Best Curling Irons 2023

Apr 02, 2024

Like all dependable styling tools, the best curling irons get to work quickly and effectively. A really good one heats up in seconds; delivers shiny waves, curls or ringlets that last into day two; and comes with a host of built-in features that make your mornings infinitely easier. To determine the right model for various hair types, I put 10 curling irons to the test over the course of several weeks, taking into account factors such as performance, temperature range and ease of use.

The best curling irons are easy to wield, and help to create high-shine curls or beachy waves with ... [+] staying power.

I found the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron to be the best overall for its lightning-fast heat-up, snag-free clamp and extra barrel space that accommodates a wide range of hair lengths. The Kristin Ess 1.25-Inch Curling Iron earned the top spot for value thanks to its texture-focused settings, all-day curl hold and a design that rivals those of more expensive options—all at an affordable price point. (Read my in-depth reviews of the Bio Ionic and the Kristin Ess curling irons for more details.) These are the best curling irons according to my testing:

Bio Ionic

Plate material: Ceramic NanoIonic MX Mineral Complex | Barrel size: 1 inch, 1.25 inches | Temperature: 250 degrees to 430 degrees Fahrenheit | Heat-up time: 39 seconds | Weight: 10 ounces | Cord length: 9 feet | Warranty: 1 year

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This hot tool boasts plenty of elements worthy of the best overall spot. Its temperature range of 250 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit is one of the most extensive I tested, and with one of the lowest entry settings. This makes it a great option for all hair types, from fine, thinner hair to thicker, super-straight or more textured strands. Gutterman says the low heat setting can also be “very important for those who have damaged hair.” And if you’ve ever noticed your hair feeling crunchy and dry after a curling session, that’s not likely to happen with this model—which I can vouch for based on my tests—thanks to Bio Ionic’s proprietary ceramic blend, which is designed to emit negative ions when heated to leave hair soft and glossy according to the brand.

The extra long barrel on Bio Iconic's curling iron was a godsend for my long hair.

It heats up in 39 seconds; I didn’t even have enough time to spritz heat protectant through my strands before the temperature gauge started blinking. To be thorough, I clocked the timing on different settings, which made it vary by only 1 or 2 seconds. The handle has a slim, tapered design and a smooth, matte finish that feels comfortable in my hand. There’s a ridge that makes for the perfect resting place for my index finger, allowing for a firm grip without straining my hands or wrist. And the clamp handle doesn’t require me to overextend my thumb to open or release it. All this to say, it’s the most ergonomically designed handle I’ve encountered.

My hair is long and hits around my mid-back, so average-sized curling irons don’t often give me enough space to work with. I usually have to curl each section in two steps: from the roots to mid-length, then moving from mid-length to the ends to ensure I’m evenly distributing the heat. With the longer barrel on this model, I was able to curl from ends to roots in one fell swoop without feeling like my hair was crowding the iron. My curl held up nicely throughout the day, and Gutterman shared a similar experience, saying she “only noticed a slight drop after about 6 hours.”

The super quick heat-up time, longer barrel and comfortable grip on this Bio Ionic tool were just ... [+] some of the reasons why it topped my list.

My only complaint is that it comes in only two size options, which only range by a quarter of an inch. The 1.25-inch barrel gave me a really pretty spiral curl that wasn’t too tight or too loose, and the 1-inch option will give you a similar look. However, in the interest of offering more options, Bio Iconic could stand to release another barrel size or two (in a smaller or larger barrel size).

My 6-month update: Several months after first testing the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, I appreciate it more than ever. My hair is in desperate need of some trimming and shaping, and doesn’t hold a style very well anymore. The long barrel evenly distributes heat on my overgrown strands, which helps it curl better and hold its shape throughout the day. The firm grip that originally grabbed my interest (pun very much intended), is still going strong. While other curling iron clamps can lose the tension over time, I’m not noticing a loosening of the grabbing power at all.

