The 9 Best Curling Wands of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Why We Love It: The Le Curl wand is your best friend for effortlessly gorgeous curls, thanks to its titanium barrel that heats up fast and evenly to 410 degrees—perfect for locking in long-lasting waves and shine. The clip-free design ensures no creases or clamp marks, allowing for smooth, shiny spirals or beachy waves, depending on your styling preference. We also love that it comes with a heat-resistant glove to protect bare fingers. The wand glides through sections like a dream, and it leaves hair with that just-left-the-blowout-bar finish without actually having to step foot into a salon.

Who It’s For: If you’re all about simplicity but still want salon-worthy results, consider this your new go-to. It’s ideal for medium to thick hair or anyone craving consistent, soft curls without the fuss. Beginners will love the one-button power and auto-set temp, while pros will appreciate the 6-foot swivel cord and ergonomic design.

Worth Noting: This wand does not have temperature adjustments, so it is recommended for use with caution by those with finer textures. Also, there’s no cool tip, which means more glove time and potential finger burns if you’re not careful.

Barrel Size: 1, 1.25 inches | Heat Settings: 410 degrees | Barrel Material: Titanium

Alyssa, tester with 3B hair: “Despite being a 32mm wand, with no smaller or tapered end, I was still able to achieve different styles. Adding more hair around the barrel resulted in larger, looser curls. Wrapping less hair around the barrel resulted in more defined curls. I also appreciate that the barrel is titanium. It doesn’t feel cheap, and it also helped to reduce frizz, which is always an issue for me when I curl my 3B hair.”

Why We Love It: We love a surprisingly luxe glam tool on a budget. With its tapered tourmaline-ceramic barrel, it smooths and defines each lock, delivering shiny, beachy waves in minutes. It heats up to 430 degrees in under a minute, features 10 adjustable heat settings, and includes a protective glove. Best of all? All of this is under $50. It’s like having a mini styling bar that can go wherever you go, giving you tousled, just-stepped-off-vacation vibes without annoying frizz. 

Who It’s For: Unlike some of the other options on this list, this curling wand offers three heat settings fit for finer hair textures to thicker manes. Perfect for creating salon-worthy waves without spending a fortune, this tool is beginner-friendly yet versatile, thanks to its clamp-free design.

Worth Noting: Because it’s compact, it may feel a little short for reaching root-to-tip on super-long hair, but that doesn’t stop it from delivering gorgeous results fast.

Barrel Size: 0.75, 1 inches | Heat Settings: Up to 430 degrees | Barrel Material: Ceramic 

Stephanie, tester with type 4A hair (not shown): “The Bed Head Rock N’ Waver excelled in creating gorgeous waves in my type 4 hair. The barrels are large enough to produce loose, beachy waves that add volume and texture to my curls. I appreciated how quickly I could achieve a full head of waves, which is a time-saver for my busy schedule.”

Why We Love It: No clamp? No problem! At-home blowouts just got a lot easier thanks to this styling wand by Drybar. Known for their easy, breezy blowouts, the brand created a reverse-taper barrel that widens towards the handle. We love it because it gives flawless, bouncy waves every time, and luckily, you don’t have to be a pro to achieve salon-quality curls. Within a minute, it’s ready to roll thanks to its fast heat-up. Plus, ion and infrared tech help tame frizz while boosting shine so your curls come out glossy, not frizzy. 

Who It’s For: Beginners adore this wand’s simple digital temp dial, ergonomic build, and unique barrel shape that practically guides your hair into seamless waves—all without a clamp or awkward angles. From long, thick manes to mid-length styles, it delivers salon-worthy results with minimal effort required. Additionally, the 60-minute automatic safety shut-off is a welcome security measure.

Worth Noting: This wand is best for achieving looser waves rather than tight curls due to the barrel size. Since the tip of the wand does get hot, we’d recommend using a glove if you’re new to curling wands to avoid any burns. 

Barrel Size: 1 inch | Heat Settings: Up to 450 degrees | Barrel Material: Ceramic 

Roselynn, tester with 2A hair: “I really liked the design as it wasn’t too heavy, and I found it really easy to use. I also liked that the buttons weren’t too sensitive and never clicked if I accidentally pressed them, so the settings weren’t changing by accident.”

