For Effortless, Bouncy Waves, These Are the Curling Wands to Know
Tried and tested by our editors.
Whether you're creating beautifully curled or gentle waves, having a great curling wand in your hair styling arsenal is essential. The trouble is, there are so many to choose from, and it's tricky to work out exactly which one will do what you want it to.
That's where we come in. Team MC has decades of experience testing the best straighteners, hair dryers, and curling wands to save you the trial-and-error. Testing out all the best curling wands 2026 has to offer, whether it be for the best bob hairstyles, short hairstyles for thin hair or short hairstyles for older women. There's a curl for everyone and different curls to create for any occasion—sleek, mermaid waves, and bouncy, corkscrew curls alike. But with so many different styles come so many questions: what size to go for, or which shape is best?
The best thing about the humble curling wand is its versatility. Sure, you can execute perfectly defined curls, but you can also use a curling wand to create texture. "If you are creating beachy or textured waves, your dry shampoo will come in handy. Use your favourite curling tong to style your hair, then let it set and cool down. Apply dry shampoo throughout the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. This will give your waves definition and shape. It will also help it last longer," explains Jay Birmingham, celebrity hair stylist.
Whatever hairstyle you're after, we've rounded up the best curling wands and tongs for all hair types and styles. So now all you need to decide is which curly hairstyles you want to opt for. From professional-grade tongs to cheap and cheerful options for a quick spruce, we've tried and tested all of the curling wands worth having on your radar this year.
How to choose the best curling wands?
Choose your curling wand shape
There are typically three different types or shapes of curling tools, and each one creates a different shape in your hair.
Straight - This is the most common of curlers - it's the same width along the entire barrel meaning that your curls will also be the same from root to tip. If you're after a more classic look, then look for a straight barrel.
Tapered - If you're after a more natural and relaxed curl, then the tapered tool is the one for you. Using this means that the curl will be tighter at the root, getting looser as it gets down to the ends.
Bubble - This is the strangest looking curling wand - if we're honest it looks like something quite different to a curler, which is probably why they're not as common. A bubble-shaped wand creates super loose waves - something a little more beachy than a done do.
Which size curling wand barrel is best?
It all depends on what type of curl you want to create. The width of the barrel is important because that will determine the look you're after.
Less than 20mm - The thinner the wand the tighter the curl. If you're after a disco, Studio 54 look then keep an eye out for one of these. Think Kate Moss on her 30th birthday.
20mm - 32mm - These widths create your classic, well defined, polished looking curls. If you want your hair to look as close to perfect and as far away from a festival as possible, then look no further.
32mm or larger - Large barrel curlers are the way to go if you're after gorgeous, super-smooth bouncy waves. Brand-wise, ghd and Cloud Nine are high up there on our wish list and well worth the investment for their long lasting benefits and salon-worthy finish.
Is a curling wand or a curling tong better?
Is it a wand or is it a tong? In all honesty, both do the same thing. The difference is that a tong has a clamp to hold the hair in place, which makes it a bit better for beginners, while the wand doesn't. However, some people find that their hair can get caught up in the clamp. So it's really more about personal preference.
What did we look for when testing the best curling wands?
So, what exactly did we look for? When it came to testing, we held each wand up against the following criteria to ensure we were only selecting the best of the best for this list:
- What is the barrel width?
- Can it work on all hair types?
- Is it easy to use?
- What are the heat settings?
- Does it have any protective technology?
- Is it good value for money?
Best curling wands and tongs in 2026
1. ghd Chronos Curve Conical Wand
ghd's Chronos Curve Conical Wand is one of the most versatile curling wands out there. It allows for everything from tight curls to loose bouncing waves, depending on how you use it. Whether you're after a quick everyday wave or a special occasion bouncy curl, these ones really are worth the investment.
Featuring curl-responsive technology, it intuitively responds to your curling actions to maintain the optimum 185°C temperature from root to tip—meaning results in just three seconds with minimal damage.
2. Babyliss Tight Curls Wand
If it's lots and lots of skinny curls you're after, this ultra-thin wand from Babyliss does the job (and does it well). Ideal for those with tight natural curls who want to give what they're working with a bit of enhancement, don't be fooled by their bargain price tag: they're actually among the best curling wands we've tried.
3. Cloud Nine The Curling Wand
Great for sleek, tumbling curls, Cloud Nine's curling wand is a great choice if you want to create glossy, bouncy curls. Its barrel is mineral-infused, too, leaving hair soft, smooth and shiny once you've finished styling. Swoon.
4. Turbo Tong The Professional Long Tong
Long, long hair is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that it looks amazing when curled, and a curse in that it can take years of trial and error to find the right tools. Enter: the Turbo Tong. Specially designed for super-duper long hair, this longer than standard wand is a fast track to a fairy tale worthy Rapunzel-style do.
5. T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand
Why on earth should you have to choose one curl style? You shouldn't have to. And thanks to this T3 interchangeable tool you don't need to. From loose, flowing waves, to defined spirals and glamorous curls - it does it all.
6. Dyson Airwap 2x
With Dyson’s most powerful haircare motor yet (spinning at an eye-watering 150,000rpm—that’s nine times faster than a Formula 1 engine), the Airwrap 2x delivers 30% more power and twice the air pressure to create curls, waves and sleek styles faster and with more staying power than ever before—and all without extreme heat. The device itself has also had a glow-up. It’s now smaller, lighter and easier to handle, meaning better control when styling.
7. Babyliss Titanium Brilliance Waves
The perfect everyday tong for effortless beachy waves at a purse-friendly price. Plus, it offers an Advanced Ceramics heating system that delivers super-fast heat-up and maintains high heat on every section for ease of use and lasting waves.
