Celebrity Hairstylists Explain How to Pick the Best Curling Wand for You (2024)

Think of curling wands as the sister to curling irons. They're similar but not identical: Curling wands don't have a clamp or clip to hold the hair against the barrel. While the difference might seem minuscule, it does impact your results, and fans swear that a wand is easier to navigate and more user-friendly. "Curling irons that have a clamp create a style that is more defined because the hair is secured as it wraps around the barrel," says Irinel de León, a celebrity hairstylist. Wands, on the other hand, create looser, softer bends that look more effortless and lived-in. "They also won't crease or dent the hair," de León notes. To use, hold the wand vertically with one hand as you wrap a small section of hair around the barrel with the other; start from mid-length and keep wrapping until you near the end (stylists often like to leave the last inch or two straight). You can wrap toward or away from your face, depending on preference. Hold the section on the barrel for a few seconds, and then release to unveil a perfect curl. (Note that you may find it easier to hold the wand upside down as you wrap.)

How to choose a curling wand

Choosing the right tool depends on the style you're looking for, says celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan. The size and shape of the barrel will offer different results. Generally speaking, the wider the wand, the looser the curl. If you prefer a traditional and tighter curl, a barrel one inch or less might be better suited for you. "Look for a tool with technology that protects the integrity of the hair," adds León. "Temperature control is important to avoid damage. You need to adjust the heat depending on the condition of your hair. If you have fine hair, a lower temperature is needed. Thick and coarse hair can handle higher temperatures." These curling wands check the boxes:

If you've questioned whether the Dyson is worth its hefty price tag, we're here to say yes, especially if you love big, voluminous waves (like the kind that a killer round-brush blowout creates). "The Airwrap comes with a 1.2-inch and a 1.6-inch barrel, so you’re able to customize based on your hair length and the style you’re trying to achieve," says León. It also creates less damage compared to other heat tools because it relies on air force more than heat level thanks to the "Coanda effect," a physics term that refers to the way air (and in this case hair) wraps around a barrel.

This automatic curling wand is made to do the hard work for you. The ceramic barrel is encased in a chamber to protect your hands from heat. To use, select a temperature (there are five options), a curl type (choose between defined, loose, or wavy), and a curl direction. Then, place your hair into the chamber slot before pushing the start button, which will gently wrap your hair around the barrel to achieve your desired look. You get results without the hassle of trying to figure out a clamp or worrying about burning yourself with an exposed rod.

Get perfect curls no matter where you are with this travel-friendly wand. It's the perfect companion for long vacations, weekend trips, or even throwing in your purse on a day you're running late to work. It offers over 40 minutes of styling on a single battery, and heats up to a maximum temperature of 400˚F within 60 seconds. We tested it!

This hybrid model offers the security of an iron without the creasing. It has a small clamp to hold hair in place and then the 1-inch barrel rotates, so it does the curling for you. You can create everything from beachy waves to Hollywood curls.

Whether you have naturally tight curls and want to reinforce and define your texture or you've always wanted to create ringlets, this thin barrel makes it easy to achieve either look. The ceramic barrel maintains a temperature of 365°F to help avoid excess heat damage. It also comes with a styling glove to protect hands.

Achieve the most effortless beachy texture with this 1.5-inch wand. It curls hair in a matter of seconds, so no need to wait around or risk excess heat damage. It also conveniently features an auto shutoff feature, so you never have to worry if you've turned off your tool.

It's not uncommon for long hair to run out of room on the barrel. Luckily, this wand is two inches longer than the average, which also makes styling the back of your head easier. It also features technology that seals the hair cuticle to lock in moisture and keep hair conditioned and bouncy.

Why have one curling wand when you can have them all? This five-in-one styler has all the options you could ever need for styling. It includes a curling handle, four different-sized curling wands, an iron with a clamp, and a hair waver. All hair types can achieve the hairstyle of their dreams with this multifunctional tool.

The reverse-tapered design of this wand creates especially bouncy waves. And because the bottom part of the barrel is thinner, it's easy to wrap the ends of the hair around it. The barrel heats up to 450°F and adds shine to hair, thanks to ionic technology.

"This wand has a tapered barrel that allows for more definition through the ends and texture throughout the hair," says Marjan. "It also has ultra zone technology, which is constantly readjusting the temperature to stay at 365°F for more consistent styling, less damage, and longer lasting results." The tip also stays cool to ensure a safer curling experience.