Target

Plate material: Titanium | Barrel size: 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 2 inches | Temperature: 325 degrees to 425 degrees Fahrenheit | Heat-up time: 30 seconds | Weight: 9.2 ounces | Cord length: 9 feet | Warranty: 2 years

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Although I’d heard great things from my fellow beauty colleagues about Kristin Ess’ products and hot tools, this was my first experience with the brand. I love the spiral curl it gave me, which by day two had only slightly fallen to a soft wave. One of my favorite details about this budget curling iron is how well the clamp grips. I was able to grab the thinnest, tiniest hairs along my temples that usually slide out of other models’ clamps. This one keeps hair taut while I’m twisting the iron around and around, without creating a crease. And speaking of spinning the base, the 9-foot cord swivels easily to allow for all the various movement and maneuvering that comes along with styling, plus it has a Velcro fastener for tidy storage.

This curling iron by Kristin Ess has a high-quality feel and sleek design at an affordable price ... [+] point, making it a shoo-in for the best value pick.

The Kristin Ess curling iron takes only 30 seconds to fire up to your desired temperature. Selecting your heat setting is easy, thanks to four preset options that you can choose from depending on your hair type and skill level. The brand recommends level one (325 degrees) for thin or fine hair, level two (365 degrees) for medium or wavy hair, level three (400 degrees) for coarse or curly hair and level four (425 degrees) for professional or advanced users. Gutterman says, “This is great for consumers because it allows them to identify what setting is best for their specific hair type.” And when you’re done, the tool shuts off automatically after 30 minutes to prevent accidents.

I was impressed with the high-quality feel and sleek design (which rivals that of my T3 SinglePass luxury pick), even with its affordable price point. The bright white handle has a velvety soft finish, which feels comfortable in hand and looks like a million bucks on your bathroom counter. It also has a sleek digital display panel that’s hidden behind a rose-gold mirrored cover. When the curling iron is off, it looks like a design element, but when it’s on, the digital display shines through the panel to reveal a fully functioning temperature gauge.

I appreciated the design, which includes a digital display that shines through a sleek rose-gold ... [+] panel when the curling iron is on.

A maneuverability woe I quickly took note of is that the plastic tip of the barrel is too tapered to get a good grip with just a couple of fingers. When I use a curling iron with a clamp, I like holding the handle with one hand and the tip with the other and twisting the barrel around my hair. I was able to adapt and work around this design flaw, and while it didn’t feel like I was at risk for a burn, it just didn’t feel as comfortable as I would’ve liked.

When purchasing hot tools that fall on the lower end of price points, I always feel skeptical about their long-term performance. Over the years, I’ve had plenty of budget-friendly tools that start out okay and quickly decline. However, after testing the Kristin Ess Titanium Curling Iron for a few months, I feel completely vindicated in my decision to select this as the best value option. The tool still works as new as when I first unboxed it, and it hasn’t given me a single problem, doesn’t cramp my style and stores well (thanks to the velcro fastener). For $60, it’s definitely the top affordable pick on the market.

My 6-month update: I still stand by my choice of carefully selecting the Kristin Ess Titanium Curling Iron as the best value winner. Even months after first testing it, the sleek model remains the most beautiful in its price range, and I still stand by the quality. However, months later, I’m yet to adjust to the tapered grip at the end of the barrel. I’ve burned my fingertips a handful of times since first trying it, but to be fair it happened more when I was in a hurry and being less cautious. I’ve also noticed the white plastic requires a bit more maintenance than black curling irons or even the shiny finish of the T3 Singlepass. I wipe it down with sanitizing wipes every few uses to keep it bright white and remove makeup fingerprints and product residue.

Amazon

Plate material: CeraGloss ceramic | Barrel size: 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches | Temperature: 260 degrees to 410 degrees | Heat-up time: 90 seconds | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Cord length: 8 feet | Warranty: 2 years

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I’ve owned T3 tools for a long time for two reasons: They’re beautiful and last forever. (My Twirl Trio Interchangeable Clip Barrel Curling Iron Set, another great luxury option, is going on 7 years without a single issue.) This newer model also has the brand’s SinglePass technology built in (a combination of even heat distribution and an internal smart microchip that prevents temperature fluctuations), which the brand says allows you to curl sections of hair in just one pass with less damage.

