Collage: Paula Balond ; Source images: Allure editors, courtesy of brands
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You're in luck! Some of our favorite curling irons are on sale for Black Friday.
- Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long, $620 $500
- Wavytalk 5 in 1 Curling Wand Set, $60 $39
- T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio, $320 $224
- GHD Wave, $199 $159
Want even more beauty deals? Check out our list of can't-miss discounts or browse our favorite K-beauty products to snag before they sell out.
When it comes to the best curling irons, size and shape really do matter. The right barrel determines the type of curl you’ll get—smaller barrels create tight, bouncy coils, while larger ones give you loose, beachy waves. There are also tapered, clipless, motorized, and interchangeable wands, offering total styling flexibility for everything in between. After extensive testing, we’ve rounded up the best curling irons for every hair length, texture, and budget. We included all the details, such as temperature settings and interchangeable attachments. So go ahead: Whether you’re splurging or saving, these hair tools make it easy to get gorgeous, healthy-looking waves and curls without unnecessary heat damage.
Our Top Curling Irons
- Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap, $620
- Best Attachments: Wavytalk Multi Curl, $60
- Best Interchangeable: T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio, $320
- Best Self-Rotating: The Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron, $99
- Best Hair Waver: GHD Wave, $199
- Best for Long Hair: Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron, $163
- Best Barrel Size Options: Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron, $70
- Best for Curly Hair: Dyson Co-Anda Multistyler Curly + Coily, $750
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
Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap
Dyson
Airwrap
Amazon
Nordstrom
Revolve
Allure former associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez using the Dyson Airwrap
Talia Gutierrez
Why it's worth it: The Dyson Airwrap did receive six of our most prestigious awards in just four years, including a 2024 Best of Beauty Award, so is ita surprise that it landed on this list? This styler is one of the most versatile hair tools on the market and can create pin-straight hair, curly ringlets, sleek blowouts, and everything in between—thanks to its six different styling attachments that can be used in a myriad of ways. The multifunctional styling tool also serves as a hair-dryer brush, thanks to the Coanda effect airflow that wraps your hair around the tool—and uses less heat in the process.
Tester feedback from former associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez
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“I love using the Airwrap to achieve loose, low curls while keeping hair sleek and smooth up toward the roots, which is why it's a staple in my blowout-refreshing routine. By day two [of my blowout], chances are the bouncy curls are still intact, but some touchups will be necessary. Before an event or dinner with girlfriends, I whip out my Dyson Airwrap. The curling barrels are strictly a touch-up tool for my thick hair—but I can always count on consistent results.”—Talia Gutierrez, former associate manager of special projects
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1.2 inches
- Heat settings: 3 (and 3 fan speed settings)
- Attachments: 6
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Wattage: 1,300W
- Best for: all hair types and textures
Best Attachments: Wavytalk Multi Curl
Wavytalk
Multi Curl
Amazon
Wavytalk
Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler using the Wavytalk Multi Styler
Ingrid Fowler
Why it’s worth it: The 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Wavytalk Multi Curl truly shines for its versatility. With two temperature settings, a thermal brush, and four curling wands of different shapes and sizes, this tool opens the door to practically endless styling possibilities—be it loose waves, tight curls, or anything in between. All of the attachments are made from ceramic, giving hair a silky, shiny finish every time. Swapping between the different wands and the thermal brush is easy, so you can go from soft waves to tight curls in seconds. But the multitasking magic doesn’t stop there. The luxurious velvet travel bag and dual-voltage capability mean you can take your styling kit anywhere, from a mountain getaway to a tropical island, without missing a curl.
Fowler before using the Wavytalk Multi Styler
Ingrid Fowler
Fowler after using the Wavytalk Multi Styler
Ingrid Fowler
Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler
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“With so many multi-tools out there that focus on hair-drying, it's nice to find one that focuses solely on curling wands. This kit is wonderful for travel because it's so compact in its tiny carrying bag, the tool feels sturdy, and the five attachments provide you with plenty of different curling options.” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director
More to know
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- Barrel width: 0.5, 1, 1,25, and 1.5 inches
- Heat settings: 2
- Attachments: 5
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Wattage: N/A
- Best for: all hair types and textures
Best Interchangeable: T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio
T3
Switch Kit Curl Trio
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Allure content director Kara McGrath using the T3 Switch Kit Curl Trio
Kara McGrath
Why it's worth it: T3's Switch Kit Curl Trio, a 2023 Best of Beauty-winning curling iron, comes with three interchangeable barrels (0.5-, 1.25-, and 1.5-inches) that lock into place, producing loose waves, tight spirals, and almost any other kind of curl you might want. "It creates sleek and healthy waves with a ceramic barrel, which is more gentle on the hair and works to smooth the ends for glam looks," bicoastal hairstylist Leon Gorman tells Allure.
Psst: If you already know you want waves rather than curls, T3's Switch Kit Wave Trio is for you. It looks like the same tool but comes with three larger barrel attachments to create a relaxed, wavy style.
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 texture when it’s falling a little flat. I take small sections of hair and only wrap it around the barrel for about two seconds, then gently tug at the section 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
- Best for: all hair types and textures
Best Self-Rotating: The Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron
The Beachwaver Co.
B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Amazon
The Beachwaver Co.
Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein using The Beachwaver Co.’s B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Jennifer Hussein
Why it's worth it: Enough with the manual winding and twisting; The Beachwaver Co. B1 Rotating Curling Iron does all that annoying work for you. This innovative, self-rotating tool is so easy to use, which is why so many TikTok beauty vloggers (and, now, 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.
