13 best curling wands and tongs for every type of curl (and wave) imaginable
The world of curling wands is a burgeoning one, with new releases dropping – seemingly – by the month. Great, but each and every one of them serves up a different type of curl – from beach waves and DIY blow-dries or loose waves, to tightly coiled spirals and ‘90s-influenced curls. Thus making each curling wand better suited to a different hair type. With that in mind, finding the best curling wand for the style you have in mind can be tricky.
But fret not: our editors and testers have reviewed all manner of the latest releases, from barrel-shaped curling tongs to tapered wands and even air stylers. For thin hair, thicker hair and everything in between. Ahead, everything you need to create the perfect curls – and if you can't decide what curl is best for you, check out these genius tips for styling curly hair according to a hairstylist.
Best curling wands at a glance 2023:
- Best Overall: BaByliss Wave Secret Air Hair Styler, £150
- The Runner-Up: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long in Copper/Nickel, £479.99, Dyson
- Best For One-Handed Styling: Drybar The 3-Day Bender Digital Curling Iron, £129, LookFantastic
- Best For XXL Curls: ghd Curve Thin Wand, £149, ghd
- Best For Beach Waves: BaByliss Wave Secret Air Hair Waver, £150, LookFantastic
What is the difference between a curling wand and a curling tong?
Curling wands and curling tongs look very similar: they each feature a heated barrel, with a handle, for curling the hair. Curling tongs have clamps at the handle end, to hold the hair in place, while a curling wand doesn't.
What is the best curling wand for everyday use?
The type of curling tool you choose will determine the type of curl you create, so it's important to know what to look out for when searching for the best curling wand. The width of the barrel (and whether or not it's tapered) can change the finished effect dramatically.
Wide wands will create bigger, looser curls, so are best for beach waves, whereas slim chopstick stylers are ideal for tighter ringlets. And you can personalise even further by choosing between tools with a variable heat setting (low, medium or high) to cater best to fine or coarse hair.
There are also the non-traditional curling devices that deliver a variety of waves and curls in novel ways. Take Dyson's Air Wrap Styler, which uses the Coanda Effect (a principle of physics that is to do with air flow) to wrap hair round a barrel and curl with relatively low heat. Elsewhere, there's the BaByliss Wave Secret Air Hair Waver, which sucks the hair up into a spinning barrel to create easy beach waves in seconds. Just don't forget your heat protection spray.
The good news is that tongs are getting even smarter and some major innovations in the hair care market is set to change the way we do things. Dyson's Air Wrap uses the flow of warm air to wrap hair round the barrel, giving you beachy waves without the heat damage. And the DryBar 3-Day Bender Digital Curling Iron uses innovative ionic technology and features a rotating clamp, making styling using one hand a breeze.
What curling wand is best for tight curls?
If you're after a tighter curl, make sure to check out the ghd Curve Thin Wand, which is one of the best of its kind (not to mention, results in the most long-lasting results). Still not convinced? Seee for yourself, the GLAMOUR team have put it to the 5 people test to see if it works on different hair textures and types (spoiler alert: it absolutely does).
This deliciously warm and cosy shade is a fusion of autumn's best hues.
After more electrical styling tools and haircare content? Check out our guides for hot tools such as the best hair dryers, best hair straighteners and best curling wands. We can also help you pick the best shampoo, best hair conditioner and best hair serums. Yep, we've covered every strand. For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Which curling wand is best? Ahead, our full reviews.
1. Best overall
BaByliss Wave Secret Air Hair Waver, £150, John Lewis
Why we love it: Bouncy curls are always in, and this BaByliss curling tool is specially designed to help you create loose and long-lasting curls and waves. The name of the game is speed, here. It's so easy to use. All you need to do is close the handle and the hair is automatically drawn into the ceramic curl chamber where it is precisely heated by four powerful heaters to form a perfect wave every time. And don't worry, it's safe: heat is carefully optimised within the curl chamber, and the Cool Air Smart System automatically delivers a gentle burst of cooling air to help set the curl as soon as it is released. Just one tip: since this styler reaches high temperatures, it is not suitable for use on either synthetic or real hair extensions. Your hair should be clean, dry and free of dry shampoo, hairspray, mousse, spray wax, styling dust and all other styling products before you use it.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: not specified, but overall dimensions are H10 x W10 x D25 cm.
- Weight: 600g
- Cord length: 2.5 metres
- Heat settings: 3 (180°C, 200°C, 230°C)
2. Best multi-tasking curling wand
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long in Copper/Nickel, £479.99, Dyson
Why we love it: Let's face it, the Dyson Airwrap can easily be considered as one of the best curling wands around, particularly known for its versatility. Engineered to work for all hair types, this device specialises in helping you create soft waves and bouncy curls using hot air, thanks to the Dyson digital motor V9. Intelligent heat control keeps airflow at below 150°C too, which is especially great if you're someone who has fine hair or curls hair regularly.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 30mm and 40mm
- Weight: 611 g.
- Cord length: 2.7 metres
- Heat settings: 3
3. Best curling wand with ionic technology
Drybar The 3-Day Bender Digital Curling Iron, £129, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Thanks to ionic technology, this styling wand is perfect for creating long-lasting, salon-worthy results. It features dual ceramic heaters, which guarantees even heat distribution throughout your locks while ionic technology smoothens your hair and gives it that coveted shine.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 31mm ceramic barrel
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: 2.7 metres
- Heat settings: variable (up to 226°C)
You can save more when you shop for the best curling wands using these LookFantastic discount codes.
