What's New?: The Latest in Curling Iron Technology 2025

In our testing the Long Barrel Curling Iron shines for people with long hair — the extended ceramic barrel lets you wrap larger sections and cut styling time. We found it heats up in under two minutes and the variable heat settings give real control for different textures, making loose waves easy to achieve while the built-in auto shut-off adds peace of mind. During our review the $163 price and awkward temperature-button placement were drawbacks, and some users reported durability issues, but at 7.5/10 it's a solid pick if you prioritize speed.

The Dyson Airwrap Origin uses the Coanda effect to create loose waves without extreme heat — in our testing we found this approach noticeably gentler on hair and effective at reducing visible damage. Its re-engineered attachments and intelligent heat regulation broaden styling options, though during our review there’s a learning curve and curls sometimes don’t hold as long as with traditional heat tools. Priced at $374.99 and scoring 8.5/10, it’s a high-tech choice for those who prioritize hair health and versatility despite the premium cost.

No other tool earned its high rating like the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler — in our testing the Coanda effect plus a wide range of attachments delivered salon-worthy loose waves while minimizing heat exposure. We found the smart heat control and versatility exceptional for different hair goals, but during our review the $699.99 price and occasional uneven results on medium-length, thick hair are important caveats. Scoring 9.5/10, it’s our top-rated choice if you want the most advanced multi-styler and can accept a luxury investment.

The T3 SinglePass Curl X blends attractive design with efficient ceramic heating, and in our testing it produced clean, defined curls quickly. We found the variable heat and smart heat control helpful for consistent styling, but during our review the tool can run very hot — a real concern for fragile hair. The clamp design delivers classic wraps but may feel cumbersome if you prefer a clamp-free wand. With a 6.5/10 score, it’s best for experienced users who monitor temperature closely.

This 1-inch titanium curling iron is a quick-heating, affordable option that reached styling temps in under 30 seconds during our review and produced clean, defined curls. We found the titanium barrel excellent for smoothing and fast heat recovery, but our experience shows the clamp lacks strong grip and hair can slip during wrapping. Variable heat helps tailor styling, and the auto shut-off provides safety, yet inconsistent clamp strength and curling performance hold it back. At 5.5/10, it’s best for occasional use or as a travel backup.

The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium curling iron is a reliable, fast-heating tool that our testing shows creates long-lasting, defined curls thanks to its nano-titanium barrel. We appreciated the variable heat and durable feel during styling sessions, and in our experience it handled thick hair well. However, the lack of an auto shut-off is a notable safety omission, and some reviewers reported handle durability issues after extended use. Scoring 7.5/10, it’s a strong performer if you prioritize curl longevity but want to watch for build quality.

In our testing the SRI Infrarose Styler stood out for speed — it heats to max in seconds and the adjustable digital display makes selecting temperatures straightforward. We found the infrared light technology and smart heat control promising for reducing heat damage while producing defined curls, but during our review some users reported hair getting caught in the hinge and a few units stopped functioning after months. Scoring 6/10, it’s a quick, tech-forward tool if you monitor hinge safety and watch for potential durability issues.

Hot Tools’ Black Gold Curling Iron is an affordable, fast-heating performer that in our testing warmed up quickly and handled a variety of curl styles thanks to its ceramic barrel and variable heat. We found it effective for everyday looks, but during our review some users reported durability concerns and inconsistent curl hold across hair types. Scoring 6.5/10 and priced under $45, it’s a versatile budget pick for casual use, though serious curl longevity or daily heavy styling may reveal its limitations.

TYMO ROTA is a beginner-friendly rotating styler with a nano-titanium barrel that glides smoothly and reduces snagging; our experience shows the automatic rotation makes loose waves effortless. We found the nano-titanium construction helpful for reducing breakage compared with older ceramic tools, and the smart heat control adds consistency. During our testing the limited five-level temperature options sometimes left us wanting more precision, and curls didn’t always hold as long on finer hair. Scoring 7.5/10, it’s a handy choice if you want easy, frizz-reduced waves.

TYMO CURLPRO brings automatic rotation and ceramic barrel technology to make loose waves effortless—during our testing it simplified styling, especially for long hair. We found the auto-rotation user-friendly and effective, but our experience shows durability concerns: some users reported parts melting and the tool isn’t optimized for shorter hair lengths. The simple low/medium/high heat settings paired with auto shut-off make it approachable, but at a 6/10 score expect compromises if you need a long-term, all-length solution.

If you travel a lot, the TYMO CURLGO’s cordless, compact design makes it a handy companion — in our testing its lightweight build and fast heat-up impressed us. We found the automatic timer simplifies styling and reduces guesswork, and the tourmaline barrel with Low/Medium/High settings helps produce loose waves on the go. During our review curls were sometimes inconsistent and battery life can run short on thicker hair, so at 6.5/10 it’s best as a travel-friendly tool rather than your daily workhorse.

