When you're looking for a great curling iron, temperature capabilities, barrel size, and what it's made out of are all really important factors. But for a lot of people, a clamp is a deal breaker. While some people prefer clipless irons, the best curling irons with clamps hold your hair in place while you style it. So, if that glove intimidates you or your hair is always slipping off the barrel, these are the irons for you.
Many people don't realize that the terms "wand" and "iron" are actually not interchangeable. A curling wand and a curling iron are two different tools, and this is primarily due to the clamp. Because of this one simple feature, you hold the tool differently, and you're left with two different results. An iron with a clamp gives you ringlets, while a wand without one gives you curls that are closer to waves. If you're looking for actual curls, the clamp is a good way to go.
That being said, curling irons with clamps come in all different shapes, sizes, and designs. There are tapered ones, travel sized, thick, thin — you name it. All that's left is to find one that fits your hair and your needs.
1An Iron That's Just As Good As The High-End Models
Anjou Tourmaline Curling Iron, $30, Amazon
There are tons of features to love about the Anjou Tourmaline Curling Iron, like its ceramic coating, long cord, quick heat-up time, and cool safety tip. It's got a 1.25-inch barrel for loose flowing curls, and it even has dual voltage for when you're traveling. "I've used lots of curling irons - from high end to low end," says one reviewer. "I bought this one based on the previous reviews; I'm glad I did."
2A Tapered Barrel With A Clip For More Curl Variation
Olaxer Digital Tapered Curling Iron, $23, Amazon
A tapered barrel creates a spiral shaped curl that gets smaller towards the end, but it's rare to find one with a clip. The Olaxer Digital Tapered Curling Iron offers both, as well as an LED screen, a shifting temperature setting that caters to your hair type, and a barrel infused with real pearl for shiny, manageable hair.
3A Spring-Operated Iron That Really Holds The Hair In Place
Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron, $40, Amazon
People love the Hot Tools 25K Gold curling iron because of its high temperatures, even distribution of heat, and springs in the handle that grab the hair for hassle-free styling. Consequently, if you find that your hair easily slips off the barrel, this one's for you.
4A Skinny Barrel For Tight Curls
KIPOZI Professional Curling Iron, $20, Amazon
It's surprisingly difficult to find a good iron in a small size, but the KIPOZI Professional Curling Iron delivers. It comes in a 1/3-inch barrel for super tiny spirals — great if you're touching up naturally curly hair. It also has advanced LED touch buttons, a rotating spring clamp, and a ceramic coating for more.
5A Set With Five Barrels For Any Type Of Curl
xtava Satin Wave 5 in 1 Curling Iron Set, $37, Amazon
If you're hesitant to commit to one size, the xtava Satin Wave set lets you choose between five distinct looks. It comes with multiple interchangeable barrels (three of which have clamps), and it has awesome features like nine temperature settings, maximized surface area, and ceramic tourmaline materials. " I love the fact that it includes attachments with the clamp as well as those without it," says one reviewer, and it even comes with a free heat protection glove, too.
6An Iron That Helps Straight Hair Hold A Curl All Day
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron, $56, Amazon
Because it's engineered with nano titanium technology, this curling irons helps your hair hold a curl all day. The secret is the infrared heat that penetrates the strands, and it comes in three different barrel sizes suitable for thick and long or thin and short.
7A Mini Iron That Doesn't Compromise On Quality
Berta Mini Hair Curler, $11, Amazon
Whether you've got short hair, you're low on storage space, or you travel a ton, the Berta Mini Hair Curler is an awesome option. Its shorter barrel is made from ceramic to reduce damage, it heats up in 60 seconds, and it has two simple heat settings.
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