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If you’re looking to add some bounce and volume to your hair, investing in a good hair curler is a must. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
We’ve rounded up some of the best hair curlers available in Australia, and we’re sharing to lowdown on everything from factors to consider when choosing a hair curler to tips and tricks for achieving perfect curls.
Find your new favourite tool with this helpful guide with all the tips and tricks to nailing the perfect curl.
The best hair curlers in Australia
Best Curling Wand: ghd Creative Curl Wand Hair Curler
ghd Creative Curl wand hair curler, $270 at Adore Beauty
Australian brand ghd (good hair day) is known for its durable, high-quality hair styling tools and the Creative Curl Wand 2.0 is no exception.
It’s a professional-grade curling wand that allows you to create long-lasting, natural-looking curls. It features a 28mm – 23mm tapered barrel that creates a range of different curl sizes and shapes, making it ideal for creating both loose waves and tighter curls.
The Curve Wand was designed with damage minimisation in mind. It contains the break-through ultra-zone™ technology that maintains an optimal curling temperature of 185°C. This not only helps for curl longevity but also ensures even heat distribution.
Pros:
Advanced technology ensures even heat distribution for perfect styling.
28mm – 23mm tapered barrel creates a range of curl sizes and shapes.
Heats up to an optimal temperature of 185°C, perfect for styling without damage.
Ceramic coating ensures consistent heat, reducing risk of damage.
Cool tip and safety stand provide convenience and safety during use.
Cons:
No adjustable heat settings, which may not be suitable for those who prefer customised temperature.
May be difficult to use on shorter hair.
Best Curling Iron: Silver Bullet Fastlane Titanium Curling Iron Rose Gold 32mm
Silver Bullet Fastlane titanium curling iron, $99.95 at Adore Beauty
Stunning curls, easy to use, durable and won’t break the bank? The Silver Bullet Fastlane Titanium Curling Iron is the perfect tool for the job.
With its luxurious-looking rose gold design, this curling iron features a 32mm titanium barrel that’s ideal for those with medium to long hair that want to create luscious, loose curls.
This curling iron has variable heat settings ranging from 80°C to 220°C, it’s perfect for a range of hair types. In terms of functionality, it heats up quickly and glides through your hair with ease, preventing tangles and damage.
Pros:
Rose gold barrel finish
Fast heat up
Dual voltage to pack in your suitcase
Extra long swivel cord for easy styling
Creates large and luscious curls that hold
Cons:
32mm barrel won’t create ringlets or tight curls
Awkward button placement means you may switch it off accidentally
Best Splurge: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete
Dyson Airwrap complete multi-styler, $949 at Adore Beauty
Since its release, The Dyson Airwrap has been a game changer when it comes to creating voluminous, bouncy curls and stunning beachy waves with less damage.
While certainly one of the more pricier hair curlers on the market, you are paying for proprietary Dyson technology and the unique features and design.
The Airwrap uses the Dyson digital motor V9 to create a high-velocity jet of air that creates the ‘Coanda effect’ – wrapping hair around the barrel. Built with intelligent heat control, the Airwrap measures airflow temperature over 40 times a second, controlling the heating element to keep the temperature under 150°C.
If you are after a high-quality, innovative hair tool that won’t fry your hair, the Airwrap is worth the splurge.
Pros:
Uses innovative Dyson technology to style hair without extreme heat, reducing the risk of heat damage.
Features multiple attachments for different hair types and styles, making it versatile and customisable.
Digital motor creates a high-velocity jet of air for effortless styling.
Can create a range of hairstyles, including curls, waves, and smooth styles.
Comes with a heat-resistant mat and storage case for easy storage.
Cons:
High price point compared to other hair curlers.
Learning curve to use attachments and master styling.
Best Affordable Hair Curler: Silver Bullet City Chic 19mm – 32mm Large Ceramic Conical Curling Iron
Silver Bullet City Chic curling iron, $65.95 at Amazon
The Silver Bullet City Chic Conical Curling Iron is a high-quality and affordable hair curler that offers great value for money at under $70.
It features a ceramic barrel that evenly distributes heat and produces smooth and long-lasting curls. At its widest point the conical barrel is 32mm which narrows down to 19mm at the tip. This conical shape allows for versatile styling to create different hair styles from tousled curls to tight ringlets.
The curler heats up quickly and has multiple heat settings, making it convenient and easy to use.
Pros:
Ceramic barrel for even heat distribution and smooth curls.
Conical shape for versatile styling options.
Multiple heat settings for customisation.
Quick and even heating.
Cool tip and heat-resistant stand for added safety and convenience.
Affordable price point.
Cons:
May not be suitable for very thick or coarse hair types.
Does not have a digital temperature display.
Best Detachable Hair Curler: Muk Curl Stick V2.0
Muk Curl Stick v2.0, $129.53 (was $179.95) at Amazon
When it comes to your hair tool, don’t settle for one style.
The Muk Curl Stick V2.0 is a high-quality, detachable hair curler that allows you to easily switch between different barrel sizes for versatile styling options.
