As most ladies know, it can be tough to shop for high-quality styling products. There are so many different brands to choose from that it’s tricky to know which one is going to be right for you. This is especially true when it comes to straightening irons and curling wands, both of which come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, and designs.
When looking for the best curling wands, it is important to figure out what your needs are first. Do you want to be able to create a range of curly hairstyles or are you happy with a basic tool which does its job efficiently? Do you want it to be compact and portable so that you can take it with you when you travel?
These are important questions and, hopefully, we’re going to help you answer them with our guide to the best curling wands on the market in 2017.
Quick Review: Our Favorite Picks For The Best Curling Irons 2017
The Anjou Curling Iron is a bit hit with style conscious ladies and we can see why. It heats up fast and the ceramic coated plates prevent hair from snagging and pulling.
For tight, defined ringlets, the Xtava Twirl Curling Wand is the best choice. It is specially shaped to create flawless curls every time.
If you want to get a lot of bang for your buck, try the HSI Professional Curling Iron Set. It comes with four detachable tourmaline barrel heads for versatile styling options.
The Miraqueen Steam Curling Wand is one of the most innovative products on our list. It is designed for ‘hands off’ styling, so you don’t have to touch the hot parts of the iron. It also contains a special compartment for water and oils.
When your hair deserves a bit of luxury, the Hot Tools Professional Jumbo Curling Iron is a great choice. It is plated in 24k gold, so it’s a real treat. The pulse auto heat system ensures consistent, reliable temperatures.
The Homitt 5 in 1 Curling Set comes with five detachable barrel heads for a diverse range of curls. Whether you want tight ringlets, beachy waves, or retro kinks, this iron can do it all.
Finally, the Xtava Satin Wave Iron and Wand Set is a more sophisticated version of the Xtava Twirl. It is bigger, heavier, and less compact, but it can be used to create a lot more styles.
Best Curling Irons Review
Ranking | Company | Best For... | Temp. Range | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | All Hair Types | 176F - 410F | ||
#2 | Normal / Fine / Thick | 200F - 410F | ||
#3 | All Hair Types | --- | ||
#4 | Fine / Curly Hair | --- | ||
#5 | Normal / Thick Hair | 230F - 430F | ||
#6 | All Hair Types | --- | ||
#7 | All Hair Types | 250F - 410F |
The Anjou Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron is one of the most popular styling gadgets on the market right now. It has been ergonomically designed to provide the safest, most efficient curling process. The tourmaline wand can heat up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit in just sixty seconds, so it is a must for ladies with busy schedules.
As the outer surface is ceramic, there is no tugging or pulling at the hair as you twirl. So, you don’t have to worry about causing damage, even if you have very thick tresses. The variable temperature settings mean that the wand is suitable for use on all hair types. If you have quite fine hair, you’ll need to use it on a lower heat setting.
The Anjou wand also has a number of important safety features. For example, it will automatically shut itself off after thirty minutes of continuous use. This substantially reduces the risk of fire if you leave the device unattended. Plus, you get a handy heat protective glove which you can use while styling if the heat makes contact a problem.
What We Liked
- Variable heat settings (suitable for all hair types)
- Ceramic coated plates for less drag/pull
- Super long power cord (2.5m) for ease of use
Not Crazy About
- Can shut off accidentally (buttons too close to off switch)
- Tip can be slippery/tricky to grip
When it comes to price alone, the Xtava Twirl is one of the best curling wands around. You can pick it up for a fraction of some of the more expensive products. Yet, it performs magnificently. Do be aware though that the innovative ‘twirl’ barrel is designed to produce a very specific type of curl. If you’d prefer a range of styles, you might want to go for something a little more expensive.
What the Xtava does really well is to produce tight curls and defined ringlets in long and short hair. The barrel is quite small at between 0.5 and one inches, but this is what allows it to curl snugly around thin sections of hair and create that super bouncy effect. The tourmaline plate is coated with ceramic and, together, these two materials provide protection.
They ensure that the wand doesn’t drag or pull and that the hair slides effortlessly around the barrel. Perhaps surprisingly for a budget curling wand, it has an LCD digital display. This is where you can change the temperature, from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Unless you’ve got very thick, coarse hair, try styling on the lower settings first.
