Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Let's start with the obvious: The best curling irons should, at the very least, curl your hair. But anyone who's dealt with uneven heat, fried ends, or curls that don’t last past your morning coffee knows a great tool can do so much more. For starters, barrel diameter can mean the difference between tight, bouncy ringlets and loose, beachy waves . Some also come with interchangeable barrels so you can switch up your look without buying multiple tools , while others rotate automatically, taking much of the guesswork (and wrist gymnastics) out of styling. In other words, our favorite hot tools bring on the innovation.
The best curling irons also cater to different hair types and textures. Fine hair benefits from lower heat to minimize damage , while thicker or coarse hair often needs higher temperatures to lock in a curl. The material matters, too: Ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly for consistent results, titanium heats up quickly and excels on stubborn hair, and newer tech helps reduce hot spots and unnecessary heat exposure.
What to look for in a curling iron How to use a curling iron Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers After consulting hairstylists and testing the top contenders ourselves, we narrowed the list down to the curling irons that are worth the investment.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Bio Ionic
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
Why it's worth it: Bio Ionic’s Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron, a 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner, features a barrel that is about two inches longer than the average curling iron, making it especially handy for those with longer hair to give them more room to work with. “Since you’re able to wrap more hair around it, it automatically cuts down on styling time,” says hairstylist Jae-Manuel Cardenas based in New York City. Available in four barrel sizes to create everything from loose waves to tighter curls, it also features the brand’s signature ionic technology, “which maintains constant, even temperature when you style so you’re not left with inconsistent curls or unwanted bends,” he says.
Herrick before using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
Herrick after using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron
Tester feedback from global senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
“I struggle to find irons that actually reach the end of my very long hair, but the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Iron is perfect. The grip at the end of the barrel is excellent for ease of use, and for a burn risk like myself. There is a wide range of heat settings as well, and the hold is quick and lasting.” —Lexi Herrick, global senior director of commerce audience & analytics
Barrel width: 0.75”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5” Heat settings: 4 Attachments: none Weight: 10 oz. (1” barrel) Wattage: 73W Dual voltage : yes Best for: long hair, thick hair Best for Long Hair: Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Hot Tools
Allure senior writer Elizabeth Gulino using the Hot Tools 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron
Why it's worth it: Someone with a bob probably isn't reaching for a 1.5” barrel, just as someone with waist-length hair may not want the tighter curl pattern that a ¾” barrel crea…