BY Jenni Gritters
Last Updated
Jul 24, 2024
Curling your hair used to be a fairly simple process: Choose your barrel size and dial up the heat. But with the introduction of air-powered curling systems like the Dyson AirWrap has come a whole new world of devices that add waves and volume to your hair through various technologies, without intensive heat.
For this piece, I researched and tested more than 20 different curling irons and hair curling devices, and landed on the Dyson AirWrap Multi-Styler Complete Long as my top choice, given its ability to traction hair quickly without intensive heat. The AirWrap produced beautiful curls and volume in my fine hair, all in a limited time. If you want the look of a salon blowout at home, the AirWrap is the go-to. I also liked the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron if you prefer to stick to a traditional curling iron experience, with high-heat barrels, clamps, and all.
A well-made, innovative curler that grabs your hair with a high-velocity vacuum and curls it around the barrel automatically, giving even the limpest hair extreme volume and beautiful waves.
Table of Contents
Meet The Experts
Xia Charles
Salon Owner and Hair Stylist
Co-owners of Kenna Kunijo, a North Carolina–Based Salon
What Makes a Great Curling Iron
Curling irons have always been a pretty standard piece of technology. You would hold the curling iron in one hand, with the heated barrel pointing away from you at 45 degrees. Then grab the bottom of a piece of hair, use the clamp to secure it, and roll the iron up toward your roots. Then Dyson came onto the scene with its air-focused technology and changed the game. The AirWrap does most of the rolling work for you, without high heat.
I wanted to see which curling irons could match the Dyson in quality, so I did a deep dive into the curling iron scene. The best curling irons have the following qualities:
Material: Curling irons are typically made from ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline. Ceramic distributes heat most evenly, making it a good choice for fine or thin hair. Titanium tends to be slightly lighter weight and can hold high temperatures for longer periods of time, which makes it a top choice for stylists and people with thicker hair. Tourmaline, a gemstone-based substance, is a less common material. When you apply pressure to the stone, it emits negative ions. When used in a curling iron, some sources say that it can help to combat frizzy ends and lock in moisture.
Best Overall: Dyson AirWrap Multi-Styler
The Dyson AirWrap Multi-Styler Complete Long is an innovative, well-made curling system that removes the intensive heat of a traditional curling iron and delivers beautiful, salon-quality curls in less than 10 minutes. It’s been called “the best hair tool ever”—and I can see why!
The Dyson AirWrap’s technology is unique. It’s a hybrid hair dryer and curler (and you can use it as a hair dryer alone); you’ll need to use it with slightly damp hair to get the best effects. Put simply, the AirWrap uses a special jet-engine technology that creates a spinning vortex of air. That vortex pulls your hair in when you hold a strand next to the device’s base. As you move the AirWrap toward your roots, the hair rolls up around the device automatically. Stop the AirWrap after about 15 seconds, or when your hair feels dry, and your hair will release with full-bodied curls. Dyson recommends using the cold shot setting to set your style before releasing the curls.
Like many other hair dryers, the Dyson AirWrap has three heat settings and three airflow speed settings. It also features a heat regulator, so you’re much less likely to burn your hair than with the other curling irons I tried. Most curling systems, like the Shark, have counterclockwise and clockwise barrels that allow you to curl your hair in different directions. The Dyson only requires you to turn the attachment to change the direction of the airflow.
In the box, you’ll receive the curling wand itself, plus six attachments: a smoothing dryer, a regular-sized barrel, an extra-long barrel, and four brushes, all of which come in a fancy matching storage case. Dyson’s website is full of tutorials about how to create mermaid waves, a curly blowout, or a sleek side part. There’s definitely a learning curve to using the Dyson, but the results of my first try were still much sleeker than what I got with many of the other curling irons I used. Over time, I was able to get the ergonomics and tension levels down pat.
Dyson’s AirWrap has an 8.5-foot cord and weighs 1.5 pounds. Compared to the Shark FlexStyle, its closest competitor, the Dyson takes a bit longer to learn to use, but it has more high-quality attachments (six to the Shark’s four). It’s louder, but it works faster—it took me less than 10 minutes to curl my hair, compared to the Shark’s 20 minutes—because it can grab more hair per curl. Dyson offers a two-year warranty, and it comes in a diffuse version for people with curly hair.
Build (Clamp vs. Wand): The traditional clamped curling iron is still very popular, while wand-style curlers have gained traction in the past decade. Your choice of clamp versus wand should be based on the kind of curls you want. If you’re looking for a curler that can do multiple types of curls, a traditional clamped curling iron will give you more control. If you’re interested in loose beachy waves, a wand is the way to go. Your end result will be more relaxed, plus you won’t damage the ends of your hair by having them clamped in the iron.
Barrel Size: Your choice of barrel size should correlate with the length of your hair. If you have short hair, a smaller barrel (.75 inch or 1 inch) is best. For longer hair, a larger barrel (1 inch to 1.5 inches) will give you more volume and better-distributed curls. If you’re after a super-tight curl regardless of length, a smaller barrel will help you achieve that look.
Heat Setting: Adjustable heat settings will allow you to choose the right temperature for your hair type. The thinner or finer your hair, the lower the heat setting you’ll need. If you have thick, coarse hair, you’ll want a higher temperature. There are also heatless options now, like the Dyson AirWrap and Shark FlexStyle, that can style hair without the damaging heat component.
“A good curling iron should have adjustable head settings, because different hair textures need different heat,” says salon owner and hair stylist Xia Charles. “The heat should be able to distribute evenly, to ensure consistent curls, too.”
“One of the most important things when looking for a curling iron is ensuring there are temperature settings, not just number settings,” says hair stylist and salon owner Lauren Kunijo. “When you do number settings, you can't tell how hot the tool is and you can really overheat and fry your hair.”
To test which was best, I researched more than 20 curling irons and tried seven myself. I unboxed each option, noted the pieces and parts (if there were extra attachments), and attempted to use each without many instructions. After this initial run—and lots of note-taking—I used each curling iron for two mornings in a row, noticing how the curls held during the day and how easy (or hard) it was to store the irons in my small bathroom. I have fine hair, which is typically challenging to curl, so I was overjoyed when I found a curling iron that actually worked for me. I also consulted friends with different hair lengths and textures about their curling iron preferences, and spoke with several experts who specialize in hair care. In the end, I was able to narrow the list down to my four favorites.
Runner-Up: Shark FlexStyle Air Drying & Styling System
The Shark HD430 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System is a comparable curling iron to the Dyson, using similar technology. It’s less expensive, which is obvious in its slightly less-nice attachments, and it has a longer curl time. But it’s more than half as good for half the price, and it still produces salon-quality style curls.
Like the Dyson, the Shark FlexStyle is meant to be used with damp hair. Grab a one-inch chunk of hair and put it next to the Shark’s base, and the hair gets pulled into the air vortex, wrapping around the barrel. As you move the barrel up toward your head, your hair will continue to curl around the Shark. When you move it back down again after about 20 seconds (or whenever your hair feels dry), it’ll release fully formed curls. You can also use the Dyson method: Turn the dryer off while your hair is wrapped, blast it with a cold shot to set the curl, then release.
Unlike the other curling irons I tried, the FlexStyle’s barrel can be adjusted so that it’s at a 90-degree angle, which is recommended for people with shorter hair. In my case, the 90-degree angle was awkward to use; I switched it back to the straight barrel instead.
The Shark is slightly less powerful than the Dyson overall; it’s quieter, but it can’t grasp as much hair at one time, which means it takes about double the time to curl. For me, a respectable 20-minute curl time produced large-bodied waves. I got compliments on my hair all day after using this sleek curling iron.
The Shark comes with four attachments: two brushes, an extra barrel (to curl hair in the other direction), and a flat head to use if you’d simply like to dry your hair. Shark also offers a two-year warranty, and has the same weight—about 1.5 pounds—as the Dyson. It comes in several different variations for straight and wavy hair, curly, and coily hair.
Other Good Curling Irons
The Amika High Tide Deep Waver was a fun favorite; it uses a crimp-style set up to create beach waves. (Think of the crimper you used in high school if you grew up in the ‘80s or ‘90s, and you’ll get the picture.) The Deep Waver has three barrels that you clamp your hair between to get the desired effects. Simply grab chunks of hair, press them between the barrels for about 20 seconds, and release. Then repeat all over your head for a tousled, full-bodied look. The wide barrel is a little hard to navigate—I ended up burning my arm during my first go-around. But it’s quick to use: It took just 10 minutes for me to curl my hair with the Deep Waver before I had to run out the door for my kids’ school drop-off.
The Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron was my favorite traditional iron in the group. It’s ideal for super-long hair because of its hearty clamp and long barrel, and it weighs just 10 ounces. The Bio Ionic can reach up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit with five heat settings and it comes with a far-reaching (9-foot) cord. Of all the curling irons I tried, this one created the best traditional, tight curls. Once shaken out, my hair looked gorgeous, and the curls stayed throughout the day, which rarely happens with my fine hair. It also has a learning curve of basically zero—you can figure out how to use it right out of the box.
What Didn’t Make Our List, and Why
BaBylissPro Nano Spring Titanium Curling Iron: This medium-barreled, clamp-style curling iron has five temperature modes. The Titanium was less effective on my hair, leaving very open waves that fell out right away. But if you have thicker hair, you might find the BaByliss to be more effective. (Experts recommend using titanium barrels for thick or coarse hair.) Overall, I was simply more impressed with the Bio Ionic, if you’re looking for traditional curls, because it was easier to use with a similar heat profile.
