10 of the best curling irons and hair wands for short hair
I had long hair for most of my life, but then decided to chop it off to the middle of my neck in the summer of 2018 and have been rocking a bob ever since. Styling my new short ‘do came with a bit of a learning curve because, as anyone who’s gone from long to short knows, curling short hair is a completely different beast.
My favorite hair wand wasn’t giving me the same results anymore, and I needed to find the best curling iron for my short hair.
How is curling short hair different from curling long hair?
When you have less length to work with, you might have to switch up your preferred hair tool. Depending on how short your hair is, you can’t use some of the more innovative tools, like the self-rotating Beachwaver or Chi Spin N Curl. Read more...
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BEST FOR SALON-QUALITY CURLS
Hot Tools Professional Marcel iron/wandA cult favorite among professionals, this iron creates beachy waves and full curls.
- Size: 0.375, 0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 1, or 1.5 inch
- Heat range: 280 to 430 degrees
- Barrel material: 24 karat gold
BEST TRADITIONAL CURLING IRON
BaBylissPro spring curling ironUsed at the proper heat setting, this iron will give you healthy looking curls.
- Size: 0.75, 1, 1.25, or 1.5 inch
- Heat range: Up to 450 degrees
- Barrel material: Nano titanium
BEST FOR CREATING DIFFERENT STYLES
InfinitiPro two-in-one stylerCurl, wave, and straighten your hair with this one tool.
- Size: 1 inch
- Heat range: 320 to 400 degrees
- Barrel material: Ceramic coated interior, stainless steel exterior
BEST FOR CURL VARIETY
NuMe OctowandCreate tons of styles with eight interchangeable barrels of varying sizes and shapes.
- Size: 13, 19, 25, and 32 millimeters (in varying shapes)
- Heat range: Up to 450 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline infused ceramic
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION
InfinitiPro nano tourmaline ceramic curling ironThe InfinitiPro covers all the basics and is affordable.
- Size: 0.75, 1, 1.25, or 1.5 inch
- Heat range: 310 to 400 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
BEST FOR PROTECTING HAIR FROM HEAT DAMAGE
Dyson AirwrapThe Dyson Airwrap takes the place of multiple hair tools — but its hefty price tag reflects that.
- Size: 1.2 or 1.6 inch
- Heat range: Up to 302 degrees
BEST COMBINATION OF QUALITY AND VERSATILITY
T3 Whirl TrioThree interchangeable wands give you options to create different curls.
- Size: 0.75 to 1.25 tapered, 1, or 1.5 inch
- Heat range: Up to 410 degrees
- Barrel material: Tourmaline ceramic
BEST FOR REDUCING FRIZZ
Drybar 3-Day BenderThe 3-Day Bender will leave your hair frizz-free and shiny.
- Size: 1 inch
- Heat range: Up to 440 degrees
- Barrel material: Ceramic
BEST FOR OPTIMIZED HEAT
ghd Curve Iron CurlWith optimized heat settings, this iron gives you consistent curls that last.
- Size: 1 or 1.25 inch
- Heat range: 365 degrees
- Barrel material: Ceramic
BEST FOR YOUR BASIC NEEDS
Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Gold CurlThis iron doesn't have tons of bells and whistles, but it's a great option for everyday use.
- Size: 1 inch
- Heat range: 280 to 430 degrees
- Barrel material: Gold plated