Ready to transform your locks into stunning waves and curls? Then you're going to need some must-have haircare tools that are up to the task — everything from curling wands and tongs to heated rollers and hair wavers.
But which gadget is best for your hair? Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie to the world of styling, our guide will help you get to grips with all types of hair curling tech so you can find your perfect match.
Hair curler types guide overview
Here’s what we’ll cover, so you can jump to the section you need:
Types of hair curlers
Not sure which type of hair curlers is right for you? Compare the most popular options at a glance.
Heated rollers are one of the easiest ways to add volume and long-lasting curls. They work particularly well in fine or flat hair because they create lift at the roots while adding body through the lengths.
How to use heated rollers
Apply a heat protectant and section your dry hair.
Clamp a section near the barrel and wrap the hair around it.
Hold for five to ten seconds.
Release the curl and repeat throughout your hair.
Leave curls to cool before brushing through or finishing with hair spray.
Most heated roller sets include a range of barrel sizes. Here’s how they work on different hair lengths:
For short hair, smaller rollers (around 19mm) give tighter curls.
Medium-length hair works well with 25mm rollers.
Long hair benefits from 32mm+ for loose, voluminous waves.
Curling tongs, also called curling irons, are some of the most versatile styling tools. They use a heated barrel and a clamp to holds hair securely while it curls. This makes them ideal for creating smooth, consistent curls that hold their shape all day. Here’s how to nail the technique.
How to use curling tongs
Apply a heat protectant and divide your dry hair into sections.
Clamp a section of hair near the barrel.
Rotate the tong to wrap the hair around the barrel.
Hold for five to ten seconds, then release the curl carefully.
Repeat throughout your hair and leave the curls to cool before styling.
Curling wands work great on all hair lengths, and different barrel sizes create different styles. Choose a larger barrel for loose waves or a smaller barrel for tighter curls. Unlike curling tongs, they don't use a clamp. Instead, you wrap hair directly around the heated barrel. This can make them a bit tougher to master at first. But with practice, they're perfect for creating natural-looking curls and waves.
How to use a curling wand
Apply a heat protectant and section your dry hair.
Hold the wand with the tip pointing downwards.
Wrap a section of hair around the barrel, away from your face.
Hold for five to eight seconds, then release the curl.
Repeat throughout your hair and gently loosen the curls with your fingers once they've cooled.
An automatic hair curler is a game-changer if you find wands and tongs a bit fiddly. Instead of manually wrapping hair around a barrel, just feed in a section of hair, press the button, and the tool does the rest. Many models also have adjustable heat settings and different curl directions, so you can customise your look with little to no effort.
How to use an automatic hair curler
Brush your hair, apply a heat protectant and separate it into small sections.
Position the curler close to the roots and feed a section of hair into the chamber.
Let the barrel automatically draw in and wrap the hair.
Wait for the timer or alert to signal that the curl is ready.
Release the curl and repeat until your whole head is styled. Let the curls cool down before brushing.
Hair wavers are great for creating a beachy finish and work particularly well on medium to long hair. The heated barrels and clamp shape hair into an S-wave pattern, creating a more relaxed look. This makes a flowing wave pattern that's softer than classic ringlet curls.
How to use a hair waver
Apply a heat protectant to dry hair and divide it into sections.
Place the waver near the roots and clamp for around five seconds.
Move down the section, aligning the barrels with the previous wave pattern.
Continue to the ends of the hair and repeat throughout the head.
Finish with a texture spray or light hairspray for extra hold if you want.
Find your favourite hair curler
Now you know the different hair curler types and how to use them, it’s time to find the one that suits you best. Explore the full range of hair curlers and find the perfect match for your hair type, length and styling goals.
Beauty tip: To keep your hair healthy, avoid using heated tools too frequently and make sure you always apply some kind of heat protectant first. Don't over-tighten your curls when styling either, as this can lead to hair breakage.
What size curling wand for long hair?
For long hair, a 32mm to 38mm curling wand is usually the best choice. This curling wand size creates loose, flowing waves and makes it easier to style longer sections of hair. Smaller barrels can also be used if you prefer tighter, more defined curls.
What size curling wand for medium-length hair?
For medium-length hair, a 25mm to 32mm curling wand offers the most versatility. This size range can create everything from soft waves to defined curls, making it ideal if you like to switch up your style.
What size curling wand for short hair?
For short hair, a 13mm to 25mm curling wand is often the best option. Smaller barrels make it easier to wrap shorter sections of hair and create defined curls, volume and texture that last.
