12 Best Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair

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Those curly locks are sure worth a second look. But it wouldn’t be if your curls are damaged and dry. Curly hair may be fashionable, but it can also dry out and damage your hair strands. But not anymore! With the best curling irons that won’t damage your hair, you can enjoy healthy-looking curls everyday!

Keep scrolling to see our top picks and more! Happy curling!

In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!

  1. T3 Micro Whirl Trio
  2. Beachwaver S1
  3. BabyLissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron

12 Best Curling Irons That Won’t Damage Your Hair

1. T3 Micro Whirl Trio- Best Hair Curler for Long Hair

You can get three premium ceramic barrels for various styles at a great price.

Premium ceramic barrels can be costly. Especially if you want to create more curly styles, you need more than one barrel. And it can be out of our budget. The T3 Micro Whirl Trio is the best deal that you can get for a curling iron with a ceramic barrel. Create more styles without any damage to your hair.

And if you do the math, it’s quite economical. You’ll only be spending a fraction of the cost. It may seem expensive at first but you get the complete deal. 

The barrels are extra long so it also works great for very long hair. It heats fast and you can curl your long hair in under 15 minutes!

Pros

  • Has heat setting from 260-410 degree Fahrenheit
  • Smoothens hair
  • Holds curls
  • Travel friendly and easy to pack in your suitcase
  • Comes with a storage pouch
  • Heats up fast
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • May not be ideal for short hair

Why you should buy this curler

It’s a complete set at a decent price! You can create a myriad of styles with just one wand.

2. Beachwaver S1- The Best Foolproof Hair Curler

Get gorgeous curls at a fraction of the time and no learning curve with the Beachwaver S1

If you aren’t a fan of tools that have a learning curve, this Beachwaver curling iron is your best solution. It’s a grab and go curler that can easily create lovely curls. It’s almost foolproof that everyone can easily use it, even newbies.

It’s also a long curler so it’s perfect for those with longer hair. You don’t need to spend more than 20 minutes even for long hair. And if time is not on your side, you can still go to work all glammed up. It’s very easy to use and the results are fantastic.

Pros

  • Dual voltage
  • So easy to use
  • Curls long hair fast
  • Does not have a learning curve
  • Has an ergonomic handle

Cons

  • Mant be hot enough for thick hair

Why you should buy this curler

It’s an almost foolproof curler that everybody can use. 

3. BabyLissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron- The Best Curling Iron For Any Hair Type

It’s one of the most versatile curling irons that can produce a variety of curling styles.

It’s hard to come across a curling iron that can curl all hair types. Especially if you have thick Asian hair, the curls usually don’t hold. This nano titanium spring curling iron is the best one on the market. It can curl even thick Asian hair without damaging it. 

And it comes with four sizes so you can create any variety of curls and coils that you desire. It’s the next best thing to having your hair curled at the salon. And why would you? You can curl your hair at home any time you want.

Another fascinating feature of this hair curler is that it comes with 50 heat settings. So you’re guaranteed to find the perfect temperature no matter what your hair type is. 

Pros

  • Barrels have Sol-Gel ceramic technology to prevent frizz
  • A lot of heat settings
  • Easy to use
  • Can be used on any hair type
  • Can create a variety of curls and coils
  • Heats up quickly

Cons

  • Does not have an automatic shut off feature
  • Lacks an LCD

Why you should buy this curling iron

It’s the perfect hair iron for a variety of styles. And it has a lot of heat settings, so you will find one that exactly fits your hair’s requirement.

4. Hot Tools 24k Gold Curling Iron- The Best Curling Iron for Naturally Thick Hair

Get defined curls fast even if you have very thick mane with this 24 k gold plated curling iron.

When you have natural hair, it’s difficult to find hair tools or a hair iron that can effectively curl your hair. Your hair seems to have a life of its own. And when you do get those curls, they usually don’t last for more than an hour. 

This 24 k gold plated Hot Tools curling iron is the solution to styling your thick mane. The surface is a great heat conductor. It heats up quickly and can get really hot. And that’s perfect for those with thick natural hair. And the curls last for several hours.  

The handle is also elongated so it holds the curls better compared to your other wands and hot curling irons. It feels durable and solid too. It doesn’t feel flimsy at all. The heat dial and power switch are in the perfect location. There’s no instance where you can accidentally bump your hand against it.

Pros

  • Heats up quickly
  • Long and soft handles
  • Feels solid and durable
  • Curls thicker hair
  • The curls last for several hours
  • Has heat setting up to 430-degree Fahrenheit
  • Has an 8 ft swivel cord

Cons

  • Not advisable for those with short hair

Why you should buy this curling iron

It can curl even the thickest hair. And I love that it can memorize your usual heat settings. So you can just instantly turn it on and you’re ready to roll. It’s also one of the best 2 inch curling irons in the market. 