T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand: This curling iron has three attachments (all wands), which is ideal because it allows you to choose your curl style for the day. It has five heat settings, up to 410 degrees F, which is fairly normal. It was one of the curling irons our experts called out for creating a soft style. Personally, I found the experience of the T3 to be similar to that of the Bio Ionic, but the Bio Ionic was lighter and easier to use, curled my hair more quickly, and provided a slightly superior style because of its clamp.
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curlbar: Unlike the rest of the curlers I tested (except for the Shark) the Hot Tools wand-style curling iron comes in a 90-degree shape, which makes it difficult to use ergonomically. (I burned my hands a few times, and the heat jumps up to 450 degrees F quickly.) There’s a dial to help you navigate the temperature range (which our experts recommended against for accuracy). And there’s no clamp, which is less useful for people with long hair. I could also hear the engine running loudly as I used this curler, which felt concerning for durability and longevity. There are two barrel sizes, both on the larger end—which creates open curls—and the process of curling was quick. But the Curlbar was simply not as good as many of the other options I tried due to its shape and settings.
How to take care of your curling iron
Curling irons don’t need much care, but a thorough cleaning every few months should do the trick to remove any lingering hair products or burnt odors from the barrel. If you don’t clean your curling iron, you may find that the barrel produces a less-even curl or leaves your hair smelling burnt; this is a sign that it’s time for a clean.
To remove any excess materials, dip a cloth in rubbing alcohol or a water-and-vinegar (3 parts water to 1 part vinegar) mixture (just enough to dampen it), then wipe the barrel down completely.
How to curl your hair using a traditional iron
Curling your hair is an art. After a while, you’ll get the hang of it. But to start, you’ll want to practice the ergonomics while protecting your hair; beginners are likely to take longer to curl their hair, which means more heat exposure.
“Always use heat protectant sprays, start with lower temperature settings, and practice wrist movement for curling irons,” says Querisma.
Charles recommends sectioning out your hair, then holding the curling iron vertically and wrapping a section of hair around the barrel, away from your face. “This tends to create a more natural look,” she says. Lower heat settings are ideal for damaged or fine hair. If you have coarse or thick hair, you’ll want higher heat settings.
“Hold the wrapped hair around the barrel for 8-10 seconds, then release gently,” she says. “Let your curls cool, then use your fingers to style as desired.”
Ehman and Kunijo also recommend booking a session with a stylist if you’re new to using a curling iron; they can teach you how to use it in the best way for your individual hair.
How to style hair with the Dyson and Shark curling systems
Air-based curlers are most effective on damp hair, either right out of the shower or spritzed with water. If you’re coming straight out of the shower, dry your hair to 80 percent, then divide it into approximately four to six sections.
Holding a 1-inch section of hair in one hand, bring the curling iron close to the base of the strands. The vortex of air should grab the hair immediately. As you move the iron toward your roots, the hair will twist around the barrel automatically; using tension can create a cleaner curl. Dyson recommends holding the barrel near your head for 15 seconds (or until your hair is dry), then turning the AirWrap off to release your hair and blasting it with the cold setting, which will set your curls. Apply a finishing spray once you’re done.
Note that most air-based curlers have two barrels: one that twists hair clockwise, and one that twists hair counter-clockwise. If you’re using the Shark, you’ll want to switch the barrel you’re using for each side of your hair, so the curls are positioned away from your face. For the Dyson, simply pivot the attachment. (Some stylists also recommend rotating barrel directions all over your head for a more natural look.) Some systems also come with barrels of different sizes. You can use this kind of curling system to create volume across your head as well by bringing it right up to your scalp; just make sure to take care not to burn yourself.
If you have thicker hair, you may want to hold the Dyson or Shark barrels horizontally. For fine or thin hair, a vertical position will give you curls with more bounce.
FAQ
Look for curling irons made with ceramic or tourmaline, which heat quickly and evenly. Tourmaline emits negative ions, which help to seal hair cuticles and reduce frizz.
The Dyson AirWrap and Shark FlexStyle both use specialized technology that creates a “vortex” of air, wrapping your hair around the barrel automatically. They use the technology of a hair dryer to curl slightly damp hair, producing salon-quality results that look like a blowout.
A traditional curling iron uses a hot surface—usually ceramic, titanium or tourmaline—to heat your hair. Most have a wand or clamp setup; you’ll use your hands to roll the curling iron, wrapping your hair around the barrel to make curls as you go.
Wands have emerged as frontrunners in the curling iron market; they’re simply traditional curling irons without the clamp. They produce tighter curls, and give you more control as you wind your hair around the barrel. Because they’re usually made with ceramic and produce higher heat, wands work best for people with fine hair. If you have longer hair or you want looser waves, you’ll still want a curling iron with the traditional clamp.
Sources
Charles, Xia. Interview. Conducted by Jenni Gritters. August 22, 2023.
Kunijo, Lauren and Ehman, Kenna. Interview. Conducted by Jenni Gritters. August 10, 2023.
Querisma, Quia. Interview. Conducted by Jenni Gritters. August 17, 2023.