The barrel on the T3 model is scratch-proof and stain-resistant—and there isn't a single button on ... [+] the handle to obstruct performance while in use.

Additionally, the barrel is made with T3’s scratch-proof, stain-resistant CeraGloss ceramic material, which minimizes snagging and leaves hair smoother and shinier. I was impressed with how firmly the clamp grabbed each section of my hair without tugging or catching strands in the hinge. By the second day, I was able to brush it to detangle and soften the curls before running out the door with day-two waves. Gutterman also remarked on the longevity and quality of looks created with the tool. “The curl held really well and stayed consistent throughout the day and into the next morning. It also left the hair soft and allowed me to brush through it without losing the curl or the volume,” she says. She also liked how shiny it left hair, so much so that she didn’t need to use additional product.

I was impressed with how firmly the clamp on the T3 curling iron grabbed each section of my hair ... [+] without tugging or catching strands in the hinge.

The handle doesn't feature a single button, which also rakes up major maneuverability points (no accidentally pressing buttons or changing heat settings while using the curling iron). Instead, it has an inconspicuous knob at the bottom that twists to toggle between five heat settings, which go from 260 to 410 degrees, indicated by a series of lit-up dots. They blink in sequence while the barrel is heating and stay lit once it’s ready.

The bottom of the handle twists to toggle between five heat settings (from 260 to 410 degrees ... [+] Farenheit), which are indicated by a series of lit-up dots.

I tested the 1.25-inch barrel, but T3 doesn’t skimp on options—you can find the SinglePass curling iron in five different barrel sizes. While this is my luxury pick, it will run you only $20 more than the overall best curling iron on the list.

My 6-month update: File the T3 SinglePass curling iron under hot tools that will remain in my go-to stash, dare I say, forever. Judging from my other T3 hot tools, it certainly seems possible. The brand has remained top of my list for years, and this newer model fits right in with the collection (aesthetically and quality-wise). All remains well with parts and thanks to the CeraGloss ceramic material, there isn’t a single scratch or stain on the barrel or handle. It’s just as glossy and bright as it was on day one.

Amazon

Plate material: 24k-gold-plated metal | Barrel size: 1 inch, 1.25 inches | Temperature: 310 degrees to 450 degrees | Heat-up time: 30 seconds | Weight: 25.6 ounces | Cord length: 9 feet | Warranty: Lifetime limited

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If I’m being honest, I didn’t need to order this particular tool for testing the way I did with the others. Instead, I just pulled it from my personal stash, where it has held a permanent spot for years. When I first received it, I remember letting it sit in the box for months; the L-shaped design was intimidating, and it felt gimmicky to me. It wasn’t until my go-to curling iron at the time broke that I had no choice but to turn to this strange backup. My only regret is that I judged a book by its cover for that long. The main thing that keeps me coming back to this weird-looking wonder is the curl pattern it creates. In 10 seconds, it gives a perfectly spiral and consistent mermaid-meets-old-Hollywood wave every time.

The L-shaped design of this Hot Tools curling wand is the secret sauce to comfortable and beautiful ... [+] styling.

And instead of requiring you to count the seconds while you work on each section, this tool features a genius built-in digital timer that vibrates after 15 seconds to alert you that the section of hair is ready. Press the temperature screen to start the countdown or skip it altogether if you prefer. Reslan says this duration is fine to use on medium to coarse hair types, adding that she advises “against curling a section of thin or fine hair for longer than 10 seconds.” While I found the timer to be helpful for creating a consistent look and making sure my curl really set before releasing it, it’s not required if it doesn’t work for your hair type or preferred length of time. When I curl my hair with this tool, it looks unreal (even into the next day), and the compliments don’t cease to roll in.

