Consider the temperature
“You definitely should find a curling iron that has temperature control, so you can adjust it for your texture,” Maine says. “For fine hair or heavily color-treated, you want to keep the iron closer to 325 degrees,” he explains (and fwiw, Cosmo’s beauty editor Beth Gillette is obsessed with the Kristin Ess Hair Nanoblack 1.25” Curling Iron for her baby-fine hair). “But for coarser and more-resistant hair types, around 400 degrees is appropriate,” Maine says. Which is why testers with thick hair loved the ease of not having to adjust the temperature on the Ghd Classic Curl Curling Iron, since it exclusively heats up to 365 degrees.
For the most accurate temperature reading, find a curling iron or wand with a digital screen (see: Kim Kimble Tourmaline Ceramic Multi-Barrel Auto-Rotating Curling Iron and the Trademark Mood Starter Kit). Otherwise, a dial or toggle button works, too—it’s just less precise. Just make sure you have the option to adjust the temperature as needed. Hairstylist Amy Abramite says you always want to take into consideration the overall condition of your hair and adjust the heat for the safest, healthiest results. Start low and raise the temp in small increments until you’ve found the sweet-spot that styles without scorching.
Figure out the easiest tool for your skills
Next, you want to decide if you want a classic curling iron with a spring clamp, a marcel iron, or a curling wand. Not only does the type of curling iron change the way you hold and maneuver it, but it also affects the end results of your curls. “I love a curling wand for a beachy, messy look, and the iron for a perfect curl shape and hold.” says Tamika Gibson, hairstylist and wig expert. “A wand is great for looser curls but doesn’t give the same hold or structure as an iron.” Of all the curling irons and wands I’ve tested, my favorite is the Conair Double Ceramic 1-inch Curling Wand for how long my curls last and how simple it is to use.
Meanwhile, “an iron allows for a sturdier, tighter curl, which is why looser curls and waves are a bit harder to achieve with it,” says Gibson. Which is why reviewers overall loved the Beachwaver Curling Iron for giving them long-lasting, beachy waves. And if you’re deciding between a spring iron vs. a marcel (like the Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron) they give pretty similar results, says Maine, but the main difference is how you hold and clamp the curl. If you’re a beginner, go for a spring clamp or wand.
Look at the barrel size
One of the most important features of a curling iron is the barrel size because the diameter of the iron determines the size of the curl. “Creating a tight corkscrew curl needs a smaller diameter than a loose beach wave, which needs a bigger diameter,” Abramite explains. “On average, barrel sizes range from 0.5 inches to 2 in. with increments in between. This greatly affects the springiness or how relaxed a curl is.” If you want beachy waves, go for a 1 to 2 in. iron; if you want big, voluminous curls, try a 1.75 to 2 in. iron; and if you want springy, Taylor-Swift debut-era ringlets, look for a 0.5 to 0.75 in. iron.