Beauty Pros Say These 5 Curling Irons Are Totally Worth It

To put together this list of the best curling irons on the market, our scientists and beauty pros started with a pool of 21 irons in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. We tested curling irons for speed of preheat, whether the tools actually heat up to (or exceed) the temperature settings indicated on the tool, and whether other parts of the iron get hot to the touch. Our Lab tests amounted to a total of 103 measurements we considered when making our selections.

We also had a panel of at-home consumer testers try them out at home and report back (in a total of 836 survey answers) on how well the curling irons create curls, how long the curls last, and how easy and comfortable the tools are to use. We also consulted hairstylists and our own beauty editors for additional insight on what makes the best hair tool, and considered online reviews and recommendations from GH staffers.

There are a few features and considerations you'll want to look for to ensure you're choosing the right curling iron for your hair type and goals. Here's what to keep in mind as you get started with shopping:

✔️ Barrel size: "Depending on the texture of the hair and the type of curl you are looking for, then you would determine which size barrel to use," Toye said. If you want relaxed, beachy waves, reach for a larger barrel (1 ¼-inch and above). The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl will be. If your hair is hard to curl, look for a 1-inch barrel for a curl that is less likely to fall flat through the day. Want a do-it-all size? "A curling iron with a 1 ¼ inch barrel is a good size for everyday curls, no matter what look you are going for," Toye says.

✔️ Material: The GH Beauty Lab has found both ceramic and titanium curling irons are good conductors of heat and will work on all hair types, so try not to get persuaded by marketing claims that state one is better than the next. Toye, however, says that stylists tend to opt for titanium irons, since he finds they are lighter weight than ceramic and can more effectively hold high temperatures, although ceramic irons can be more user-friendly due to their ability to evenly distribute heat.

✔️ Clamp: For ultimate versatility, look for an extended clip that spans the full length of the barrel. This way, the curling iron can also be used to somewhat smooth hair too, if you need. Some models can be used as wands by wrapping hair over the clip for looser curls and waves. "Clamps tend to leave marks in the hair if they are not properly used," says Toye, which is why some "prefer a clamp-less wand: because it is more user-friendly."

✔️ Adjustable heat settings: "I recommend a curling iron with adjustable heat settings," says Toye. Lower temps are great for fine hair and for those thinner hairs around the face, while higher temps are great for coarse, natural, or hard-to-curl hair. As a rule of thumb, our Beauty Lab experts say you should use low heat on fine, chemically processed or fragile hair (180ºF to 370ºF); medium heat on easy-to-curl, healthy hair (375ºF to 395ºF); and high heat on thick, wavy or natural hair (400ºF to 420ºF).

✔️ Cord: It might not seem important, but a good cord can make or break the styling experience. A professional-length cord on a curling iron is nine feet long—anything shorter may make it difficult to maneuver when styling. We also love a swivel mechanism, which prevents the cord from getting tangled or wrapped up as you style.

✔️ Automatic shut-off: Our testers love irons with an auto shut-off feature. You'll never have to worry about remembering to unplug your curling iron because it shuts off for you.

GH Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins updated this article with clarified Lab testing notes and analyzed Amazon reviews to highlight the best curling irons. She has extensive experience writing about beauty, including hair care and hair tools.

Former Director of Editorial Commerce Jessica Teich teamed up with Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann for this article. Wizemann led Lab and consumer tests, analyzed the data and compiled the results in a technical report, and Teich then distilled the findings, gathered additional recommendations, interviewed celebrity hairstylist Eugene Toye, and wrote this roundup.

An authority on (and a guinea pig for) new-to-market tools on curly hair, Teich has over 10 years of experience formally researching, testing and writing about haircare products, hair tools (like hairdryer brushes, curling wands, and flat irons) and styling tips (like how to get beach waves, how to use a diffuser, and how to cut your own hair).

With a background in hair dye research and synthesis, Wizemann loves everything hair-related. Over her years in the GH Beauty Lab, she has led Lab and consumer studies on at-home hair dyes, shampoos and conditioners, hair serums, hair volumizers, hair dryers, and more.