If you are looking to give your hair a stylish, curly style, you need a good curling iron. But how do you decide which curling iron will serve you the best without damaging your hair? The following is a brief buying guide for some of the best curling irons, or the best curling wands, available in the market:
Things to Consider before Buying
There are a few things to consider before you buy a curling iron. The following are some factors you will need to be mindful of:
Safety
First and foremost, since you are dealing with an electrical appliance, safety is an important factor. How hot does the iron get? Can it distribute heat evenly? Is there ample grip area for you to handle the iron without burning yourself? These are all factors you will need to consider before buying a curling iron.
The iron should have a smart temperature control so you do not end up burning your hair and also an auto shut-off feature. An iron with ceramic tourmaline technology seems ideal.
Convenience
How convenient is it to use this curling iron? This is a major factor that should affect your purchase. A convenient curling iron is one that has several different temperature settings so you can experiment with a variety of styles. You should also be able to carry the curling iron to international work trips and holidays so a dual voltage feature is welcome. A heat-resistant travel case will also be required, along with heat-resistant protective gloves. The curling iron should also have a swivel cord that is long enough to provide you with complete flexibility.
Some curling irons also have a locking option so you can store them conveniently.
Price
Before you set out to buy anything, setting a budget is of the utmost importance. How much are you willing to spend on a curling iron? Are the extra features you are paying for worth the money? These are all considerations you must assess when buying a curling iron. While curling irons may not necessarily be expensive, some of the high-end brands may be pricey. It is up to you to set your budget according to your resources and see which product you want to invest in.
Type of Curls
What are the type of curls you can achieve with a curling iron? Think of the variety of hairstyles you can do with the curling iron. To achieve greater variety, you will need more temperature settings so you can get tight curls as well as natural, beachy waves.
The following are some of the best curling irons available in the market. These products have been picked in accordance with the buying guide above:
Hot Tools HTG1860 Flipperless Curling Wand
A reliable product that has been a major player in the market for many years, the Hot Tools HTG1860 Flipperless Curling Wand offers long-lasting results. The plates have a great heat conductor which distribute the heat evenly and maintain consistency. The curling iron also ensures safety and does not char your hair by conducting heat evenly. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:
Features
- Pulse technology ensures that the curling iron remains hot for a long time so you do not have to keep it plugged in all the time.
- The one-inch barrel size conducts heat consistently so one part of your hair is not exposed to more heat than the other.
- The temperature setting ranges from 280°F to 430°F.
- There is an 8-foot, professional swivel cord.
- There is a bonus, heat-resistant glove included with the product.
Pros
- The curling rod stays hot for a long time so you can use it even after it has been unplugged.
- There are several temperature settings so you can experiment with several hairstyles, regardless of your hair type.
- The professional swivel cord is 8-feet long so you can enjoy a tangle-free experience.
- The heat-resistant gloves are a welcome addition.
Cons
- Some users complained that the glove did not come with the product as advertised.
- Some users complained that the curls did not stay for as long as they were expecting it to stay.
Hot Tools Professional Ceramic-Tourmaline Deep Waver
Whether you are looking for casual, beachy waves or glamorous, red carpet curls, this styling iron is able to deliver both. The ceramic tourmaline plates allow the iron to style a lot of hair at once, cutting down the time you spend on getting ready. The ceramic-tourmaline combination also minimizes the damaging effects of the heat on your hair, keeping them protected and free from frizz. It heats up quickly and then also stays hot for a long time. There are also heat sensors which regulate the temperature, keeping it stable so your hair is not exposed to temperature drops or surges. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:
Features
- The Pulse Technology allows the styling iron to heat evenly so your hair is not exposed to a surge in heat or too little heat.
- There is a separate on/off switch that makes it easier to operate.
- An 8-feet professional swivel cord allows a tangle-free styling experience.
- There are variable heat settings, going up to 430°F.
- The plates are extra-deep for more luxurious waves.
- A recessed thumb grip and cool tips allow you to use the iron with comfort.
- There is a locking switch for convenient storage.
Pros
- The even heating feature allows you to get long-lasting curls in a safe and easy way.
