The Best Curling Wands: We've Tested 6. Check Out the Results!

How Can You Pick the Right Curling Tongs?

• According to the hairstyle required: standard cylindrical tongs for fine and natural waves, conical tongs for beach waves and casual hairstyles, automatic curling tongs for even locks (ideal for complete beginners), hot air styler for finer hair drying and styling, and triple barrel tongs for a retro style and braid-like waves.
• According to the diameter (thickness): small diameter (19–25 mm) for tight locks and shorter hair, medium diameter (26–32 mm) for natural waves, and large diameter (33 mm and more) for loose waves, rich volume and long hair.
• According to your hair type and condition: for fine hair, tongs with lower temperature settings and ceramic or tourmaline coating are perfect; for coarser or textured hair, tongs with higher temperature settings and titanium coating are suitable; and for slightly damaged hair, tongs with ionisation technology and protective coating are ideal.
• According to features and accessories: devices which allow you to set the temperature from 120 to 230°C are great, and you will surely appreciate quick heating, a swivel cord for easier manipulation, a protective (cool) tip for safe use, a special protective glove, or a practical travel case.

Curling Tongs: Reviews

BaByliss Deep Waves W2447E

What I liked most: I have to admit that I'd been eyeing the triple barrel tongs up for some time. I like the type of waves they create. They look as if you braided your hair for the night and undid them in the morning. The difference is that the waves are nice and regular, and they last a long time. I mean a really long time! My hair was still slightly defined even 4 days later, and I totally loved it.

Advantages: I always thought that triple barrel tongs are pretty heavy, but BaByliss Deep Waves W2447E proved me wrong. They only weigh a little more than a standard hair straightener so don't worry about your hand "falling off" while you're styling your hair. How should you do it? At the beginning, choose from 3 various temperatures (160, 180 and 200°C), the tongs will be ready in 30 seconds. Then you just "squeeze" the individual strands from top to bottom between the plates. The principle is actually the same as with a crimper, something we weren't able to live without at one point in the 90s.

The triple barrel tongs have a gentle ceramic-tourmaline coating, a cool tip for safer use, and an automatic switch-off feature for the forgetful (such as me). A heat-resistant case is also included which you can put the tongs on, or just pack them inside, put them in your bag and go away for the weekend. And before I forget, although my hair is quite thick, full waves took only about 15 minutes. In my view, these are the best triple barrel tongs and suit me completely in all respects. I desire no other!

Disadvantages: Maybe just the fact that my hair was a little dry after creating the waves, but a few drops of hair oil soon fixed that.

Remington Pro Curl CI6X10

What I liked most: As light as a feather. You can take these tongs anywhere with you. The "cylinder" is ultra-thin, so it creates ideal princess-like waves. Don't worry though – you won't look like a poodle. Just run a comb or your fingers through the waves and they will loosen up with the resulting effect being awesome. Possibly the best tongs for short hair.

Advantages: Curling with Remington Pro Curl CI6X10 curling tongs is fast and easy. The tongs warm up in just a few seconds. Then you only need to hold them downwards and use your other hand to wind individual strands of hair on them. Hold each of them on the tongs for 5 seconds and it's done. A practical glove is included so you don't need to worry about touching the hot tongs. The anti-static tourmaline ionic coating will tame even very unruly hair. 

I also liked the ease of temperature setting by turning the end of the tongs. And I should mention the swivel cord too – a must-have for comfortable handling, at least for me.

Disadvantages: A protective case is not included.

Philips StyleCare BHB868/00

What I liked most: If you want just gentle waves and not dramatic curls, these tongs are perfect. The resulting hairstyle looks natural, almost as if you were born with it.

Advantages: Philips StyleCare BHB868/00 curling tongs have a lovely girly design. A big advantage for beginners is the clip which holds hair strands. I've been curling my hair for some time now so it was rather bothersome for me. The waves are rather subtle, but they increase hair volume. They create a hairstyle which looks great, but also doesn't seem like you've put a lot of work into it. Just a "get up and go" hairstyle. I really enjoy that! 

It warms up in a minute, has a swivel cord and an automatic switch-off feature. A perfect device for superb styling.

Disadvantages: The tongs are rather heavy and a case is not included.

VARIS Curling Iron System

What I liked most: This tong-like case is a feast for the eyes. In the luxurious box there are 4 various attachments so you can change your style every day with just one type of curling tongs. The black design is minimalistic and looks beautiful. It makes a great gift too.

Advantages: The packaging of the multipurpose VARIS Curling Iron System curling tongs includes 4 different attachments  – conical tongs (19–25 mm), oval-shaped tongs (19 mm), medium-size tongs with a clip (25 mm) and large tongs with a clip (32 mm). Simply click every attachment into the holder and turn the ring. Nothing too complicated. My top pick is the oval-shaped tongs which conjure up really original-shaped waves – something between classic waves and waves made by triple barrel tongs. I was thrilled with all of them though. The large one can create perfect professional looking volume and style.

The temperature settings offer a wide range – from 80 to 220°C, – so everyone can choose their temperature according to their hair. A black glove is included to ensure safe curling.

Disadvantages: I haven't found any, this set is just amazing!

Rowenta Infinite Curls CF4211

What I liked most: Another awesome set to help you create various types of waves. The Rowenta Infinite Curls CF4211 package includes a conical attachment, heated brush for curler-like waves, and an oval-shaped attachment. Stickers, the icing on the cake, let you decorate your curling tongs as you wish.

Advantages: The attachments are easy to use. Just put one on and turn the ring to lock it in place. The heated brush amazed me. In a few seconds you can make the lengths or just ends of straight hair wavy, and your hair looks perfectly fresh. The two other attachments are just as reliable. A practical bag is included for you to transport your hair arsenal in, as well as a protective glove for 2 fingers and 2 claw clips which will help you with styling.

You can also expand this combo with time as other attachments are sold separately. It's a "darling" you will pay up for, but I strongly believe that it will bring you joy for a very long time.

Disadvantages: You cannot set your own temperature. 

BaByliss MS750E

What I liked most: This set was my favourite at first sight. It looks like a sweet shop decoration and it sparkles. Apart from the classic conical tongs, the BaByliss MX750E pack also includes a large oval attachment for voluminous waves and a curled attachment for beach waves which I really looked forward to. I tried it for the first time, and the result was totally "wow"!

Advantages: I'm thrilled. Although these are already the 6th curling tongs I've tested, I'm surprised as always. The twisted attachment is really great. And the playful beach waves lasted in amazing condition for another 2 days. I enjoy these sets because I can create various waves according to my mood or the occasion. And the impeccable pink design? I've made my case that we have to get this "Barbie" gem for our friend as a hen party gift. I really hope we will "spruce each other up" for the night then.

Disadvantages: Just 2 temperature options (180 and 210°C). They suit me, but might be too high for others.

There are no single best curling tongs! Our selection of 6 have really proven themselves. If any of them has caught your eye, put it in your basket. I'm going to treat myself to a hair mask after this testing marathon.