Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron; 1 1/2-inch

Product Information

If you rarely use a curling iron and are hoping to spend as little as possible on one, consider the Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic. This model might not be our absolute favorite, but it costs considerably less than many of the top-tier models — in some cases, you could buy all five sizes of this tool for the same prices as one of the premium options, which is a selling point in and of itself. We also like that the Revlon is dual-voltage compatible for all of your international travels, will automatically shut off after a period of time, and offers 30 different heat settings to fine-tune your curler to your hair type. 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."

The bottom line: It’s important to protect your hair from high temperatures. To do so, be sure you are not curling your hair at a temperature that’s too hot. Additionally, use a heat protectant any time you use a hot tool. If you use a lot of heat, the ideal is to keep your hair in the best condition you can,” Farjo says. “Choose a pH-balanced shampoo. The pH of skin and hair is 5.5 (acidic), so a shampoo in this pH range is best. Some shampoos may state the pH [on the bottle], but if not, the best thing to do is go for a big brand, such as Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, etc., as they spend a lot of money on research and development.”

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. The Hot Tools Professional Series 24K Gold is an excellent option for those seeking a premium styling tool to produce the best wave or curl. This model has an ergonomic handle, a long cord, and comes in multiple different barrel sizes so you can achieve the exact curl you're looking for. There is a safety tip, which helps prevent unfortunate burn incidents. The pressure of the clamp is nice and even, and the temperature has a wide range and can be easily adjusted to suit your hair type. Sliding your hair through the iron feels effortless, and the integrated stand and convenient pivot for the cord make this one of our all-around favorite styling tools.

Each includes a ceramic curling iron designed to create full, healthy waves and curl volume. The higher ceramic content creates more heat and long-lasting curlsOver the course of many weeks, we each curled our hair with all eight curling irons. We looked at criteria including: