Curling Iron Choice: Hair Type Guide (2025)

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best curling iron for your hair. Firstly, the type of curling iron you choose will depend on your hair type and texture. For instance, if you have thin or fine hair, it is recommended to use a lower heat setting and avoid exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent heat damage. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, you can use higher temperatures, ranging from 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The barrel size of the curling iron is another important consideration. Smaller barrels, such as those measuring 0.5 to 0.75 inches, create tighter curls, while larger barrels, ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches, result in looser curls or waves. The length of your hair will also determine the ideal barrel size. If you have long hair, a longer barrel will be more suitable, whereas shorter hair will benefit from a smaller barrel.

Additionally, the material of the curling iron's barrel is a factor. Ceramic barrels are commonly used as they distribute heat evenly and are suitable for fine hair. Titanium barrels are lightweight and durable, and can reach high temperatures, making them a popular choice among professionals for thick hair. Tourmaline barrels are made from a stone that emits negative ions to combat frizz and add shine, making them ideal for thicker hair.

Other features to consider include the presence of a clamp, which holds the hair in place, or a clamp-less wand, which may be preferable for those with dry or damaged hair. The type of curling iron you choose will depend on your desired style, whether it be tight curls, loose waves, or something in between.

Curling iron material

The material of your curling iron is an important consideration when choosing the best tool for your hair. Different materials have different characteristics, such as heat distribution, durability, and styling capabilities, which will affect the final result. Here are the most common curling iron materials and what you need to know about each of them:

Ceramic

Ceramic curling irons are the most common type and are known for their even heat distribution. They tend to heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, making them suitable for creating smooth and shiny curls. Ceramic irons are generally considered less damaging to the hair, especially for finer hair types, as they allow for more precise temperature control. Look for options with a ceramic-blend or tourmaline-infused ceramic, which can help lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and be gentler on fragile hair.

Titanium

Titanium curling irons are often favoured by professional stylists, especially when working with thicker hair. Titanium is a durable material that can withstand higher temperatures, making it ideal for styling curls at higher heat settings. It heats up quickly and retains heat well, making it efficient for curling thicker hair that requires more heat to hold a style. However, due to the higher temperatures, titanium irons may not be the best choice for fine or fragile hair.

Gold-Plated

Gold-plated curling irons are well-suited for thick, coarse hair as they can handle high heat settings. The gold plating allows these irons to reach and maintain high temperatures effectively. However, one potential drawback is that gold-plated barrels may not distribute heat as evenly as other materials like ceramic, which can impact the consistency of your curls.

Premium IsoTherm Titanium

Premium IsoTherm titanium barrels are a step up from standard titanium curling irons. They offer the same benefits of durability and high heat retention but with improved even heat distribution. This makes them a good choice for creating consistent, long-lasting curls, especially for thicker hair that requires more heat.

When choosing a curling iron, consider your hair type and the styles you want to achieve. For fine or fragile hair, opt for a ceramic iron that offers precise temperature control to minimise heat damage. For thicker hair, titanium or gold-plated irons can provide the higher heat settings needed to create long-lasting curls. Additionally, look for features like interchangeable barrels to give you more styling options and adjustable heat settings to customise the temperature to your hair's needs.

Barrel size

The size of the barrel you choose will depend on the type of curl you want to create. The larger the barrel, the looser the curl; the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl.

1/2-inch Barrel Curling Iron

If you're looking to create coils or enhance your already naturally curly texture, a 1/2-inch curling iron is for you. This size works best for those with short and fine hair.

3/4-inch Barrel Curling Iron

To create tight ringlets, look for a curling iron with a small, 3/4-inch barrel size. This barrel size works best for those with short and fine hair and can also add definition to curly hair.

1-inch Barrel Curling Iron

A curling iron with a 1-inch barrel is versatile and works with a variety of lengths and textures. It's especially good for short hair and creating definition.

1 1/2-inch Barrel Curling Iron

An extra-long barrel is ideal for long hair as it exposes more hair to even heat. This size is also ideal for achieving loose, beachy waves. On shorter hair, this type of wand will give a soft, blown-out effect.

2-inch Barrel Curling Iron

For big, blowout waves, turn to a 2-inch barrel curling iron. This thickness is perfect for faking a salon blowout without setting foot in the chair.

