The best hair curlers are a beauty holy grail, helping to create bouncy ringlets or bombshell waves that last dusk ’til dawn. Whether your preference is for a gentle and undone “French new wave” look or the TikTok-viral mermaid S-shape, there’s a curling tool to suit every taste and hair type.
As a beauty editor with more than a decade of experience in the industry, I know what to look for when it comes to curlers. A traditional wand or tong – such as the ghd curve thin curling wand – will give you the corkscrew curls of dreams (the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl). Meanwhile, the best straighteners, like the T3 curl ID, can create red-carpet-ready curls that ooze glamour.
For those who can’t get to grips with wrapping their tresses around hair tools, innovative devices such as the Dyson airwrap and the BaByliss wave secret air will do it for you automatically, by sucking up your hair and getting it into shape.
Then there are the oversized three-barrel hair wavers, such as the Beauty Works professional jumbo waver, as loved by Filter’s Molly-Mae Hague. These designs work differently, in that you clamp the hair, just as you would with an old-fashioned crimper, but, instead of zigzags, you’ll get mermaid-esque waves.
Once you’ve figured out what kind of curls you’re after, consider your hair type. Fine, fragile or over-processed strands will need variable temperature settings to dial down the heat, so as not to damage strands while styling. Meanwhile, thicker or straight styles will need a high temperature, so the curls stay in place. Read on to find out which devices I really rate as being the best hair curlers on the market.
How I tested
To find the best hair curlers, I put both the long-standing favourites and the latest hot tools on trial. All were tested individually on freshly washed strands and protected with the same all-important heat protection spray.
- Performance: To make this winning line-up, the hair curlers had to create long-lasting, salon-worthy professional curls.
- Ease of use: However, they also had to be easy to master and speedy to use. They also had to heat up quickly and have an automatic shut-off for peace of mind.
- Heat settings: I also paid attention to any that had multiple heat settings or any stand-out features, such as Dyson’s unique ‘cool shot’ function. Similarly, I assessed whether any of the hair curlers exceeded the recommended optimal temperature of 185C – if they did, I considered any damage to my hair. Different hair curlers vary in temperature ranges and heat distribution, so I included a mix of all types of tools.
- Features: I also considered any extra features like auto shut-off, which can give you peace of mind when you’re leaving the house in a rush.
- Barrel type: I tested small, thin tongs like the ghd wand for creating tight, defined, and bouncy curls, as well as wavers from the likes of Beauty Works for enviously beachy, mermaid waves. I also tried more traditional tongs for looser curls and next-generation tools that combine various techniques (think BaByliss’ secret wave tool). Rest assured, there’s a curler for everyone, with each barrel tested for different hair types and looks.
- Longevity of the curls: Lastly, I took note of how long my curls – when using the same topical products (hairsprays and serums) – lasted throughout the day, after using each tool.
Why you can trust IndyBest
Sabine Wiesel is a beauty journalist in her 40s who has decades of experience reviewing everything from the best neck creams and retinol eye creams to body moisturisers and microneedling tools. When it comes to haircare, she’s tested volumising products and heat protectant sprays, and she knows which ingredients nourish and protect tresses. She put this expertise to use when reviewing the best hair curlers, considering which tools were most effective while also being the least damaging. In all her reviews, she finds the best-value products that actually make an impact.
The best hair curlers for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Dyson airwrap i.d: £399.99, Dyson.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Remington proluxe you adaptive styler: £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for ease of use – BaByliss wave secret air: £150, Boots.com
- Best for mermaid waves – Bellissima beach waves styler 2-in-1: £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for corkscrew curls – ghd curve thin curling wand: £159, Amazon.co.uk
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Dyson airwrap i.d.
