The 12 Best Curling Irons of 2023

The AirWrap is shockingly in stock at the moment (can’t promise how long that’ll last), so don’t miss your chance to get the cult-favorite item. It comes with a handful of attachments that can do everything from rough dry sopping wet hair and tame flyaways to provide a sleek, smooth finish. The star of the show though is the curling barrel, which uses controlled airflow to create voluminous, bouncy curls. There’s no technique necessary, just hold the barrel up to a strand of hair and let the Airwrap do the rest. For more info, check out my full review of the AirWrap Multi-Styler. 

Pros: Multi-purpose; Easy to use 

Cons: Expensive 

With five different heat settings ranging from 260 degrees to 510 degrees, this curling iron allows you to pick the best temperature for your specific hair type and texture. That way, you’ll be able to achieve a long-lasting curl—in just one pass—without frying your ends. The brand’s tourmaline and ceramic composition also help prevent tugging and pulling; your hair will glide gently through the clamp and result in a smooth, shiny curl. The best part? It automatically shuts off after an hour. 

Pros: Different heat settings; Standard barrel size; Auto shut off

Cons: Might cause fine hair to slip 

“I am absolutely obsessed with the new Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic Curling Iron. Not only is it an incredible tool with a Nano Silver Tourmaline Barrel and powerful ceramic heating plates that allows for consistent heat application for the curls, but the interchangeable, rechargeable battery makes it the ultimate easy to use option. I can bring this iron everywhere and always ensure I can get incredible style.” — Harry Josh

Pros: Expert-recommended; Great for travel 

Cons: Shorter Barrel

If you’re chasing a shiny finish, GHD is the way to go. This particular curling iron uses something called ultra-zone technology, which essentially means that the iron monitors its heat output 250 times per second (!!) to ensure the temperature is even and optimized across every strand of hair. The result? Smooth, silky hair that has an added reflective quality. It’s auto-set to 365 degrees and should be held on your hair for five to eight seconds, depending on your hair type. 

Pros: Provides shine; Sturdy clamp 

Cons: One temperature option 

Don’t get me wrong: Any normal curling iron can double as a wand. All you have to do is wrap hair around the clamp—not under it. But if you’re seeking a true wand that won’t leave your hair with any unwanted creases, this Hot Tools one is the way to go. It has a tapered shape that gives your curl a tighter spiral as it graduates down the strand. There’s also a handy heat protectant glove to prevent any burns. 

Pros: Heat glove; Tapered design 

Cons: A little heavy 

Sure, this might be on the expensive side, but trust me: It’s worth every penny. The tool is basically three tools in one. The bottom component stays steady, but you can swap the top attachment for a curling iron with a clamp, a curling wand, or a three-barrel crimper. So whether you’re after a polished curl, a beachy wave, or a subtle bend from the waver, this multi-purpose device has you covered. And, it comes in a cute travel case for easy storage. 

Pros: Multipe attachments; Auto shut off
Cons: Bulky 

Curling long hair is an event. It can take a good hour to ensure every piece is swirled to perfection from top to bottom. To streamline your styling process though, you’re best off looking for an extra long barrel. The few additional inches give you enough space to get the entire chunk of hair in one fell swoop, effectively creating a uniform curl without kinks or ridges. That’s exactly what this Bio Ionic iron promises. You’ll be able to create loose waves and soft curls in just a single pass. 

Pros: Extra long; Locks in hair moisture 

Cons: Takes time to learn how to maneuver longer barrel 

This little guy is TikTok viral for a good reason—you don’t have to be a pro to use it. All you have do to is take a small section of hair, clamp the iron at the bottom, and press the power button. Then, the iron takes over, rotating up against the strand. Hold it at the top for a few seconds, release the clamp, and voilá, you have a perfect curl. You can leave it as is or brush it out for a more laid back vibe. 

Pros: Easy to use; Smoothing 

Cons: Doesn’t provide as much control as traditional curlers 

Flat iron waves have a very specific look: They’re effortless, easy, and resemble more of a slight bend than a true curl. Unfortunately, achieving that look can be difficult to master. Enter this Conair tool, which is designed with rounded, ribbed plates specifically designed to create a low maintenance curl. All you had to do is feed hair through both plates, twist, and pull through. I personally found that rotating the device up and down 180 degrees as I work down a chunk of hair gives the nicest result. 

Pros: Affordable; Lightweight; Less damaging than some competitors 

Cons: Takes some time to master the motion 

There’s no need to straighten frizzy hair before grabbing this iron. It’ll quickly remove frizz and give a smooth, polished look to every spiral. It's made with a titanium, extra long rod to evenly distribute heat through the length and density of the hair, while simultaneously knocking out majority of frizz. The duration of time you need to keep each strand clamped will differ person to person, but it’s probably going to be a bit longer than normal. If you normally hold the curling iron for eight seconds, try 15 seconds with this guys. 

Pros: Customizable temperature; Controls frizz

Cons: Takes longer to smooth hair 

If you have a lot of hair, you’re well aware that curling your whole head can double as an arm workout. That in mind, this ridiculously lightweight design is game changing. The slim curling iron feels like a feather (well, not really but you get the point) in your hand and the spring clamp makes it super easy to maneuver. Plus, with a barrel that’s two inches longer than standard options, this curling iron is ideal for those with a longer length.

Pros: Bio Ionic technology helps reduce frizz; Lightweight 

Cons: Doesn’t hold curls as well

Curling irons don’t have to costs hundreds of dollars to be considered effective. In fact, my trusty Revlon curling iron lasted me all through middle school—and high school. Current models have obviously received a few technological upgrades, making them even better quality. Take this one, for example. It has a triple-coated ceramic barrel (this helps with pulling and tugging) and is infused with coconut oil to give tight curls a little bit of extra shine and silkiness. 

Pros: Affordable; Reduces frizz; Adds shine 

Cons: Short barrel