Press the temperature screen to activate a built-in digital timer with a 15-second countdown that ... [+] alerts you when your curl is set and your hair is ready to be released.

Now, onto the technical wins: The wand features a smooth beveled edge that protects it from your countertop but doesn’t snag your hair when you slide it off the barrel. It fully heats up in 30 seconds and automatically shuts off after 2 hours, which is helpful in case you forget to unplug it before running out of the house.

Some guidance on how to use a curling wand will help explain this Hot Tools Curlbar’s odd shape and how strategically it’s designed. To get an even and consistent wave pattern, it’s best to hold a typical wand upside down so you can begin wrapping hair at the base and finish at the tip. The problem here is it can be exhausting to hold your arm in this position, with your elbow up in the air, for very long. The L shape on this one allows you to create the same upside-down placement while keeping your elbow down. For reference, this is the only curling iron of the ones I tested that doesn’t feature a rotating cord. And while that may sound like a design flaw, it’s a testament to how this tool requires very little movement; during use, you can keep your barrel static and your arm in a more comfortable position while wrapping your hair around the iron. Gutterman is also a fan of the overall concept, saying, “The shape makes it a lot easier to use on yourself, and it’s better for your wrists and overall posture.”

The unconventional design of this Hot Tools curling wand made for the perfect styling angle while ... [+] allowing me to keep my elbow down and save my arm muscles.

One thing to note: This was by far the heaviest tool on my contender’s list. Weighing a tad over 1.5 pounds, it certainly leans on the heavier side, but to be totally honest I had no problem overlooking it due to its overall ease of use.

While I’ve been rigorously testing curling irons for months, the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curlbar has held a permanent spot in my stash for years, and suffice to say it’s not going anywhere. This is the wand I reach for most often. If I ever get wind of this tool being discontinued, you can bet that I will be stocking up on a few extras.

My 6-month update: In an effort to share the wealth, I’ve focused on using the other curling irons on this list more, which means the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curlbar took more of a backseat in the last few months. To this day though, it remains the product that creates my favorite wave shape. The soft mermaid, old-Hollywood S-shaped curl remains truly unmatched.

I tested 10 curling irons, and six didn’t make the top spots. Here’s why.

GHD Classic Curl 1-Inch Curling Iron: Right off the bat, this curling iron fully heated up in 10 seconds, making a cute chime sound when it was ready. And by fully heated, I mean up to 365 degrees, which the brand claims to be the safest temperature for all hair types. If you’re like me and prefer to choose your own heat setting (mine is around 400 degrees), you’ll be pleased to know this default temperature still worked so well that it took about 4 inches off my hair in creating such a bouncy curl. My only cons were the fact that my hair snagged on the clip when releasing my curls, and I got an ever-so-faint whiff of melted plastic when it was at peak heat.

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron: When testing this $60 curling iron, I went with the 1.25-inch barrel, but I like that there are two other size options to choose from (0.75 inch and 1 inch). I had a hard time getting around the kickstand, but the grip at the end of the barrel was easy to hold and made curling simple. One of my favorite details is the fabric-covered cord, which feels comfortable to the touch but also prevents annoying tangles.

Hot Tools Pro Signature Salon Gold Curling Iron/Wand: Few curling irons on the market boast yearslong clout like this one. It was the gold standard (no pun intended) throughout my time in high school and college. While I don’t love the tiny twist-dial temperature gauge and how it doesn’t offer a digital screen or indicator of when it reaches full heat, there are reasons it’s an iconic tool. The clip holds hair taut, which makes creating a consistent curl super easy without snagging stray strands. The thin handle is very ergonomic with a velvety finish, which makes it easier to hold for users who take longer to style. It’s also affordable, with an under-$50 price point, and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron: This under-$25 tool gained major points for creating consistent coils without snagging my hair on the clip once. The barrel also feels a bit longer than the average curling iron, which was a godsend for my long hair. And while the velvety soft handle was a plus, there were several annoyances. The twist temperature gauge gets in the way and moves out of place easily, and the handle has the warning label imprinted on the grip, which has a way of chafing your thumb when you hold it. The iron has an impressive 30 heat settings, but since they’re numbered and don’t specify the actual temperature, it can be confusing to find one that works for you. To put them to the test, I tried the lowest and hottest setting, and both gave me a similar curl, which led me to believe the heat range wasn’t very big after all.

