Style

These Are The Only Curling Irons You Should Be Using If You Have Fine Hair

by Deanna McCormack

Whether you have thick, thin, long, or short hair, creating the curls you want is easy with the help of the latest styling tools and technology. When searching for the best curling irons for fine hair, there are a few things you should to keep in mind so that you can create the styles you want without damaging your hair in the process.

If you have fine hair (which is particularly prone to breakage because the individual strands are thinner), the first and most important thing to look for is a curling iron that won't cause damage. A curling iron with barrels made of ceramic, or a combination of ceramic and another high-quality material, like tourmaline, will be your best bet. Pick a tool with either a digital temperature display or temperature controls that you can easily adjust, so that you can lower the heat while you style. You should never expose fine hair to high temperatures and risk damage just because you think it makes it easier to curl. Further, to prevent hair breakage, you should always prep fine hair with some type of heat-protecting spray before applying an iron or using a blow dryer. Finally, keep barrel size in mind: Unfortunately, big, loose waves, which are created with larger barrels, fall out easily in fine hair. Using an iron with a small or tapered barrel, however, will create styles that last.

Now that you know what to look for, check out these five curling irons that will make styling fine hair a breeze.

1An Automatic Rotating Curler For Easy, Beachy Waves

The Beachwaver Pro Curling Iron, $199, Amazon

Created by celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa, the Beachwaver Pro Curling Iron is a one-of-a-kind rotating curling iron that can create long lasting beach waves and curls on fine hair with just the touch of a button. The iron has digital temperature controls, so you can adjust the heat level with ease, and an extra long barrel, which give your curls a loose look without sacrificing hold. Pro tip: For a more natural, finished look, alternate curl directions using the left and right controls.

2A Budget-Friendly Ceramic Curling Wand With A Digital Temperature Display

Remington Studio Silk Ceramic Slim Styling Wand, $25, Amazon

With its small, tapered barrel the Remington Studio Silk Ceramic Slim Styling Wand is great for creating curls of all sizes that will last a long time on fine hair. The barrel is made of ceramic and infused with silk proteins, which keeps the heat distribution even so it won’t fry your hair. Digital controls and a temperature lock button also let you completely control and monitor the heat level while you're styling, to keep your hair as damage-free as possible.

3A Professional-Quality Curling Iron And Wand With Interchangeable Barrels

T3 Twirl Convertible Curling Iron with Interchangeable Clip Barrel, $185, Amazon

Because of its versatility, the T3 Twirl Convertible Curling Iron is the suggested pick of stylist Melissa Parizot of Cutler Salon in Soho, New York. She adds that “The most important thing to look for in an iron is controllable heat settings. Irons that only have one heat setting are dangerous for anyone with fine hair, especially if it's been chemically processed”. This one has all of that and more, including an interchangeable barrel and auto shut-off. Plus, this iron comes with a heat-resistant mat and two-year warranty.

4A Curling Iron That Comes With 5 Different Sized Ceramic And Tourmaline Barrels

xtava 5 in 1 Professional Curling Wand and Curling Iron Set, $47, Amazon

If you hate the clutter and cost of owning too many tools, the xtava 5-in-1 Professional Curling Set comes with five interchangeable barrels in different sizes, so you can switch up your curls without ever having to buy a new iron. Great for all hair types and lengths, this set has fully customizable heat settings and barrels made of a gentle yet effective ceramic and tourmaline coating. Plus, for under $50 you really can't beat the price.

5A Super Slim Wand For Lightweight Travel And Long-Lasting Curls

Herstyler Baby Curls Mini Curling Iron, $23, Amazon

Perfect for bouncy curls that last all night and light enough for hassle-free travel, the Herstyler Baby Curls Mini Curling Iron has a small (1/3 inch) tourmaline barrel that heats up to 400 degrees while delivering negative ion technology to keep your hair shiny. Wands, in general, are a great choice for short, fine hair because they there’s no chance of the clip causing unwanted crimps or breakage. It comes in two cute colors, too: pink and purple.

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