Best Curling Irons

Hot Tools is the preferred choice among professionals

Today's curling irons function in the same manner as early models, but have upgraded materials which supposedly eliminate hot spots and create less damage to hair. Reviewers say that gold, ceramic, tourmaline and nano-silver curling irons maintain steady temperatures, eliminate frizz and are gentler than traditional chrome barrels.

The Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron (*Est. $25) is a consistent top pick among reviewers. The barrel is plated with 24-karat gold, which is an excellent heat conductor. It also comes with patented "pulse technology" to keep the iron hot for long periods of time. An electronic sensor in the barrel detects heat loss and increases heat as needed to keep temperatures consistent. This is especially desirable for professional hairstylists who use a curling iron for several hours each day. A mica heating element covers the entire inner surface of the barrel for even, consistent heat. Consumers at Folica.com, Amazon.com and MakeupAlley.com say Hot Tools gold-plated curling irons are the best they have used, and claim that they produce excellent curls that last all day long. Several are especially impressed with how fast the iron heats up and how hot it gets: It heats up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit and has a 10-setting variable heat control. Experts suggest using lower temperatures on thin, fine hair and higher temperatures for coarse, thick or curly hair.

Hot Tools Professional curling irons are available in eight barrel sizes, ranging from 3/8 inch for tight spiral curls to 2 inches for volume and loose waves. Marcel-handled irons (*Est. $30), which must be held or locked into place, are also available in the Professional series. Marcel-handled curling irons are preferred by professionals because they allow greater control over curls and are less likely to leave crimp marks in the hair. The pressure of the clamp is completely controlled by the user, but takes some getting used to and is easier to use when styling someone else's hair. Spring handles, on the other hand, are more user-friendly but wear out faster; several users have complained about the clamp losing tension over time. For this reason, Hot Tools now includes two replacement springs with each spring-handle curling iron. Replacement springs can also be purchased individually. Hot Tools Professional curling irons don't have an auto shutoff feature, which could be a potential safety concern. They come with a one-year limited warranty.

If you curl your hair frequently, experts say that you should consider a ceramic curling iron like the CHI Auto Digital Ceramic Spring Curling Iron (*Est. $100). The ceramic coating on the barrel gives off negative ions that supposedly protect your hair from heat damage and help it to retain its natural luster. The pricey CHI Auto Digital has an LCD display that allows you to set an exact temperature ranging from 176 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit -- the main reason it costs so much. The curling iron is available in three sizes: 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 inches. Users at MakeupAlley.com say that it heats up quickly and creates curls that last all day. We didn't find many solid comparison reviews of the CHI, however, and there are plenty of ceramic curling irons that perform well for a lot less money.

The Infiniti by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron (*Est. $25), for instance, gets excellent reviews from users at both MakeupAlley.com and Amazon.com. Reviewers say the Conair makes a difference to their hair, giving it a smooth and shiny appearance. Users also say that the curling iron heats up quickly and stays hot. Conair explains that this is because of the ceramic heater's uniform heat-recovery mechanism, which maintains constant temperatures. Several users complain, however, that the power switch is poorly positioned and can be turned off accidentally during use. Another complaint is that the cool tip at the end of the curling iron is too short and pointy, making it easy to lose your grip and burn your fingers. The Conair has automatic shutoff and a protective heat shield, which allows you to put it away before it has completely cooled. It is available in four sizes: 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches.

The Enzo Milano Clipless Curling Iron (*Est. $120) is also a big hit with reviewers because it allows users to create perfect spiral curls and loose, natural waves. The curling iron is unique in that it consists solely of a curling barrel with no clamp. Hair is instead held in place with the hand. A heat-resistant Kevlar glove is included to prevent burns. The barrels come in three shapes -- round, conical and reverse conical -- that can create a variety of hairstyles. Editors at Cosmopolitan magazine say that the Enzo Milano is easy to use and significantly cuts down on styling time. The curling iron is expensive, but editors say that it is well worth the price. It has a fully ceramic core and a Teflon-coated aluminum barrel that glides easily through hair. It doesn't, however, have some of the more basic features found on most curling irons, like a power light, cooling stand and swivel cord. Users at MakeupAlley.com love that the Enzo Milano doesn't leave crimp marks like traditional curling irons, and say that curls tend to last for a long time. Several warn, however, that because the curling iron must be held differently, it requires a bit of a learning curve. 

If you only need a curling iron for occasional use, you may be satisfied with a basic chrome curling iron such as the Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron (*Est. $15). It doesn't have the bells or whistles, but some users at MakeupAlley.com say it curls just as well or better than high-end curling irons. Reviewers at TotalBeauty.com and Amazon.com are especially pleased with how quickly the curling iron heats up. It's ready to use in just 60 seconds, and users say it creates good-looking curls. Several complain, however, that the temperature dial is poorly placed, making accidental adjustments too common. The Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron is available in five sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches. It has 25 heat settings, automatic shutoff and a tangle-free swivel cord.