What We Liked
- Shuts off after sixty minutes (for safety)
- Travel-friendly, universal dual voltage design
- Tourmaline and ceramic for snag prevention
Not Crazy About
- Narrow range of styles (tight curls)
- Oval shaped barrel can be tricky to master
The HSI Professional Curling Iron Set promises to offer a wide range of different styles, from relaxed Kate Middleton like waves to bouncy, beachy curls. It also promises to provide salon quality, so it has a lot to live up to. The first thing to know it that it comes in four pieces. There are four interchangeable barrels of different lengths, and the idea is that you’ll only ever have to use this one curling wand.
As is standard, the barrels are all made out of tourmaline. The material prevents snags and damage during styling because it doesn’t stick to hair even when hot. Not only this, but the infrared technology holds natural oils and moisture inside the hair so that the end result is always shiny and healthy. The digital controls make it easy to regulate the temperature and pick a heat setting which works for you.
The handle of the curling wand is designed for easy grip, so it is slip resistant. If you find that the heat gets too much for your hands to bear, there is a complimentary styling glove includes with the product. One thing which lots of users have said about the HSI Curling Set is that it provides a remarkable amount of longevity. According to some customers, curls can last as long as two days. If you are on a tight budget, the HSI Model is easily one of the best inexpensive curling irons in this review.
What We Liked
- Four piece set (interchangeable barrels)
- Curls are sleek, sensual and last for days
- Infrared technology locks in moisture
Not Crazy About
- Wand won’t heat up until barrel is locked in place
- Barrels can be tough to change
The first thing that you’ll notice about the Miraqueen Steam Curling Wand is that it looks very different to other products. It has an unusual shape, and this is because it doesn’t work in the same way as traditional barrel irons. Instead of manually wrapping your hair around the body of the wand, you just slip a section into the gap and press the button to activate.
The wand then takes the hair and curls it around the center structure. When it beeps three times, you release the handle and shake out those beautiful curls. As you never have to touch the hot components (they’re on the inside), this is a very safe styling product. For example, it would be very difficult to burn your fingers using the Miraqueen Steam Wand.
In addition, it comes with a pretty cool feature which you don’t see often – a little compartment for water. If you fill it, the wand will use the water (or oil, if you prefer) to keep the hair hydrated during styling. There is no doubt that this is the best hair wand out there, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have a traditional design. If you want a round barrel, it’s not for you.
What We Liked
- Innovative design means no burnt fingers
- Compartment for extra hydration
- 3 heat and four timer settings
Not Crazy About
- Best for normal & thick hair (fine hair falls out of clasp/clamp)
- Only works with small sections of hair (not a fast product)
If you like your styling products with a generous helping of luxury, try this gold plated Hot Tools Curling Iron. Yes, that’s right, the barrel is coated with 24K gold. The tourmaline ceramic underneath ensures that the hair is protected throughout and never sticks to the hot surface. It is easy to use, provides a range of curls (from loose to defined), and it looks great.
In fact, this is one of those products which really does just get the job done. It isn’t packed with a lot of extra features, but it doesn’t need to be. The extra-long cool tip and soft grip handle make it easy to hold, and the sturdy spring clamp locks hair in place. The most sophisticated feature is the pulse auto heat control, which constantly regulates the temperature of the barrel.
This means that the Hot Tools Curling Iron doesn’t suffer from the most common curling wand gripe – inconsistent heat distribution. When the temperature starts to drop, the innovative control system brings it back up to an optimal level. You might think that an iron of this caliber would be very expensive, but you can actually pick it up for under $30 right now.
What We Liked
- Smart sensors maintain optimal temperature
- Very affordable, considering the quality
- Gold plated barrel for extra glam
Not Crazy About
- No automatic shut off for safety
- Strong clamp can leave a mark on hair
The Homitt Curling Wand comes with five interchangeable barrels of different lengths and widths. This makes it extremely versatile and great for ladies who don’t want to commit to just one look. Whether you love corkscrew curls, romantic waves, bohemian curves, or tight little ringlets; there’s nothing you can’t do with this product. Unlike some similar products, the barrels seem to be pretty easy to swap around.