Gisou Curling Tool: Truthfully, this one was a strong contender for the best curling wand. I instantly liked the soft, mermaid-like curl pattern it gave me, but I couldn’t get over the weight and material of the handle. The lightweight, translucent plastic didn’t feel on par with its $129 price tag. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll be glad to know the hair slides off the barrel like butter without snagging or pulling, which gives you a tidy, consistent curl throughout. The reusable paper-pulp toolbox it comes in does leave behind fuzzy pulp residue on silicone parts.

Lunata Cordless Curling Iron/Wand: Another contender that made a lasting impression, this cordless curling iron has made its way into my hot tool arsenal. I already put it to good use on a road trip, where I curled my hair from the passenger seat. Although it comes with a removable clamp (though it isn’t all that sturdy), I prefer using it as a wand. The barrel gets surprisingly hot for a cordless version and delivers some seriously pretty mermaid waves. It comes in a silicone travel sleeve that doubles as a heat mat, so you can throw it in your bag before it’s even had a chance to fully cool down.

Finding the best curling irons isn’t so cut and dry: While there are the obvious details to consider, like price point, aesthetic and user feedback, there are major elements to take into account as well, such as performance, maneuverability, temperature range and barrel size. I also paid close attention to the smaller yet still important details that help determine how likely you’d be to use the tool again and again.

Maneuverability: To gauge ease of use, I measured factors such as weight, button placement, cord length and swivel. I wanted to be sure I wasn’t getting too strenuous of a workout while using each tool. One of the curling irons I tested slightly exceeded 1.5 pounds and very quickly gave my muscles a burn. I found that the ideal weight falls somewhere around 9 ounces because it’s not too heavy, nor do the materials feel flimsy.

And since there’s nothing worse than accidentally changing the temperature or shutting off your curling iron every time you pick it up, I noted the button placement on each tool. It’s best when they are tucked away under the clip or stealthily incorporated into the design and out of the way—like the knob on the bottom of the T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25-inch Professional Curling Iron.

Cord length is important; the longer, the better. The cords on the tools I tested range from 5 to 9 feet long. The 5-foot cord felt incredibly limiting; even with an outlet next to my mirror, I felt like I was tugging at the cord to work the barrel at my roots. And when it comes to storage, the extra length doesn’t add much bulk anyway. A swiveling cord is a must for preventing kinks and tangles while you maneuver your curling iron. I found this on all of our corded contenders except for the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curlbar, which didn’t require it because of its particular design.

Temperature: A curling iron’s heat setting is among the most important criteria to consider when selecting the right tool for your hair type. You want it to get hot enough to impart a long-lasting curl, but not so much that it singes your strands. A broad range ensures that thin or damaged hair types can benefit from the lower heat settings, while thick, coarser hair works best with the higher ones. Some come with preset temperature settings, while others feature a dial or digital gauge for customized heat preferences. I also noted the heat-up time and whether the curler features an automatic shut-off for safety.

Performance: To test the performance of each curling iron, I considered how easily and quickly the tool created and set the style. This includes the tension on the iron’s clamp: The perfect one holds your hair taut without snagging it or leaving an indentation in your curl. Once my hair was done, I monitored how the style held up over time throughout the day and into the second day.

Barrel: The width and length of barrels vary, and they cater to different hair types. While most curling irons follow a standard length, some feature an extra inch or two that make them ideal for longer hair, since they can distribute heat more evenly. In my testing, I considered whether a curling iron is offered in multiple sizes, which provides more options to accommodate user preferences.

