The Best Hair Curlers and How to Use Them

From loose curls to boho-chic waves, corkscrews and ringlets; hair curlers are the ultimate styling tool that help you switch up your look as and when you like. Fishing out the best wands and tongs can be difficult though, especially when there are so many on the market to choose from.

Here at Cosmetify, we know that you want your locks to look salon-perfect rather than poodle so we’ve done all of the hard grafting for you (it's our pleasure). Not only have we pulled together a complete line-up of the best hair curlers, from classics to pioneers, but we’ve also answered all of your pressing curl-related FAQs. It’s time to turn up the heat, as we show you exactly how to achieve salon-worthy styles from the comfort of your own home.

The Best Hair Curlers for Tight Curls

ghd Curve Thin Wand

£142.00 £159.00 (11% off)

It’s only right that we kickstart our line-up with the OGs. The Curve Thin Wand from ghd is an all-star, giving you ringlets in a matter of minutes. The wand is expertly crafted for tight, bouncy curls that last all day, even when brushed out. Warming up to an optimal temperature of 185°C, plus wrapped in advanced ceramic coating, this curler always delivers on the good hair day promise.

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BaByliss PRO Ceramic Dial A Heat Tong

£27.04 £28.00 (4% off)

For a traditional curling tong, look towards the BaByliss PRO Ceramic Dial A Heat Tong. Its epic design is loved by beauty fans across the globe, and for good reason! The mid-size barrel creates soft, smooth, defined curls, whilst the ceramic smooths and prevents frizz. The result? Salon-fresh waves that last.

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BaByliss PRO Dial A Heat Conical Wand

£34.12 £40.00 (15% off)

Another choice from BaByliss Pro is the Dial A Heat Conical Wand. If you love a tight, corkscrew curl then this is set to be your new hair hero. With the wand being long, slim and cone-shaped, you are able wrap your hair into small, neat ringlets that are full of bounce.

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The Best Hair Curlers for Long Hair

Beauty Works Flat Iron Wave Bar

£59.99 £74.99 (21% off)

Introducing, the Beauty Works Flat Iron Wave Bar, AKA, your ticket to perfectly undone longer locks. This uber-cool waving wand is a game-changer when it comes to styling your hair. Boasting a flat barrel, you can achieve loose, S-shaped waves without having to put in any of the groundwork. Better still, a ceramic coating seals the cuticle to prevent frizz and encourage a mirror-like shine.

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Wahl Pro Shine Curling Tong

£39.90

Whether you like soft waves, tight spirals or glam curls, this tong from Wahl packs the ability to create all styles thanks to its variety of barrels. Take your pick from 13mm-32mm sizes and style locks to suit your mood, outfit or occasion; the ceramic-coated and keratin-infused barrel ensures a shiny, silky, professional finish each and every time.

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The Best Hair Curlers for Beachy Waves

Beauty Works Waver

£49.99 £70.00 (29% off)

Okay, so it’s not quite a curling wand but it will give you the tousled seaside look that you long for. The Beauty Works Waver is the ultimate heat styling tool, and one of the best hair curlers for beachy waves. Specially created to give your hair a boho-chic makeover, the innovative design of the barrel helps to create small, defined waves that look good on any hair length and texture.

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Hairburst Heatless Hair Curler

£20.62 £27.50 (26% off)

It's always good to give your strands time-out from heat tools, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on your favourite curly styles! Heatless curlers are all the rage right now, and this kit from Hairburst promises to leave locks just as bouncy, beachy and beautiful. Simply wrap sections of nearly-dry hair around the silk band, tie and clip into place. Leave for a few hours (or sleep with it in) and then unravel fresh and fabulous curls.

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Beauty Works X Molly Mae Curl Kit Volume 2

£72.99 £95.00 (24% off)

As well as being a Love Island favourite, Molly-Mae is best known for her stunning hair looks. Since coming out of the villa, she has teamed up with the one and only Beauty Works to create her very own curl kit. The Curl Kit Volume 2 is your fast-pass to soft, loose and salon-fresh waves as it packs a longer length curling wand. The kit also includes an extra-large paddle brush, a pin tail comb, ten clips, a heat mat and carry case. What more could you need? Achieving show-stopping styles has never been easier!

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So, you’ve found your new, go-to hair curler (how could you not with that stellar line-up?). Now it’s time to put it into practice. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we answer your most frequently asked questions so that you can achieve salon-grade styles from the comfort of your own home.

How do you use a hair curling wand?

How you curl your hair will depend on your hair length and texture. Generally speaking, the most successful way to curl your hair is to tackle it in sections.

Start by freshly washing and drying hair, brushing it through to make sure it is free from tangles. Choose your heat settings: coarse hair will usually need a higher heat setting whilst fine hair should use a lower setting to avoid damage.

Once selected, section your hair off so you can evenly and precisely curl all of your hair. Thicker hair types may require more sections. Select a strand of hair (around an inch wide) and wrap it around the barrel of the curling wand. The wand should be held vertically to the side of your head. Hold the hair around the barrel for around three to five seconds (depending on your hair thickness) before gently releasing.

Continue all over and mist lightly with hair spray.

Can you curl long hair with a wand?

Absolutely! Longer hair styles will just require a little more time and patience when styling, but curls can look really fabulous on longer, thicker hair types.

The process remains the same: you will still need to section off the hair while styling, but you may need to hold the curler in place for a little longer depending on if your hair is also thick. It is also worth looking at longer, thicker barrels as these curlers allow for more hair to be styled at one time.

Are straighteners better than hair curling wands?

In terms of versatility, yes. A lot of people are able to both curl and straighten their hair using traditional straighteners, making it a better '2-in-1' product. Curlers, however, only offer the ability to curl hair and add a bit of volume.

If you're looking for a tool that offers multiple styles, then a straightener is definitely the better option. However, if you're after for a more specific type of curl that can be tailored to different levels (e.g. corkscrew curls, beachy waves, large curls) then curlers with interchangeable barrels are the way to go.