They don’t get stuck and, when pushed into place, a locking mechanism prevents any movement. This increases the safety of the curling wand and makes sure that you never slip and burn your fingers while styling. While the manufacturer states that the barrel heats up in thirty seconds, this is a slight over exaggeration. It isn’t as fast as some other products on the market, but it does distribute and hold heat well once it’s ready to be used.
The entire wand is made out of very sturdy materials. The barrel is coated in high-grade PTC+ and can withstand just about anything. The handle is also made out of PET, and the cord has been UL certified. So, you know that you’re getting a wand which lasts when you buy a Homitt. The manufacturer is confident about it because they come with a twelve-month warranty.
What We Liked
- 12-month quality back guarantee
- High-grade materials (handle, barrel, and cord)
- Five interchangeable barrels for diverse curls
Not Crazy About
- Can take a while to heat up
- Only two heat settings (thick and fine hair)
This is the second Xtava entry on our list, so we’re definitely giving the brand a seal of approval. The Satin Wave is a lot more versatile than the ‘Twist’ Curling Wand. If you want a basic tool which performs well, choose the latter. However, if you’re looking for a broader range of styles and more features, go for Satin Wave instead.
It comes with five interchangeable barrels for more choice and control over how you wear your curls. This wand is clearly designed to be the answer to all situations. If you want relaxed Beyoncé like waves, use a lower heat setting and a bigger barrel. On the other hand, if you’re trying to create much tighter, defined ringlets, you need one of the smaller precision barrels.
There are actually nine different heat settings, so you’ve got a lot of variation to experiment with while styling. The lowest temperature is 200, and the highest temperature is 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that if you haven’t got very thick, coarse hair, you probably don’t need to push the wand up to the hottest temperature.
What We Liked
- Five piece set (interchangeable barrels)
- Barrels can be switched around very easily
- Range of temperature settings for greater control
- Travel-friendly, dual voltage, and comes with a case
Not Crazy About
- No cool tip (might make it hard to grip for some)
- No clamp (again, might make styling trickier)
- Gets very hot fast
Side by Side Comparison
Category | Our Top Pick | Best Curling Iron | Best Curling Iron | Best Curling Iron | Best Curling Iron |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Rated | |||||
Brand | |||||
Accessories | None | None | None | None | x5 Wands |
Suitable | All Hair Types |
|
| All Hair Types | All Hair Types |
Material | Ceramic Tourmaline | Ceramic Tourmaline | Ceramic | n/a | Ceramic Tourmaline |
Learn More |
What to Look for in a Curling Wand
When browsing for the best curling wands, there are a few features which deserve a little care and consideration. For example, barrel size is important, because it determines the type of curl which the iron produces. On the other hand, if you want to create a range of different styles, you can just pick up a product with interchangeable heads.
Generally, the best size barrel for loose, beachy waves is one to two inches in diameter. For tighter ringlets, choose a wand with a smaller, precision head (anywhere from 0.75 to one inch). Most products come with a range of heat settings now, so any wand that you buy will likely offer a lot of choice and control.
It is quite rare for anybody to need temperatures over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, even if they’ve got quite thick tresses. Be very careful when styling with super high heat, as the risk of damage is greater. Make sure that you apply a suitable heat balm or serum for extra protection. Very fine hair should be styled with temperatures below 200 degrees.
You might have noticed that tourmaline is a popular material among styling brands. This is because it is the kindest to hair and, when combined with ceramic plates, it glides effortlessly over sections and keeps frizz to a minimum. In fact, tourmaline is a very effective frizz control tool as it releases negative ions. They close the cuticle and stop it from splitting at the ends.
Conclusion
Ultimately, only you can know what feels right for your hair, and this is why it is important to consider a range of options. Curling wands are very sophisticated these days and will allow you to create some adventurous styles, without compromising the health of your hair. Our favorites are the products which combine ‘slide and glide’ technology with easy to use barrels and detachable heads.
We were particularly fond of the Miraqueen Steam Wand because it is a little different. You’ll find a number of curling wands with this quirky design online, but we reckon that the Miraqueen is the best. It is ideal for anybody who has had trouble handling hot styling tools in the past. The outer case does not heat up, and you can touch it without fear of burning your fingers. Alternatively, you could just make sure to pick up a wand with a cool grip tip on the end.