- The separate on/off switch makes it an easy device to use.
- The 8-feet, professional swivel cord gives you a lot of flexibility to move around.
- The variable temperature settings allow you a lot of flexibility and options for styles.
- The recessed thumb grips and cool tips make it a convenient and safe device to use.
Cons
- Some users complained that the plates do not open too wide, therefore limiting how much hair you can curl at once.
- Some users complained that the device was too heavy.
Xtava 5 in 1 Professional Curling Iron and Wand Set
The Xtava 5 in 1 Professional Curling Iron and Wand Set includes several exciting tools that will make your hair look glamorous like never before! The curling irons have extra curling surface area by removing the cool tips from the design. The tourmaline and ceramic technology produce negative ions which lock the moisture in, seal cuticles and reduce frizz. The ceramic coating also makes your hair shiny and glossy. Each curling iron has nine precise temperature settings and a digital LCD screen for an easy read. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:
Features
- This is a 5-in-1 curling iron set, which includes a 0.3-0.75-inch tapered clipless barrel, a 0.7-1-inch barrel with a clamp and a 0.7-1-inch tapered clipless barrel among other things.
- The tourmaline ceramic technology produce negative ions which lock moisture into the hair, seal cuticles and reduce frizz.
- Each iron has nine temperature settings, ranging from 250ºF – 410ºF.
- All the devices have a universal dual voltage of 110 – 240V AC which adjusts itself to the appropriate voltage when used with the right adapter.
- All devices have a 60-minute auto shut off function.
- The set comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- There are five different options of devices for you to choose from so you can experiment with myriad styles.
- The tourmaline and ceramic combination lock the moisture in the hair, seal cuticles and keep your hair looking shiny and frizz-free.
- There are nine temperature settings in each device for you to choose from.
- There is a dual voltage function so you can use the set anywhere in the world.
- The 60-minute auto shut off function is a convenient feature.
Cons
- Some users complained that the absence of cool tips was a design flaw.
- Some users complained that the curls did not hold.
Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron; 3/4-Inch Curling Iron
The Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron is a 3/4-inch rose gold iron. It is perfect for creating tight curls. You can also do last minute touch-ups and create a natural look. The plates have a higher ceramic coating so the heat is conducted evenly and your hair is never exposed to a surge of heat. There are 30 different heat settings and you can also use the Turbo Heat feature to style spots that are difficult to get right. There is a cool tip so you can use the device without burning your hands. There is also an auto-off feature for extra safety. You can travel internationally with ease, thanks to the dual voltage feature. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:
Features
- Double ceramic, 3/4-inch rose gold plates for tight curls as well as natural, beachy waves.
- High ceramic content for even heat distribution and moisture locking.
- Thirty different heat settings with an instant heat up option up to 400°F.
- There is a Turbo Heat option for parts of your hair that may be difficult to style.
- The instant heat up feature takes 30 seconds to kick in.
- The product also comes with a bonus carry pouch.
Pros
- The high ceramic coating makes it a great, quality product to use for deep, luxurious curls.
- The 30 different heat settings allow you to experiment with a variety of styles.
- The Turbo Heat option is great for achieving even complex hairstyles or curling tricky parts of your hair.
- The dual voltage feature makes it possible for you to carry the curling iron even when you are traveling abroad. The bonus carry pouch is a welcome addition.
Cons
- Some users complained that the cord was too short.
- Some users complained that the extra ceramic does not provide any traction and the hair slips off.
Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand, 1″
The one-inch barrel in the Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand is ideal for creating all kinds of curls. The tourmaline and ceramic technology on the barrel prevent frizziness and locks in moisture for enhanced shine and gloss. The product also comes with a bonus protective glove so you can stop worrying about burning your hands. The dual voltage feature allows you to travel internationally and use the curling iron anywhere in the world with the right adaptor. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:
Features
- The tourmaline, ceramic technology on the barrel is great for reducing frizz and keeping your hair looking smooth and shiny.
- The one-inch barrel manages to curl a lot of hair at once.
- The temperature setting can go up to 400° F.
- There is a dual voltage feature so you can use the curling iron internationally.
