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After evaluating over 50 different products, we bought 15 of the best curl styling tools available today to test side-by-side in order to help you find the most effective tool to tame your mane. We consulted with professional stylists and extensively tested out these products with a variety of different hair types. We measured and compared the thermal characteristics of these products, rating and ranking their curl quality and ease of use. Check out the complete review to see which curling tools work best, which are the best budget options, and how motorized versus manual models stack up.
Editor's Note: We overhauled our curling iron review on March 7, 2024, to include new information from an updated test plan, numerous updated products, and several new irons and curlers.
Curls and holds well, traditional style = no learning curve, accurate temperature adjustment, affordable
Wide barrel produces a really nice beachy wave that is smooth and glossy, reverse taper holds hair on well and prevents slipping
Great wand, quality is apparent, nice curl with good longevity
Long barrel can hold a lot of hair, great for defining naturally curly hair, affordable, curled well and held well
Long barrel can hold a lot of hair, no screws to catch on hair, nice curl with nice hold, comes in a lot of different barrel sizes, aesthetically pleasing
Very smooth glide through clamp, decent curl, good results for price
Curls well and holds well, affordable
Works well, leaves hair glossy and smooth, dries quickly
Seems solid and well built, reasonably affordable, reputable brand, really nice cord
Very versatile, dries hair quickly, includes diffuser for curly hair, coanda technology works well, much better price point than some other options
Quiet and not overly hot, stylish, versatile
Can handle a decent hair section, doesn't seem to tangle too easily like some other options, curls and holds ok, don't have to worry about burning yourself
Curled nicely and curls lasted well, better price point than other options
You won't burn yourself during use
Cons
Cannot adjust temperature, harder to achieve a looser wave pattern
Barrel could be a bit longer, temperature dial is finicky
Expensive, not very versatile, cord is stiff and unwieldy
Quite expensive for what it is, cannot adjust temperature
not very versatile, can only produce a tighter curl
Expensive, not the smoothest glide through the clamp
No numeric temperature, cord is short and kinky, tends to tip forward on stand, results didn't last as long
Cord is short and kinky, no numeric temperature, feels a bit flimsy in hand
Very hot, very loud, specific in abilities
Not the most amazing results, tip on end made it easy to burn fingers, short barrel
Large and bulky, louder and hot on the ears, curls are dry and prone to static
Coanda technology didn't impress, curls were dry and prone to static, very expensive
Large and bulky, curls are not smoothed, learning curve, expensive
Motor lagged and wheezed with any tension on hair, clamp was short and didn't hold hair well
Hair is easily tangled, can only curl a small amount at a time, difficult learning curve, expensive
Bottom Line
Great wand for producing big, bouncy curls that are glossy and smooth and will last for days
If you are searching for the best of the best traditional styling tool, then this is a great option
Loved this wand for a subtle beachy wave, but you have to be committed to that particular style to want to invest in this product as it's not cheap
This wand works well, but there are others that work just as well for a significantly lower cost
If you have naturally curly hair or are looking for an affordable wand that produces a nice, tight curl, this is a great option to add to your tool kit
A great curling iron if you have long hair, curl your hair a lot, or are just ready to invest in a high-quality product
If you are new to curling your hair or just don't want to spend a lot on a curling iron, this one should do alright without breaking the bank
If you're hoping to spend as little as possible on a new curler, this is a great budget-friendly option, though it won't give the greatest results
Great tool for a fast, sleek, and smooth blowout, but reviews say it may cause excessive heat damage
While this is an acceptable styling tool that does an alright job, it may be better to invest in a more effective product or pay less for something that does a similar job