Hussein before using The Beachwaver Co.’s B1 Rotating Curling Iron
Jennifer Hussein
Hussein after using The Beachwaver Co.’s 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
Best Hair Waver: GHD Wave
GHD
Wave
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor using the GHD Wave
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why it’s worth it: Using this waver couldn’t be easier: Just grab a section of hair, clamp it, hold for a few seconds, and move on to the next. And don’t let its larger size fool you—the Beauty Award-winning GHD Wave is surprisingly lightweight at just 1.24 lbs, and the curved edges make it easy to handle and perfectly balanced. It may sound like a small detail, but that control is what lets you craft effortless, mermaid-worthy waves in under 15 minutes (even on long hair!). Like all GHD tools, the Wave is engineered with built-in sensors to maintain a consistent 365°F, giving you a long-lasting style without additional heat damage.
Calaor before using the GHD Wave
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after using the GHD Wave
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“This waver looks like a giant crimper from the early 2000s, creating extra-cool S-waves without the smell of burnt hair. It’s also lightweight compared to other wavers and easy to maneuver close to the scalp." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1.3 inches
- Heat settings: 1
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Wattage: N/A
- Best for: all hair types, especially medium and long hair
Best for Long Hair: Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
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: The skyscraper-like length of Bio Ionic’s Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron, a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, is ideal for anyone with hair grazing their mid-back (or beyond). This ultra-long, ceramic-coated curling iron is two inches longer than the average barrel curling iron and available in four different widths to suit your usual style. No matter which size you grab, the curler will gently heat-style your strands with Bio Ionic’s signature ionic technology, which promotes moisture retention to minimize post-styling frizz and flyaways.
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 senior director of audience development 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, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 inches
- Heat settings: 4
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 10 ounces (1-inch barrel)
- Wattage: 73W
- Best for: long hair, thick hair
Best Barrel Size Options: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron
Hot Tools
Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron
Lily Wohlner
Why it's worth it: When it comes to the Best of Beauty-winning Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron, you can choose from seven different barrel sizes depending on what kind of curl you go for, ranging from 0.5-inch (tight, bouncy curls) to two inches (loose, beachy waves). And, whether you're looking for waves, curls, or tight spirals, this evenly heated curling iron will work magic without breaking the bank. "I always recommend Hot Tools for professional stylists looking to expand their collection because they are a little more old-fashioned-looking with the clip, and the barrel is gold-plated steel, allowing it to create a lot more heat, which means a lot more power," Gorman says.
Wohlner before using the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after using the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I’m honestly terrible at doing my own hair—period, end of story. Usually, I’d just book a salon appointment when I want curls. But this curler has completely changed the game. It makes my hair look silky and shiny, never dry or frayed. Now, I can just run a blowout brush over my damp strands, add a few curl sections with this tool, and it comes out looking effortlessly polished—like I just stepped out of a salon, without actually leaving my house." —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Barrel width: 0.5, .63, .75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2 inches
- Heat settings: 1
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 1.17 pounds
- Wattage: N/A
- Best for: long hair, thick hair
Best for Curly Hair: Dyson Co-Anda2x Multistyler Curly + Coily
Dyson
Co-Anda2x Multistyler Curly + Coily
Ulta Beauty
Dyson
Sephora
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Dyson Co-Anda2x Multistyler Curly + Coily
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: The Dyson Airwrap Coanda 2x is a next-level tool for those with curls. It isn’t just a blow-dryer—it’s a ringlet-defining, frizz-taming powerhouse. With six attachments that adapt to individual styling preferences, it smooths, shapes, and stretches curls faster than ever, thanks to double the airflow and the powerful suction of the original Dyson Airwrap. Users can also connect it to the MyDyson app, creating a custom hair profile that fine-tunes heat and airflow to their exact texture. The result? Defined, shiny strands that look polished and photo-ready in a fraction of the time.
Shipin before using the Dyson Co-Anda2x Multistyler Curly + Coily
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Dyson Co-Anda2x Multistyler Curly + Coily
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“This is the best Dyson tool I have ever tried—period. I have type 3A curly hair that I sometimes wear natural and sometimes blow-dry; this version of the Airwrap gets whatever look I want to achieve done in 15 minutes or less (yes!). This is coming from someone with low-porosity hair that takes seemingly forever to dry. The fact that I can get my curly hair handled before one of my two kids notices I'm gone is a miracle in itself. I love to use the round brush to create gentle tension that makes my blowouts last for days on end; the attachment is a vast improvement over the older version, IMO. This new iteration gets far closer to the roots for a more natural finish. There's zero frizz, all volume, and just the most Farrah Fawcett-like hair of your life—no tugging, singing, or sore arms necessary. And the diffuser? There are two settings and both are so effective at giving you bouncy and juicy curls. One really amazing feature is that the tool automatically shuts off when it senses that it’s been put down, an unexpected but much-loved perk for routine stylers like me.
If you have the original Airwrap, if you're new to multistylers, or if you're Dyson-curious, this is the product to buy—especially in this new Amber Silk color. It’s a pretty warm honey that's more my style than the classic midnight blue. Any Dyson is an investment, and while this one's steep, you'll be able to kiss your curling iron, blow dryer, and straightener goodbye with a single hot tool. For curly girls especially, it's nice to have a tool that feels tailor-made for your routine. The only person I might not recommend it for? A constant traveler who loves doing their hair on the go; the power cord is heavy and not very compact, making this less frequent flier-friendly than other stylers on the market.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1.6 inches
- Heat settings: 4
- Attachments: 6
- Weight: 2.14
- Wattage: 1700W
- Best for: curly hair, thick 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. 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
- Kirsten Patterson, a hairstylist based in Dallas
- Leon Gorman, a hairstylist based in New York and Los Angeles
- Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in Columbus, Ohio
- Nam Nguyen, a hairstylist based in Fairfax, Virginia
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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