What is the best hair curler?

When asking ‘what is the best hair curler?’, there isn't a single answer that suits everyone. The best option depends on your hair type, the styles you want to create, how much versatility you're looking for and how you prefer to style your hair.
 

While some people favour a traditional curling wand, tong or automatic curler, others may prefer a multi-styler that can create curls, waves and other looks with a range of attachments. The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer is one example, combining curling attachments with additional styling functions in a single machine, making it a useful option for those who want flexibility beyond one curl type.

Quick answer: how to choose the best hair curler

When comparing hair curler options, focus on:

• Curl type – loose waves, soft curls, defined curls or tight ringlets. 
• Hair length – short, medium or long hair. 
• Barrel size – smaller barrels create tighter curls, while larger barrels create looser waves. 
• Styling method – manual styling, automatic curling or heatless styling. 
• Heat control – adjustable settings and temperature management. 
• Curl longevity – how well curls hold throughout the day. 
• Versatility – whether the device can create multiple hairstyles. 

At a glance

If you're searching for the best hair curler, the answer usually comes down to three factors: 

• Choosing the right styling format. 
• Selecting the correct barrel size. 
• Finding the right balance of performance, control and versatility. 

Read on for our complete guide to hair curler types, barrel sizes, styling performance and the features to consider before making your choice. 

Hair curler guide: wand, tong, automatic curler or heatless option?

Choosing the right hair curler starts with understanding how the different styling categories work. Each offers a unique styling experience and can be better suited to certain hair types, skill levels and styling goals.
 

Whether you're searching for beachy waves, defined spirals, glamorous curls or everyday movement, understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice.

Hair curler wand

A hair curler wand usually features a heated barrel without a clamp. Hair is wrapped around the barrel manually. 
 

Best for: 

• Natural-looking curls. 
• Loose waves. 
• Beach-wave styling. 
• Experienced users who want greater control. 

Advantages: 

• Versatile styling results. 
• Natural-looking texture. 
• Multiple curl patterns possible. 
• Often available in several barrel sizes. 

Things to consider: 

• Requires manual wrapping. 
• Can take practice to master. 
• Styling consistency depends on technique. 

Hair curler tong

Curling tongs use a clamp to hold hair against a heated barrel. 
 

Best for: 

• Defined curls. 
• Structured styling. 
• Beginners seeking guidance when wrapping hair. 

Advantages: 

• Creates uniform curl patterns. 
• Easy section control. 
• Consistent results. 

Things to consider: 

• Less styling freedom than some wands. 
• Clamp marks can occur depending on technique. 

Automatic curler

An automatic curler helps wrap hair around the barrel or styling chamber with minimal manual movement from the user.  
 

Best for: 

• Easier styling routines. 
• Consistent curls. 
• People new to curling their hair. 
   

Advantages: 

• Simplified styling process. 
• More consistent curl formation. 
• Reduced learning curve. 

Things to consider: 

• Less manual control over curl formation. 
• Different models offer varying levels of personalisation. 

Heatless hair curler

A heatless hair curler relies on wrapping damp or dry hair around soft materials without applying heat. 
 

Best for: 

• Overnight styling. 
• Low-maintenance routines. 
• People who want to minimise heat exposure. 

Advantages: 

• No heated styling elements. 
• Can be worn overnight. 
• Gentle styling approach. 

Things to consider: 

• Results vary based on hair type. 
• Longer styling time required.
• Curl longevity can be less predictable. 

Which option is best for most people?

For many people, versatility is the deciding factor. Rather than purchasing separate tools for drying, curling, smoothing and straightening, a multi-styler can provide several styling functions in one device, allowing you to create looks ranging from loose waves and voluminous curls to smooth, straight styles and everyday volume.

What barrel size should you choose for loose waves, curls or short hair?

The smaller the barrel size, the tighter the curl. The larger the barrel size, the looser and softer the resulting wave. Barrel size is one of the most important factors when selecting a hair curler because it directly influences the finished look.

Small barrel sizes

Typically around 20mm to 25mm. 
 

Best for: 

• Defined curls. 
• Ringlets. 
• Short hair. 
• Hair that struggles to hold a curl. 
   

Benefits: 

• Greater curl definition. 
• Longer-lasting curl shape. 
• Better grip on shorter lengths.

Medium barrel sizes

Usually around 30mm. 
 

Best for: 

• Classic curls.
• Everyday styling. 
• Medium-length hair. 
   

Benefits: 

• Versatile curl patterns.
• Balanced definition and movement.
• Suitable for many hair types. 

Large barrel sizes

Usually 38mm to 40mm and above. 
 

Best for: 

• Loose waves. 
• Soft movement. 
• Longer hair. 
   

Benefits: 

• Relaxed, modern styling. 
• Faster styling of longer sections. 
• Natural-looking volume.  

Barrel size guide by hair length

Can one barrel size do everything?

A common misconception is that one barrel size suits every hairstyle. 
 

In reality: 

• Smaller barrels create tighter curls. 
• Larger barrels create looser waves. 
• Different hair lengths respond differently to the same size barrel.
• Styling goals often change from day to day. 

That's why many people choose styling systems with multiple attachments rather than a single fixed barrel. 

Hair curler comparison guide for value, heat control and curl longevity

When conducting a hair curler comparison, many people focus only on price. However, the most useful comparison considers several factors together.

Heat control

Look for features such as: 
 

• Adjustable heat settings. 
• Temperature regulation. 
• Consistent heat delivery. 
• Protection against excessive temperatures.

Curl longevity

Long-lasting curls depend on more than styling temperature. 
 

Factors that influence curl longevity include: 

• Hair type. 
• Hair length. 
• Styling technique. 
• Airflow performance. 
• Barrel design. 
• Environmental conditions. 

Ease of use

Many people now prioritise convenience alongside styling performance.  
 

Useful features include: 

• Lightweight handling. 
• Attachment recognition. 
• Personalised settings. 
• Automated styling sequences. 

Styling versatility

A traditional hair curler performs one primary function. 
 

A multi-styler may offer: 

• Drying. 
• Curling. 
• Waving. 
• Volumising. 
• Smoothing. 
• Straightening. 

This versatility can provide greater long-term value for people who regularly create different hairstyles. 

What should you prioritise?

If you're comparing multiple hair curler options, consider ranking them according to:

1. Desired hairstyle. 
2. Hair type. 
3. Ease of use. 
4. Heat management.
5. Styling versatility. 
6. Attachment options.
7. Long-term value. 

The best hair curler is ultimately the one that helps you achieve your preferred hairstyle consistently while fitting into your styling routine. 

Explore a more versatile approach to curling

If your definition of the best hair curler includes the ability to create different curl sizes, soft waves and a variety of everyday styles, a multi-styler can offer more flexibility than a single-purpose curling tool.
 

The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer is designed around that idea. With 6-in-1 versatility, it can dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth and volumise using dedicated attachments tailored to different styling goals. Whether you're looking to create loose waves for one occasion, more defined curls for another, or switch to a smooth style the next day, the machine allows you to explore different looks with the same styling system.
 

If you’re weighing up barrel sizes, the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer includes both 30mm and 40mm Co-anda2x™ curling barrels, making it easier to experiment with different curl and wave patterns. It also features intelligent attachment recognition, which identifies the attachment being used and remembers your preferred settings for future styling sessions.
 

Rather than choosing a tool designed around a single hairstyle, many people prefer a styling machine that can adapt to different occasions, hair lengths and styling preferences. That's why the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer may be worth considering when deciding which hair curler best suits your routine.
 

Explore the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x™ multi-styler and dryer and discover the attachment combination that best suits your hair type and styling goals.