Best: Overall hair curler
Barrel width: 40mm and 20-30mm conical barrel
Number of heat settings: Three
Cord length: 2.675m
Why we love it
- No need to swap barrels to change direction of airflow
- Coanda attachment minimises flyaways
- Great versatility of styling with six attachments
- Versions for straight-wavy and curly-coily
Take note
- Quite hot near scalp in certain areas
- Works best with rollers for long-lasting curls
Dyson’s latest airwrap rework has brought about several innovative changes, including a unique airwrap i.d. cycle which takes all the hard work out of curling. Breaking this down a bit, the previous model required users to curl on one heat before lowering to a cool shot to set the curl. With the i.d. button (a second function of the power button), the airwrap works through these steps in sequence without your intervention. What’s more, the new iteration features bluetooth connectivity, too, so you can personalise your own hair profile in-app and customise your curling experience. Pretty nifty.
For me, the i.d. works best if you’re seeking a bouncy Hollywood-style curl (versus waves or prom-style) and, for those with thicker hair, you’ll see best results if following up with a set of rollers. While the air flow does create more frizz than a traditional iron curler, the handy coanda attachment is on-hand and ready to smooth down those pesky flyaways. If you’re hoping to create a voluminous finish, I went about setting the top section of curls in three rollers atop the crown of my head before using the coanda down the left and right sides (down to the ear, but no lower) to help balance smooth strands with a non-flat finish.
As with all versions of the airwrap, the use of airflow versus a clamp of direct heat is, understandably, less damaging to fragile strands – though I did find it a touch hot when curling near the scalp. It’s a godsend that the brand has done away with the 2x barrels for clockwise and anti-clockwise curling and, now, you need only knock the node at the top of the attachment to reverse the airflow.
Admittedly, this isn’t as easy as a traditional wand or clamp curler; however, I can’t deny that it produces the most salon-worthy curls once you do get the hang of it. A quick search for Dyson airwrap results on TikTok or Instagram will certainly show you: the proof is in the pudding.
Read the full Dyson airwrap i.d. review now
Buy now £399.00, Boots.com
Remington proluxe you adaptive styler
Best: Budget hair curler
Barrel width: 19-32mm (conical-shaped)
Number of heat settings: Nine
Cord length: 3m
Why we love it
- Anti-slip texture
- Good for getting creative
You can trust Remington for purse-friendly hair tools that perform. The brand has several top-notch hair curlers that don’t break the bank, including this one, which is my favourite yet from the brand. It uses tech that adapts to your hair and styling needs to give you the best temperature for optimum results, but you can also go manual, with one of its nine temperatures ranging from 130C to 210C.
The styler’s ceramic coating has an anti-slip texture that grips the hair, making it easy to wrap around the conical-shaped barrel for natural-looking uneven curls that stay in shape all day. I found you can also play around and create tighter spirals at its narrower point at the top of the wand and looser waves at the bottom. A top choice for getting creative.
Buy now £47.83, Amazon.co.uk
BaByliss wave secret air
Best: Hair curler for ease of use
Barrel width: N/A
Number of heat settings: Three
Cord length: 2.5m
Why we love it
- Very easy to use
- Good for all hair types
- Built-in sensors
This one should be top of the list for anyone who’s struggled to master curling techniques in the past – be it with straighteners or curling wands. BaByliss’s next-generation automatic waver does all the hard work for you. All you have to do to create beautiful loose spirals is place sections of hair (between 3cm and 5cm) into the ceramic curl chamber, and it will do the rest.
No matter how long or thick your hair is, the curl chamber is large enough to automatically suck in strands and wrap them around once you close the handles together. You’ll then hear four beeps, which tell you to release the wave as a blast of cool air sets hair in place. Cleverly, it has wave direction buttons, so you can choose which way you’d like your curl to face.
It took us a few sections to master using this hair tool, but you can’t really go wrong, as it has built-in sensors that detect if the hair isn’t placed correctly. I couldn’t believe how quickly I could style my locks and how well the carefree curls stayed in place all day.
