidence.

• Long-Lasting Shiny Curls

While having the support of stylists helps, it is not the only reason why you should trust this product from Hot Tools.

What’s even more compelling about it is that it actually works and works really well.

The extra-long barrel heats up quickly and, more importantly, distributes the heat evenly. This way, you can style your hair more effectively and get it done more quickly.

It also helps lock in the curls longer, so you won’t have to curl your hair too often.

• Versatile Use

Different women have different styling needs, which sometimes require different hair tools.

The good thing about the Pro Artist 24K Gold is that there are two ways you can use it.

It can work the way traditional curling irons do, or you can wrap your hair around its barrel as if it’s a wand.

Also, it tops at 430 degrees Fahrenheit, which is great for thick hair, but you can also use it for other hair types.

• Easy to Use and Store

Similar to the other popular models, this curling iron sports an eight-foot cord that swivels freely.

It is designed to prevent tangles so that you can move around while styling your hair. Once you are done, just flip open the safety stand and stow the hot tool away.

Pros:

• Good for thick, coarse hair
• Versatile enough for other hair types
• Recommended by professional stylists
• Convenient use and storage

Con:

• The kickstand can get in the way

4. Hoson 3/4-Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron – Best for Short Hair

Hoson specializes in hairstyling tools like curling irons, flat irons, and hair crimpers.

It may not be as popular as the other top hair care brands, but its products are just as in-demand.

This is especially true for the 3/4-Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron, which is one of Hoson’s premium products.

It works great on short hair, although you could also use it for other hair lengths.

Review

The 3/4-Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron is a versatile hair tool that comes with a number of benefits.

• No Hair Damage

Some women are hesitant about jumping onto the curling iron bandwagon because of stories of hair damage.

While it is true for some cases, especially if you use low-quality hair tools, this is not a problem with the Hoson curling iron.

It features a tourmaline ceramic coating barrel that releases millions of negative ions.

Doing this helps eliminate static electricity while locking the moisture in, protecting your hair.

It also creates the perfect condition for loose curls and soft hairstyles without frizz. Plus, you can expect your curls to hold for the whole day.

• Rapid Heating

Inside this curling iron is a dual PTC heater that can raise the barrel’s temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit in 60 seconds.

As a result, you won’t have to wait long before you can start styling and curling your hair.

If you have ever had to rush through your morning routine, then you know how important this feature is.

With it, you can get to the office on time without sacrificing your glamorous curls.

• Accurate Temperature Control

This curling iron from Hoson comes with an LCD display that shows the exact temperature of the barrel.

As such, you will know exactly what you are getting when you try to adjust the heat.

It has a temperature range of 225 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which basically covers all hair types.

The control button is right beside the display, so just set it to the level you want and start styling.

• Safety Features

When you look at the tip of this curling iron, you will notice it is covered by black material. It is a safety feature designed to protect your non-dominant hand from scalding.

On top of this, the curling iron has an automatic shutoff feature, which turns the tool off if it gets too hot.

While it is perfectly safe to use, Hoson went ahead and included one heat-resistant glove in the product package anyway.

Pros:

• Great for short hair
• Suitable for all hair types
• Easy to operate
• Safe to use

Con:

• Clamping a bit weak

5. Best for Long Hair – Lanvier 1.25-Inch Clipped Curling Iron With Extra Long Barrel

Lanvier is another up-and-coming brand in the hair care industry.

It has been in business for only two short years, but it has managed to successfully launch a number of products.

The 1.25-Inch Clipped Curling Iron is one of its most popular offerings.

It has a longer barrel than most models in the same class, making it a great option for styling long hair.

Review

Whether you have experience with hair tools or you’re new to the niche, you probably haven’t heard of the name Lanvier.

Still, you should not be too quick to dismiss its products, especially this curling iron. It has all the qualities you see in its more established and often pricier counterparts.

• Extra Long Ceramic Barrel

One quick look is all it takes for you to notice one of the key features of this curling iron.

It has a nine-inch-long barrel, which is longer than what you usually see in other models within the same category.

