14 Best Curling Irons for Instagram-Worthy Curls and Waves, Loved by Hair Stylists and Editors

We’re the first to admit that using a traditional curling iron isn’t easy. Enter the Beachwaver, a rotating curling iron that creates curls and waves with a simple push of a button.

Speaking of the buttons, Saunders adds users can just press the left or right arrow to curl away from the face. Doing so helps open up their features, like the cheekbones and jawline. There’s even a home button to reset the iron back to its original position, preventing tangles.

“I’ve been using the Beachwaver since 2019. The innovative hot tool feels like it was created for someone like me who long admired the big, bouncy curls and waves Victoria’s Secret models had growing up,” she says. Beachwaver founder Sarah Potempa was responsible for creating the iconic hair look two years in a row for the annual VS fashion show.

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Just when Saunders thought the Beachwaver couldn’t get any better, the brand debuted an impressive new rotating curling iron. It features three interchangeable barrels of various shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to splurge on multiple hot tools to achieve versatile looks.

“It’s incredibly easy to swap out the barrels to achieve defined curls, beach waves, or loose curls. I also appreciate that it comes with an 8-foot-long swivel cord to prevent tangles. It’s also incredibly helpful for someone with limited outlets in their home. Best of all, it boasts multiple preset temperatures, ensuring all hair types are accommodated,” she explains.

She owns the pink and rose gold trio, but notes both the pink and black sets sold out hours before we published this guide. Thankfully for your hairstyling needs, Beachwaver created a leopard print version that's currently in stock. Saunders argues that if you’re keen on scoring one ASAP, do so fast because it’s only a matter of time before this hot tool also sells out.

Saunders says Conair is one of the best budget-friendly haircare brands available, hence an inclusion in this story. And with a 4.3-star average rating from more than 80,000 reviews, it’s no wonder this affordable curling iron is an Amazon best-seller.

Whether you’re looking to curl all of your tresses or just touch up the front pieces, this is a go-to iron for many. And based on the thousands of glowing reviews, Saunders is confident you’ll enjoy it as well.

Amazon reviewers appreciate the simplicity of this curling iron. Not only does it heat up fast, but it also features a double ceramic technology for even heat distribution.

Although Saunders hasn’t used this particular mini iron, she has had many positive experiences using Conair hot tools. Additionally, she is impressed by its ability to heat up in just 30 seconds, which is handy for anyone impatient.

The hundreds of glowing online reviews highlighting this as a tiny yet powerful pick don’t hurt either. One Amazon reviewer says it fits neatly into their cosmetic bag but doesn’t take away necessary space for their makeup and skincare products.

Speaking of travel, many Amazon reviewers use this mini curling iron for international trips. Regardless of which country you’re using this hot tool, reviewers say it quickly heats up and holds a curl.

Just about every hairstylist we chatted with when whipping up this list couldn’t help but mention the ghd Curve. It comes in different widths, but the Classic seems to be on everyone’s minds for its comfort tip that won’t burn your fingers, medium 1-inch barrel that doesn’t damage or fry your strands, Ultra-zone technology, and spring-activated ergonomic lever for creating classic curls. As its name says, this pick is perfect for creating bouncy, classic bombshell curls.

“My GHD Curve Classic Iron is my go-to,” says celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas. “With the comfort tip, I never need to worry about burning myself. The heat is highly accurate and doesn’t fluctuate at all. With a spring-loaded blade, it is very easy to use at home too!”

Those with longer tresses or just appreciate bigger, bouncier curls and waves should opt for the larger 1.25-inch curling iron instead. It's a favorite of celebrity hairstylist Hayley Heckmann who uses it to style short and long hair. Heckmann says, “My favorite feature besides the barrel size is how evenly the plates inside heat up, ensuring your hair doesn’t get damaged.”

For less than $40, you get a curler and a straightener with this budget-friendly lifesaver. This heated hair tool hybrid has slightly curved ceramic plates that make straightening and curling a total breeze. Simply straighten as per usual for a sleek and straight look, or twist and glide for beach waves. If you want big, bouncy curls, simply glide slower — yeah ... it’s that easy.

This hair-styling hero gets bonus points for its heat control sensor that prevents overheating, which means less hair damage and less color fading for color-treated hair.

Amazon reviewers with a diverse range of hair types speak highly of this unique hot tool. What's so fantastic about this spiral flat iron is that reviewers say it works equally well with all hair textures, including thick, curly, and coily tresses.

If you’re sick and tired of getting tangled in cords while curling your hair, then Conair has the perfect curler for you.