If you are looking for a multi-tool that will work quickly, this is a good option though you may need to use it with some styling product to get a soft, shiny finish
Did a great job drying hair, but curls fell flat
This is an expensive alternative to a wand or traditional iron that does an ok job, but doesn't seem worth the price
Curls quickly and keeps you from having to reach behind your head, but any tension makes the motor drag
This product doesn't curl well, is hard to learn to use, can easily tangle hair within the device, and would take a very long time to curl the whole head. And it's expensive
Available Barrel Sizes: 0.375", 0.5", 0.625", 1", 1.25", 1.5", or 2" | Measured Temperature Range: 243°F-390°F
REASONS TO BUY
Convenient to use
Great Results
Wide range of barrel sizes
Long cord
Great, mid-range price point
REASONS TO AVOID
Power and temperature dials aren't super comfortable
Screw on clamp can catch hair
SPECIFICATIONS
Size Tested
1"
Type of Curler
Standard
Usable Barrel Length
4.25"
Attachments Included
no
Cord Length (measured)
7' 10"
The Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold is an excellent option for those seeking an exceptional traditional curling iron to produce the best wave or curl. There is a reason both stylists and at-home users choose this product. This model has an ergonomic handle and a long cord and comes in multiple different barrel sizes so you can achieve the exact curl you're looking for. It has a safety tip that helps prevent unfortunate burn incidents, and the pressure of the clamp is nice and even. The heat setting has a wide range and can be easily adjusted to a specific temperature for your hair type. Sliding your hair through the iron feels effortless, and the integrated stand and convenient pivot for the cord make this one of our all-around favorite styling tools.
Some of the drawbacks of the Pro Artist 24K include the somewhat finicky temperature dial and the need to buy multiple if you want the option of different wave or curl sizes. Additionally, the traditional screw-held clamp style means that stray strands of hair could get caught in the attachment. Still, we don't consider these drawbacks dealbreakers. We were truly impressed with the Pro Artist and think it's a great fit for anyone who desires a top-of-the-line tool to add to their collection. If you're searching for a standard iron with a little more barrel and don't mind spending more, the T3 Single Pass may be another good option.
We love that the Pro Artist required no learning curve to achieve bouncy, shiny results
Available Barrel Sizes: 1" tapered | Measured Temperature Range: 314°F
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use
Smooth, glossy curls
Long-lasting results
Great value
REASONS TO AVOID
No heat level control
Limited curl type
SPECIFICATIONS
Size Tested
1" tapered
Type of Curler
Wand
Usable Barrel Length
5.625"
Attachments Included
heat resistant glove
Cord Length (measured)
6' 0"
As someone who does hair professionally, our lead tester will definitely be adding the Bed Head Curlipops Tapered Tourmaline Ceramic wand to her kit. It provides exceptional curls that last exceptionally long, just what she needs for bridal styling. The price point also means this is a great value for an at-home user who wants full, long-lasting curls. It has a fairly long barrel that tapers, meaning it will work well for long hair, short hair, and naturally curly hair.
The main drawback of this wand is its inability to control temperature. This increases the chances of causing significant heat damage or not having enough heat to achieve your desired look. If you want a looser, barely-there bend to the hair, it may be a bit harder to achieve without the ability to adjust the temperature you're using. Also, the candy-colored aesthetic may not be for everyone. However, this wand is a great option for a strong, shiny curl that will last. If you'd like a little more control over your heat settings, the Drybar The Wrap Party is another option, though it is quite a bit more expensive and its larger barrel makes for a bigger curl. The Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Tapered wand is another option that will give you a tighter curl pattern at a significantly lower cost.
Using the Curlipops was a cinch, and we love that it comes with a heatproof glove, though the tip didn't get hot enough for us to feel we needed it
We loved the full, bouncy curls created by this wand
The Curlipops wand is easy to use and curls like a champ.