5. INFINITI PRO by CONAIR- The Best Professional Hair Curler for Home Use

Get professionally curly tresses with the INFINITI PRO. Your hairstylist will miss you.

Are you dreaming of curls and coils that are similar to the ones you get when you visit the salon? Well, you can have one right at your one home without the extravagant cost. The INFINITI PRO by CONAIR is similar to what the professionals use! So you can get salon-like curls anytime you want. And that’s at a fraction of the cost.

What makes it one of the best curling irons? It has the features of a professional curling iron! One, the heats setting is up to 400-degree Fahrenheit. This can create sexy beach waves and curls that can last for a long time. And it also won’t damage your hair. 

Two, it makes use of a brushless motor that can eliminate tangles. And three, it combines a tourmaline ceramic technology that can give you shiny and soft curls. It consists of a chamber that automatically curls your hair and just releases it when it’s done. So all you have to do is feed a section of your hair and this curling iron will do the job for you.

It also features 3 timer levels and 2 heat settings.

Pros

  • Has an ergonomic handle
  • Professional grade curling iron
  • Creates long-lasting curls and waves
  • Very easy to use
  • Produces consistent curls every time

Cons

  • Issues arise when users feed too much hair into the chamber

Why you should buy this hair curler

If you’re lazy and yet want to get good curls, this is the curler for you. 

6. GHD Curve Classic Curl- The Best Curling Iron for Tight Classic Curls

Get consistent lovely tight curls that you can flaunt all day long with the GHD Curve Classic Curl

Curling sometimes can be tedious, that is if you have the wrong tools. And if you’re struggling to get consistent curls on your own, it’s time to find the best curling iron that can deal with the problem.

GHD Curve Classic Curls is another hot iron on our list that can give you perfect salon-like curls. This is made possible by the brand’s patented to zone technology. It heats up in 20 seconds and creates perfect consistent curlers every single time. 

 And if you love classic tight curls, this is the perfect hair curler for you. One unique feature of this hair curler is that it maintains a steady temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit. This steady temperature won’t damage your hair.

Pros

  • Has a universal voltage
  • Heat up in 20 seconds
  • Has an automatic shut off system
  • Creates perfect consistent curls and waves
  • Easy to use
  • Has an ergonomic handle
  • Has a 360-degree swivel cord

Cons

  • Has only one temperature setting

Why you should buy this curling iron

If you love tight classic curls, this is the perfect hair iron to buy.

7. GHD Curve Wand- The Best Hair Iron for Sexy Beach Waves

Get big bouncy curls with only only one heat setting.

If you’re looking for the most efficient hair curler to get bouncy big curls, look no further. The GHD Curve Wand can give you lovely big curls every time. And what’s amazing is that you only need one heat setting to achieve this. This hair iron has a single heat setting of 365 degrees. And that’s enough to produce big lovely curls.

It’s a very minimalist hair iron that’s so easy to use. And it produces lovely curls faster and it lasts longer. It has the same patented tri-zone technology similar to other premium GHD hair irons. That creates healthy and smooth curls.

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It has a tapered barrel that creates natural big curls. So it’s a perfect hair curler to get you those sexy loose beach waves

Pros

  • Heats up fast
  • Has an ergonomic and long handle
  • Minimalistic design
  • Has a protective cool tip
  • Comes with a protective glove
  • Light but doesn’t feel flimsy

Cons

  • Has only one temperature setting

Why you should buy this hair curler

If you want natural-looking big bouncy waves, this is the hair curler for you. It’s even one of the best curling irons for stylists.

8. Babyliss Porcelain Ceramic Spring- The Best Curling Iron for Fine Hair

Enjoy nice lovely curls even if you have very thin hair with this Babyliss ceramic hair iron.

Getting lovely curls may seem like a challenge if you have thin hair. Your fine hair is more susceptible to heat damage, so you really have to be careful and choose the right products. The BabyLiss porcelain ceramic iron can get you lovely curls without sacrificing the health of your hair. 

If you have fine hair, the only way to get it styled without damaging it is by using ceramic. Whether you’re straightening or curling your hair, tools with ceramic plates can protect your fine hair better than titanium or tourmaline. 

Ceramic plates ensure even distribution and prevent any hotspots. And this BabyLiss ceramic hair curler has over 30 what settings so you can choose the best temperature setting for your fine hair

Pros

  • Has 30 heat settings with the highest at 430-degree Fahrenheit
  • Prevents hot spots
  • Features an 8-inch tangle-free swivel cord
  • Easy to use
  • Does not pull your hair

Cons

  • Might have a learning curve

Why you should buy this hair iron

It’s the perfect ceramic curling iron for your fine and thin hair.

9. DryBar The 3-Day Bender Curling Iron- The Best Curling Iron for Long Lasting Curls

Enjoy curls and coils can last from the morning to night with this perky little hair curler.

Curls that last the whole day- that’s every girl’s dream. But it just doesn’t happen! You can get curls that can last for several hours, but more than 4 hours? It might be difficult to find a curler that can help you get that.

This perky hair curler from DryBar is heaven sent! It’s your solution for curls that can go from the office to a party night out with your best friends. The secret lies in the curler’s ionic technology. One, it gets rid of the frizz. And two, the ceramic plates have even heat that penetrates the hair strands. Thus, resulting in curls that can last practically for the entire day!

Pros

  • Has a 60 min auto shut off feature
  • Heats up fast
  • Curls really last longer
  • Has a 9ft swivel cord 
  • Perfect for all hair types
  • Has an LCD

Cons

  • Only comes in yellow 

Why you should buy this hair curler

It’s one of the best curling irons that won’t damage your hair that can also give long lasting curls.  And if you also want frizz-free curls, you have to get one of these perky hair curlers from DryBar.

10. XTAVA Satin wave 5- in-1 Curling Iron Set- The Best Hair Curler For a Variety of Styles

Get a myriad of curl and coil styles with the XTAVA Satin Wave 5- n 1 curling iron set.

Curls are in and very sexy. But it can also be redundant if you’re wearing the same style of curls every single time. With the XTAVA Satin 5-in -1 curler set, you can enjoy a myriad of styles without buying a new wand. It comes with accessories and inserts that you can use to create different coils every time.

It has 5 interchangeable inserts for different curls and waves. It also boasts of a ceramic tourmaline technology that removes the frizz and protects your hair during styling. And it also features 9 different heat settings (250 -410-degree Fahrenheit)

It creates shiny and lustrous curls too. And it can curl all hair types. So even if you have thick hair, you can get the curls of your dream.

Pros

  • Comes with 5 interchangeable inserts
  • Complete with a protective glove
  • Does Not pull the hair
  • Create a myriad of styles
  • Features a digital temperature control
  • Has an auto shut off feature
  • Dual voltage
  • Cools down quickly
  • Comes with a heat resistant case

Cons

  • Can get really hot

Why should you buy this curling iron

You can enjoy a variety of curl styles with one tool.

11. Dyson Air Wrap- The Best Curling Iron for Wet Hair

The Dyson Airwrap is one of the few hair curlers that you can safely use for your wet hair.

Before curling your hair, you have to dry it out first so that it doesn’t get damaged. Hair is at its weakest when wet. So even if you are in such a hurry, you’d never dare curl your wet hair!

That all changes with the Dyson Air Wrap. This hair dryer and curler in one are one of its kind. It uses controlled heated air to dry and style your hair.

It also comes with 4 interchangeable inserts that you can use for another styling. You can purchase it in a set or as separately. 

Doesn’t the heat damage the hair? Surprisingly no, it won’t damage your hair. It’s not like a hair blower that delivers bouts of hot air. The Dyson Air Wrap has controlled heat that doesn’t dry or damages your hair. It can even make your hair lustrous. The process helps create negative ions that can get rid of the frizz. And it just results in shiny healthy curls.

Pros

  • Dries and curls your hair at the same time
  • Has a cool shot option
  • Has interchangeable inserts
  • Comes with a swivel cord
  • Has a cool tip touch
  • Comes with a storage case

Cons

  • Not dual voltage

Why you should buy this curler

It’s an amazing tool that cuts your time in front of the mirror. It styles and dries your hair altogether without damaging it. 

12. CONAIR Instant Hair Curling iron- The Best Drugstore Curling Iron

Get bouncy medium curls that stay all day long.

Those bouncy curls and waves look sexy and hot. But regular hair iron has hotspots. So you get hair damage even before you could have finished curling your entire head. The CONAIR instant hair curler boasts of a multilayer technology that eliminates hot spots.

It’s a combination of chromium, nickel, and steel. It’s a great heat conductor and it means a fast, serious curling session. You don’t need to twirl your hair several times on the wand to get curls that hold.

So you can quickly get bouncy curls without damaging your hair. And it also has 24 different heat settings. You can carefully choose the temperature that fits your hair type.

It’s called instant because it features a burst of 360- degree temperature that can “instantly” curl your hair. So it’s quite convenient especially if you’re rushing through the morning for a meeting but you still want a good head of curls.