Buy now £150.00, Boots.com
Bellissima beach waves styler 2-in-1
Best: Hair curler for mermaid waves
Barrel width: 16mm
Number of heat settings: Three
Cord length: 3m
Why we love it
- Option for narrow or wide waves
- Easy to use
Bellissima is an Italian hair tool brand that’s relatively new to the UK. Within its range of hair tools is this clever hair waver that creates S-shaped crimps that even The Little Mermaid’s Ariel would be proud of. What sets this tool apart is the fact that you can rotate the plate, so you can choose between narrow or wide waves to suit your style and hair type. It works just like a crimping iron, where you work down sections of hair, overlapping to get an even result.
It couldn’t be easier to use, and it works fast – you only need to hold it in place for five seconds per set. You’ll then be left with wavy, crimped beachy kinks that can’t be imitated by traditional hair curlers. I was also impressed with how tousled my strands looked on second-day hair, to add to the effect.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
Ghd curve thin curling wand
Best: For corkscrew curls
Barrel width: 14mm
Number of heat settings: One
Cord length: 2.7m
Why we love it
- Healthy heat tech
- Speedy
- Long-lasting curls
For tight and defined spirals, the thinnest barrel in the ghd collection should be your go-to. It uses the same heat tech as the rest of the first-rate curlers in the line-up – a consistent and moderate 185C, so you can trust it won’t damage or burn your precious strands.
The skinny 14mm wand enables you to create super-tight corkscrew curls with major Eighties perm vibes. Simply use thin sections of hair wrapped closely around the wand, using the heat-resistant glove to prevent burning your hand. You’ll be surprised at how speedy this look is to create, as you only need to hold sections in place for a few seconds.
This isn’t a one-curl wand, either. I found that, with a little practice, you can create voluminous ringlets, using larger sections of hair spread out across the barrel, as well as brushed waves, for a more relaxed look. You can expect them to last, too, as my curls looked just as fresh the day after styling.
Buy now £159.00, Amazon.co.uk
Beauty Works professional jumbo waver
Best: For loose waves
Barrel width: 32mm triple
Number of heat settings: From 80C to 220C
Cord length: Unspecified
Why we love it
- Quick and simple to use
You may be familiar with the popular Beauty Works waver, which creates dreamy mermaid S-shaped kinks, but this is the jumbo version that creates bigger, bouncier beach waves. It works the same way, using the crimping-style method of working down sections of hair. Simply decide how far up you’d like the curl to start and clamp sections of hair, working down the stands. Hold the tool in place for up to 10 seconds – the longer hair is clamped, the more defined the texture will look – and voila.
Don’t be put off by its bulkiness, as it isn’t heavy. Its design is what makes it so quick and simple to use – so much so, I even found myself effortlessly fitting it into busy morning routines. Brush hair through with a wide-tooth comb to loosen it, or spritz with hairspray to hold a smooth, uniform effect – I love both looks.
Buy now £69.95, Beautybay.com
Turbo Tong X hair curler
Best: Curler for long hair and extensions
Barrel width: 32mm
Number of heat settings: Variable from 60C to 220C
Cord length: 3m
Why we love it
- Large size saves a lot of time
- Long-lasting curls
If you need an extra-long barrel for your long locks, look no further, as this 32mm curler was made with you in mind. With standard tools being too short to curl sections in one, this size ensures hair can be tonged in one go.
It heats up in just 30 seconds, even though it’s a larger barrel, and it has a variable temperature control – making it a good choice for fragile strands that need the heat dialled down. I created effortless, free-flowing curls in around 15 minutes by pointing the tool downwards and wrapping sections of hair around the barrel. For a softer look, brush out curls so they loosen for glam old-school waves. Either way, they last all day and night.
Buy now £155.00, Turbotonghair.com
L’Oréal Professional steampod 4
Best: Curler for thick hair types
Barrel width: N/A
Number of heat settings: Three
Cord length: 2.5m
Why we love it
- Integrated water tank to steam hair
This steampod is much more than just a straightener, as it creates waves and curls like a dream, too. If you’re not familiar with the tech behind it, it does things a little differently. It uses an integrated mini water tank to steam hair, which promises to cause less damage than conventional tools.