Available Barrel Sizes: 1" | Measured Temperature Range: 256°F-357°F
REASONS TO BUY
Good length barrel
Very smooth glide through clamp
Creates smooth, glossy curls
REASONS TO AVOID
Easy to catch hair in clamp connection
No numeric temperature = difficult to tell heat setting
Cord is short and kinky
Curls fell in about two hours
SPECIFICATIONS
Size Tested
1" standard
Type of Curler
Standard
Usable Barrel Length
4"
Attachments Included
no
Cord Length (measured)
5' 0"
There's a reason the Conair Double Ceramic has more reviews than almost any other curling iron on the market. It's a product that will get the job done without breaking the bank. We found that this curling iron had one of the smoothest glides through the clamp. The barrel was decently long, and the clamp gripped the hair well. It also produced smooth, glossy curls as efficiently as any other higher-priced option. In addition, there isn't a numeric temperature gauge, but it still has several options for temperature settings, from 5 to 30.
On the downside, the cord on the Double Ceramic is very short and easily kinked, and the curling iron tends to want to fall forward on its stand. It is also fairly easy to get stray hairs snagged in the clamp attachment screw. In our testing, the curls we got from this iron fell after just a few hours. While the holding time was not ideal, this is the perfect budget option for a standard get-the-job-done iron. If you are truly on a tight budget or could not bring yourself to spend much on a styling tool, the Revlon Long Lasting Curl has an even lower price tag, though it does not curl as well.
Another no-nonsense traditional curling iron with no bells and whistles, but great-looking results
Before and after curling with the Double Ceramic
The Conair Double Ceramic did give us lovely results, but the curls fell in less than five hours.
Available Barrel Sizes: 0.5", 0.75", 1", 1.25", and 1.5" | Measured Temperature Range: 252°F-410°F
REASONS TO BUY
Multiple diameters available
Sleek and nothing to catch hair on
Good curl performance
REASONS TO AVOID
No temperature reading, just five lights
Expensive
SPECIFICATIONS
Size Tested
1"
Type of Curler
Standard
Usable Barrel Length
5.75"
Attachments Included
no
Cord Length (measured)
8' 0"
The T3 Single Pass is like the seamless bra of curling irons. There are no exposed edges or screws for hair to catch on, and the whole unit feels smooth and, well, seamless. The T3 had one of the longest barrels of all the curling irons we tested, which makes it ideal for long hair. It also comes in a variety of sizes, which is great for achieving different curl results. The cord was long but flexible enough to maneuver, and the smooth design gave us well-shaped curls with a glossy shine.
While beautiful, this unit is also on the pricey side, so you'll need to decide how important aesthetics are to you. You'll also have to purchase multiple curling irons if you need multiple sizes. Though the T3 has multiple heat settings, there is no numeric temperature gauge, so it's difficult to tell exactly how hot your hair is getting. Still, we were impressed with the T3 and think it could be a great investment for frequent curlers and those with long hair that can be difficult to style with a standard tool. If you just couldn't see yourself spending that much on a styling tool, the Pro Artist is a lower-cost option with a shorter barrel. If you're willing to use a wand, the Bed Head Curlipops gives a longer-lasting curl, but with no adjustable heat settings.
The T3 not only held a lot of hair but curled it well.
T3 results on extra long hair. It can be difficult to find a styling tool that does such a good job with so much length.
The T3 SinglePass does well with long or thick hair. It all fits on the barrel with room to spare.
Available Barrel Sizes: One size | Measured Temperature Range: 178°F-391°F
REASONS TO BUY
Great curling performance
Reverse taper makes for easy, no-slip wrapping of hair
Good temperature range
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky cord
Limited curl type achievable
SPECIFICATIONS
Size Tested
one size, reverse taper
Type of Curler
Wand
Usable Barrel Length
5.25"
Attachments Included
no
Cord Length (measured)
8' 11"
If you're on the hunt for a top-tier curling wand that delivers great beach waves, look no further. The Drybar The Wrap Party Styling Wand creates beautiful, big beachy waves that last. It has a digital display with a numeric temperature reading, making it easy to tell exactly how much heat your hair is being exposed to. The reverse taper of the barrel also makes it easy to hold hair and prevents slipping.
