TL;DR
Overall, we unanimously agreed that theghd Curve Creative Curl Wand’s uniquely shaped rod offered the most comfortable grip, tip, and weight—which can make all the difference when it comes to styling. If you’re a wand veteran, it’s time you picked up theAmika Chameleon 5 Barrel Interchangeable Curling Kitfor titanium-protected, long-lasting curls in a variety of sizes. The durability of these interchangeable rods will safely reach high temperatures without compromising your strands.
Curling wands live up to their name in more ways than one. Yes, these hot styling tools are wand-shaped, but they can also create a special kind of magic in your hair, from soft, uniform curls to beachy waves. However, because these clamp-free rods come in various shapes and sizes, the problem many of us face is finding the ideal rod for our hair type.
That’s where we come in. We put some of the best-rated curling wands to the test so that you don’t have to. Four testers with varying hair textures, lengths, and densities weighed in on each wand for its ease of use, styling ability, and curl hold. We measured everything from cord length to heat-up time, temperature accuracy, and durability. We hope that doing so will make your shopping decisions that much easier. Keep reading for our collective consensus on the best curling wands.
Our Top Picks
Best Drugstore:
Best for Versatility:
Amika The Chameleon 5-Barrel Interchangeable Curling Kit at Amazon$300
Best Splurge:
Best for Fine Hair:
Best for Beginners:
What We Like
Quick to heat up
Protective cool tip
Extremely lightweight
Built-in safety stand
Tapered barrel
What to Consider
Finer ends may get caught near rod’s end
Auto Shutoff: 30 minutes | Heat-Up Time: 22 seconds | Cord Length: 8 feet
This lightweight wand was a favorite during testing, and it's easy to understand why. The uniquely flattened taper shape of the rod offers some styling versatility, from a tighter hold to a looser, beach-like wave. It took about 10 to 15 seconds to achieve a full-bodied curl, and you can achieve loose waves if you leave this curling wand on for less time. At a preset temperature of 365 degrees, which we can confirm does not exceed 366 degrees at its core and gets down to 320 degrees near its end, this wand is designed to protect your hair from heat damage. Its 22-second heat-up time, easy-to-maneuver swivel cord, protective cool tip, and automatic shutoff are also some favorite features that are hard to beat. It does fall on the pricey end of the spectrum (at nearly $200), but we absolutely think it's worth the investment.
What We Like
Affordable
Glove included
Cool tip
Ceramic barrel
What to Consider
No manual temperature setting or digital display
Shorter cord
Auto Shutoff: None | Heat Up Time: 2:37 | Cord Length: 6 feet
For some of us, simpler is better when it comes to technology—including when it comes to our hair tools. The BedHead's Curlipops Ceramic Wand is no exception with its straightforward design and no-fuss, easy-to-use mechanics of a single on/off button—you’re getting the features you pay for, here. That’s not to say this wand won’t deliver. Our testers gave it a collective 4/5 rating for curl hold, saying that with just a little extra time spent holding hair around the wand, a defined, bouncy curl was the result—and though it loosened up a bit with time, the shape remained intact. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money and you aren’t looking for anything fancy, this $30 option has got you covered.
What We Like
Affordable
Double ceramic barrel for even heat distribution
Cool tip
What to Consider
Hard to read incremental temperature setting
Smell emits with higher temperatures
Auto Shutoff: 1 hour | Heat-Up Time: N/A | Cord Length: 6 feet
The Conair double ceramic curling wand is going to give you even heat distribution for long-lasting curls—and, at under $20, there’s no arguing with that. While the wand can reach up to 400 degrees, you may not need to take it so high, due to its efficiency on thicker hair types. It doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but it does have 30 different heat settings to choose from. Sure, this feature was a little confusing to some of our testers, especially when compared to the straightforward digital displays on other wand options, but it didn’t disrupt the styling ability rating and ease of use. TL;DR: This drugstore option is a value that’s hard to beat.
Best for Versatility
Amika The Chameleon 5-Barrel Interchangeable Curling Kit
What We Like
Five interchangeable titanium barrel sizes
Digital display
Long-lasting results
Easy to store
What to Consider
May not use all the barrels
Auto Shutoff: 1 hour | Heat-Up Time: 1:58 | Cord Length: 8 feet
If you aren’t someone who likes to wear the same look every single day, the Amika Chameleon 5 Barrel Interchangeable Curling Kit is the wand for you. Don’t be scared off by the price tag on this one—you’re essentially getting five different irons with this kit. Plus, each titanium barrel will heat your tresses quickly and leave you with long-standing hold and a smooth finish. Also, its temperature setting has an easy-to-read (and control) digital display that will reach up to 450 degrees for thicker, more stubborn hair types. We noticed that there was no drop to our curls as time wore on. Overall, we felt that this wand would be a match made in heaven for any hair chameleon and would cater to the needs of varying hair densities and textures.
