13 Best Curling Irons for Perfect Waves, According to Hair Stylists

Multiple hairstylists recommended this curling iron, landing itself in our best overall category. Its ultra-zone technology guarantees even heat throughout the entire barrel, which produces curls in just 5-8 seconds. “The tool has an optimum curling temperature of 365 ºF which can create a great style,” says celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salons Gina Rivera. “Even heat distribution is maintained for tri-zone heat regulation. The spring-activated level makes for ergonomic comfort and ease of styling.”

You read that correctly: This curling iron costs only $20, and you can get it at the drugstore! “This iron has been in my kit for years, and has held up to a ton of abuse,” says Hope Russo, a hairstylist in Mobile, Alabama. “I love the variable heat settings and the 30-second warm-up time. It's a steal at the price.”

“Made with a custom blend of ceramic, this curling iron creates long-lasting, frizz-free curls with just one pass,” says Brown. The technology helps ensure even, optimal heat distribution, which allows you to curl your hair without exposing strands to unnecessary heat. “Made for all hair types, this is a great option for hair ranging from fine to textured and will keep your hair healthy and damage-free.”

“For a low-heat, versatile iron, I love the Dyson Airwrap Styler. This is a great consumer tool that offers the user a multitude of options. Protect your hair while you Curl, Wave, or Smooth,” says Moe. Though, this is part of a set, it is quite expensive, but many reviewers note that it’s worth the price tag.

“This curling iron is great for reforming and retexturizing the curl of curly, coiled, and natural curl hair types, making it perfect for all textured hair types!” explains Brown. “It is available in a variety of barrel sizes, allowing you to choose how defined and voluminous you would like your curls to be.” Plus, it boasts Rheostat Control for temperature variation with heat options between 200°F and 500°F, which helps create the perfect, contoured curls.

“This iron is amazing, quick heat-up time, small clamp for easy maneuvering. It has a button that automatically rotates the hair into a beach wave and takes the thinking out of the curling,” explains Harrington.

“This iron is great for longer hair lengths. The barrel is extra-long and keeps the long hair from getting tangled in the barrel and clamp which is a common problem,” says Harrington.

CHI is known for its powerhouse curling irons (who else remembers using the cheetah print CHI back in the day?), but its automatic curling iron is a top contender for us and thousands of Amazon reviewers. With a 1-inch ceramic rotating barrel that’s great for shoulder-length hair, this curling iron includes pre-set temperatures: low 370°F for fine hair, medium 390°F for medium hair, High 410°F for coarse hair.

Yes, some curling irons like this Hot Tools model are actually built like this, and yes, this design can help you create beautiful curls and waves for those with limited shoulder mobility. “The ergonomic design makes for a tool that works with you to create great curly and wavy styles, and the vibrating timer takes out the guesswork,” Russo says. “Hot Tools has been a hairdresser’s secret for years, loved for their durability and price point.”

“For classic Hollywood waves or beachy, windswept texture, I use the GHD Classic Wave-Oval Curling Wand,” says Moe. “This iron heats up so fast that you’ll be wrapping your way to shiny, glamorous waves in no time.”

Not only is this curling iron small and light enough to pack away for travel, but it also gives you lasting curls, says Ramona Villanueva, stylist at Boss Hair Group. “This iron heats up to 450 ºF, has an 8-foot long cord, and offers a mix of titanium and ceramic in the barrel for heat protection,” she says. “In addition, it has a booster heat button for hair that needs a bit more heat!”

Boasting eight interchangeable barrels, you’re bound to create the curl you want in no time. While $150 might seem pricey, you’re basically getting eight different curling irons in one. It heats up to 450°F in seconds, with automatic shutoff after 60 minutes. “Love this curler set,” one satisfied Amazon customer writes. “It’s got everything I could ever need all within a nice compact case!”

This three-in-one curling iron has three interchangeable heads, each yielding a different curl type. Try the classic curling iron for Old Hollywood-style curls, the beach waver for crimped, effortless beach waves, and the curling wand for perfectly tousled curls. The base features adjustable temperatures up to 450°F.