Have you ever had a hair appointment where the stylist has curled your lengths to perfection, only for those bouncy waves to drop out as soon as you step outside? Yep, we've all been there. If you're not blessed with naturally curly or wavy hair, then sometimes the mere thought of turning your best curling wand on can seem like such a chore. Here at Who What Wear UK, we know the importance of a quick and easy beauty routine. Let's face it—none of us have hours to spend on our hair and makeup in the morning, so we've made it our mission to find the most efficient products out there to share with our readers, from the best hair multi stylers to the best hair straighteners and even the best hot brushes.
When it comes to curling wands, we've all tested our fair share over the years, so we thought it was only right to put together our ultimate guide to the best tools out there for you to shop. These curling wands are easy to use and keep your waves in place. Simple. Intrigued? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for all the information you need, and get ready for your best hair yet.
Which Curling Wand Is Best?
First things first, which curling wand should you go for? This really depends on what kind of result you want. Those of you who prefer a tight curl will want something with a really thin barrel, whereas those who want more voluminous waves should opt for a larger barrel. However, if you like beachy waves, you might want to try a hair waver which comes with three barrels to get that relaxed, lived-in finish.
What to Look for in a Curling Wand
Once you've decided what sort of curling wand you want, it's important to know what specifications to look for:
Shape: As mentioned above, the first thing to consider is the shape. Most curling wands will come with an individual barrel, and the larger the barrel size, the larger the curls and waves it'll create.
Heat: You also want to consider the heat settings your curling wand comes with. Those of you with thicker hair will benefit from higher heat settings, however, it's important to note that more heat will mean more damage to the hair, so make sure you're using a heat protectant.
Special features: Lastly, think about if you want any special features. Do you want an extra-long cord so that you can use your curling wand on the opposite side of the room to the plug? Do you want a fast heat-up time for those busy mornings? Do you want your curling wand to come with a heat-protective glove to make styling even easier, or a mat to protect your surfaces when you put it down? I've popped each curling wand's specifications below to help you choose which one to go for.
Beauty editor Eleanor Vousden testing one of the curling wands in this roundup.
How to Make Your Curls Last
There's nothing more frustrating than using a curling wand to create your dream hair and then realising that the style doesn't last longer than an hour. In a bid to stop this happening, I reached out to Luke Hersheson, hairstylist and Hershesons CEO, for his top tips. "If you want extra hold, I would use the Hershesons Zhoosh Foam, on dry hair, rub it in and that will give you a little extra hold, particular if you hair is on the slightly thinner side," he explains.
It's also important to prep the hair before styling to help keep your curls in place. "When it comes to prepping the hair before using a curling wand, I like to use the Hershesons Almost Everything Cream," says Hersheson. "It helps to smooth any flyaways and gives a nice sheen to the hair; it’s also a protectant at the same time."
11 of the Best Curling Wands to Shop Now:
- Best curling wand overall: GHD Curve Classic Wave Wand
- Best curling wand for bouncy waves: BaByliss Titanium Brilliance Waves
- Best curling wand for beachy waves: Hershesons The Wavemaker
- Best curling wand for tight curls: GHD Curve Thin Curl Wand
- Best curling wand for wet-to-dry styling: Dyson Airwrap
1. BaByliss Titanium Brilliance Waves
Best for: Bouncy waves
Barrel size: 28mm
Heat settings: Six, up to 210°C
Special features: Fast heat up, heat-protective glove and mat included, automatic safety shut off.
BaByliss is one of the best hair tool brands on the market, and the curling wands are such good value for money. This particular one is ideal for creating bouncy waves thanks to the 28mm barrel.
"This affordable BaByliss curling wand has given all of my more expensive hair tools a run for their money. It creates the perfect bouncy curls that last all day long. All I do is wrap sections of my hair around the barrel in the direction I want the hair to go in (using the heat-protective glove, of course) then hold the curl for a few seconds to help it set. Then I comb the curls out and spray with hairspray and I'm good to go!" — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- Creates bouncy waves
- Style lasts all day
- Comes with a heat-protective glove and mat
- Affordable
Against
- Can take a little while to get the hang of
- Not the best tool for tighter curls
2. Hershesons The Wavemaker
Best for: Beachy waves
Barrel size: Medium
Heat settings: Three
Special features: Heats up instantly, delivers quick, automatic curls, has a built-in cooling system and comes with a heat-proof bag.
