Curling Irons: Reviews

Professional hairstylists need a curling iron that holds its heat well and can withstand prolonged use. Experts say that Hot Tools Professional curling irons really deliver. The barrels are coated with 24-karat gold, an… expandexcellent conductor of heat. Users say Hot Tools curling irons heat up quickly and that the resulting curls last all day long. Note that because this is a professional model meant to be used all day, there's no auto shutoff, a potential safety concern for home users. Hot Tools Professional curling irons are available in sizes ranging from 3/8 inch to 2 inches. collapse

Reviewers say ceramic curling irons, such as the Infiniti by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, cause less damage to hair than traditional curling irons because they conduct heat better than traditional metal… expandbarrels. This makes them ideal for those who use them often or have chemically treated hair. Unlike professional curling irons, this model has an auto shutoff feature. Reviewers say the Infiniti by Conair is an excellent choice because it is affordable and boasts all the features found in high-end curling irons. It's made with a tourmaline ceramic, which is supposed to minimize hair damage. Users at Amazon.com say that the curling iron heats up quickly and curls well, but some complain that the power switch is poorly positioned. Conair's Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron is available in five sizes, ranging from 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches. collapse

Reviewers recommend the Enzo Milano Clipless Curling Iron for anyone who can't stand the crimp marks often left by spring-handled curling irons. Instead of using a clamp to hold hair in place, users keep hair in place… expandwith their fingers, using an included Kevlar glove for heat protection. Reviewers at MakeupAlley.com say that it takes some getting used to, but that once you have the hang of it, the Enzo Milano curling iron is fast and easy to use. Experts note that it's expensive, but say the resulting natural curls are worth the price. The curling iron is available in a variety of shapes and sizes and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. collapse

If you only curl your hair occasionally, a basic chrome-barrel curling iron will probably meet your needs. The Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron gets good reviews from users, who say that it heats up quickly and does a… expandgreat job of curling hair. Some say that it works as well as or better than more expensive models. The Instant Heat Curling Iron has 25 adjustable temperature settings, dual voltage and a tangle-free swivel cord. It's available in five sizes, ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches. collapse

The Conair ThermaCell Cordless Curling Iron makes touch-ups easy while on the go. It uses replaceable butane cartridges (*Est. $10 for two) to heat the chrome barrel, which users say makes it ideal for office touch-ups,… expandroad trips or the gym. It's important to note, however, that because butane is a flammable substance, you cannot travel with it on an airplane. The ThermaCell curling iron has a 5/8-inch full-size barrel but is compact enough to carry in a purse or backpack because the base is detachable. It comes with a carrying case, a brush attachment and one butane cartridge, which users say lasts for months at a time. collapse