Tester feedback: “I love the interchangeable parts,” says Gutierrez. “It’s easy to use, and it’s great for those with a variety of curl patterns throughout their hair. For my thick, wavy hair, I use the medium and large barrels, while the small one works well for tendrils with an updo.”
Product highlights: interchangeable barrels, auto shut-off after 60 minutes, comes with heat-protective storage bag and glove | Who it’s for: curly hair
Best Barrel Size Options: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron
Why it’s worth it: Whether you’re looking for waves, curls, or tight spirals, this evenly heated curling iron will work magic without breaking the bank. “I always recommend Hot Tools for professional stylists looking to expand their collection because they are a little more old-fashioned-looking with the clip, and the barrel is gold-plated steel, allowing it to create a lot more heat, which means a lot more power,” Gorman says.You can choose from seven different barrel sizes depending on what kind of curl you go for, ranging from 0.5-inch (tight, bouncy curls) to 2 inches (loose, beachy waves).
Product highlights: multiple heat settings up to 450 degrees, 2-hour automatic shut-off | Who it’s for: all hair types and textures
Other Hot Tools curling irons we love:
– For Uniform Waves: Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold 3 Barrel Hair Waver, $85
– For Crease-Free Curls: Hot Tools Professional Nano Ceramic 1-1/4″ Flipperless Tapered Curling Wand, $60
Best Variety of Attachments: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Why it’s worth it: Shark’s FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for Best Multi-Styler, thanks to two 1.25-inch curling barrels that use Coanda technology. If this sounds familiar, the Dyson Airwrap uses the same tech to attract, wrap, and curl hair without heat damage. The nozzle rotates into an ergonomic “L” shape, making your at-home blowout experience all the more comfortable. The oval brush is great for amping up volume and the dual-bristle brush easily smooths away flyaways.
Product highlights: two 1.25-inch curlers, oval brush, paddle brush, concentrator, 4 heat settings, 3 airflow settings, cool shot button | Who it’s for: people who want a tool that does it all
Best for Beginners: Chi Spin N Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler
Why it’s worth it: Chi’s Spin n Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler looks kind of like a robot tulip, but unlike a robot tulip, it serves a useful purpose: making hair-curling effortless. Once your hair enters the heated chamber, it twirls around as the barrel rotates and is released within an ideal time frame.If this description is giving you war flashbacks to the Conair Quick Twist tool of the early aughts, fear not: The tangle-protection technology in this curling iron makes it foolproof instead of fearsome.