My hair is long and thick, with an inconsistent wave pattern throughout that can skew frizzy at times. To keep testing fair, I took the same steps with each curling iron. I always started with freshly washed, conditioned and air-dried hair, then spritzed a heat protectant throughout (I used this Amika one). I divided my hair into 2-inch sections, beginning at the nape of the neck and working my way up to the hairline. I assessed how quickly the curling iron worked, how smoothly my hair released from the barrel and how well the curl held its shape throughout the day and into the next morning. I did a mirror check every 2 hours over the course of 8 hours, and I evaluated the state of my curls first thing the next day. I omitted all finishing or holding sprays to truly put each tool to the test.

Over the course of a week, Gutterman tested our top contenders while at work, prepping on-air talent on ESPN. She used each tool on three different hair types: One was thick, wavy and color-treated; another was curly and frizzy; and the third was healthy, uncolored hair. She noted the curl patterns, ease of use, overall feel of the hair and how long the styles lasted. Gutterman assessed the results four times over 2 days, including immediately after styling, 1 hour later, 8 hours later and the next morning.

There are plenty of factors to consider before landing on the right curling iron. Details like the barrel material and temperature settings can play a huge role in the health of your hair, while features like a digital screen, swivel cord or fast heat-up can make the entire styling experience smoother and more enjoyable. Then there’s barrel size and how the curl shape varies from a traditional curling iron versus a wand—more on that below.

Curling irons usually have ceramic, tourmaline or titanium barrels. And while they may feel and look the same to the naked eye, each performs differently and serves various hair types, according to Reslan. “Ceramic creates an even heat distribution and is the best option for more fragile or chemically treated hair because it doesn’t reach temperatures as high as the other materials do,” she says. For those with coarse or textured hair types, Reslan recommends using a tourmaline curling iron. She says, “Tourmaline emits a much higher amount of negative ions, which seal the cuticle, diminish frizz and help better smooth out the hair.” Finally, she says titanium curling irons are durable, lightweight and heat up quickly, adding that they also tend to be priced higher than any other material used in curling irons. “I recommend titanium irons for medium to coarsely textured hair types,” she says.

There’s a reason most hot tools come with various temperature settings. The goal is to find a heat level that effectively curls your hair without causing excessive damage or burning it. Your hair type and frequency of use will help dictate this sweet spot. Reslan recommends styling tools that allow you to control the heat settings. “It’s important for those with thinner and finer hair to adjust to a lower temperature—I recommend around 300 degrees—compared to more coarse and resilient hair textures that can withstand up to 400 degrees,” she says. “Also, if you regularly use a curling iron, I recommend using a lower temperature of around 300 degrees and only increase up to 400 degrees if it’s an infrequent occurrence.”

Russell says, “The weaker the hair, including damaged and brittle hair, the lower the temperature should be.” For those with this hair type, he recommends staying under 300 degrees as often as possible.

You could never get the curl you envision without considering the width of the curling barrel. Russell says, “The size of the barrel generally affects the amount of rotation in the curl and thus determines the level of curliness you can achieve.” The larger the diameter, the looser and larger the waves—up to a subtle bend even—while smaller barrels will produce tighter and more-defined curls. He also points out that your hair length could be a deciding factor when selecting a barrel size. As a suggestion, he says, “A 1.5-inch barrel is a great size for anyone with shoulder-length or longer hair, while a narrower one works for anyone with shorter lengths.” And while it really is a personal choice, it’s a good rule of thumb to use larger barrels on longer hair and narrower ones on shorter styles.

Curling irons often come equipped with bells and whistles, which are usually designed to reflect specific taste levels or styling needs. Pricier tools may come with a heat-resistant mat to protect countertops or carrying cases for storage. Others might feature a beveled edge or a kickstand to elevate the hot barrel off of your countertop. Unlike curling irons that have clips to clamp and hold hair in place, curling wands might come with heat-resistant gloves to protect your fingers as you wind a section around the barrel. Almost all of them come with digital screens for easy temperature gauging and swiveling cords that prevent tangling no matter how much you twist your iron. If you travel a lot, some curling irons, like the Lunata Cordless Curling Iron/Wand, offer universal voltage, which allows you to use it abroad.