Best Splurge
Dyson Airwrap
What We Like
Six interchangeable magnetic attachments
Effortless technology
Smooth, shiny finish
Long cord offers range of motion
Volume enhancing
What to Consider
No readable display
Auto Shutoff: N/A | Heat Up Time: N/A | Cord Length: 8.75 feet
Dyson's cutting-edge technology has set a new standard for what we can come to expect in a hot tool, and the Airwrap is no exception. With six interchangeable magnetic attachments—for smoothing, volumizing, and of course curling—this tool does so much more than your average curling wand. The Airwrap doesn’t even offer a temperature control because it automatically keeps its internal temperature below 302 degrees to avoid causing any heat damage to your strands. Yes, there is a small learning curve due to its uniqueness, but our testers still gave it a 4.5/5 for styling ability and a 4.25/5 for ease of use.
Another differentiating factor is the fact that this wand uses airflow as its main source of heat, so the results you’re going to get are more similar to the curls from a blowout that loosen up over time. It certainly falls on the pricey end of the spectrum, but this transformational tool will help you achieve a variety of different looks, keep the integrity of your strands, and help speed up your overall styling time. For these reasons, it's a worthy splurge in our books.
Sophia, tester: "All you do it hold the wand up to the hair and let the air suck it up. I think it's super easy to use and doesn't take a lot of skill."
What We Like
Silky, smooth, frizz-free, long-lasting finish on fine hair
Easy-to-read display
10 temperature settings
Comes with travel case and heat mat
What to Consider
No built-in safety stand
Auto Shutoff: 1 hour | Heat-Up Time: 1:36 | Cord Length: 8.2 feet
While testing the Gisou Curling Iron, we found that this wand left the best curls for fine hair types. Not only were we a fan of the rod shape and curl definition, but we loved that there was no need to hold the iron against the hair for long periods to get long-lasting, desired results. Plus, the ceramic barrel is a huge perk in terms of protecting finer strands from damage. Those of us with thicker hair also reported impressive results in their styling. The cute black and pink aesthetic and extremely lightweight grip also made it an easy favorite.
What We Like
Built-in safety stand and heat-resistant glove
Straightforward design
Ceramic barrel with cool tip
What to Consider
Heavier than other wands
Auto Shutoff: N/A | Heat Up Time: 2:34 | Cord Length: 8 feet
Hot Tools is a brand known for its classic, timeless hot tools. The brand's tools, including this wand, always offer a straightforward design that's easy to use for newbies. A heat-resistant glove is included with the Nano Ceramic Flipperless Wand, but it also offers a large cool-tip surface which serves as a great safety net for any beginner. Our hair had a healthy, shiny finish with minimal frizz after using this wand, thanks in large part to the ceramic barrel and snag-free surface that offers heat protection to your strands, as well as an effortless glide. Even if you aren’t new to the wand search, this Hot Tools wand option is sure to leave you with reliable results you’ll be raving about.
What We Like
Custom interchangeable ceramic barrels
Smart Twist dial
Minimalistic design
Quick to heat up
What to Consider
Top heavy weight distribution
Auto Shutoff: 1 hour | Heat-Up Time: 1:22 | Cord Length: 8 feet
Curling wands come in either a straight barrel shape or a tapered barrel shape, and this T3 Single Pass Wand comes with both straight and tapered interchangeable barrel sizes. Having this multitude of options, especially in terms of tapered rods, can really help enhance natural hair types with more of a believable finish, because let’s face it: natural curls aren’t always the most uniform. The hold that this iron offers is impeccable and the definition was unmatched.
The temperature does reach 410 degrees as promised, but even thicker hair types noted some concerns about higher heat levels from this wand. With a very small safety stand holding up this tapered shape, it does tend to fall forward and potentially burn surfaces beneath it, so be sure to use a heat-resistant mat if you have one—and of course, don’t forget your heat protectant spray!
What to Look for in a Curling Wand
- Barrel Size: When it comes to selecting the size of your curling wand barrel, taking your hair’s length and desired results should be your top considerations. If you desire looser curls or beachy waves, choose a larger barrel, says celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger. A wand that has a tapered end will also give you more of a wave than a curl. For tighter curls or shorter hair length, go for a smaller barrel size, which Hershberger notes, can also help amp up your style’s volume.