Because the Wrap Party is a bit wider than a traditional wand, we found it very easy to create a subtle, beachy wave. It is, however, very specific as to what it can create, limiting its versatility as a styling tool. In addition, the cord was very unwieldy and bulky and our tester's least favorite to deal with. Those with shorter hair may also struggle with this wand since it is so wide. Still, if beachy waves are your go-to look, this wand is worth considering.
If big waves are your favorite look and you'd like something that does a little more, you might consider the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus. It can take you from wet hair to wavy volume in no time flat. If you truly want a curling tool, the Bed Head Curlipops will give you a more standard curl size, but you can't adjust the temperature you're using. If that is important to you, the Hot Tools Pro Artist is a standard curling iron option that offers a little more control over your heat settings.
The reverse taper of The Wrap Styling Wand keeps hair from slipping down the barrel.
This wand created a looser curl, some may love that beachy look while others may be searching for a tighter curl pattern.
The Wrap Party Styling Wand creates a looser curl while leaving hair glossy and smooth.
Available Barrel Sizes: 1" tapered to 0.5" | Measured Temperature Range: 211°F-313°F
REASONS TO BUY
Great for adding definition to natural curls
Great curl longevity
REASONS TO AVOID
Might take longer to curl due to thinner barrel
Not very versatile
SPECIFICATIONS
Size Tested
1" to ½" tapered
Type of Curler
Wand
Usable Barrel Length
5.5"
Attachments Included
heat resistant glove
Cord Length (measured)
5' 0"
For the naturally curly-haired, the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Tapered wand is great for defining those loopy locks. If you have a 2c to 4c curl (smaller spirals), this is great for adding definition and shine while reducing frizz. Conversely, this is also a great option if you have straight hair and are looking for a tighter curl pattern from your wand. It has an almost six-inch barrel, so it can hold quite a bit of hair despite the thinness of the wand. It did a pretty good job curling, and the curls lasted for over five hours in our test.
The main downside of this wand is that it produces a fairly specific curl, which narrows its use. It may be a great addition to your current styling tools, but it wouldn't make a good stand-alone tool for a more versatile collection. Still, if you want to add definition to your natural curls or a nice spiral to your straight locks, this could be the tool for you. For a bigger curl at a similar price, the Bed Head Curlipops is another option that creates beautiful results.
Tight spirals created by the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic
The Conair Tourmaline gave these natural curls a boost
The Conair Tourmaline Ceramic created great spirals on straight hair and gave naturally curly hair more definition.
Best Multi-Tool Airbrush
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System Ultimate 6-Piece
If you are ready to drop a fair amount on a multi-tool airbrush, we feel that the Shark FlexStyle is a great investment. As a busy, working mom, our lead tester was a little skeptical about this product. It is not only very expensive but potentially difficult to learn to use. The Shark, however, comes with an easy-to-follow instruction sheet, including photos, so learning to use this tool was quick and easy. It also dried hair in less than ten minutes and, although louder and hotter than some other models, produced big, bouncy curls in short work. We also liked that it had a diffuser for curly hair, making it more versatile for a wider variety of hair types.
Our lead tester lives in a very dry climate, so the nature of this tool did make her hair feel a bit dry and static-prone. A little moisturizing product would probably fix that, and it wasn't a major deterrent. Also, the curls created by the FlexStyle didn't hold very long. Overall, if we were ready to invest in a styling tool of this nature, the FlexStyle would hands down be our choice. For a more affordable airbrush, the Revlon One-Step has no additional attachments but gives a sleek finish to a full blowout look.