This titanium-based curler is completely cordless and provides up to 25 minutes of cordless use. We especially love that you don’t have to waste money on buying extra batteries. Simply recharge the hot tool with the included 3-foot-long USB charger, and you’re good to go.

The 1-inch barrel makes creating curls and waves seamless and easy. Plus, without a cord, you can get to those hard-to-reach areas behind your head without burning yourself.

Amazon reviewers are big fans of this travel-friendly curling iron that doesn’t take up much space in their carry-on bag. They also praise how easy it is to style their hair, especially because they're no longer dealing with a cumbersome extension cord.

Why buy three different curling irons when you can buy one with interchangeable barrels? Though this curling iron does come with a pricey penny, it’s also important to note that it is a 3-in-1 option that won numerous beauty accolades. Many celebrity hairstylists have also relied on this gorgeous white and rose gold hot tool to style their clients.

Just ask celebrity hair colorist Jeremy Tardo who loves this hair curling iron for its ceramic build that doesn't damage hair. “Its ceramic coating allows for a smooth pass through the hair and a polished finish,” he says. “It’s super easy to use and curls the hair in just one pass, saving time and energy.”

If you’re new to the world of curling, first off, welcome! Second, you need this easy, breezy curling iron to get started, according to celebrity hair and makeup artist Meredith Boyd.

This curler is one of Boyd’s favorites for one main reason: The barrel rotates, and it’s absolutely life-changing.

“The barrel swivels all the way around, making the curling process so easy. Plus, it’s really fun to use — clients always ask me about it the iron when I style their hair and can’t get over how it rotates,” she says.

If you have long hair, then you know how much of a pain it is to actually curl it. But if you want to make things easier on you and your long locks, then Boyd says to grab this large and in-charge styler, stat.

Boyd says this curling iron is the best for larger curls because the iron never snags on the hair, and it has an extra long 2-inch barrel that makes curling long hair a breeze. Plus, its 1.25-inch barrel size is perfect for creating beachy waves or soft curls.

Now, let's get to the specs: The brand’s NanoIonic MX technology and Bio Ionic Moisturizing Heat help lock in moisture, seal the cuticle, and ensure that curls last longer and stay conditioned and bouncy instead of dull and limp.

Celebrity hairstylist Michael Boychuck says he loves using this particular curler for one main reason: its temperature controls. “It heats up quickly, and the temperature settings are easy to navigate and adjust for any hair type,” he says.

But that’s not the only reason why this curler is so great. It’s clipless, so you won’t have to worry about dents in your hair, and its extra-long barrel allows you to use this curler on longer hair as well. Plus, it has a customizable auto shut-off setting, so you’ll never have to worry about whether you left your curler on when you step away from it.

Ulta shoppers can’t seem to get enough of this under-$30 curling wand, and after careful review now we’re pretty obsessed with it, too. They note their curls last at least a full day — on second-day hair, they just need to touch up a few face-framing pieces and they're good to go.

This curling iron beats out its pricier competition for its ceramic barrel that won’t sear your locks and its shine-boosting, body-enhancing properties. It has one universal temperature setting, which takes the guesswork out of determining which temp is best for your hair, and it even comes with a heat-protective glove, so you don’t burn yourself in the process of styling your strands.

Given its clamp-free design, this pick is best for creating loose curls and waves, so if you're looking for a tighter curl, we recommend opting for another option on this list.

No matter what your hair length or texture may be, this curling iron from celebrity hairstyling legend Kim Kimble will suit your needs.

First off, it’s an under-$50 pick that has interchangeable barrel heads, which is pretty impressive. But what grabbed our attention is the brand’s promise that each barrel works with just about any hair type.

All you need to do is set it to the right temperature for your hair type (for fine or damaged hair use 290-330 degrees; medium or normal hair should use 330-370 degrees; thick or coarse hair, use 370-410 degrees) and you’re all set to create perfect curls and waves.

Walmart reviewers say their hair looks shiny and healthy whenever they use this curling iron. One even went as far as saying it cut down their hairstyling routine by 65%. They add the inclusion of two wand sizes and a heat-resistant protective glove is incredible.

There’s nothing like romantic beach waves, and this under-$40 pick will give you exactly that. This curling-crimping mechanism uses ceramic tourmaline plates that quickly and evenly heat up to style your hair while reducing frizz and increasing shine, and reviewers on Walmart rave about how this heated tool creates the perfect soft beach wave in seconds.

One Walmart reviewer loves using this curling iron to create deep mermaid waves — and they always receive plenty of compliments on their hair when they style with this hot tool. Another reviewer adds it’s the perfect hair tool for creating effortless waves for daily use. They love Hairitage so much that they own almost every hair tool and accessory the brand sells.