- Adjustable Temperature: To avoid heat damage, you want to select a curling wand that has adjustable temperature settings. This customization tool will help you cater to your hair type’s specific needs. “Generally speaking, if you have fine or treated hair, keep the temperature below 300 degrees," says Hershberger. While normal, medium hair types can tolerate a bit more heat, Hershberger notes you’ll need a heat range of 350-450 degrees for coarser, thicker hair.
- Materials: The material your curling wand is made of will greatly impact the results you desire for your specific hair type and concerns, according to Hershberger. If frizz and/or heat damage are your main concerns, she suggests seeking out a ceramic or tourmaline rod. Titanium is ideal for thicker hair types that need high temperatures for effectiveness without frying their hair. Not only will titanium heat up fast and help retain moisture, says Hershberger, but it will prevent the hair from becoming too dry or brittle with regular use.
- Features: Having a safety stand built-in to your curling wand is crucial. This small feature will prevent any accidental burns to your countertop and keep the hot barrel lifted above other items that may quickly catch fire. Another great feature, a cord that swivels will allow your curling iron to move with ease as you style your strands and avoid getting tangled up or crowding your view as you go.
How We Tested Curling Wands
For this story, we recruited four testers with varying hair types, lengths, and textures. Every iron was tested on the same scale for ease of use, styling ability, clamp tension, and curl hold. During the testing process, we took note of each iron’s temperature in the top, middle, and bottom of the iron barrel. We measured its heat-up time and auto-shutoff time (when applicable) for accuracy and took note of its cord length. We rated each wand on the following factors:
- Ease of Use: We looked for wands that were easy to use, with clear displays and settings. We also took note of the wand's weight and whether the cord was long enough to maneuver easily. We also used a stopwatch to measure how quickly each wand reached its maximum temperature.
- Styling Ability: We rated how well the wand curled our hair by considering how long we had to use heat on each section. We discarded any wands that left our hair too frizzy, uncurled, or didn't heat our hair evenly. We also took note of how long the curls lasted throughout the day.
- Durability: We dropped each iron off a bathroom counter on cement flooring, to replicate normal wear and tear. We discarded any wands that cracked or stopped working.
- Safety Features: We looked for wands with safety features like an auto shutoff, stand, or gloves. We timed how long it took a wand to turn off without use, and discarded those that didn't turn off on their own.
FAQ
How do you use a curling wand?
“Always use a curling wand on 100% dry hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Nikki Providence. Start by clipping the top half (or two-thirds if you have thicker hair) up so it's out of the way, then separate the bottom layer of your hair into four or five sections. With the wand pointed downward, wrap a section of hair around the barrel, working toward the tip, then hold it in place for five to eight seconds and release.
Should I use a tapered wand or a straight wand?
Tapered wands can offer a more relaxed, beachy-looking wave while straight rods can provide a more uniform structure to your hair’s movement.
How long do you keep the hair on a curling wand?
If you have medium or long hair and are aiming for soft waves, five seconds is usually plenty for a 1-inch piece of hair at a high temp, or for slightly tighter curls, add one or two seconds. With shorter hair, you may need to hold it for up to eight seconds.
When and how should a curling wand be cleaned?
“If there’s a lot of product in the hair, that gets on the iron,” says Providence. “If you don’t clean it off pretty much right away, it can get baked on and become impossible to clean.” Providence offers two cleaning solutions: She uses a professional grade all-purpose cleaner called Ship Shape, “or I use straight 71% alcohol on a microfiber cloth, and clean the iron while it’s warm but not hot.”
How often do I need to replace my curling wand?
“When the heat becomes inconsistent,” advises Providence. “It’s essential to have good control over your heat because that’s what causes the damage. When the thermostat starts to be uneven, the iron can get too hot for the hair and cause a lot of damage.”
How do you get curls from curling wand to last longer?
No matter what approach you take, Providence suggests letting the hair cool off in the shape you’re going for your style to have more longevity. Opt for an iron that works on your hair type, such as an iron for thick hair or one for thin hair.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributing writer Ashley Rubell has more than a decade of experience as a professional hairstylist and seven years of experience as a beauty writer, focusing specifically on all aspects of styling, cutting, and coloring. She extensively tests tools, products, and remedies for hair woes on a daily basis. Rubell also interviewed fellow hair artists in her network for a well-rounded analysis of each tool being researched and additional expert-derived advice for our readers to consider.
We also spoke to the following experts:
- Sally Hershberger is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of her namesake salon and product line in Manhattan's Upper East Side.
- Nikki Providence is a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Jenny Slate, Tori Kelly, andAlison Brie among others.
According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough curling wands from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Lee Y, Kim YD, Hyun HJ, Pi L quan, Jin X, Lee WS. Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer.Ann Dermatol. 2011;23(4):455. doi: 10.5021/ad.2011.23.4.455