The Shark FlexStyle had a bit of a learning curve, but it did manage to dry and curl fairly quickly. The results were nice, though they fell quickly.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Products
Trying these curlers on different types of hair to figure out what they do best
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Test Curling Irons
We extensively tested these curling irons for over two months to ensure the most accurate information possible. Hands-on testing included curling on a control group head using no product and holding ten seconds for each curl. The curls were then worn for five hours to test longevity. After that, we tested on a variety of hair types and compared notes. Then, we measured barrel and cord lengths and noted how difficult each curler was to maneuver and use. We also measured the actual temperatures of each curling iron after heating it up for 15 seconds and then again after 5 minutes.
We divided our curling iron testing into the following four mutually exclusive metrics, weighted based on their overall importance:
Curling Performance (35% of overall weight)
Ease of Use (30% weight)
Versatility (20% weight)
Construction Quality (15% weight)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by GearLab tester, Katie Brown. Katie attended school at the Aveda Institute in Denver and now works as a professional bridal hair and makeup artist. She is no stranger to finding the right tool to get different results on a wide variety of hair lengths, thicknesses, and textures. She has a keen eye for what makes a great curler and what features fall flat. She has been putting her skills and training to work in the styling industry for over 10 years and, as a busy mom, puts her own curls to the test daily. From intricate bridal updos to casual loose waves, Katie knows what it takes to make a beautiful hairstyle that will last.
The CHI Spin N Curl has buttons on the side and displays temperature settings in a digital window. It's pretty easy to use, once you figure it out, and does an acceptable job of curling.
It is important to have a cord that is long enough to work with. The Spin N Curl, Shark FlexStyle, and Drybar The Wrap Party had the longest cords, all measuring over eight and a half feet long.
The Shark FlexStyle turns to accommodate some of its drying attachments, like the included diffuser.
Testing a variety of styling tools and noting their useful features gives us a better idea of what works best for curling.
How to Pick the Best Curling Iron
There are several considerations when it comes to choosing a curling iron. The best curling iron for you is going to vary depending on a few key factors. Your hair type and desired results will direct the type of curling iron you need. A bridal updo requires a different barrel type than a soft, beachy look, and a curling iron with temperature control can cater to different hair types than a one-temperature-fits-all model.
Types of Curling Irons
We tested four different types of curling irons: standard, rotating, wand, and airbrush.
A standard curling iron is a great option for a traditional, well-defined curl. They have a clamp on the barrel that holds the hair in place, making them easy to use. These are a go-to for many people and work perfectly well. The rotating option is simply a standard that twists on its own.
A styling wand is a great option for creating softer, beachy waves or looser curl looks. The barrel has no clamp, allowing you to twist the hair around the barrel on your own. They can also come tapered, giving a little more versatility in the looks you can achieve.
An airbrush is great for creating more of a blow-out look without having to pull out multiple tools. Some airbrushes also have other attachments that allow you to achieve different looks without having to store quite so many styling tools.
While a tapered barrel can increase versatility, the single heat setting can be limiting to what this wand can do.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Barrel Size
The size of the barrel you're going to want will depend on the type of curl you're looking for and the length of your hair. A very large barrel will do you no good if your hair is too short to wrap around it. For a looser, softer look, a larger barrel is generally going to work best. If you're going for more of a spiral curl, a smaller barrel tends to work better. A mid-size barrel can be great for all the looks in between, from updos to tumbling curls. It's important to consider your desired result when picking your ideal curling iron.
The larger barrel on this wand makes for larger, looser curls.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Temperature Control
Another important consideration when choosing a curling iron is temperature control. A looser wave is easier to achieve with a lower temperature, while a higher temp can lock in a tighter curl. If you're hoping to get multiple looks from your curling iron, an adjustable temperature setting can help. On the other hand, with a little practice, a single setting can be used to achieve different types of curls in some cases.
Also to consider is the type of hair you're using your styling tool on. While a higher heat setting may work fine on some hair, it might be too much for a person who has hair that is more brittle.
Different hair types and desired results sometimes need different temperature settings. Keep in mind how well your hair will hold up and what look you are trying to achieve.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
We split our comprehensive testing process into four metrics, each with a handful of different assessments. We looked at the curling performance, ease of use, versatility, and construction quality for each of these styling tools, with standout performances of different products in each metric highlighted below.
