Specialty Curling Irons

Cordless and specialty irons create a unique look

If you prefer an allover wave similar to a loose perm, experts say that you should use a multi-barrel curling iron like the Hot Tools Professional 3-Barrel Waver (*Est. $30). Reviewers at Folica.com say it creates pretty waves that last all day long and sometimes into the next day. It is similar to other Hot Tools Professional curling irons in that it has a 24-karat gold-plated barrel and variable heat settings. It does have a marcel handle, though, which some users say is difficult to use when styling their own hair. 

Some curling irons come with a brush attachment that slips over the curling barrel to create loose, natural curls. You can also purchase hot brushes, which are essentially curling irons with a permanent brush attachment. Although we didn't find many professional reviews for these tools, the Conair Instant Heat Hot Brush (*Est. $15) gets excellent reviews at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com. Users say that it gives them more control than a traditional curling iron and does an excellent job of defrizzing and smoothing hair. Reviewers say it can both straighten and curl hair, but some wish that it had a release button to prevent tangling. The Conair Instant Heat Hot Brush is available with a 3/4 inch or 1 1/4-inch barrel. It has 25 heat settings, automatic shutoff and dual voltage.

Cordless curling irons, like the Conair ThermaCell (*Est. $15), allow you to style your hair anywhere, even when camping or at the gym. Instead of using electricity, the ThermaCell is powered by replaceable butane cartridges (*Est. $10 for two). It comes with a 5/8-inch chrome curling barrel, a brush attachment, one butane cartridge and a compact carrying case. Users at both Amazon.com and Drugstore.com praise its design and convenience. Reviewers say that the butane cartridges last for months at a time, but that they can be difficult to find in stores.

Two-in-one styling irons, which work as both a curling and a straightening iron, are marketed for their convenience factor, but user ratings for these devices are mediocre. Users say that some break more easily than others, but none of them perform very well in their separate functions -- they don't curl or straighten hair very well. Reviewers say that you're better off purchasing two separate tools. For more information on hair straighteners, see our report on flat irons.