Skip to main content
To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories.
- Podcasts
- Video
- Newsletters
- Magazine
- Events
- WIRED Insider
- WIRED Consulting
- Jobs
- Coupons
Victoria Woollaston-Webber
Gear
We’ve tested tongs, wands, curling irons, and dryers in our pursuit of the best tools for all hair types and styles. These are our top twisters.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
4
/
10
It may seem that curling irons are all created relatively equal, but depending on what style you’re after, your hair type, skill level, and budget, they can vary wildly. What suits one person won’t suit another, and this can make choosing the best curling iron a minefield.
The size of the barrel, for example, can make a huge difference to the size of the curl and how defined it is. If you have long, thick hair, you’re going to want a styler that offers higher temperatures than someone with thin or fine hair. And if your hair is damaged or brittle, you’ll likely benefit from an iron that’s been infused with oils and proteins, or a styler that curls your hair with hot air rather than hot metal.
To help you navigate this tricky terrain, we’ve tested a range of curling irons, wands, tongs, and stylers for ease of use, how well they curl the hair, and how well the curls last. We also factor in if they have any safety features, and we recommend alternatives for different hair types for those curlers that serve more specific needs.
For more hair and beauty guides, check out Best Hair Dryers and Diffusers, Best Hair Straighteners and the Best Creams and Tools for Removing Hair.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
Victoria Woollaston-Webber is a freelance journalist, editor and founder of science-led health, beauty and grooming sites, mamabella and MBman. She has more than a decade's experience in both onlineand print journalism, having written about tech and gadgets since day one for national papers, magazines and global brands. Victoria specializes in... Read more
Wired Contributor
Topicsbuying guidesShopping
Curls and waves are beautiful. But when you want to smooth them out, these hot tools—irons, brushes, and combs—work wonders.
Medea Giordano
We tried blow-dryers, brushes, and a machine that sucks up your locks like a vacuum. These are our top tools to dry your do.
Medea Giordano
It’s not just hot air. Dyson’s new dryer has impressive smart features and attachments, in addition to the high price tag.
Medea Giordano
Banish puff and frizz with these discounted flat irons and blow dryers from Dyson and beyond.
Medea Giordano
A U-shaped toothbrush tray is good for a quick clean, but you need a regular toothbrush too. The DuoBrush has both options.
Medea Giordano
The best gift idea for your dad is a nicer version of something he already owns. The second best is one of these things.
Martin Cizmar
WaterField’s purpose-built iPad messenger bag is spacious and water-resistant, and will keep your precious new iPad safe in style.
Jaina Grey
You have to pay $100,000 for a timepiece with a singularly hi-tech route to make 160 micro-LED lights come on without any battery to power them.
Tim Barber