Our testing team hard at work, noting every detail and working with different hair types to find the top of the line styling tools.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What's the Best Value?
Many times, you get what you pay for, but a higher-priced product doesn't always mean higher performance. Certain products are just a great deal, giving you more for less. These are the tools that deliver amazing results without breaking the bank. As far as traditional curling irons are concerned, the Conair Double Ceramic does exactly that. It is very easy to use and gives acceptable results.
The Bedhead Curlipops Tapered Wand is an excellent curling wand that delivers a result that rivals even the most expensive models. In our testing, curls came out smooth and glossy and lasted all night. We believe it's a product that is well worth the price. The Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold is another great option. It provides a very specific temperature setting and a great, consistent curl while still being one of the lower-priced options available.
The Double Ceramic is a simple curling iron that will get the job done without forcing you to make a serious investment.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Curling Performance
To determine curling performance, we tested based on several criteria to maintain as much consistency as possible. First, we tested how well the curl held after the unit was on for 15 seconds and then again after five minutes. We used all irons at comparable temperatures. We also noted the effectiveness of the tool using a ten-second hold for each curl. We then analyzed the results to note any frizziness, how glossy or dull the curls looked, and how much the curls fell after five hours.
Of all the styling tools we tested, the Bed Head Curlipops wand gave us the best curl performance. It curled amazingly well, giving us shiny, gorgeous curls that lasted longer than any other. The Conair Tourmaline Ceramic held for more than five hours, while the Hot Tools Professional Series 24K Gold, T3 Single Pass, and Drybar The Wrap did almost as well. The hair came out smooth and glossy with these models and wasn't prone to kinking or creasing in our tests. Additionally, we like that the clamps on the T3 and 24K Gold provide very even and uniform pressure across the length and also come in various sizes for curl customization.
It's easy to see why the Hot Tools Pro Artist continues to be one of our faves. As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The ghd Creative Curl Tapered Wand and Prizm Nano Titanium Rotating gave us very comparable performances. The results were fairly impressive and lasted pretty well, holding up for at least five hours. The CHI Spin N Curl seemed to work well, though we noted it didn't seem to give a very smooth result. Another curler may be best for those with naturally curly or coarse hair. On the other hand, the Conair Double Ceramic gave us beautiful smooth and glossy curls, but they fell in only about two hours.
An airbrush is less likely to give you the same sleek, glossy results and hold of a wand or iron but can be great for adding volume and loose curls. They also often allow you to start with wet hair, which can be a time saver.
The Creative Curl gave glossy curls that lasted.
The Spin'n Curl curled well, though the results were not as smooth and glossy. They did manage to hold up for five hours.
Prizm Nano curl. Look at that shine, and they hold up well for hours.
These lovely results managed to hold up for at least five hours, proving that not all curls are created equally.
Ease of Use
Ease of use was calculated using several different factors. We noted whether or not each unit had a learning curve, the speed and ease with which we were able to curl an entire head of hair, and details of the unit that affected use. Details included barrel length, weight, how easy it is to burn oneself, and cord length/convenience.
We appreciate a simple, intuitive curler. Much as innovation is a wonderful thing, there's nothing quite like picking up a new styling tool and having no trouble using it right from the start. Our favorite tools in this metric were the Curlipops,Pro Artist,The Wrap Party,Creative Curl, and the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic. Having the ability to pick up one of these and easily curl an entire head of hair without a struggle is a pleasure, and all of these tools delivered.
The Creative Curl had no learning curve and was quick and easy to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
There were a few curlers we tested that, while not the most user-friendly, were still better than the average curler. The T3, for example, while easy to use, didn't impress us with a clamp that didn't let the hair slide through it as smoothly as we'd like and a tip that got rather hot. The Conair Double Ceramic also did a good job in the metric, but we struggled with stray hairs getting caught in the clamp.
On the same level with these two curling tools, the Revlon Long Lasting Curl and One-Step Volumizer Plus did an acceptable job, but with minor inconveniences. The Long Lasting Curl had a short barrel and we accidentally turned it off a few times while using it, and the One-Step was noticeably hot on our ears and was annoyingly loud. Still, all of these tools were easy to use and didn't require a great deal of research in order to operate.
The Volumizer Plus was straightforward to use, even if it was pretty loud.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Prizm Nano was one of the other more unique models we tested. It is a motorized take on a traditional curling iron, with a rotating barrel that wraps the hair for you. The overall design was quite effective, only the clamp was very short and it made it more difficult to work with.
The Prizm Nano did an okay job of curling, but the short clamp made wrapping a bit tricky.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The CHI Spin N Curl did fairly average in this metric. Once our tester figured out how to use it, it was fairly easy. We were able to get a pretty reasonable section done at one time, and as long as we applied enough tension, tangling was not an issue.
The Chi Spin 'n Curl wasn't difficult to use once we figured it out.
Credit: Katie Brown
The Conair Curl Secret fell short in this metric. After reading a multitude of reviews regarding hair getting caught in the unit, our lead tester was too afraid to try it on her own head. Luckily, she had a styling head for practicing hairstyles. This unit had by far the steepest learning curve, and our tester had to do some googling to find adequate instructions. It can only hold a very small amount of hair at a time, and the slightest bit of tension on the unit or an attempt to guide the hair around the barrel will result in tangling.
The Conair Curl Secret seemed to get tangled easily. We did manage to get it to work with very small sections, but it just seemed kind of gimmicky to our testers.
Credit: Katie Brown
Versatility
The versatility metric was based on several parameters, including styling options, how well the tool would work on a variety of hair types and lengths, unit portability, and aesthetics.
If you're looking for a versatile product, look no further than the multi-tool airbrush category. Most curling irons and wands are designed for a specific purpose and a specific curl; however, sometimes, we need a tool that can do a myriad of things. In that regard, a multi-tool airbrush is one of the most versatile options.
The Dyson Air Wrap seemed ill-suited for longer hair, and was prone to wrapping in a tangle as it sucked hair up the wand.
Credit: Katie Brown
The Dyson Airwrap comes with a hefty price tag. It also comes with six attachments, so it can dry, brush, blowout, and curl your hair using the signature Coanda technology. We found, however, that the curling attachment works best if used on hair that is not too long, as the Coanda technology has a hard time wrapping longer hair. For longer hair, it tended to wrap, but then the hair sank and gathered at the bottom of the barrel while smaller pieces were sucked up and over the barrel, getting somewhat tangled. Our testers with longer tresses had to really guide the hair to assist in the wrapping in order to get it to wrap properly.
The FlexStyle and Dyson Airwrap attachments allow for great versatility, though not everyone will use them all.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
In addition, even at the highest heat setting, the Dyson Airwrap was not very hot, meaning that the curl did not set very well and fell almost immediately. Furthermore, and perhaps this was specific to the desert climate where our lead tester lives, curling with hot, dry air made her hair feel full of static and not at all smooth or glossy. This also had a pretty steep learning curve, as many users will be unfamiliar with Coanda technology. The unit also did not have much of an instruction manual, so it was necessary to look online for resources. So, this did not feel like the best product for curling, but it is versatile, and its other functions seemed to work well. Overall, we did not feel that it was worth the extremely high price tag.
The Revlon One-Step gave us volume with a sleek finish.
