Of all of the ways to style our hair, curls are by far our favorite. Whether you have naturally curly hair or you rely on tools and products to give you the ringlets of your dreams, curls are perfect for any and every occasion.
If you’re in the market for new curly hair tools, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a list of the 12 best curling tools around. Whether you have dark brown hair or grey balayage, you’re going to love the curly hairstyles these tools create.
What are the best hair styling tools for curly hair?
Even if you are blessed with naturally curly hair, sometimes you want the freedom to play around with your texture and curl pattern. Whether you have tightly coiled spirals and love loose beach waves or have pin straight hair and want voluptuous, bouncy curls, the right styling tool will allow you to have fun with your look without messing with your natural texture.
While we’ve managed to gather curly hair tools equipped with the latest technology to help care for your hair, the best way to care for your strands when heat styling is to use a heat protectant. Everyone should use a heat protectant every time they style their hair with hot tools—no matter their hair type or texture. If you’re in the market for a new heat protectant product, we’ve got you covered.
If you prefer cream-based heat protectant products, we love Redken’s Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Heat Protective Leave-In. The multi-benefit smoothing cream features sustainably-sourced babassu oil, to help provide frizz control while hydrating, detangling and protecting hair from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
If spray heat protectants are your preference, we can’t get enough of Redken’s Iron Shape 11 Thermal Holding Spray. The lightweight spray protects your hair from flat irons and curling irons up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while adding shine and reducing frizz. The clean, lightweight formula won't leave your hair stiff or sticky.
Dyson Airwrap Complete
The Dyson Airwrap Complete is the latest Dyson hair invention the beauty community just can’t get enough of. Complete with attachments to dry, straighten, and curl your hair, this all-in-one tool can take your hair from drab to fab in no time—and that’s not even the best part.
The Dyson Airwrap is powered by the Coanda effect, a phenomenon that occurs when high pressure, high-velocity air follows a curved surface—much like a jet engine. Dyson’s figured out how to use the Coanda effect to attract, wrap, and style hair. It not only makes hair styling a breeze but also allows you to heat style your hair without using extremely high temperatures that can cause damage to your strands.
Dyson Airwrap Complete, $549.99 MSRP
Chi Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin And Curl
Anyone with a curling iron knows how quickly your arms get tired from endlessly wrapping your strands around the hot barrel. Chi’s Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin And Curl is here to give your arms a much-needed break. Simply place a small section of hair in the rose-like chamber and watch as it spins to create effortless bouncy curls.
Chi Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin And Curl, $99.95 MSRP
Beachwaver S1
Beach waves are one of the most popular curl styles there are, and for a good reason—they look great on everyone. If you’re having trouble perfecting this casual beach-inspired curl, the Beachwaver S1 is here to save the day. This self-rotating curling iron creates perfect beach waves every time.
Beachwaver S1, $129 MSRP
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium SteamTech MiraCurl
Have you ever spent hours curling your hair only to have your curls drop as soon as you walk out of the door? We’ve been there. The BaBylisspro Nano Titanium SteamTech MiraCurl relies on steam technology to help lock in your curls so they last for 24 hours straight.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium SteamTech MiraCurl, $129.95 MSRP
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 20 Roller Hair Setter
Hot rollers may seem like a blast from the past but as the saying goes—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Hot rollers are a great way to get bouncy, voluminous curls without using high heat.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 20 Roller Hair Setter, $64.95 MSRP
DryBar The Bouncer Diffuser
If you have naturally curly hair you may not need any tools to help create your curls, but you may need a little help to manage the frizz associated with curly hair. DryBar’s diffuser broadens and reduces the speed of the airflow from your blow dryer to gently dry, define curls, boost the look of shiny hair, and reduce frizz in naturally curly locks.
DryBar The Bouncer Diffuser, $34.00 MSRP
BedHead Curlipop Half- Inch Tourmaline Ceramic Skinny Pop Styling Iron
Standard curling irons are great at creating big bouncy curls and loose waves, but you’re going to have to go a bit smaller if you want a tighter curl. BedHead’s Curlipop Half-Inch Tourmaline Ceramic Skinny Pop Styling Iron is great for creating tiny ringlets that mimic tighter curl patterns.
BedHead Curlipop Half-Inch Tourmaline Ceramic Skinny Pop Styling Iron, $29.99 MSRP
BedHead Curlipops 1-Inch Spiral Styling Iron
Creating perfect spiral curls with an iron or curling wand takes precision. The BedHead Curlipops 1-Inch Spiral Styling Iron makes creating perfect spiral ringlets a breeze. Simply wrap a small section of hair around the iron and allows the grooves to be your guide.
BedHead Curlipops 1'' Spiral Styling Iron, $29.99 MSRP
Hot Tools Spongy Rod Rollers
Spongy Rod Rollers (also known as flexi rods) are a great way to create long-lasting heat-free curls—no matter your hair type or texture.
Hot Tools Spongy Rod Rollers, $14.99 MSRP
Hot Tools Ribbon Curlers
You don’t have to give up bouncy, voluminous curls just because you’ve sworn off heat styling. These Ribbon Curlers will stretch your locks and create perfect spiral curls without using any heat.
Hot Tools Ribbon Curlers, $16.99 MSRP
Hot Tools Soft Foam Rollers
After a long day of slaying a curly style, the last thing you want to do is lay down in your bed and totally ruin your style. These soft foam rollers will help you preserve your curls and they’re soft enough to sleep in!
Hot Tools Soft Foam Rollers, $6.99 MSRP
Hot Tools Snap-On Rollers
If you love the way your hair looks straight out of the rollers during a wash-and-set, recreate the look at home with a set of your own snap-on rollers.
Hot Tools Snap On Rollers, $10.99 MSRP
Interested in having your hair professionally curled? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
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Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-In Hair Treatment
A multi-benefit smoothing cream for controlling frizz.
Thermal Spray 11 Low Hold
A lightweight, thermal heat protection hairspray that adds shine and reduces frizz.
