We all remember sitting in front of countless YouTube beauty videos, trying to create that perfect beach wave or glamorous curls. To curl towards or away from your face? To wrap your strands around a wand or bend with a flat iron? And how do you even curl short hair? Though you might have the technique for curling your hair down by now, finding the right hot tool is half the battle.
The size and shape of your barrel can really determine how tight or loose your curls look. If you're looking for tighter curls or your hair has trouble holding a curl, go for a smaller barrel. On the other hand, if you're going for a looser beach wave, get your hands on a larger barrel iron, like one that is thicker than 1 1/4 inches. Whether you want relaxed waves or voluminous tight curls, we've rounded up the best curling irons at every budget.
You won't have to worry about the hassle of plugging in chords with this high-tech curler. Plus, it does most of the work for you — all you have to do is add your strand of hair and watch the magic happen.
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Editor's Pick
Remington Pro 1"-1.5" Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand
Editor's Pick
Remington Pro 1"-1.5" Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand
My long hair swore by this pretty pink conical wand. For under $30, it gives you luscious beachy waves — its pearl ceramic coating doesn't dry or damage your hair — and gets the job done so quickly.
If your strands have a tough time holding a curl, this Amazon fave iron creates the bounciest ones and gets real hot. But you don't have to worry about damaging your hair, as its titanium barrel uses infrared heat tech to prevent overheating and drying.
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Hot Tools Signature Series Gold Curling Iron/Wand, 1.25 Inch
Hot Tools Signature Series Gold Curling Iron/Wand, 1.25 Inch
A true classic, this sleek gold curling iron has been a staple for years. The sturdy tool heats up in just 30 seconds, and will tame even the thickest strands, giving you curls to last for hours on end.
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Bargain Buy
Conair InfinitiPro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, 1-Inch
Bargain Buy
Conair InfinitiPro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, 1-Inch
The last thing you want when you're curling your hair? Frizz. Luckily, this iron has tourmaline ceramic tech to minimize that frizz while leaving a shiny finish on your beachy waves.
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BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron, 1.5 Inch
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron, 1.5 Inch
Get the perfect tousled waves of your dreams with this easy-to-use curling iron. The nano titanium tool has 50 (!) heat settings and gets extra hot, but won't fry your precious locks.
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Bargain Buy
Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand for Loose Curls, 1 Inch
Bargain Buy
Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand for Loose Curls, 1 Inch
If you're looking for loose waves with amazing body, you've met your new go-to tool. Its one-inch barrel makes it super easy to wrap your hair, regardless of your length, and your waves will come out looking 💯.
You'll be shocked that this fancy af tool is only $60, and actually works — it has a genius rotating handle to prevent your arms from getting tired, and an auto shut-off function so you never have to worry about whether you left your iron on.
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FHI Heat Platform Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron
FHI Heat Platform Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron
For versatile curls and waves, try this red hot tourmaline ceramic curling iron. It has three layers of baked ceramic barrel, which will make your hair look soft and moisturized, minus the frizz.
Willing to shell out extra $$ for your curling iron? The natural volcanic minerals in this glossy tool will literally hydrate and condition your hair, as if delivering long-lasting curls and waves wasn't enough.
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T3 SinglePass Wave Professional Tapered Ceramic Styling Wand
T3 SinglePass Wave Professional Tapered Ceramic Styling Wand
This lux curling wand is as good a styler as it is a chic vanity accessory. It's also an intelligent iron, which means it has a microchip that adjusts and regulates heat, so you can trust you're never harming your strands.
Yerin Kim is the Assistant Editor for Snapchat Discover at Seventeen, covering beauty, sex & health, lifestyle, and entertainment. Originally from New Jersey but raised in Seoul, she is a proud Syracuse grad who loves fluffy puppies and a good Instagram opp. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram!