[ad_1]
Whether you’re after tight curls or tousled waves, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best curling wands and tongs to transform your locks
The pro’s have declared the biggest hair trends of 2023 (opens in new tab), and to me 90’s supermodel volume screams getting the curl on. The best curling wands and tongs are your go-to’s for volume and beautifully tousled hair. The trouble is there are so many to choose from and it’s tricky to work out exactly which one will do what you want it to.
That’s where we come in. Team MC has decades worth of experience in testing curling wands to save you the trial and error. Testing out all the best curling wands 2023 has to offer, on straight, wavy, and curly hair. Curls work for pretty much everyone, whether it be for the best bob hairstyles (opens in new tab), short hairstyles for thin hair (opens in new tab) or short hairstyles for older women (opens in new tab).
Expert tip: “If you are creating beachy or textured waves, your Dry Shampoo will come in handy too. Use your favourite curling tong to style your hair and allow your hair to set and cool down. Apply Dry Shampoo (opens in new tab) throughout the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. This will give definition and shape to your waves. It will also help it last longer,” explains Jay Birmingham, (opens in new tab) celebrity hair stylist.
There’s a curl for everyone and different curls to create for any occasion – sleek, mermaid waves, and bouncy, corkscrew curls alike. But with so many different styles comes so many questions, what size to go for or what shape is best?
I have naturally wavy hair and use a curling wand after every wash to create a more defined (less frizzy) curl. So I’ve tried a curling wand (or ten) over the years.
We rounded up the best curling wands and tongs for all hair types and styles. So now all you need to decide is which curly hairstyles you want to opt for. From professional grade tongs, to cheap and cheerful options for a quick spruce, here are the curling wands to have on your radar this year.
How to choose the best curling wands?
Choose your curling wand shape
There are typically three different types or shapes of curling tools, each one creates a different shape in your hair.
Straight – This is the most common of curlers – it’s the same width along the entire barrel meaning that your curls will also be the same from root to tip. If you’re after a more classic look, then look for a straight barrel.
Tapered – If you’re after a more natural and relaxed curl, then the tapered tool is the one for you. Using this means that the curl will be tighter at the root, getting looser as it gets down to the ends.
Bubble – This is the strangest looking curling wand – if we’re honest it looks like something quite different to a curler, which is probably why they’re not as common. A bubble-shaped wand creates super loose waves – something a little more beachy than a done do.
Which size curling wand barrel is best?
It all depends on what type of curl you want to create. The width of the barrel is important because that will determine the look you’re after.
Less than 20mm – The thinner the wand the tighter the curl. If you’re after a disco, Studio 54 look then keep an eye out for one of these. Think Kate Moss on her 30th birthday.
20mm – 32mm – These widths create your classic, well defined, polished looking curls. If you want your hair to look as close to perfect and as far away from a festival as possible, then look no further.
32mm or larger – Large barrel curlers are the way to go if you’re after gorgeous, super-smooth bouncy waves. Brand-wise, ghd and Cloud Nine are high up there on our wish list and well worth the investment for their long lasting benefits and salon-worthy finish.
So, is a curling wand or a curling tong better?
Is it a wand or is it a tong? In all honesty, both do the very same thing. The difference is a tong has a clamp to hold the hair in place, which makes them a bit better for beginners, whilst the wand doesn’t. So it’s really more about personal preference.
Best curling wands and tongs in 2023:
With so many tongs on the market, it all depends on personal preference – your hair type and the curl you are aiming to achieve. Keep scrolling for a roundup of the best curling wands based on your needs.
Best does-everything curling tong
Shape: Tapered | Barrel: Size 23mm – 28mm | Tong vs Wand: Wand
ghd’s Creative Curl Wand is one of the most versatile curling wands out there. It allows for everything from tight curls to loose bouncing waves, depending on how you use it. Whether you’re a quick curl everyday kind of gal, or a special occasion bouncy waver, these ones really are worth every penny.
The curler uses ghd’s special ceramic tri-zone technology which ensures that the hair gets just the right amount of heat (185°C).
For
- Works on both short and longer lengths
- Heats up in 25 seconds – that’s quick
- Cool tip safety feature
Against
- Heats up to 185°C – some might like it hot(er)
Best curling wand for tight curls
Babyliss Tight Curls Wand
Shape Straight | Barrel Size 10mm | Tong vs Wand Wand
If it’s lots and lots of skinny curls you’re after, this ultra-thin wand from Babyliss does the job (and does it well). Ideal for those with tight natural curls who want to give what they’re working with a bit of enhancement, don’t be fooled by their bargain price tag: they’re actually among the best curling wands we’ve tried.
