Overview
Best Traditional Curling Iron
BaBylissPro spring curling iron
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Best For Salon-quality Curls
Hot Tools Professional Marcel iron/wand
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Best For Creating Different Styles
InfinitiPro two-in-one styler
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Best For Curl Variety
NuMe Octowand
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Best Budget-friendly Option
InfinitiPro nano tourmaline ceramic curling iron
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Table of Contents
I had long hair for most of my life, but then decided to chop it off to the middle of my neck in the summer of 2018 and have been rocking a bob ever since. Styling my new short ‘do came with a bit of a learning curve because, as anyone who’s gone from long to short knows, curling short hair is a completely different beast.
My favorite hair wand wasn’t giving me the same results anymore, and I needed to find the best curling iron for my short hair.
How is curling short hair different from curling long hair?
When you have less length to work with, you might have to switch up your preferred hair tool. Depending on how short your hair is, you can’t use some of the more innovative tools, like the self-rotating Beachwaver or Chi Spin N Curl.
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Even if you use the same tools as with long hair, you’ll probably get a different result with shorter locks. You usually can’t achieve big, billowing curls when your hair doesn’t go past your shoulders. Getting the desired curl type and texture can be difficult when you’re working so closely to your scalp and neck and don’t have much length to play with.
What should you watch out for when curling short hair?
While we’re on the topic of working close to the skin, burning yourself is a lot easier when curling short hair. Getting those tiny strands that fall on the back of your neck will almost always result in a burn if you’re not careful (or even if you are). We suggest using a heat-resistant glove while curling, especially if you’re going to be using a wand, which requires your fingers to be close to a hot barrel.
Using a traditional curling iron can give short hair those too-tight Shirley Temple spirals if you don’t know how to work it in your favor. So, if you have really short hair, you might want to check out some irons that are designed more for waves than ringlets. (Or you can always just brush out your curls for a more relaxed look.)
What should you look for in a curling iron?
As for the curling iron itself, there are a few things to keep in mind if you have short hair. You probably don’t want to go larger than one inch for barrel size, otherwise you’re going to be mostly just getting volume and no real texture.
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Like any length of hair, heat really depends on your hair type. Thick hair might require higher heat to get curls to actually hold, while fine hair could do with lower heat. Either way, use heat protectant spray to avoid frying your ends. Damage is harder to hide and get rid of when your hair is short.
The type of curling iron you use is really up to your preferences. Some people with short hair have better luck with a traditional iron with a clamp, while others get perfect beachy wave from a styling wand. There are also rotating handles, multi-use tools, and different clip levers to consider.
We put together this list of the 10 best curling irons for short hair based on all the aforementioned information and user reviews to bring you a thorough selection of hair tools and help you find the perfect match for your needs.
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Best Traditional Curling Iron
Similar to the Hot Tools, the BaBylissPro curling iron is designed to rotate to give you the mobility you need to create perfect waves, twists, and curls. It does not, however, feature a marcel handle. Instead you'll find a standard lever that you press with your thumb.
This curling iron glides smoothly through hair, which is great for if you want loose curls or waves in your short locks. Though, some reviewers mention that the clamp doesn't close super tightly, so if you have fine hair, it could slip out.
One thing to note is the heat output of this iron. To be frank, this thing gets hot — like really hot. Start out on the lower heat settings to test the waters and see how your hair takes it, otherwise you could potentially burn off a strand and we don't want that.
If you use the correct heat setting, the BaByliss shouldn't damage hair. Rather, it will seal the hair cuticle to create a healthy, shiny look.
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Best For Salon-quality Curls
The Hot Tools Marcel iron is the go-to for tons of professional hair stylists, so you know it's a reliable curler. The gold plated barrel is an excellent conductor of heat, distributing it evenly from end to end.
The rotating mechanics of the iron allow you to twist out curls to give your short locks a wavy texture instead of looking like Shirley Temple with too-tight spirals. Because it's designed to rotate, you won't strain your wrist or get tangled up in the cord when creating your desired look.
While this iron is good for effortless waves, it also produces full curls for a more structured style. It just depends on how you use the iron and how you treat and style the curls once you've created them.
Because the Hot Tools Marcel iron is made for professionals, it's designed to be used pointed away from the person using it. Which means it can be a bit difficult to use on your own head if you've never used a similar curling iron before. Rather than pressing down on a clip lever, you push up on the marcel handle to release the iron's clamp.
Pro tip: Try practicing with the curling iron off before applying heat to save you from any burns or damaged hair. If you're a visual learner, check out tutorials on YouTube.
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Best For Creating Different Styles
With short hair, you might have to try a couple different methods to get your desired texture. Maybe a flat iron gives you the perfect waves. Or maybe a curling iron gives you the look you want. Rather than buy multiple tools to see what works best with your hair, opt for one that's multifunctional like the InfinitiPro two-in-one styler from Conair.
The styler features five heat settings up to 400 degrees on the inside and 265 degrees on the stainless steel exterior, catering to a variety of hair types. It has a ceramic heater that offers 30-second heat up and a powerful ion generator that helps make hair shinier and frizz free.
Amazon reviewer Nicole Fowler writes:
"I have tried a few of the 2 in 1 straightener/curling irons out there and this one has literally been the easiest to use. In ten minutes I curl all my hair and it looks amazing. The straightener works well too. I love how it has different heat settings. Important for different hair types. Definitely worth the price!"
One drawback is that it can be pretty easy to burn yourself while using this iron. Because the exterior plates heat up, you have to be conscious of them while straightening — you can't touch the outside while styling.
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Best For Curl Variety
The NuMe Octowand is like the Swiss army knife of curling wands. As you can probably guess from its name, this iron comes with eight different barrels in varying shapes and sizes. For short hair, you'll likely want to stick to the skinnier barrels for the best results. Though, thicker barrels can provide you with good volume if that's more important to you than texture.
The NuMe Octowand comes with a heat resistant glove, which you're definitely going to want to use. Trying to wrap short strands around a hot barrel is a burnt hand waiting to happen. But that doesn't mean you have to stray away from using a wand.
Curling wands can create beautiful styles and textures; you just might have to work with them a bit more. This interchangeable set gives you tons to play with to create fun looks you want to show off.
Amazon reviewer Sugar Unicorn writes:
"I'm a hairstylist and purchased this to use at work in the salon. Its an invaluable tool — I pretty much have every kind of curling wand I could ever hope for with this set, and I save space on my station. The temperature is fully adjustable, which is great for the variety of hair types of work on. The curls are long lasting and beautiful, no matter which barrel you pick."
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Best Budget-friendly Option
For all your basic curling needs, you can turn to the Conair InfinitiPro nano tourmaline ceramic curling iron. It's inexpensive and has some good features for the price.
If you're wanting just a standard curling iron that will give you volume and style that holds all day, you don't have to spend a ton of money. This iron gives you long-lasting, beautiful curls without damaging your strands. It's not as fancy and doesn't look as nice as some of the more expensive options on this list, but it does the job just fine.
The Conair InfinitiPro has a range of temperature settings, making it suitable for different hair types. Its tourmaline ceramic barrel is meant to reduce frizz and seal hair cuticles for a shiny mane.
The heat resistant tip is shaped sort of like a citrus juicer rather than being smooth, so be aware of that because it's a bit shorter and could result in some burnt fingers. While on the subject of heat, this curling iron comes with a protective heat shield that you can slip over the barrel while waiting for it to cool down.
Amazon reviewer C. Bourgeois writes:
"This is perfect for my shoulder length hair. Gives me just a bit of volume and body while smoothing my hair. It has multiple heat settings which is nice... I especially like the plastic guard, so you can put it in the sleeve while it's still hot to protect from melting your other belongings."
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Best For Protecting Hair From Heat Damage
The Dyson Airwrap is a revolutionary player in the hair styling tool industry. Its suction-based approach to curling hair might not seem like the best fit for shorter strands, but it's totally a viable option for all you bob-sporting beauties.
The Airwrap comes with two different sized barrels, the larger of which (1.6 inches) is probably too big to leave any real texture on a short head of hair. But the smaller 1.2-inch barrel is great for creating waves and curls. Plus, the Dyson comes with three brush heads and a hair dryer attachment. The price tag is high, but it does act as multiple styling tools to help you create different looks.