Why We Love It: The NuMe Classic Pearl Curling Wand is a game changer for short hairstyles. We’re obsessed with the unique bubble-shaped barrel, which takes the guesswork out of wrapping hair and creates perfectly imperfect, beachy waves with volume. The tourmaline ceramic barrel heats evenly to 410 degrees, helping to seal the cuticle and resulting in shinier, healthier-looking curls with reduced frizz. And because there’s no clip, you don’t have to worry about those annoying dents or kinks. It also heats up super fast, so you’re not waiting around forever to style, and comes with a protective glove to keep your fingers safe while you twist and twirl. 

Who It’s For: If you have a pixie, bob, or lob, this wand has your name written all over it. Our tester loves the bounce that the bubble-shaped wand gives on shorter cuts. Even first-timers find wrapping their hair between the pearls intuitive, and the waves basically form themselves. Whether you’re after defined spirals or those effortless beach waves, this wand makes styling short hair fast and frustration-free. 

Worth Noting: It’s worth giving a heads up that this wand doesn’t offer temperature control, so all that you get is the maximum 410-degree setting, which may feel a bit intense for finer strands. Additionally, the absence of an auto shut-off means you’ll need to stay alert when using it. 

Barrel Size: 0.5, 1 inches | Heat Settings: 410 degrees | Barrel Material: Ceramic 

Chantia, tester with 4C hair: “I was unable to achieve a tight curls look with just this wand. However, it did help perfect my tight curls when I set my hair by using the wand, then followed up with flexi rods for about an hour. The wand did help to reduce frizz and enhance the shine of my curls. My hair was still smooth, and there weren’t untamed ends all over the place.”

Why We Love It: This curling wand puts effortless glam at your fingertips. We like to think of it as the unicorn of curl tools for long hair, thanks to the innovative tapered barrel that creates natural waves. We suggest using the wide end to form voluminous curls and the narrower tip for defined ringlets. Thanks to the brand’s Ultra-zone smart technology, it maintains a consistent 365 degrees across the barrel, which means fewer hot spots, less damage, and curls that hold for hours. We’re also impressed by how quickly it heats (under 30 seconds!) and the thoughtful extras that come with the wand, such as a cool-tip safety feature, a built-in stand, auto shut-off after 30 minutes, and a heat-resistant glove.

Who It’s For: This wand is a dream for anyone with long, thick strands craving lush, beachy volume without stepping foot into a salon. It’s super lightweight and easy to maneuver, so that full-head styling doesn’t feel like an absolute workout. Whether your hair is pin straight or already has texture, the ghd Curve adds definition, bounce, and structure in just a few minutes. 

Worth Noting: It’s worth noting that this wand has only one preset heat setting of 365 degrees, so be sure to add a heat protectant for gentler styling. 

Barrel Size: 0.9, 1.1 inches | Heat Settings: 365 degrees | Barrel Material: Ceramic 

Anna, tester with 1A hair: “The wand was incredibly easy to maneuver, I liked the barrel size in my hand, and the length was an adequate size as well. The wand definitely created the curl size I wanted by wrapping the desired amount of hair around the wand. The wand felt well-made while also still light and easy to hold for a long period of time.”

Why We Love It: BaByliss is renowned for its exceptional heat tools, and this one certainly lives up to the brand’s reputation. Say hello to salon-worthy spirals and waves in a flash because this wand is proof that you don’t need a huge barrel to make a major impact. The extra-long nano-titanium barrel heats evenly and holds up to 430 degrees, providing your fine strands with glossy, frizz-free results without damaging them. It’s lightweight and dual-voltage, which means minimal arm fatigue and travel-ready packing. Plus, the digital controls let you fine-tune the heat, so whether you want soft ringlets or strong curls, you’re in total command.  

Who It’s For: Fine-haired girls, rejoice because this wand is for you. The slim barrel is ideal for smaller sections and provides control without overwhelming your delicate texture. The adjustable heat settings mean you can stay on the lower end to protect fragile strands. Our InStyle tester especially appreciated the extended wand on her longer tresses. Additionally, the even heat distribution helps curls form quickly and stay defined without drooping by midday. 

Worth Noting: A tiny barrel means more sections. You might spend a tad bit longer curling a full mane with this wand compared to using a larger barrel. 

Barrel Size: 0.5 inches | Heat Settings: Up to 430 degrees | Barrel Material: Nano titanium 

Ruby, tester with type 1A hair: “The wand was super easy and fast to use—it took me like 15 minutes! The barrel shape was also thin enough to maneuver without accidentally burning my hand or neck. Plus, the design was super lightweight to avoid arm fatigue.”

Why We Love It: “Thick hair can take a lot of heat, and you often need a higher heat setting to curl thick hair efficiently,” says Gueldner. “Finding a curling wand that offers adjustable heating is great for finding the best temperature for your hair.” The Chi Lava Tapered Wand is our secret weapon for thick, voluminous curls that just won’t quit. Its volcanic lava-infused ceramic barrel heats evenly up to 410 degrees, so you have the option to style at lower temps while keeping your strands frizz-free. The extended, tapered barrel allows you to fashion playful ringlets at the tip and looser waves near the base—all with one tool and no barrel swaps. We also give it bonus points for including a heat glove, offering an 11-foot swivel cord, and having an auto shut-off function. Safety first, right? 

Who It’s For: If your hair is dense, coarse, or long, this wand will be your new BFF. The ceramic barrel and consistent heat help tame thick tresses into smooth spirals and beachy waves that last. Additionally, the heat tool offers multiple temperature presets, allowing you to control your styling session without guesswork.

Worth Noting: This wand is a longer tool, so maneuvering it close to the root can be difficult at first, but it is especially beneficial for those with longer hair.

Barrel Size: 0.4, 0.75 inches | Heat Settings: Up to 410 degrees | Barrel Material: Ceramic

Marissa, tester with 2B hair: “It was very easy to maneuver the curling wand through my hair. The barrel size and shape were very convenient for me, as I have shorter hair. The barrel being so slim helped create the desired curls on my length of hair that I find to be difficult with a larger barrel.”

Why We Love It: If you’ve ever wanted those effortless beach waves like you just stepped off the shore, consider this your secret weapon. Its extended, tapered 24K gold barrel lets you create those perfectly undone, cool-girl waves while the gold-plated surface ensures even heat distribution. The longer barrel makes styling faster, especially if you’ve a lot of hair to work through, and the digital temperature controls make it easy to find your perfect setting, whether you’re going for a soft texture or a slightly more defined one. There’s also a cool tip and the included heat glove when working close to the face.

Who It’s For: Perfect for achieving a tousled, effortless look, the extended barrel is ideal for medium to long hair lengths. It’s also a good choice if you love a natural wave rather than a tight, defined curl. Due to its tapered shape, you can adjust the look by wrapping it differently—start at the base for looser waves or wrap tighter near the end for more bounce. Whether you have straight, wavy, or even thicker hair, this wand can help you achieve that breezy, lived-in texture that’s polished but never overdone.

Worth Noting: The barrel’s long and slim shape delivers dreamy beach waves, but may feel awkward at first if you’re used to shorter barrel wands.

Barrel Size: 1 inch | Heat Settings: Up to 450 degrees | Barrel Material: 24K gold plated ceramic 

Hilary, tester with 2B hair: “I found it easy to use and maneuver. The barrel size made it convenient for longer hair, as there was more surface room. I like the adjustable temperature and the bar to keep the barrel from touching the countertop.”

Why We Love It: This wand is the low-key curl icon you didn’t know you needed. Its sleek ceramic barrel glides through hair effortlessly for smooth, loose waves that last. With four temperature settings, it provides gentle control for barely there curls to soft, spiraled waves. We love how quickly it heats up and the long swivel cord that remains tangle-free. As a bonus, there’s an auto shut-off function for added safety. Additionally, it features dual-voltage capability, enabling you to travel the world with a heat tool that’s perfect for everyday use. 

Who It’s For: If you’re looking for effortlessly tousled waves, look no further. Shorter hair, longer lengths, fine or thick—this curling wand gives bounce and movement across the board. Beginners, in particular, will appreciate how intuitive it is. It’s the kind of curling wand that makes styling feel like a second nature (even if it’s your first time).

Worth Noting: Despite how much users love it, keep in mind there’s no heat glove included, so you’ll want to be mindful of how close your fingers get to the barrel.

Barrel Size: 1 inch | Heat Settings: Up to 410 degrees | Barrel Material: Ceramic 

Stephanie, tester with 1B hair (not shown): “I love how easy and quick it is to give myself loose barrel curls with the one-inch attachment. It took less than 10 minutes.”