The set includes four titanium-coated interchangeable barrels (19-25mm, 25mm and 28-22mm, 38-27mm) that can be easily attached to the base, and a heat-resistant glove for added safety.
One of the best features of this hair tool is the Microprocessor technology that ensures an even and consistent temperature to minimise heat damage and achieves consistently beautiful curls.
Pros:
Comes with four interchangeable barrels to create different types of curls.
Adjustable temperature settings up to 210°C for optimal heat control.
Smooth titanium barrel coating.
Microprocessor technology for consistent heat.
360° swivel cord.
Cons:
- Detachable barrels can become loose over time
Best Automatic Hair Curler: BaBylissPRO Miracurl 3 in 1
BaBylissPRO Miracurl 3 in 1, $275.50 at Adore Beauty
While an automatic hair curler might look a little intimidating, they can actually be one of the easiest and effortless ways to create professional-looking curls and waves.
One of the most popular and effective automatic hair curlers on the market is the Miracurl 3 im 1 from Babyliss.
It features a ceramic curl chamber that uses advanced technology to control the hair, with three timer settings for different curl types, and three heat settings for different hair textures.
Pros:
Automatically curls hair with the push of a button.
Multiple heat and timer settings allow for customisable curls.
Can curl hair in different directions.
Ceramic technology helps to create smooth and polished curls.
Suitable for a variety of hair types.
Cons:
Requires some practice to get used to the automatic curling process.
Quite heavy and bulky.
Best Conical Hair Curler: BaBylissPRO Ceramic Black Conical Wand – 32-19mm
BaBylissPRO Ceramic conical wand, $103.45 at Adore Beauty
If you’re looking for a curling iron that will deliver beautiful, long-lasting curls, the 32-19mm Conical Wand from BaBylissPRO is your best bet.
The tapered barrel allows you to create a variety of curl types, so you can achieve anything from tight ringlets to loose, beachy waves. Plus, the ceramic coating ensures a smooth finish for enhanced shine and faster styling.
But what really sets this curling iron apart is its advanced ceramic heater. Not only does it heat up incredibly quickly, but it also provides instant heat recovery, so you can maintain a consistent temperature throughout the styling process.
Pros:
Ceramic coating for smooth and shiny curls.
Fast heat up to max temperature of 195°C and 25 heat settings
Creates curls that actually hold.
Cons:
- Will definitely require you to use a glove when styling.
Best for Beachy Waves: Mermade Hair 32mm Pro Waver
Mermade Pro Hair Waver, $81.75 (was $109) at Myer
Loved by the likes of Khloe Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, The Mermade Hair Pro Waver Pink 32mm is easily one of the best tools for creating effortless, beachy waves.
It features a triple barrel design with high grade ionic ceramic barrels that work to reduce frizz and enhance shine. The tool is incredibly easy to use and requires a simple clamp-down to create consistent beachy waves.
The Pro Waver heats up quickly and has a temperature range of 80°C to 210°C, making it suitable for all hair types. Other features you will love include an ergonomic handle for comfortable styling, a 360° swivel cord and auto shut off.
Pros:
Crimp free design for curls with no creases.
Extra large barrels for loose, lush waves.
Advanced ceramic barrels for smooth, shiny curls.
Multiple heat settings.
Auto shut off.
Cons:
More suited to medium length – long hair types.
Quite heavy.
Best for Long Hair: CLOUD NINE The Waving Wand
Cloud Nine The Waving Wand, $199.20 (was $249) at Oz Hair and Beauty
With its chunky 38mm barrel, The Cloud Nine The Waving Wand is an ideal tool for those with mid-to-long hair who are looking to create glamorous loose waves and big bouncy curls.
Other notable features include the ceramic barrel coating for added shine, variable heat settings to tailor to your hair type and ultra fast heat up for quick and easy styling.
Pros:
Fast 45 second heat up
Temperature range between 125° – 175°
Wide barrel creates loose, soft waves
Comes with storage case and glove
Cons:
- Not ideal for short hair types.
Best for Short Hair: Hot Tools 24k Gold Curling Iron 25mm
Hot Tools 24k gold curling iron, $100 (was $119) at Oz Hair and Beauty
Those with short hair will know that only old styling tool won’t do. You have to opt for a thinner barrel in order to achieve more defined curls.
One of the best for shorter hair is the 25mm 24k Gold Curling Iron from leading hair tool brand, Hot Tools.
The 25mm barrel allows you to create classic curls and loose waves and the 23k Gold surface provides even heat distribution for consistently heated and long-lasting curls.
Additionally, it has a wide range of temperature settings up to 220°C, making it suitable for different hair types from fine to thick.
Pros:
Fast heat up thanks to pulse technology.
25mm barrel for creating more defined curls.
13 variable heat settings.
Auto sleep mode after 2 hours.
Very easy to use.
Long cord with swivel function.
Cons:
- It may be too intense for fine hair types.