Pros

  • Heats up in 30 seconds
  • Has instant heat up feature
  • Offers 25 temperature settings
  • Boasts of smart technology for stabilized heat
  • Has an auto shut off feature
  • Extra-long handle for safety

Cons

  • The heat dial is positioned in an area where you tend to bump it most of the time

Why you should buy this hair iron

If you want serious curls that last long, this is the best product for you. And it does it without damaging your hair. It’s also one of the cheapest curling irons.

Best Curling Iron
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Buying Guide: How to Get the Best Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Your Hair

Now that you’ve seen the best brands for various circumstances, let’s dabble on what you should look for in buying your own. Remember that not one hair iron fits all. So you have to score these factors according to your needs.

1. Auto shut off features

It’s a safety feature that’s very handy for those who tend to forget to pull out their curler from the power source. Some hair curlers automatically shut off after 40-60 minutes of nonuse. So if you tend to be one of those forgetful Freds, you have to consider this in buying your hair curler.

2. Temperature settings

The best curling iron has a variety of temperature settings. Some can contain only one while others offer about 30-40 variable heat settings.

Related read Best Interchangeable Curling Wand

So how can you choose one based on this factor? If you have fine hair, you have to use the lowest setting, while you can afford to go as high as 435 if you have thick natural hair. But curlers such as the GHD Curve Wand are equipped with a technology where one one temperature works for almost all hair types. 

So when buying a hair curler, make sure to check out the temperature settings that it offers. And if they have one. 

3. Barrel size

The size of the barrel is synonymous with the type of curl that you want to achieve. Small barrels produce tight classic curls. These are also advisable if you have short hair. Medium ballers are great for almost everyone and those natural-looking sexy beach waves. While if you want to glam it up with big bouncy curls, go for the big barrels. 

Some curlers may have interchangeable inserts. So you don’t need to buy a new wand, just plug in the inserts to get new styles. While some hair curlers don’t have that option. So be sure to check on this factor before swiping your card at the counter.

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4. The shape of the iron

The shape of the curling iron dictates the result of the curls.

If you want more natural-looking curls, curling irons with a wide base and a narrow tip can give bouncy curls such as the GHD Curve wand.

Then we have the more traditional hair curlers such as the BabyLiss PRO titanium curlers with clamps. It produces more traditional waves with the clamp that holds your hair as you curl.

Then there are the wands that don’t have any clamp. Wands are more ideal for damaged hair. Since there isn’t a metal clamp pressing the hair against the barrel, there is less heat contact. 

How to Use a Curling Iron
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How to Use a Curling Iron

So if you’re new into curling your hair, here’s a simple guide on how to use one. Some steps may vary depending on the top of the curler that you’re going to buy. But these are the general steps

  1. Make sure to thoroughly air dry air first. Curling wet hair can lead to hair damage. Well, unless you’re using the Dyson Air Wrapper. This curling iron allows you to dry and style your hair at the same time.  
  2. It’s sectioning time! If you have thick, long hair, sectioning is a must to ensure you’re getting consistent curls. You may need to divide your hair into 2-3 sections. That’s more if you have very thick hair.
  3. So hold the iron with the clasp facing forward and gather about 2 inches of your hair. Wrap it around the barrel. And make sure to curl away from your face. And if you’re using the BEachwaver S1 or the Infiniti Pro, you ‘ll just need to feed a section of hair and the curler will do the job for you.
  4. Hold the curls for about 7-10 seconds. If you want looser curls, hold it for less than 7 seconds. 
  5. Do the same thing for the remaining sections.
  6. Fip your hair forward and run your fingers through the curls to give it a natural bounce.
  7. You have an option to seal it with some spray to make it last longer.

FAQs

Can curling everyday damage my hair?

Unfortunately yes, subjecting your hair to direct heat whether by straightening or curling can be damaging to your hair. But if it’s unavoidable, here’s what you can do to avoid damage. One, buy the best curling irons that won’t damage the hair. And two, make use of hair protectant. This can add a layer of protection from the direct heat.

Is it better to curl your hair with a straightener or a curler?

Curling your hair with a hair curler will give better results. It gives you more options on the curling styles and more range of motion. You can also switch from tight to loose curls effortlessly. That would be difficult to do with a hair straightener.

Can I use styling products when curling my hair?

Yes, you can. It’s also advisable to use hair protectants before curing. This protects your hair from heat damage.

Conclusion

If you want to achieve lovely and effortless curls, you have to get the right product. Using a hair straightener won’t just do. You can create healthy curls with the best curling iron that won’t damage your hair. Because you can still enjoy lovely curls every day without compromising your hair’s health. Our list has the best hair curler brands that can give you those healthy dreamy curls!

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