The Different Types of Curling Irons and How to Choose for Your Hair Type (2024)

Curling irons are one of the most versatile hot tools out there. They can curl, wave, and even straighten your hair with some deft handling. But not all curling irons are created equal. If you're shopping for a curling iron with the sole purpose of, well, curling your hair, there are a few things you should know. For example, your hair type and texture could determine your purchase, as could your hair length, health, and hair goals. To help you choose the iron that will give you the large, bouncy, tight, or mermaid-like curls of your dreams, we called on the pros.

We also rounded up several types of curling irons that are perfect for thin, thick, frizzy, short, and other types of hair, but first, let's talk temperature. Heat is crucial for ensuring your curl holds, but it's important to avoid frying your locks. No matter what hot tool you choose, thin or damaged hair requires lower heat, while thick hair types can afford to go higher. Whatever your hair type, never exceed 450 degrees Fahrenheit—and always apply a heat protectant before styling.

• Fine or chemically treated hair: Never use a heat setting higher than 300degrees Fahrenheit if you have thin or chemically treated hair, as these hair types areprone to heat damage. When curling, celebrity hairstylist Matthew Collins advises using slow passes as opposed to several quick passes.
• Healthy or medium-thick hair:For hair that's untreated or medium in thickness, opt for a curling iron with temperature settings that range from 300 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Coarse, curly, or thick hair: Thick hair can get away with using curling irons that have temperatures ranging from 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Collins suggests working quickly, though, because using an extremely hot tool for too long can cause damage on any kind of hair.
  

Get to know the different types of curling irons with our expert-approved guide, ahead.

Ceramic Curling Iron

Ceramic not only spreads heat evenly—it also smooths out the hair. This makes it the most commonly used type of material used for curling irons, which is good news for those with thin hair. Because of their even distribution of heat, ceramic wands are easier on thin hair that can't stand a lot of heat. Collins recommends a curling iron with a full ceramic plate, rather than one that just has a ceramic coating. "The infrared heat goes deep into the hair quickly, so it locks in the moisture to create less damage," he explains. "Heat will be even and create a smooth, shiny surface."

Titanium Iron

Titanium is the most durable and lightweight curling iron material, and it can hold high heat settings for longer. A popular choice among professional hairstylists, titanium curling irons are ideal for thick hair types. "Titanium plates will heat up much quicker and are great for pros,but [it heats] from the outside in," warns Collins. But be warned: "For an inexperienced user, [this] could cause more damage over time."

Tourmaline Curling Iron

Titanium and ceramic are just the start. Curling irons come a variety of other materials, including tourmaline. Made from thestone of the same name, these curling irons emit negative ions that can help combat dullness, dryness, or frizziness. The science gets cooler: According to Collins, a tourmaline iron reacts with the positive ions in the hair to balance it out, leaving it smooth and shiny. Tourmaline is a great curling iron material for thicker hair types.

Gold-Plated Curling Iron

Gold-plated technology was used in early flat irons. When used in curling irons, the flashy material can tolerate high heat settings for an extended period, and can work well on coarse or thick hair. However, Collins warns that gold-plated curling irons don't balance heat very evenly.

1/2-inch Barrel Curling Iron

If you're looking to create coils or enhance your already naturally curly texture, a 1/2-inch curling iron is for you. This super thin curling wand by ghd boasts a 6.25" ceramic barrel for longer hair types, and a 30 second heat up time so you can curl quickly with ease.

3/4-inch Barrel Curling Iron

To create tight ringlets, look for a curling iron with a small, 3/4-inch barrel size. This barrel size works best for those with short and finehair, and can also add definition to curly hair. According to celebrity hairstylist Riwana Capri, those with naturally curly hair can grab a 3/4 barrel to pep up natural curl texture, regardless of hair length.

1-inch Barrel Curling Iron

A curling iron with a 1-inch barrel is like the little black dress of heat-activated stylers. It plays beautifully with a variety of lengths and textures, and works like a charm to add dimension. "This size is best for creating a lot of texture on all lengths," says Capri. And, in welcome news for anyone with a bob or pixie cut, "It’s especially good for short-haired people who want to create definition in their hair."

1 1/2-inch Barrel Curling Iron

A curling wand with a 1 1/2-inch barrel is an ideal curling companion for long hair. The reason? Longer hair can fit along the length of the barrel, so it's exposed to even heat from tips to ends. This size is also ideal for achieving loose, beachy waves. On shorter hair, this type of wand will give a soft, blown-out effect says Collins.

2-inch Barrel Curling Iron

For big, blowout waves once achievable by hot rollers, turn to a 2-inch barrel curling iron. This thickness is perfect to fake a salon blowout without setting foot in the chair. The titanium barrel adds shine to hair and reduces frizz. To style start at the ends and roll up, but be careful as this model reaches up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Traditional Curling Iron

Traditional curling irons feature a clamp that holds the ends in place as the iron rolls up the hair shaft. Capri says this type of curling iron an create a soft wave, sleek, Old-Hollywood-style glam, and beachy waves.

Clamp-less Curling Iron

While traditional curling irons have clamps, a curling wand works a bit differently. Instead of staying in place with a clamp, the hair gets wrapped around the barrel. Wands are ideal for those with dry or damaged ends, as leaving sections of hair unwrapped can prevent it from being exposed to damaging heat. Collins says this iron type is fab for someone who prefers the undone, “beach wave" look to their hair.

Cone-Shaped Curling Iron

With a wide base and a narrow tip, cone-shaped curling wandscreate natural-looking waves. Cone-shaped curls tend to be looser at the root and tighter toward the ends. "[A cone-shaped curling iron] would be for someone who wants a tousled and textured style," says Capri.

Waver

With two or three barrels, this type of iron creates looser, S-shaped beach waves. "This can be used to create mermaid-looking waves and is a quick and easy way to get a natural texture to your hair," says Collins. She adds that, though it’s a very easy-to-use tool, it can sometimes can make hair look a bit bumpy.

Marcel

A Marcel curling iron has a clamp that's manually controlled by the user. Nailing this type of tool takes practice, and these irons are most commonly used by salon pros. But if you can mater the Marcel at home, there are sleek, glossy benefits to be had. This type of curling iron is great at producing smooth, Old-Hollywood-style waves. It can also add gorgeously uniform ends to curled and waved hair.