We’ve created smooth, poker-straight styles and red-carpet-ready bouncy curls with this tool, as the new rounder design, teamed with new wider floating ceramic plates coated in aluminium, makes light work of any style. The speedy results are what make this tool stand out from the crowd. Even if you have thick, tougher-to-style hair, you’ll be impressed with how effortlessly this tool glides through strands. I found styles, be they straight or curly, lasted well throughout the day, too.
Buy now £305.00, Boots.com
Beachwaver B1 rotating curling iron
Best: For beachy waves
Barrel width: 1in
Number of heat settings: Three
Cord length: 2.4m
Why we love it
- Good for beginners
- Faff-free
This may look like your average curling iron, but it’s so much more. Founded by US celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa, whose clients include the likes of Camilla Cabello and Bella Hadid, this is a self-rotating wand, and it comes in a range of fun designs.
To create long-lasting, frizz-free, bouncy curls, all you have to do is clip the end in place and press it to rotate and wrap the hair around the wand. It’s faff-free, making it ideal for beginners, but professionals will love its speediness. I like to set curls in place with a spritz of hairspray for more glamorous Old-Hollywood waves that last all day or brush through hair, for more beachy vibes that last until wash day.
Buy now £119.00, Amazon.com
T3 curl ID
Best: For classic curls
Barrel width: 32mm
Nine: Number of heat settings
Cord length: 2.74m
Why we love it
- Uses smart tech and heat
- Long lasting curls
With smart tech and a touch interface, this hair tool feels like the future when in the hand. Simply input your hair type and texture, and it customises the heat to the best temperature to create beautiful, bouncy, damage-free curls that last for days.
This iron is on the larger side, with a one-and-a-quarter-inch-wide barrel perfect for mid-length to longer styles. It has a clamp that I found makes styling much easier to control. Simply secure the end of your hair section in place for easy winding up. However, you can still use it as a wand, wrapping hair around the barrel, if you’re used to that technique.
You’ll quickly master cascading curls that, most impressively, last until they’re washed out. Consider us impressed.
Buy now £127.90, Beautybay.com
Your hair curler questions answered
What is the best hair curler?
The best overall goes to the Dyson airwrap, which has made hair curling even easier, now that you don’t have to change barrels to change curl direction. The only negative is its price point, but for those who style regularly, it’s an investment worth making.
If it’s beachy waves you’re after, the Beauty Works jumbo waver is suitable for beginners and professionals alike, with its super-easy-to-use design and speedy results. Honourable mentions go to Remington’s pro-luxe curler for its sheer value for money, as well as the beachwaver, thanks to its foolproof ease of use.
Is it bad to curl your hair a lot?
As much as I love curling my locks, heat styling is generally viewed as something of an enemy to hair health. However, while using a curling iron can very easily lead to breakage and damage, tools have come a long way, and many either maintain a steady temperature of 185C – the ideal maximum temperature – or give you the option to adjust the temperature to best suit your hair type.
To prevent damage, it’s also vital that you use heat protection products, which add a barrier between the tool and your strands to seal in moisture and fight frizz.
How to choose the best hair curler for you
Different tongs will produce different styles, so, it’s best to know what kind of curl you want to create before buying. Some curlers are better for beach waves, for example, while others may work better for statement ringlets.
You may also want to consider your hair type when choosing which hair curlers to go for. If you regularly dye or bleach your hair, opt for a tool that uses a lower temperature, as this will minimise damage.
A lower temperature can also be a better option if you will be using the tongs to style your hair regularly or have fine hair, for the same reason. Alternatively, if you have thick hair, tongs with a higher temperature may hold your curls for longer.
For more tried-and-tested hair tools, read our guide to the best cordless hair straighteners
