Let’s admit it, ladies. We feel more confident when we dress up–that includes putting on make-up and doing our hair. The thing is, whether you use a straightening tool or a curling device, your hair is susceptible to damage, especially if used frequently. That’s why purchasing the best curling iron that won’t damage hair can be a great investment for yourself!
Looking for such a device can be difficult as there are many things to consider–material, user-friendliness, price, and others. Here’s where I’m stepping in. In this article, I’ll discuss the best curling irons you can purchase online. I’ll also be putting together a buying guide so you can buy a curling device that suits your hair and your needs.
Best Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair Reviewed In This Guide
Best Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair List
SRI Infrarose Infrared Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: Thin or Damaged hair
Best Features:
- Infrared Light Strip
- Soft and comfortable grip
- Ceramic and tourmaline barrel material
If you’re looking for a curling iron that won’t damage hair, look no further! The SRI Infrarose Infrared Curling Iron is made from ceramic and tourmaline to ensure even spreading of heat and prevent frizzy hair due to excessive heat!
It also has an adjustable heat setting ranging from 170°F to 450°F so you can change the iron’s temperature according to your hairstyle. What makes this one stand out, however, is the infrared light strip in the barrel. It is believed that red light therapy shapes your hair from within so it’s not exposed to too much heat, which can damage your hair.
SRI Infrarose Infrared Curling Iron has good reviews online and many customers claimed that the product was able to produce curls quickly, despite having damaged hair.
Pros:
- Uses less heat
- Versatile curls
- Digital temperature screen
Cons:
- A little pricey for a curling iron
Professional Series Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: Long hair
Best Features:
- Extra-long barrel
- Dual heater system
- Tourmaline ceramic finish
If you want to know the secrets of thousands of hair stylists around the country, you should use MINT’s Professional Series Curling Iron. It’s got a 1.5″ barrel that is perfect for making big curls or beach waves. Because it has a large barrel, it might not be suitable for short-length hair.
The product features a dual heater system inside the tourmaline-ceramic barrels to ensure even heat distribution on your hair. It also has an extra-long barrel, which long-haired gals would benefit from! This would also mean faster styling time.
Although it’s definitely one of the best curling irons that won’t damage hair, it may be a little more expensive than other brands. If the price is something that doesn’t bother you too much, then go ahead and get yourself a box of MINT’s Professional Series Curling Iron!
Pros:
- Good for long hair
- Quick heating for quick styling
Cons:
- Not suitable for short hair
- More expensive than other brands
REVLON Crystal C Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: Defined curls
Best Features:
- Ceramic and crystal tourmaline material
- Travel friendly
If you’ve ever shopped in the beauty aisle of any drugstore, you’ve probably already seen, heard, or even used REVLON products. Here’s another one from them: the REVLON Crystal C + Ceramic Hair Curling Iron.
Featuring a barrel with a ceramic and crystal tourmaline finish, you can be certain that your hair won’t be damaged even with regular use. It is also very user-friendly, and can be used either as a wand or a clamp, to make it easier for you to style your hair. Another feature to be noted would be the automatic shutdown feature, so you won’t have to worry about whether you unplugged your curling iron after use or not.
It also has dual voltage, so you can bring it anywhere in the world. The only thing customers complain about is the short barrel that comes with the device. However, if that’s something you can overlook, then you should go ahead and grab one!
Pros:
- Easy control
- Automatically shuts off 60 minutes after use
- Can be used as a wand or with a clamp
Cons:
- The barrel may be a little too short
Bed Head Rock N’ Roller Clamp-Free Bubble Curling Wand
Best for: Big, Hollywood Curls
Best Features:
- Tourmaline and ceramic technology
- Adjustable heat settings
Getting this curling wand would be like hitting two birds with one stone. If you’re looking for a good curling iron for black hair, the Bed Head Rock N’ Roller Curling Wand, you can get two hairstyles done–tousled waves or defined curls, which is made possible with the unique bubble shape this wand possesses.
A bubble curling wand works like how you would use a curling iron; the only difference is that you can wrap your hair between the bubbles or around them to give you various textured curls. This product also features a tourmaline and ceramic finish to evenly distribute heat on the device. It also has adjustable heat settings, making it suitable for most hair types and hair length.
The product, however, does take a little bit of practice to master. If you do get the hang of it, though, you will never put this curling wand down ever again!
Pros:
- You can get two different styles
- Comes with a heat-protectant glove
Cons:
- May be difficult to use
- Not suitable for short hair
Hot Tools Pro Signature 24K Gold Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: Versatile Styling
Best Features:
- Gold barrel
- Adjustable heat feature
You can never go wrong with anything gold!
This Hot Tools Pro Curling Iron has a barrel with gold coating, which is the best material for thick and coarse hair. Gold barrels are also known to evenly distribute heat and hold the heat longer, so you can create long-lasting curls in a matter of seconds. On top of that, it also has a wide range of temperature settings so it is suitable for most hair types.
One thing to note, however, is that the heat setting starts at 280°F. This temperature isn’t advisable for thin or already damaged hair as it may cause further damage to your strands.
Pros:
- Good for all types of hair
- Creates long-lasting curls
Cons:
Heat setting starts at 280
INFINITIPRO by CONAIR Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: All types of hair
Best Features:
- Coated ceramic barrel
- Fast heat-up time
- Automatic safety shut-off
Make your hair look like you just came out of a salon, every time, with the INFINITPRO by CONAIR curling iron!
Whether you have damaged or healthy hair, you can still look your best when you use this curling iron. It has a coated ceramic barrel for even heat distribution in the device. It also has a very fast heating time, so you can spend less time styling and more time flaunting your curls. The best feature this one has, however, is the automatic safety shut-off feature, which not every curling iron has.
This product is one of the most affordable curling tools out there, so if you need an upgrade without leaving your savings scathed, you might want to opt for this one!
Pros:
- Great for all types of hair
- Affordable
Cons:
- Curler doesn’t last long
Hot Tools Pro 24K Gold Digital 3 Barrel Waver
Best for: beach waves or Hollywood Curls
Best Features:
- 1″ barrel size
- 8ft. Long tangle-free cord
- Triple barrel for fast styling
Already going late and you still haven’t done your hair? The Hot Tools Pro 3 Barrel Waver might be your saving grace!
This hair waver features a triple barrel (with a 1″ barrel size), which allows a large section of your hair to be bent in just a few seconds! It also has an 8ft. long tangle-free cord, so you can move around your room with the waver clamped in your hair. Another important feature would be the heat reach that goes up to 450°F, making it suitable for all types of hair–from thin to thick, from fine to coarse. The star feature, however, would probably be the gold coating, which is the best choice of barrel material for thick hair.
Customers seem satisfied with how easy it is to use the product. Here’s a thing to note, though. You can only create one hairstyle with this product. But, if it’s not a problem, this might be a suitable curling iron for you!
Pros:
- Heat reaches up to 450 for all types of hair
- Gold surface for even heat distribution
Cons:
- Can create one hairstyle only
T3 SinglePass Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: Big, shiny curls
Best Features:
- CeraGloss technology
- Microchip for minimized heat fluctuations
The T3 SinglePass Curl is one of the most sought-after curling irons out there, and for good reason–this styling tool might just be the most technologically advanced in the market just yet!
The T3 SinglePass technology features a built-in microchip that delivers consistent and even heat throughout the device for flawless curls. The same microchip also minimizes heat fluctuations, so you won’t have to worry about literal hotspots on sections of your hair. Other than that, it also features CeraGloss technology, which makes it very easy for your hair to wrap around the barrel without drying your hair out or causing frizz.
There are many great reviews for this product, but most of them say a similar thing, it is quite expensive for a curling iron. It is, however, understandable, considering the features this device has. If you have a budget for your next curling iron upgrade, then this one might be for you!
Pros:
- Less heat damage
- Produces smooth, shiny curls
Cons:
- Quite expensive for a hair curler
Wavytalk Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: Versatile styling
Best features:
- Comes with interchangeable barrels
- Each barrel has a ceramic finish
If you’re someone who styles their hair a lot, there will come a time when you will want to change how you style your hair. Purchasing a new curling iron isn’t practical, though. You can, however, get yourself a curling iron set with interchangeable barrels!
The Wavytalk Curling Iron Set features 4 interchangeable barrels and a brush curling iron that also works with the styling tool. The barrels range from 0.35″ to 1.25″, so whether you want tight curls or tousled waves, you can get it with this curling iron set! What’s even better is that each barrel has a ceramic finish, which makes it safe to use for thin or damaged hair. The dual voltage also makes it very easy to bring to your travels.
Here’s the best part: it’s very affordable!
Pros:
- Dual voltage for easy traveling
- Heats up quickly for faster styling time
- Automatically shuts off after 60 minutes
- Affordable
Cons:
- May not be durable
REVLON Soft Touch Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Best for: All types of hair
Best Features:
- Tourmaline and ceramic coating
- 30 heat settings
- Comfortable grip
If you’re looking for a curling iron that won’t damage hair, you’ll never go wrong with the REVLON Soft Touch Ceramic + Tourmaline Curling Iron!
The product’s most noticeable feature would be the ceramic + tourmaline finish, which makes styling possible for thin or damaged hair. On top of the barrel coating, it also has 30 heat settings so you can style your hair how you would precisely like it to look. It’s also very easy to use, so whether you’re a beginner or someone who can style their hair with their eyes closed, you can have amazing hair every day.
The product claims to be suitable for all hair types and hair lengths, although some of the reviews claim that the product barely works with coarse, thick hair.
Pros:
- Good for most hair types and hair length
- Easy-to-use
- Creates long-lasting curls
Cons:
- Not suitable for thick hair
Best Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair Buyer’s Guide
This guide will talk about the different types of curling irons and what features you should look for when you want to buy one. I also included some questions about curling irons you might have, and I answered them to the best I could.
What is a Curling Iron?
A curling iron is a device that curls your hair with the use of heat. Curling irons come in different shapes and sizes that can affect how your curls will look like.
How does a curling iron work?
Curling irons usually work by wrapping a section of your hair on a heated barrel and holding it for a few seconds at a time. Wavers, on the other hand, is a type of curling iron that works by clamping strands of your hair in the wand, which will bend your hair to the shape of the styling tool.
What is the Best Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair?
I’ve listed down some great products that range in price, durability, and functionality. Most of these products are also used by professional hairstylists, but I’ve also included some unheard brands so you can take your pick.
But, the best curling iron that won’t damage hair would be the SRI Infrarose Infrared Curling Iron! Aside from its ceramic + tourmaline barrel finish, it also has a red light therapy feature. This means that not only does it already use less heat with its barrel material, it also shapes the hair from within to make longer-lasting curls!
Types of Curling Irons
Buying a curling iron can be a little overwhelming, especially if you want it to be perfectly suited for your hair. Let’s make it easier for you by starting with the types of curling irons available. From there, we can branch out to the important features you need to look out for!
Clamp
This type of curling iron is the most common type of curling iron which is great for beginners as it holds your hair in place as you twist the iron closer to your scalp. This type of curler will produce strong curls at the end of your hair and loose waves in the mid-section. It may also cause a crimp or kink at your ends because of the clip that keeps your hair secure while styling.
Wand
Curling wands are the queens of versatility when it comes to curling devices. Because it does not have the classic clamp, you can style your hair more freely–from loose waves to tight curls. Curls made from this type of curling iron also look the most natural as you can make subtle changes depending on how you angle the wand or how you wrap your hair around it.
These wands also come in different shapes and sizes. Cone-shaped wands are good if you want strong curls at the end and loose waves in your mid-section. Elliptical wands, on the other hand, ensure that you have equally sized-curls around your scalp.
Waver
Wavers are good for beginners… and women who seem to not have enough time to style their hair. Wavers work by clamping your hair in the device and waiting for it to shape waves in your hair. These wavers are good at making beach waves and those big, Hollywood curls.
Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair Best Features
Before purchasing a new curling iron, you should make sure that the device you’ll be buying is worth your money. Here are a few things you should look out for when you’re looking for a curling iron that won’t damage your hair!
Temperature Control
Regularly exposing your hair to heat can gradually, but surely, damage your hair. You can still style your locks without adding more damage by controlling the temperature you use when you curl your hair. Temperature can also affect how your curls look. Low heat may result in loose waves while higher temperature may result in more defined curls.
At the same time, you should also consider your hair type when choosing a temperature to work with. For thin, coarse, or damaged hair, make sure to keep your curling hair below 200°F. If you have thick hair, you can work from 200°F to 300°F. If you go higher than the suggested temperatures, your hair may end up being damaged. If you go lower, however, your curls may be less defined.
Barrel Material
If you want a curling iron that won’t damage hair, one of the things you should take into consideration is the barrel material. There are three common barrel materials in curling irons––ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline.
The most popular curling iron material is ceramic, which uniformly distributes heat and smooths out the hair. They’re particularly effective on thin hair types that can’t take high temperatures. If possible, you should opt for a curling iron with a full ceramic material than the ones with only ceramic plating.
Titanium iron, on the other hand, is mostly used by professionals as they are very durable and can hold high temperature for a longer period of time. It can also go from a low temperature to a high one in a matter of seconds, so your styling takes less time.
If you’re looking for other material, you can always opt for tourmaline. This type of curling iron emits negative ions to keep your hair shiny and less frizzy. This type is also great for hair that is difficult to style and curl.
Barrel Size
Depending on how you want your curls to look, you can find a barrel size that will fit your hair type and your needs. Barrel sizes usually range from 0.75″ to 1.5″. For tighter curls, you might want to opt for smaller barrels. The opposite goes for larger waves. If you can’t choose between barrel sizes, it might be good for you to buy a curling iron set, so you can change the barrel depending on what your mood is for the day.