Best Cordless Hair Curler: Conair Unbound Cordless Auto Curler
Conair Unbound cordless auto curler, $166.48 at Amazon
If you love your curls tight, but where you style your hair to be flexible, the Unbound Cordless Auto Curler by Conair is for you. This innovative automatic hair tool offers up to 45 minutes of code free use and has a compact and lightweight design perfect for popping in your handbag.
Thanks to its innovative auto-curl technology, the device takes the hair in and curls it automatically, leaving you with perfect curls every time. With multiple heat and curl directions it allows you to create different styles from luxurious waves to coiled curls.
Pros:
Cordless and rechargeable, allowing for greater flexibility in use.
Automatic curling technology for easy and efficient styling.
Can create a variety of curl sizes and styles.
Portable and compact design for easy storage and travel.
Cons:
Limited battery life will require frequent recharging.
The device may not work as well on very thick or coarse hair.
Best Heatless Hair Curler: Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit
Heatless curls kit, $49 at Adore Beauty
One of the biggest TikTok hair trends over the last year has been the ‘heatless curl’. This ingenious hair tool is the much needed antidote to heated hair curlers.
The Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit is a unique hair styling tool that helps create stunning curls without any heat.
It’s incredibly easy to use and requires you to wind your hair around the The 100% Mulberry Silk Rod and tie the ends with the two silk scrunchies included in the kit. The result is stunning curls with little effort.
Pros:
No heat damage to hair.
Soft silk rod for smooth and frizz free curls.
Lightweight and very easy to use.
Cons:
Takes longer to achieve curls compared to heat styling tools.
Some may find it uncomfortable to sleep in.
Not ideal for short hair types.
Types of hair curlers
There are three main types of hair curlers: curling wands, curling irons, and automatic curlers. Each type has its pros and cons, and the best option for you will depend on your hair type and texture.
Curling wands are the most popular option for creating beachy waves.
They typically have a tapered, ceramic barrel and no clamp, allowing you to wrap your hair around the wand to create the curl.
Curling irons on the other hand, have a cylindrical barrel and a clamp that holds your hair in place as you curl it. They’re ideal for creating more defined, uniform curls.
Automatic curlers generally use an advanced technology to wind hair around or into the barrel of the curler to curl the hair.
Factors to consider
When choosing a hair curler, there are several factors to consider:
Heat Settings: Look for a hair curler with adjustable heat settings, so you can choose the right temperature for your hair type. This is especially important if you have fine or damaged hair, as high heat can cause further damage.
Barrel Size: The size of the barrel will determine the size of the curls you create. If you have long hair, opt for a curling wand or curling iron with a larger barrel, such as 32mm. For shorter hair, a smaller barrel, such as 25mm, will create tighter curls.
Ease of Use: Look for a hair curler that’s easy to use, with a comfortable grip and intuitive controls. A curling wand or curling iron with a cool tip can also be helpful, as it allows you to hold the hair in place without burning your fingers.
Material: Ceramic and titanium are popular materials for hair curlers, with ceramic being gentle and distributing heat evenly, and titanium heating up quickly, ideal for thick and coarse hair. Tourmaline, generating negative ions to reduce frizz and static, is another material to consider depending on hair type and desired curls.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the easiest curler to use?
The easiest curler to use depends on personal preference and hair type.
However, some types of curlers that are generally considered easy to use are automatic curlers, which do the work for you with a push of a button, and curling wands with clamp-free designs, which allow for easy wrapping of hair around the barrel. Some would argue there can be a learning curve to using automatic hair tools.
Additionally, larger barrel curlers or ones with tapered shapes can be easier to handle and result in more natural-looking waves or curls.
Is ceramic or titanium curler better?
Both ceramic and titanium curling irons have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic curling irons are great at distributing heat evenly, which helps to prevent hot spots that can damage the hair. They also provide negative ions that help to reduce frizz and seal the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother and shinier hair. On the other hand, titanium curling irons heat up faster and can maintain a consistent high heat, which makes them great for styling coarse and thick hair. They are also lightweight and durable.
Ultimately, the choice between a ceramic or titanium curling iron depends on your hair type, styling needs, and personal preferences. If you have fine or damaged hair and want to achieve smooth and shiny curls, a ceramic curling iron might be a better option. If you have thick or coarse hair and need a curling iron that heats up quickly and can handle high temperatures, a titanium curling iron might be a better choice.
Is there a hair curler that doesn’t damage hair?
The only hair tool that won’t provide heat damage is a heatless curler like the Mermade above. That’s not to say it can’t tug or pull at your hair, potentially causing damage, but it at least won’t cause any heat damage.
Some tools are designed to minimise heat damage but ultimately any heat can cause some damage, particularly to coloured and fine or thin hair.
Tips for perfect curls
Use heat protectant: Before using a hair curler, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair to protect it from heat damage.
Choose the right barrel size: Choose a barrel size that’s appropriate for your hair length and the type of curls you want to create.
Don’t overdo it: Over-curling your hair can damage it, so be sure to give your hair a break between styling sessions.
Use the right technique: Wrap your hair around the barrel, holding it in place for a few seconds before releasing it for a more natural look.
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