If natural-looking waves are what you're after, say hello to The Wavemaker from Hershesons. This clever tool does all the work for you thanks to an automatic rolling barrel that waves the hair. It also comes with a cooling and setting system to ensure your waves last all day.
"As someone with thin, straight hair, I’ve tried a lot of products, but this one really stood out for me. I recently had the chance to try out the Hershesons Wavemaker tool and was immediately impressed. Taking a small section, you simply slot the hair between the two barrels, press the button that corresponds to the direction you want your wave to go in and the tool does the rest. The barrels quickly heat and curl, and after a few seconds you can see the hair slacken, meaning you’re ready for the next section. The casing ensures you won’t end up burning the tops of your ears or your fingers (we all know the pain), and it works quickly to create bouncy curls. Initially, the curls come out quite tight, so I let them cool then loosen with my fingers to make them more defined and natural-looking." — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor
For
- Very easy to use
- Great for creating waves quickly
Against
- A little more expensive
- Won't create voluminous curls
3. Mark Hill Pick 'N' Mix
Best for: Creating a range of styles
Barrel size: Small, medium and large sizes to choose from
Heat settings: One
Special features: Can choose whichever curling attachment you want to attach to the handle, comes with a heat-protective glove and swivel cord.
Another great affordable option is this curling wand from Mark Hill. As the name suggests, you buy the handle and then choose which styling barrels you want to get, allowing you the possibility to create a range of different looks.
"Having tried a lot of curling wands as a beauty editor, I've concluded that whilst the expensive ones are good, the affordable ones are actually the best. Mark Hill's Pick 'n' Mix has become my go-to for long-lasting, bouncy curls. Whenever I use this, everyone thinks I've had a blowdry. The handle allows you to swap in different styling barrels, but my favourite is the Medium Curl Barrel (£20). It gives the perfect curl, which you can brush out for soft yet long-lasting waves that last for days on end. For £42 for both the handle and the wand together, it's a steal and means you can add the other curling and waving barrels to your collection without having to buy a whole new tool." — Eleanor Vousden, beauty editor
For
- More affordable
- Can create a range of different styles
Against
- Have to purchase the curling attachments separately
4. Dyson Airwrap
Barrel size: Two curling attachments to choose from
Heat settings: Three and a cold shot feature to set your curls in place.
Special features: Can style hair from wet to dry using airflow instead of extreme heat.
We couldn't do this roundup and not mention the Dyson Airwrap. No, it's not your typical curling wand, but it is great for creating salon-worthy curls at home. This particular model comes with the curling attachment that we all know and love alongside a new Conical Airwrap™ barrel which comes with a tapered tip to create tighter curls.
"Okay, I know this isn't technically a curling wand, but the barrel attachment is great at creating bouncy, voluminous waves. When I first used this I couldn't seem to keep my curls in place for longer than 10 minutes, however, I've now found a routine that works. I make sure to use the cold shot setting and I use a curling cream when my hair is wet and hairspray once the curls are dry. If I have a bit of extra time in the morning, I'll pop my finished hair into rollers whilst I do my makeup too. This tool is definitely more of an investment, but the fact that it styles from wet to dry is game-changing for me." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- Styles hair from wet to dry
- Can create a range of different looks
Against
- Very expensive
- Can be harder to get the curls to last
5. GHD Curve Classic Wave Wand
Best for: Classic curls
Barrel size: 38mm – 26mm
Heat settings: One
Special features: Comes with a safety stand, has a sleep mode and an extra-long swivel cord for ease of use.
If you want a really good, classic curling wand, this GHD tool might be for you. It features an oval barrel to create glam curls that are bound to earn you compliments. It also comes with a cool tip to hold onto which makes using it so much easier when compared to other models.
"You simply can't go wrong with a GHD curling wand. The brand makes some of the best hair tools on the market, and this one is no exception. The oval barrel heats up to 185°C, and it has a cool tip for you to hold when using. The curls stay in my hair all day long and it really gives me that salon-worthy finish." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- Creates glamorous curls
- Comes with a cool tip
Against
- Quite expensive
- Not the best tool for more relaxed waves
6. BaByliss Rose Quartz Conical Wand
Best for: Natural-looking curls
Barrel size: 25 –13mm
Heat settings: Five
Special features: Longer barrel, heats up in 30 seconds, curls last longer thanks to Advanced Ceramics technology.
I know we've spoken about this brand before, but it really does do some of the best curling wands on the market. The great thing about this wand is the shape. It features a conical barrel which means that it won't create identical curls, instead making your hairstyle look a lot more natural and effortless.
"Despite the really affordable price, this curling wand has lasted me for years. It's seen me through times with a chin-length bob to now, when my hair is getting long again. I love that you can really play around with how tight you want the curls, and I use it to create both fuller "curled" looks and much more relaxed bends and texture when I'm in a rush." — Emily Dawes, senior shopping editor
For
- More affordable
- Great for creating natural-looking curls
Against
- Slightly thinner barrel so could take longer to style thick hair
7. Hershesons The Multi-Tasker
Best for: A range of styles
Barrel size: 33mm
Heat settings: Adjustable
Special features: Three curling attachments, LCD screen, Hershesons travel bag and shuts off after 60 minutes of non-use.
New from Hershesons, The Multi-Tasker is your do-it-all hair tool to help create a range of looks. It comes with three different attachments including a 33mm curling wand, a 45mm thermal brush and a 32mm waver. You can also purchase a version for shorter hair that comes with a 25mm curling wand, a 30mm thermal brush and a 38mm thermal brush.
"This tool has honestly changed the game for me. I take it whenever I go away as I can create so many different looks from beachy waves to loose curls, and I can even make it look like I've had a salon-worthy blow dry thanks to the thermal brush. It's so easy to use and the travel bag is an added bonus." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- Can create a range of different looks
- Great for travelling
Against
- Expensive
8. GHD Creative Curl Wand
Best for: Voluminous curls
Barrel size: 23-28mm
Heat settings: One
Special features: Tapered barrel, cool tip, safety stand and sleep mode.
This curl wand is really something. It comes with a tapered barrel which makes it so easy to style longer hair lengths, and it creates seriously voluminous curls that stay in place all day. Similar to the BaByliss tool, this wand differs in size which gives the hair more of a natural finish.
"I reach for this curling wand whenever I want my hair to look naturally wavy and voluminous. Honestly, it's one of the best hair tools I have ever tried. The tapered barrel is easy to use and the results get better every single time I use it." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- Gives hair a natural-looking finish
- Great for longer lengths
Against
- Expensive
9. Shark Beauty FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler and Hair Dryer
Best for: Creating a range of different styles
Heat settings: Three
Special features: Two auto-wrap curlers, cool shot setting and storage case.
Similar to the Dyson Airwrap, this Shark tool isn't technically a curling wand, but it is great for creating salon-worthy curls at home. It can style your hair from wet to dry, and the two curling attachments use coanda technology to automatically wrap hair around the barrel and curl the hair in different directions depending on your desired results.
"I tested this hair tool about six months ago and have reached for it pretty much every week since. The curling attachments are seriously good at achieving those natural, voluminous waves that I thought only my hairdresser could do. I would probably reach for a standard curling wand when styling dry hair, but when my hair is wet, this is my go-to tool." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- Comes with a range of different attachments
- Creates salon-worthy curls
Against
- Expensive
- Better at styling hair wet-to-dry
10. Beauty Works Professional Styler
Best for: Glamorous curls
Barrel size: 32mm
Heat settings: Adjustable
Special features: Ceramic-coated barrel, extra-long barrel for longer hair, carry case and protective glove.
If you want those really glam curls, this Beauty Works tool is a slightly more affordable option. The 32mm barrel creates gorgeous waves, and it's extra long which makes it great for longer hair types. The temperature is adjustable and ranges from 80-220°C, so you can choose what works for you.
"I had never used any hair tools from Beauty Works before trying this, but I am seriously impressed. It's a more affordable curling wand compared to others in this roundup but still creates beautiful curls and waves and is great for my longer hair." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- More affordable
- Adjustable heat settings
- Gives a glamorous finish
Against
- Not so great for beachy waves
11. GHD Curve Thin Curl Wand
Best for: Defined curls
Barrel size: 14mm
Heat settings: One
Special features: Professional length cord with 360° swivel and automatic sleep mode than turns off after 60 minutes.
This is GHD's narrowest curling wand and it's great for creating tight, defined curls. If you have naturally curly hair and want to enhance your texture (or if you just want a more defined finish) this is an ideal option.
"On those days when I want to enhance my curls, this is the tool I reach for. It does take a lot longer to style as I can only do small amounts of hair at a time, but I am always so in love with the finished results." — Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor
For
- Great for creating tight curls
- Lightweight
Against
- Can take longer to style
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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