Best Curling Irons 2023, Honest Reviews by Hair Experts

11/17

Best Rotating Curling Iron: Chi Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin ’N Curl

If you’re even somewhat interested in hair care, there’s a good chance Chi’s rotating curling iron has come across your TikTok For You page. It draws hair into a rotating chamber, timing each section for consistency. There’s also an auto-off feature and an 11-foot cord—plenty of length for any home user.

Pros: Great for beginners; adjustable temperature; works quickly.Cons: Not ideal for thick hairHeat setting: 1Barrel size: 1 inchMaterial: CeramicHair types: All hair typesBest for styling: Bouncy, shiny curlsTried, tested & the honest review: This thing looks intimidating as hell, but it’s surprisingly easy to use. All you do is section your hair into one-inch pieces (smaller sections are key), feed it into the chamber, press a button, and boom—curls. It’s a little heavy and clunky-looking, but the design is great if you’re someone who always burns yourself, since the outside chamber stays cool. The lasting results were what really sold me, though. I purposefully tested the iron right before bed to see how the curls would match up against a night of sleep. The next morning I woke up to see that my hair still had modern, thick waves. —Halie LeSavage, contributorSave on the best curling irons with these Ulta promo codes.

12/17

Most Gentle Curling Iron: Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron

Marcel irons are definitely not for the curling iron novice, since they require more coordination to use. But on the flip side, hairstylists love them because they give you more control to manipulate your hair exactly how you want it. If this isn’t your first rodeo, go with this three-piece tool that works as a wand, marcel, and curling iron all in one. Plus, you can adjust the heat between a gentle 190°F and a more intense 380°F, ensuring you’ll get the right temperature for your hair type.

Pros: Multiple heat settings, versatile design, automatic shutoff; gives long-lasting curlsCons: Not ideal for beginnersHeat setting: 190°F–380°FBarrel size: 1.25 inchesMaterial: CeramicHair types: Fine hairBest for styling: Defined curls, beach waves, natural wavesTried, tested & the honest review: This iron, designed by Gisele Bündchen’s mane man, gives you the best of both worlds. The clip detaches easily from the barrel, making it easy to experiment with both to see which delivers your favorite curls and waves. Bonus: The longtime fave recently underwent a makeover and now delivers more even heat throughout, so your curls will hold longer. —S.Y.W.Save on the best curling irons with these Dermstore promo codes.