Other Barrel Sizes

Other barrel sizes are available, and some curling irons come with interchangeable barrels so you can switch up your look. For example, the Dyson Airwrap comes with 1.2-inch and 1.6-inch barrels, while the T3 Switch Kit Wave Trio comes with 1-inch, 1.25-inch, and 1.5-inch barrels.

Hair type

The type of curling iron that is best for your hair depends on several factors, including hair type, length, and desired style. Here is a guide to help you choose the right curling iron for your hair type:

• Fine or thin hair: If you have fine or thin hair, it is important to use a lower heat setting to avoid heat damage. Look for a curling iron with adjustable temperature settings that go no higher than 300°F (150°C). Ceramic curling irons are a good option for fine hair because they distribute heat evenly and are less damaging. Consider a curling iron with a longer barrel if you have long hair, as this will make it easier to curl the full length of your hair.
• Thick or coarse hair: If you have thick or coarse hair, you can use a higher heat setting, up to 450°F (230°C). Titanium curling irons are a good choice for thick hair because they can reach and maintain higher temperatures. If you have long hair, look for a curling iron with a longer barrel to make styling easier.
• Damaged or chemically treated hair: If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, it is important to be extra gentle to avoid further damage. Use a low heat setting, no higher than 300°F (150°C), and avoid titanium curling irons, as they can be too harsh. Ceramic or tourmaline curling irons are good options for damaged hair because they are gentler and help combat frizz and dryness.
• Short hair: If you have short hair, look for a curling iron with a smaller barrel, such as a 0.5- to 0.75-inch barrel for tight curls or a 1-inch barrel for loose curls or waves. A curling iron with a clamp can help you create defined curls, while a wand will give you more natural-looking waves.
• Curly hair: If you have naturally curly hair, you can use a curling iron to enhance your natural texture. A 0.75-inch barrel can add definition to your curls, while a larger barrel, such as 1 to 1.5 inches, will give you loose, beachy waves.
• Long hair: If you have long hair, look for a curling iron with a longer barrel to make it easier to curl the full length of your hair. A 1.5- to 2-inch barrel will give you loose curls or waves, while a smaller barrel will give you tighter curls.
• Healthy or medium-thick hair: For healthy or medium-thick hair, look for a curling iron with temperature settings between 300°F and 380°F (140°C to 190°C). A ceramic curling iron is a good option for this hair type, as it will distribute heat evenly and create smooth, shiny curls.

Clamp type

Curling Irons with a Clamp

Curling irons with a clamp are also known as curling irons with a clip, or marcel curling irons. They are great for creating more traditional curls with defined edges. The clamp holds your hair in place while you curl, giving you more control and precision.

Curling irons with clamps are generally better for beginners as they allow you to focus on rolling the tool, rather than having to worry about twirling the hair. They are also good for people with frizzy or undone ends as the clamp can help smooth the hair. Those with fine hair may also prefer a curling iron with a clamp as it allows for more control and helps to secure thinner ends.

Curling irons with clamps can sometimes leave a line in the hair, and they may require a bit more time and dexterity to use. However, they are a good option for creating structured, polished curls.

When using a curling iron with a clamp, it is recommended to:

• Choose the right iron size for your hair—the most popular sizes are one-inch, one and a quarter-inch, and two-inch barrels.
• Divide your hair into sections—a good rule of thumb is to take a hair section that’s the same size as your curling iron.
• Clamp the hair in the middle and curl towards or away from your face.
• Hold for a few seconds, twist, and release the curl.

Recommended Curling Irons with a Clamp

• Drybar The 3-Day Bender Rotating Curling Iron
• Kristin Ess Hair 2-Inch Soft Bend Curling Iron
• T3 Curl ID Smart Curling Iron
• BaBylissPRO Titanium 1 ¼ Inch Curling Iron
• Ghd Classic Curl 1-Inch Curling Iron

Temperature

When curling your hair, the temperature setting you use will depend on your hair type. Fine or chemically treated hair is the most vulnerable to heat damage, so you should never use a setting higher than 300°F. For hair that's untreated or medium in thickness, opt for a curling iron with temperature settings that range from 300 to 380°F. Thick, coarse, curly hair can withstand the highest temperatures—up to 450°F.

However, it's important to note that even on high heat settings, you should always use a heat protectant spray.

Frequently asked questions