As a beauty writer and editor for almost a decade now, I’ve written for top women’s magazines, including Allure, Elle, Women’s Health, Brides and more. A large part of my job includes keeping up with trends, checking out new launches and researching the latest innovations. On a personal level, if I’m mustering up the energy to style my hair, it always starts with me plugging in a curling iron. From the waviest of beach waves to tousled ringlets to corkscrews, curls are my style of choice. And to create them, I’ve sifted through countless tools over the years—and even more rigorously so in the past few months.

I tested 10 curling irons and found these tools by T3, Bio Ionic, Kristin Ess and Hot Tools to reign ... [+] supreme.

For this piece, I recruited the help of some veteran hair professionals. I tapped celebrity hairstylist Gregory Russell, who regularly works with Lily Collins, Chloë Grace Moretz and more, for his best styling tips. Trichologist and stylist Shab Reslan weighed in on all things hair health, including curling iron materials and how to achieve glossy, bouncy waves with minimal damage. I also enlisted Sophie Rose Gutterman, a hairstylist with editorial, film and TV experience (including on set for the American Horror Stories series), to test our top contenders on the job with various hair types.

Wands and curling irons provide a different user experience and curl shape. Russell says, “An iron with a clip gives you the ability to smooth and curl through the ends, whereas a wand requires you to hold the ends of the hair, giving you a more natural finish at the tips.” When you use a curling iron with a clamp to hold your hair in place while you roll the barrel up the shaft of the hair, it results in a spiral shape with a more polished finish overall. With a wand, you wrap hair around the barrel, simultaneously twisting the section and creating more of a wave shape; ends are left unfinished. Russell also says, “You can use a traditional iron as a wand as well, so you get more versatility out of the clamp iron.” All you have to do is keep the clamp closed and wrap the hair around the barrel.

“Curling irons used at high heat break down the internal structure of hair, which consists of several layers of cells bound tightly together, containing keratin, protein and water,” says Reslan. Taking an extra step to protect the hair by using a heat protectant will make all the difference in the overall health, hydration and strength of your strands. “Thermal protectants work by providing a protective layer on the cuticle of the hair in order to prevent the loss of moisture and the weakening of protein bonds,” she says. “I recommend using one in your hair after rough-drying it with a blow dryer but before you use your hot tool.”

“One of the most damaging styling mistakes you can make with hot tools is using a blow dryer to smooth out the hair first, then immediately following with a curling iron to create curls or waves,” says Reslan. Using both tools in conjunction can be taxing on the hair and lead to weak, brittle, damaged strands. To minimize potential heat damage, consider air-drying before using a curling iron. If you have textured hair and are aiming for smooth waves, Reslan recommends power drying the hair (which is more of a rough blast at your roots to remove moisture) and using a flat paddle brush with a silicone base to straighten and soften the hair. Once it’s dry and you’re ready to curl it, aim to use a lower setting to minimize additional heat exposure.

Reslan says another surefire way to accelerate heat damage is to use the highest heat setting on your curling iron for a day-two refresh. “Recurling or attempting to resmooth your hair on day two or three does not yield the same results as day one, and instead only further damages your more vulnerable hair,” she says. “Your hair’s hydrogen bonds break as soon as it dries and only have the ability to maintain the memory of a hairstyle once until you rewash it and reset the bonds again.”

Russell says, “I always start around the face to make sure the face frame is cooled and set.” From there, he recommends starting at the nape of the neck and moving section by section until you reach the top.

Russell also shares a styling tip to help you get the most out of your curling iron or wand. “For a more natural look,” he says, “curl your air-dried hair after making sure it is completely dry.” But if you prefer a more structured, polished curl, he recommends blow-drying first while taking the above precautions.