For
- Makes a super tight and bouncy curl
- Affordable
Against
- Can only be used to create tight curls
Best curling wand for long lasting styles
Jose Eber HST Clipless Curling Iron
Shape Straight | Barrel Size 32mm | Tong vs Wand Wand
I spontaneously picked up this curler while on a wander around Selfridges five years ago and it is still the curler I turn to each week. It’s still going strong and every week I use this I get so many compliments on my hair. It takes a little getting used to learn how best to use it, but what I love is that depending on the amount of hair you wrap around the curler you can create a different type of curl.
For
- Lightweight
- Long lasting curls
Best curling wand for waves
(opens in new tab)
Cloud Nine The Waving Wand
Shape Straight | Barrel Size 38mm | Tong vs Wand Wand
Great for loose, tumbling curls (Victoria’s Secret angel, who?) Cloud Nine’s barrel wand is a great choice if you want to add a smooth, old Hollywood-esque wave to your locks. Its barrel is mineral-infused, too, leaving hair soft, smooth and shiny once you’ve finished styling. Swoon.
For
- Mineral infused barrel
- Temperature control
Best curling wand for long hair
Turbo Tong The Professional Long Tong
Shape Straight | Barrel Size 26mm | Tong vs Wand Tong
Long, long hair is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that it looks amazing when curled, and a curse in that it can take years of trial and error to find the right tools. Enter: the Turbo Tong. Specially designed for super-duper long locks, this longer than standard wand is a fast track to fairy tale worthy Rapunzel-style locks.
For
- Extra long barrel
- Heats up in 30 seconds
Best curling tongs for versatility
T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand
Shape Tapered & Straight | Barrel Size 25mm – 38 mm | Tong vs Wand Wand
Why on earth should you have to choose one curl style? You shouldn’t have to. And thanks to this T3 interchangeable tool you don’t need to. From loose, flowing waves, to defined spirals and glamorous curls – it does it all.
For
- 3 interchangeable barrel sizes
- Create a variety of styles
- 5 heat settings
Best curling wand for professional results
Dyson Airwap Styler Complete
Shape Tapered & Straight | Barrel Size 30mm – 40mm | Tong vs Wand Wand
The Airwrap caused quite the stir when it launched, which was quite understandable. Since Dyson made their way into haircare, they’re released well-researched and well-designed tools. The Airwrap is no different. There are all sorts of barrels included to create all types of waves and curls, as well as brushes to control, smooth and volumise. The Airwrap is different from your typical curler as it uses suction to wrap the hair around the barrel, rather than you having to do it yourself. Last month the brand relaunched it with the Airwrap Multi-styler, which has smarter heads that allow for easier styling.
The trouble with the Airwrap is that it’s so popular it’s often sold out at most retailers. However, always check back on the Dyson website (opens in new tab) as it typically restocks fairly frequently.
For
- Have the option of curly and straight
- New barrels curl in both directions
Against
- Only for hair shorter than chest length (need the long option)
- Curls didn’t last on my long thick hair
Best affordable curling tongs
Babyliss 2112U Curl Luxe Hair Styler
Shape Straight | Barrel Size 36mm | Tong vs Wand Tong (kind of)
Another alternative to your traditional curler. This one is very much like a tong, and yet the clamp is in itself also a heated plate.
For
- Cool air technology to set and create long lasting curls
- Curl release button to prevent tangling
Against
- Split barrel takes a few tries to get used to
Best cordless curling wand
Babyliss 9000 Cordless Curling Tong
Shape Straight | Barrel Size 25mm | Tong vs wand Tong
Cordless hair tools are the latest and greatest innovation to hit the hair industry. They make on-the-go styling a doddle. Charge it before you head off anywhere, pop it in your handbag and then off you go. The beauty of this Babyliss 9000 Cordless Curling Tong is that you don’t have to scrimp on any of the brand’s iconic technology. Get all the goods without feeling tied to a wall. Also, a brilliant choice if you’re forever getting caught in knots or don’t have a plug near to your mirror.
For
- Amazing for on the go
- Instant heat up
- Three temperature settings
Against
- 3 hours charge for 40 minute use
Best curling wand for beachy waves
[ad_2]
Source link