With this tool, you can style your hair without any problems, no matter how long it is.

You won’t have to rush through it either because this curling iron allows you to cover much ground quickly.

• Even Heat Distribution

Despite its length, you’ll be surprised to find that this curling iron has an evenly heated barrel.

The ceramic coating is specifically designed to stabilize the temperature throughout the heating surface.

What’s more, the ceramic layer consists of crushed pearls, which is very effective in creating smooth curls with no frizz.

• Adjustable Temperature

The Lanvier Clipped Curling Iron comes with five heat settings, ranging between 300 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is suitable for different hair types except for very fine hair, which requires temperatures that are lower than 300 degrees.

• Additional Features

This curling iron comes with a few other key features you often see in the leading brands.

Firstly, it has a temperature lock function, so you do not have to worry about inadvertently changing the setting.

It also has a dual voltage design, which means you can use it even when traveling internationally.

In terms of safety, it has an auto shutoff feature that protects you during use.

Pros:

• Suitable for styling long hair
• Provides even heat
• Has adjustable temperature settings
• With dual voltage design

Con:

• Not ideal for very fine hair

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to beachy waves or tight curls, it takes a lot of work to get the look just right.

In most cases, it all starts with using the right hair tools. That’s why you need the best hair curling iron in your hair care arsenal.

That said, finding one brand or model among countless others can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Fortunately, you can make things much easier by considering a few key features.

Curling Wand or Curling Iron?

The first decision you need to make is whether to get a curling iron or a wand.

Curling irons have a clamp aside from the barrel. You can use it to hold your hair in place and create the curls you want.

On the other hand, wands do not have a clamp, so you have to wrap your hair around the barrel yourself.

As a result, you can only create beachy waves instead of the defined curls from the curling iron.

Barrel Size

Barrel size typically ranges between 3/8 inches to two inches. The smaller it is, the tighter the curls you can make.

If you want looser curls, go for a barrel size that is higher than an inch.

Temperature Range

The curling iron’s temperature range determines how flexible it will be in terms of hair types that it can curl.

Finer hair types are more vulnerable to heat, so it requires operating temperatures below 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have coarse, thick hair, you can go for higher temperatures.

Surface Materials

Aside from the temperature range, another thing you need to look into is the material.

Ceramic coatings are generally better for finer hair because they are heated from the inside. As such, they are less likely to burn your hair.

On the other hand, titanium barrels are more suited to coarser hair types, and they hold the curl better.

Clamp

Do you want a curling iron you could also use to straighten your hair? If so, look for a model with a clamp that extends to the full length of the barrel.

There are also curling irons where you can wrap your hair over the clip, allowing you to achieve loose curls.

Additional Features

There are other features that could sway your decision one way or another.

For instance, if you travel frequently, it might be best if you get a curling iron with a dual-voltage design.

You should also look for safety features like automatic shutoff and temperature lock.

Curling Iron FAQs

1. What is the best material for curling irons?

Your choice of material would depend on your hair type.

Ceramic coating is generally considered better for finer hair types. If you have coarse hair, go for the titanium barrel.

2. What barrel size should you get?

This decision would depend on your preference.

The smaller the barrel is, the tighter the coil you can make. For looser curls, use curling irons with bigger barrels.

3. Which curling iron is less damaging?

To reduce the damage to your hair, make sure you get a curling iron with the appropriate material.

Also, look for a model that distributes the heat evenly so that you do not have pockets where the temperatures are too high.

4. How is a curling iron different from a wand?

Curling irons have a clamp that keeps your hair in position, allowing you to curl it properly. Wands do not have this feature, so you have to hold your hair with your hand as you curl it.

5. Is titanium more damaging than ceramic?

Titanium barrels usually heat up faster and create curls that hold for longer periods. However, they have the tendency to do more damage than ceramic curling irons.

Which Curling Iron Tops the List?

All things considered, the best curling iron from this list is the Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron.

It distributes heat more evenly than others, has multiple heat settings, and is easy to use.

Even better, it comes with a friendlier price tag, even if it is from an iconic brand.