These are best curling wands and tongs to transform your locks
Whilst your best hair straighteners are key to that sleek and smooth do, the best curling wands and tongs are your go-tos for beautiful tousled hair. 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.
The thing you need to know is what you want your hair to look like, so you can know what to look for from your curling wand. Take a look at our round up of curly hairstyles if you’re in need of a little inspiration.
Best curling wands and tongs: shape of the barrel
There are typically three different types or shapes of curling tools, 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.
Barrel size
The width of the barrel is important, because that will determine the look you’re after.
< 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 too look as close to perfect and as far away from a festival as possible, then look no further.
32mm >
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 very same thing. The difference is a tong has a clamp to hold the hair in place, which makes them a bit better for beginners, whilst the wand doesn’t. So it’s really more about personal preference.
What are the best hair wands and curling tongs?
ghd Creative Curl Wand – £129 | Lookfantastic
This 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. Truly creative indeed.
- Shape: Tapered
- Barrel size: 23mm – 28mm
- Tong vs wand: Wand
Babyliss Tight Curls Wand – £24.95 | Beauty Bay
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). Slow and steady wins the race.
- Shape: Straight
- Barrel size: 10mm
- Tong vs wand: Wand
Cloud Nine The Waving Wand – £109 | Very
Great for loose, tumbling curls, Cloud Nine’s barrel wand is a great choice if you want to add a slight smooth wave to your locks. Its barrel is mineral infused, leaving hair soft, smooth and shiny once you’ve finished styling.
- Shape: Straight
- Barrel size: 38mm
- Tong vs wand: Wand
Turbo Tong The Long Tong – £139 | Amazon
If you have SUPER DUPER long hair, that doesn’t mean you have any less right to fabulous curls and waves. However, it can take hours with your standard curling tong – the Turbo Tong however is longer than normal so perfect for Rapunzel-style locks.
- Shape: Straight
- Barrel size: 26mm
- Tong vs wand: Tong
T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand – £240 | Space NK
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.
- Shape: Tapered & Straight
- Barrel size: 25mm – 38 mm
- Tong vs wand: Wand
Dyson Airwrap Styler – £449.99 | Dyson
The Airwrap caused quite the stir when it launched, which was quite understandable. Since Dyson made their way into haircare, they’re released well-researched and well-designed tools. This is no different. There are all sorts of barrels included to create all types of waves and curls, as well as brushes to control, smooth and volumise.
What makes the Airwrap different from your typical curler is that it uses suction to wrap the hair around the barrel, rather than you having to do it yourself.
- Shape: Tapered & Straight
- Barrel size: 30mm – 40mm
- Tong vs wand: Wand
Babyliss 2112U Curl Luxe Hair Styler – £47.99 | John Lewis
Another alternative to your traditional curler. This one is very much like a tong, and yet the clamp is in itself also a heated plate.
- Shape: Straight
- Barrel size: 36mm
- Tong vs wand: Tong (kind of)
We Are Paradoxx Supernova 3-in-1 Cordless Hair Tool – £195 | Lookfantastic
The first thing to note about this, is that its cordless. So if you’re forever getting caught in knots or don’t have a plug near to your mirror then that’s something to consider. It’s also a straightener, as well as a wand and tong.
- Shape: Tapered
- Tong vs wand: Wand & Tong
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