The GHD Soft Curl Curling Iron ($239) is built for voluminous curls with a 1.25-inch ceramic barrel and UltraZone smart heat control; in our testing it reached optimal temperature in about 25 seconds and kept heat consistent. We found the variable heat and auto shut-off make styling safer and speedy, producing polished volume fast. During our review some users reported curls didn't hold as long and the barrel length can be short for very long hair, so while it impressed technically it scores 7.5/10.

Drybar’s The Mixologist is a versatile styling iron with interchangeable ceramic barrels that let you switch between loose waves and beachy texture; in our testing it heated from 200 to 450°F very quickly. We found the variable heat settings useful for dialing in temperature for different hair types, and the built-in auto shut-off adds peace of mind. During our review the swap-in attachments delivered salon-worthy results, but swapping barrels felt fiddly at times and the cord length limited movement. Scoring 8/10, it’s a premium pick if you value multi-style flexibility despite a higher price.

CHI’s Spin N Curl earned an impressive 8.5/10 in our testing by combining safety-conscious design and user-friendly automation that minimizes burn risk. We found the ceramic barrel and smart heat control produced consistent defined curls quickly, and the auto shut-off adds extra peace of mind. During our review the unit’s weight and size made extended use tiring and tricky on shorter hair, and thicker sections can tangle if you’re not careful. It’s a great pick for those who want fuss-free curling with strong safety features.

Paul Mitchell’s Express Ion 3-in-1 wand is our top-rated versatile styler (9/10) thanks to interchangeable ceramic barrels and a clamp-free design that protects hair while delivering defined curls, waves, or volume. In our testing it reached up to 410°F in about a minute and produced consistently polished results, and the ceramic barrels felt gentle on strands. During our review we noted plastic components can chip over time and the wand runs hot — so caution and a heat protectant are wise. If you want multi-style flexibility with great results, this is a standout.

Sultra’s After Hours Curling Wand offers a silky glide thanks to its titanium barrel, and in our testing hair moved over the surface with minimal friction for smooth loose waves. We found the variable heat delivered workable styling, but during our review the product suffers from a lack of clear instructions and included accessories — like the felt mat and glove — felt underwhelming for the price. Scoring 5.5/10, it can produce pretty results if you already know your technique, but beginners may be frustrated.

The Harry Josh 1 Inch Curling Wand impressed us in our testing with a 400°F peak reached in about 60 seconds and cordless convenience that yields over 40 minutes of styling per charge. We found the three digital heat settings (320°F, 335°F, 400°F) useful for dialing in defined curls across hair types, but during our review the built-in battery makes the wand heavier and it requires charging before each use. Priced at $195 and scoring 7/10, it’s a premium cordless option worth the trade-offs if you value portability.

Looking for a budget-friendly rotating styler? The Rotating Curling Iron ($19.99 on Amazon) uses a ceramic motorized barrel that, in our testing, makes defined curls quickly and heats up fast. We found the Low/Medium/High heat settings and auto shut-off useful, but during our review the rotation can be tricky to master and occasionally gets stuck. Our experience shows the small clip struggles with thick sections and the iron's bulk limits travel convenience - it earns a practical 7/10.

Conair’s 3/4-inch curling iron is a budget-friendly workhorse that heats up fast and offers 25 heat settings for surprisingly precise control; in our testing defined curls came together quickly. Our experience shows the metal barrel creates sharp, long-lasting spirals on many hair types, and the automatic shut-off is a welcome safety feature. During our review some users reported reduced hold on certain hair textures and a shorter cord that hampered reach. Scoring 7/10, it’s a solid value pick if you want focused, defined curls without breaking the bank.

The Infinitipro by Conair Curling Wand is a budget-friendly option that in our testing heated up quickly and the tourmaline barrel helped produce shiny, defined curls. We found the multiple heat settings useful for adapting to different textures, but during our review several users reported the barrel coating peeling over time and an overly tight clamp that can snag hair. Scoring 7/10 at about $33, it’s a great value for occasional styling—just be mindful of potential longevity issues with heavy use.

The Magic Curling Wand uses a titanium barrel that heats quickly and held curls well in our testing, even on thicker hair. We appreciated the included heat-resistant glove for safety and the unit’s ability to produce defined curls, but our experience shows limited temperature control and occasional durability hiccups can be frustrating. Auto shut-off is helpful, yet users reported the wand becoming uncomfortably hot during extended use. Scoring 6.5/10, it’s a practical performer if you prioritize heat and hold, but monitor temperature carefully.

The Shark SpeedStyle Pro Hair Dryer stood out in our testing for being lightweight with a folding handle that makes storage and travel easy, and multiple heat/airflow settings let you dial in a finish. We found its smart heat control helpful, but during our review some users experienced increased frizz and dryness and the attachments could feel bulky or awkward to use. Scoring 6.5/10, it’s a practical, portable dryer if maneuverability matters, though you may need anti-frizz products to get sleeker results.