Credit: Katie Brown
The Shark FlexStyle comes in at about half the price of the Dyson Airwrap. The downsides of this tool vs. the Airwrap are that it is hotter and louder, and rather than switching curl directions by pushing a button as you do with the Airwrap, you must switch barrels each time. On the upside, however, we did like that it comes with a diffuser, which makes it better suited for those with curly hair. In addition, the Coanda technology worked significantly better in the Shark FlexStyle than it did in the Dyson Airwrap. It also came with instructions that included pictures, making it far easier to learn how to use. It comes with six attachments, and the unit pivots to a bent shape similar to a traditional hair dryer.
The FlexStyle does a great job drying hair and gives a decent curl, but the curls tend to fall quicker than we'd like.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Lastly, the Revlon One-Step did not have any attachments, but it was an airbrush, making it more versatile than a traditional curling iron. The abundance of reviews stating that the excessive heat damaged hair made us wary of testing on the highest setting, so we tested it on medium heat. It did dry our hair quickly and produced a shinier blowout with more smoothing than the FlexStyle or Airwrap.
Shark FlexStyle curls long hair pretty well, creating big, bouncy curls that fall fast, but might work for a subtle wavy look.
Credit: Katie Brown
When dealing with a traditional curler or wand, versatility really is dependent on what kind of features the curler has and what types of hair it is good for. The majority of the tools we tested, including the Hot Tools Pro Artist,The Wrap Party Styling Wand, and the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring would work great on most hair types. These specific tools did better than others we tested in this metric simply because they have a numerical temperature dial, allowing more control over results and specific temperatures for different hair types.
Adjusting the temperature gives you more control over what your curler can do. We love that the BaBylissPRO Nano has this ability.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The T3 Single Pass,Conair Double Ceramic, and Revlon Long Lasting Curl, while lacking specific temperature control, do include different settings. This gives the user more control than a simple “ON/OFF” model, like the Bed Head Curlipops and Creative Curl.
Having even a little control over the heat level of your styling tool can make a huge difference in how many different looks you can get out of the same tool. Also, when it comes to working effectively on different hair types, temperature level is not one size fits all.
Heat level control is the next best thing to actual temperature control. While it might not give you an exact temperature, it does give you an idea of how much heat you need to achieve your desired look through trial and error.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Construction Quality
For our construction quality metric, we rated and ranked each styling tool based on its clamp mechanics, cord and cord attachment mechanics, and overall sturdiness.
Of all the products in our lineup, the T3,Shark FlexStyle, and Dyson Airwrap seemed to have the most notable construction quality. The T3 impressed us with a smooth design and effective cord swivel that seemed pretty well made and sturdy. The Airwrap and the FlexStyle also seemed solidly made and came with bulky, well-attached cords.
The cord swivel on the T3 Single Pass worked smoothly, and this was one of the models that didn't rattle or have any noticeable weak points.
A sturdy cord connection is reassuring. We like a cord that doesn't rattle.
The cord connection point on styling tools can often feel loose or wiggly. We like a stable connection point that doesn't rattle.
Many of the tools we've tested rattled at the cord connection point, making this perhaps the weakest link of most curling irons. However, the Pro Artist,Nano Titanium,Creative Curl,The Wrap, and the CHI Spin N Curl had no notable rattles. They seem to have a little sturdier construction than the average curler.
The Prizm Nano's motor seemed to wheeze and lag if any amount of tension was put on the hair.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Revlon Long Lasting Curl was the lightest curler we tested and felt the least solidly built in hand, but this impression is entirely subjective. The only other styling tool that had a noticeable potential construction quality issue was the Prizm Nano Rotating wand. It was the one motorized option that tended to lag and 'wheeze' a bit when tension was applied to the hair, which made us wonder about the potential longevity of the unit.
While testing this thoroughly can be hard work, we still had fun investigating these curling irons so you don't have to.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
We hope this review and analysis will help you find the perfect styling tool for your hair. Whether you are looking for a top-of-the-line tool worthy of a professional, a basic budget model for occasional use, or an all-in-one daily time-saving wonder, there is a wand, iron, or airbrush that will help you tame your mane and give you the look you're searching for.