- The tangle-free 6-feet swivel cord gives you a lot of flexibility while curling your hair.
Pros
- You hair retains its natural shine and the ceramic and tourmaline plates enhance the smoothness.
- The heat setting can go as high as 400° F, allowing the curls to stay for a long time.
- The dual voltage feature allows you to travel anywhere with the curling iron.
- You can work with ample flexibility, thanks to the 6-feet tangle-free swivel cord.
- The bonus protective gloves are a welcome addition and allow you to curl your hair with more confidence.
Cons
- Some users complained that the curling iron was only suited for those with straight or thin hair.
- Some users complained that the curls did not hold.
The Best Curling Iron Under $50
If budget is a concern, you can still find some decent options. We’ve chosen the $50 price point because it seems like a popular choice and you don’t want to go too cheap here (like under $20, etc).
Below are some of the best quality curling irons to give you beautiful long lasting curls. Once you have your curling iron you can start curling and waving your hair with the help of my tutorials.(coming soon) Also feel free to email me with any questions. Good luck!
My Favorite Curling Iron Under $50
Hot Tools Metal Spring Curling Irons
Hot tools curling irons are by far my favorite curling irons. It’s the most used and trusted brand in the industry. I have used this iron for over 10 years and it always gives me perfect result. From my everyday clients to the crazy days at fashion week, this iron has always stayed strong.
- Heats up fast
- Temperature settings up to 430°
- Soft grip handle
- Comes in different sizes
Hot Tools Ceramic Spring Curling Irons
- Snag free surface
- Temperature settings up to 430°
- Pulse technology for “gets hot, stays hot”
- Extra long tip that stays cool for easy handling
- Gentle on hair
- Comes in different sizes
Hot Tools Curling Wand
I love this curling wand! Hot tools comes through once again providing an awesome curling tool that’s easy to use and gives you the perfect beach wave. It comes with a heat resistant glove to wear on your hand that will be wrapping the hair around the wand.
- Clip-less iron for no creases
- Extra long cool tip for easy use
- Heat resistant glove included
- Temperature settings up to 430°
BaByliss Pro Spring Curling Irons
Babyliss is another well known trusted brand. This curling iron maintains a consistent heat all through out the barrel to give you a perfect curl every time. This curling iron is great if you are new to using a curling iron or just in the market for something new.
- Nano titanium barrel
- Heats up almost instantly
- Temperature setting up to 450°
- Comes in different sizes
Note: You should always use a heat styling product to help protect your hair and add hold and shine.
What To Consider When Looking For a Curling Iron
- Is it easy to use? – There are a few styles of curling irons. A marcel curling iron has a base that rotates which can make it tough to use on yourself. Then there is the more traditional curling iron that has a spring clamp. The spring curling irons can be easier to control, especially if you are new to using a curling iron. A new style of curling irons have no clamp at all and are designed to just wrap your hair around and hold. These curling irons work perfect to create the beachy wave look.
- Does it have heat control? – You always want a curling iron that you can control the heat. If you have fine hair you want to use a lower heat setting then someone with thick coarse hair to prevent damage. With the proper heat setting you will achieve a curl that last all day. Stay away from curling irons that have just a high and low temperature setting. You want a curling iron that has a range of degree of temperatures on the curling iron. For example:(125° 250° 350° 425°)
- What size barrel do you need? – The size of the barrel will determinate the size and style of your curl. The smaller the barrel of the curling iron the tighter of a curl you will have. The larger the barrel the looser of a curl you will achieve. Something to keep in mind when choosing the size of a curling iron should be your hair length and texture. If your hair is short and doesn’t hold a curl well it’s better to choose a barrel that is smaller. At first your curls may seem tight, but with time they will loosen and fall into place. If you need some help choosing, check out our other post: Curling Iron Sizes.
- Ceramic or Metal curling iron? – There is a lot of debate whether ceramic curling irons are better than metal curling irons. I have used both and seen little different between the two. What seems to be the factor of whether you should use ceramic or metal comes down to your hair texture. If you tend to have weak, thin hair the ceramic will be less damaging on your locks. When you have thick coarse hair you need something stronger like a metal curling iron.