Barrel shape
Just like barrel sizes, barrel shapes can also affect how your curls look. The most common barrel shape would be the elliptical type, which is great for creating loose waves for medium-length to long hair. Another common barrel shape would be the cone type, which is usually seen in clampless curling irons. This one is great for creating curls with varying sizes for a natural look.
Spiral wands, on the other hand, can help create uniform curls, as well as the bubble-shaped wands. Curling irons with these shapes are good for beginners. In fact, you can call them curling iron on wheels!
Safety features
Working with styling tools that use heat can sometimes get dangerous both for your hair and your home if you don’t use it properly. To avoid any mishaps that may occur, you should look for curling irons that have built-in safety features, so you can style your hair without worrying too much about the heat!
One of the most common safety features would be the cool tip, found at the end of your curling iron’s barrel. This helps you control or twist the rod without direct contact with the barrel. Some brands also provide free heat-protectant gloves with every purchase. Another safety feature you should look for would be the automatic switch-off feature. This way, you won’t have to worry if you accidentally leave your curling iron plugged in after styling (quick reminder to check your electrical sockets before leaving your home!).
Other features you might want to look for:
User friendly
Using curling irons can get tricky and it may take a few practice sessions before you get the curls you desire. You really don’t need a device that would require you to read the entire instruction manual before you can use your styling tool properly. Whether you’re a beginner or some type of hair aficionado, you should look for a curling iron that is easy to use.
Portability
If you’re somewhat of a traveler, a portable curling iron is essential. Curling irons with detachable barrels usually come with a travel pouch which you can easily store in your backpack or carry-ons. It’s not ideal for travelers only, though! Portability also means easy storage whether it’s in your travel pack or in your vanity.
FAQs About Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair
Got questions about curling irons? Here are some of the frequently asked questions answered by a hairstylist–yours truly.
What type of hair curler should I use for short hair?
Here’s a rule of thumb–the smaller the barrel is, the tighter the curls will be. It is advisable for women with short hair to go for barrels with smaller sizes. Curlers with big barrel sizes are best suited for longer hair as they create large, loose waves. Using the same barrel size for short hair would just create undefined waves.
Can I use hair products after I use a curler?
Yes! Although using leave-in products after styling your hair can loosen your curls. It’s better if you put your hair products like leave-in conditioners or heat protectants (especially this one!) before you style your hair. If anything, the only products you should use after curling your hair are setting sprays. Even then, you should also look for setting sprays that have little to no alcohol content to avoid damaging your hair.
Do hair curlers damage hair?
Like any hair styling device that uses heat, hair curlers may damage your hair if you fail to use it properly. Before using your hair curler, make sure to use a generous amount of heat protectant on your hair. You should also use the appropriate heat temperature for your hair. If you use your curling irons properly, you won’t have to worry about hair damage too much!
Can I use a hair curler on damp hair?
No. Not only does it create inconsistent curl sizes, it may also cause scalp burns. Wet hair is also more likely to be damaged than dry hair, especially when using hair styling devices. If possible, hair curlers should only be used on completely dry hair. If possible, you should take the time to dry your hair–whether air dry or through the use of a hair dryer.
How long should you curl your hair with a curler?
The advisable time for you to hold your hair on a curler is five to eight seconds. If you leave your hair on for more than the advisable time, it may cause damage to your hair. Of course, if you have thick or stubborn hair, it may take longer for your hair to curl.
How long will my hairstyle last if I use a hair curler?
Your curls could last for a few hours to an entire day, depending on how you treat your hair after styling. One of the best ways to keep your curls longer is to lock your hairstyle with a setting spray. You should also avoid brushing out or yanking your curls to prevent them from being too loose.
What barrel should I use to curl my hair?
Choosing a barrel size depends on the curls that you want. If you’re aiming for big, loose curls, you should opt for a larger barrel size, preferably one inch or more in size. If you want tight ringlets or beach waves, you should go for a smaller size. You should also consider your hair length when choosing which barrel size to use. Small-sized barrels are best for women with short to medium hair, as large barrels will only create very loose waves on short hair. Large-sized barrels, on the other hand, are best for longer hair.
How do I avoid getting my fingers burnt from curling irons?
Hair isn’t the only thing that is susceptible to heat damage when you use curling irons. To avoid getting your fingers burnt, you should look for a curling iron with a cool tip, so you can twist and turn the curling iron all you want without worrying about the heat. It’s also advisable to wear heat-protectant gloves when styling your hair for extra protection.
Enjoy Your New Curling Iron That Won’t Damage Hair!
I may have listed down several products here, but the “best” one is still really up to you. The best curling iron that won’t damage hair may be the most expensive one or something on the cheaper side. The best one for you may have a gold coating or a classic ceramic finish. Whatever you choose, the curling iron should be one that won’t damage your hair and should give you two things–confidence and flair.