4. Best curling wand with an oval barrel
ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand, £149, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Not a fan of thinner wands? Not a problem. ghd's classic styling tool is the way to go. With an oval barrel that's filled with advanced technology, this device ensures that it adjusts the temperature settings for each section of hair. This ensures curls that last for up to 24 hours while also respecting the health of your locks.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 38mm - 26mm oval barrel
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: 2.7 metres
- Heat settings: N/A
You can save more when you shop for the best curling wands using these LookFantastic discount codes.
5. Best curling wand for frizzy hair
Beauty Works Flat Iron Wave Bar, WAS £74.95 NOW £51.95, Beauty Bay
Why we love it: Looking for a frizz-free, classic curls? Say no more. This 25mm hair tool is designed to created flatter curl shapes and textured wave patterns. Ideal for all hair lengths, including short hair. And did we mention that it comes with a carry case and protective glove included?
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 25mm ceramic coated barrels
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: not specified
- Heat settings: variable (between 80-220°C)
6. Best curling wand for XXL curls
ghd Curve Thin Wand, £149, ghd
Why we love it: Designed to be ghd's most narrow curling iron, this device is equipped with PTC heater technology, which ensures that the optimal styling temperature of 185°C is distributed across the entire barrel evenly. This helps protect your hair from unwanted heat damage. Suitable for beginners.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 14mm ceramic barrel
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: 2.7 metres
- Heat settings: N/A
7. Best curling wand for long hair
BaByliss Hair Curling Wand, £32, John Lewis
Why we love it: Creating smooth and long-lasting curls has never been easier, especially if you have long hair. The hair curler has a long barrel with a titanium-ceramic finish as well as non-slip Wrap Control technology that guarantees effortless styling every time. Oh, and did we mention that it also has an automatic shut-off function?
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 25mm-13mm conical barrel
- Weight: 600 g.
- Cord length: 2.5 metres
- Heat settings: 5
Save when you shop for the best curling wands with these John Lewis discount codes.
8. Best curling tongs
T3 SinglePass Curl 32mm Professional Curling Iron, WAS £149.95 NOW £104.95, Beauty Bay
Why we love it: A tourmaline and ceramic clip barrel that features five heat settings? Yes please. These tongs guarantee speedy styling, delivering flawless and long-lasting results whenever you need them. It has a cool tip too, which allows you to rest it on your dressing table comfortably without risking damage.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 33mm ceramic barrel
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: 2.7 metres
- Heat settings: 5
9. Best affordable curling iron
Remington Proluxe Large Barrel Hair Curling Wand, WAS £36.99 NOW £32.28, Amazon
Why we love it: 24-hour curls are much more achievable than you might think. The PROluxe Curling Wand's barrel features a unique grip-tech coating, which adds a light resistance and friction, without snagging or catching your hair. This allows you to create more consistent curls without ending up with misshaped ends.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 25mm - 38 mm barrel
- Weight: 1 kg.
- Cord length: 3 metres
- Heat settings: variable (between 120-210°C Celsius)
10. Best curling wand for tight curls
CHOPSTICK STYLER Extra Confident Styler, £44.99, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Are you fan of tighter curls, y'know, the ones that make you feel like a movie star? Say no more. This extra-slim wand is perfect for anyone who craves volume. It features 5 different temperature settings to help create quick and easy bouncy curls.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 7mm - 10mm rectangular titanium barrel
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: 3 metres
- Heat settings: 5 (between 120 - 210°C)
You can save more when you shop for the best curling wands using these LookFantastic discount codes.
11. Best curling wand for all types of curls
CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand, £139, CLOUD NINE
Why we love it: Like to switch up your hairdo once in a while? With this curling wand from CLOUD NINE, you'll be able to nail every type, from soft curls to big and wavy curls. It also comes infused with minerals to seal the hair’s cuticle and lock in moisture for shinier hair every time you style. The best part is that it has a heat-up time of just 45 seconds.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: unspecified (mineral-infused ceramic barrel)
- Weight: 333 g.
- Cord length: 2.7 metres
- Heat settings: variable (between 125-175°C)
12. Best curling iron for fine hair
Amika High Tide Deep Waver, £90, Amika
Why we love it: Wavy beach curls are the ultimate spring/summer look. Charged with negative ions, you can say goodbye to frizz and say hello to the bright and shiny hair you deserve. It has a heat-resistant handle and is designed to shut off after 30 minutes of use for your safety.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: 18.5 mm tourmaline ceramic barrels
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: 2.7 metres
- Heat settings: variable (between 50°C - 198°C)
13. Best curling wand with a rotating barrel
Revamp Progloss Hollywood Automatic Rotating Hair Curler, WAS £89.99 NOW £59.99, Boots
Why we love it: Infused with Progloss super smooth oils such as keratin, argan oil and coconut oil, this curling tool features rotating barrels for easy styling. It's perfect for achieving different style curls and waves, thanks to a feature that beeps to let you know when to release for tight or loose curls.
Product specifications:
- Barrel size: not specified
- Weight: not specified
- Cord length: 3 metres
- Heat settings: variable (between 150°C - 210°C)
