If you fancy adding some curls, waves or a bit more bounce to your hair, you’ve got a huge choice of hair curlers to choose from.
In this guide to the best hair curlers of 2026 we’ve picked out ten top options, from curling irons and curling wands to hair wavers to heated rollers. We’ll explain what each one does best, so you can find the right tool for your hair - and the look you’re after.
1. Best overall hair curler in 2026 - Dyson Airwrap Origin
The Dyson Airwrap Origin is the best hair curler available right now. Its 40mm long barrel uses Coanda airflow to attract and wrap your hair, so you don't have to wind each section yourself. It’s designed to be gentler on your hair, checking the temperature more than 40 times a second. And it comes with attachments that let you smooth or rough-dry your hair.
Styling tip: Give each curl a few seconds to cool before you loosen it, as it helps the shape set.
2. Best curling iron or tong - BaByliss Titanium Brilliance 2357U
The BaByliss Titanium Brilliance 2357U is a great choice for classic, defined curls, with a clip that holds each section in place as you work. That gives you plenty of control and makes it easier to get a consistent curl from root to tip.
Its extra-long barrel is particularly useful if you've got lots of hair, as there's more room to wrap each section without repeatedly repositioning it. The 32mm diameter is also a good middle ground: big enough for bouncy curls and waves, but not so large that the curl disappears.
Styling tip: For curls that last, try taking smaller sections rather than grabbing a big handful of hair. It takes a little longer, but the heat from your curling tong can reach the whole section properly.
3. Best curling wand - BaByliss Titanium Brilliance 2358U
Looking for the best curling wand? Go for the BaByliss Titanium Brilliance 2358U. With no clamp, you simply wrap each section around the barrel, so you can make tighter curls or looser waves without changing tools.
Its tapered shape is useful – you can use the narrower end for tighter curls and the wider section for softer waves. Six heat settings mean you can use less heat on finer hair and increase it when you're working with thicker or more stubborn strands, rather than treating every head of hair the same.
Styling tip: For a more relaxed, modern wave, leave the last centimetre or so of hair off the barrel rather than curling right to the ends.
4. Best hair curler for long hair - Revamp Effortless Curls
If you've got long hair, the Revamp Effortless Curls Extra-Long 32mm gives you the extra barrel space that can make styling much easier. Long hair can take a while to curl, so being able to wrap more of each section at once saves a fair bit of fiddling.
The 32mm barrel is well suited to fuller curls and loose waves rather than tight ringlets. Five temperature settings run from 130°C to 210°C, giving you a useful range: lower temperatures for finer hair and higher ones when thicker hair needs more heat to take and hold a curl. It also heats up in just 15 seconds.
Styling tip: If you've got very long hair, start each curl a little lower down rather than right at the root. You'll keep some movement through the lengths without ending up with a head full of ringlets.
5. Best hair curler for short hair - Paul Anthony StylePro
For shorter hair, a slim barrel is the way to go, which makes the Paul Anthony StylePro H2115 a particularly good choice. Its 9mm barrel makes it much easier to work around shorter layers, particularly around the face, without a wide barrel getting in the way.
It has five temperature settings up to 200°C. Lower temperatures are useful for finer hair, while thicker or more resistant hair may benefit from turning things up a little. The narrow barrel is also handy if you're looking to add definition rather than loads of volume.
Styling tip: Don't try to get too close to the scalp with a hot barrel. Leave a little space at the root, then use your fingers to add shape afterwards.
6. Best automatic & rotating curlers - BaByliss Style Secret Air
The BaByliss Style Secret Air is the one to choose if you want the curler to do more of the work for you. If you're new to curling, it lets you get started without having to learn the knack of wrapping every section yourself.
Auto-Curl technology lets you change the direction of rotation, which is useful when you're working around your whole head. It means you can switch direction rather than trying to twist your wrist into increasingly creative positions.
Styling tip: Keep sections fairly small with an automatic curler. If you feed too much hair into the chamber, it can take longer to curl evenly.
7. Best hair waver - BaByliss Deep Waves hair waver
For quick, defined waves, the BaByliss Deep Waves is a brilliant hair waver. Rather than wrapping sections around a barrel, you simply clamp the waver along your hair to create its deep, loose wave pattern.
The big advantage is how quickly you can build texture. Its wide waving plates let you work across more hair at once, so it's particularly useful for long or thick hair when you don't fancy curling dozens of individual sections. It's a good choice for that deliberately undone, beachy look where a little imperfection is part of the appeal.
Styling tip: Don't clamp for too long in exactly the same spot. Move down the section in small steps, lining up the waves as you go, for a more continuous finish.
8. Best heated rollers - BaByliss 3035U Thermo ceramic heated rollers
The BaByliss 3035U heated rollers are a great shout if volume is just as important as curl.
You get 20 rollers in three sizes, which means you can tailor the result as you go. Use the bigger rollers around the crown for lift and softer waves, then smaller ones where you want a bit more curl and definition. And once they're in, your hands are free. Make a coffee, do your make-up, find the other earring – your hair can be getting on with the styling.
Styling tip: Give heated rollers time to cool before taking them out. That's when the shape has a chance to set, so removing them too soon can undo some of the work you've just done.
9. Best budget hair curler -Remington Shea Soft CI4740
You can still get great curls if you’re on a tight budget. The Remington Shea Soft CI4740 is a straightforward wand that heats up in 30 seconds and gives you the basics you need for different curl styles.
Its tapered barrel is useful if you like switching between looks. Wrap hair around the narrower end for tighter curls or use more of the wider section for softer waves. It also comes with a styling glove and stay-cool tip - handy features when you're still getting used to using a wand.
10. Best cordless hair curler - Revamp iGEN cordless curling tongs
The Revamp iGEN cordless curling tongs are perfect for quick touch-ups and getting ready away from home, when you’re not near a plug. You get up to 40 minutes of styling time per battery, and two batteries are included. Three temperature settings up to 210°C give you a lower heat option for finer hair, and more heat for dealing with thicker hair. Plus, the barrel is infused with keratin, argan and coconut oil to keep your locks luscious!
Any more questions?
For even more hair styling inspiration, check out our simple guide to hair curlers and our guide to the best hairstyling and hair removal tools. We’ve also got a haircare page packed with help and advice.
FAQs
What are the best curling tongs?
The BaByliss Titanium Brilliance 2357U are great curling tongs. Advanced ceramic technology evenly distributes heat, so your curls won't fall flat in the middle of the day. It has 6 heat settings, so it'll always be just right temperature for your hair type.
What is the best hair curling product?
The Dyson Airwrap Origin is a great all-rounder if you want curls, waves and other styles from one tool. Its Coanda airflow wraps your hair around the barrel for you, while it can dry and style at the same time. That’s really handy if you don't have time to dry your hair before you start curling.
What is the best curling wand?
The BaByliss Titanium Brilliance 2358U is a great curling wand for changing up your look. Its tapered barrel gives tighter curls at one end and softer waves at the other.