Dyson's whole shtick is that the Airwrap is gentler on hair than a standard curling tool because it uses warm air rather than hot metal or ceramic and clamping mechanisms. Less damage is definitely a plus when you don't have a ton of hair to begin with. Plus, it dries and styles your hair at the same time, which means you don't have to double up on heat from a hair dryer and curling iron.
It will probably take a bit of practice to master using the Dyson on your short locks, but if you're itching to get your hands on the different styling tools and save your hair from excessive heat damage — and have the money to spend, the Airwrap is worth checking out.
Nordstrom reviewer Leesahfiied writes:
"I was skeptical about making a big purchase for a hair tool, but it was well worth it. I even kept the receipt to try to talk myself out of it! I use it almost every day and have no need to use my old straightener, curling iron or hair dryer anymore. Considering that it is one product that replaces three, it is definitely worth the price."
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Best Combination Of Quality And Versatility
As mentioned earlier, having short hair doesn't mean you can't use a curling wand, and if you were overwhelmed by the NuMe Octowand, the T3 Whirl Trio is a simpler option. It's also a super reputable brand favored among stylists and beauty professionals.
The Whirl Trio comes with three interchangeable barrels, including two straight and one tapered. This gives you the opportunity to create different looks and textures, whether you want kinky waves or just a hint of curl. Plus, the base is compatible with some of T3's other curling attachments, so the versatility doesn't have to stop there.
The price is on the higher side, but many reviewers say it's worth it — the Whirl Trio has won Allure's Best of Beauty Award more than once. The iron seals your hair cuticles to keep your short looks looking shiny, smooth, and healthy.
Amazon reviewer K. Lantz writes:
"I have wanted this wand for a while now, but it was too expensive for my blood. I finally bit the bullet purchased it, kind of expecting to return the wand. But let me tell you - this wand is a miracle worker! Usually my waves or curls fall out after a couple hours - this wand keeps my hair glorious for days!!!! It is amazing! I cannot recommend buying this more."
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Best For Reducing Frizz
Drybar's 3-Day Bender curling iron has a rotating clamp that is designed to create gorgeous curls and waves in half the time of a traditional curling iron. Which for those rocking short hair means a super speedy glam routine.
The dual ceramic heaters create even, steady heat in just 60 seconds, and the digital display lets you know when the iron is ready for action. Using infrared technology, hair is heated from the inside out to help maintain healthy locks free of frizz with tons of shine.
Amazon reviewer Rebekah B. writes:
"This was a splurge for me and it took me a while to figure out how to use it. I watched some videos and after I got the hang of it, it was so fast and easy to use. I have bob length, fine hair and it works great. I can run it through my hair in about 5 minutes and it lasts all day. I do use a finishing spray."
One complaint that is pretty common among reviewers is that the clamp is a bit loose and doesn't clamp down hard on your hair. Though, this could be a good thing because your strands will experience less damage and you won't get those pesky creases in your hair. Also be aware, because this curling iron has a rotating barrel, there could be a slight learning curve.
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Best For Optimized Heat
The ghd Curve Iron Curl allows you to create consistent curls and volume for a classic style no matter the length of your hair. This brand is often recommended by professional hair stylists, so you know it's one you can trust.
The iron is optimized to constantly be at 365 degrees, which ghd says is the ideal temperature to get style that holds while still respecting your hair's health. It only takes 25 seconds for the barrel to heat up, so you don't have to wait around to start curling your hair. And you only need to hold the iron on your hair for five to eight seconds — don't keep it wrapped much longer if you don't want to burn your locks.
Some reviewers expressed wanting adjustable heat if they had really thick or fine hair, but overall the optimized heat is meant to work for every hair type. One slight drawback of this iron is that it has a smaller clamp handle that might be difficult to reach while curling.
Amazon reviewer Joseph Oppenheim writes:
"Great curling iron. I was very skeptical that it would be any better than my $100 curling irons and wands, but it does do a better job in my opinion. It heats up fast and doesn’t get as hot as some of my other irons, but works even better. It is very consistent which I noticed in making great curls. I believe because it regulates the heat better. It also produces very soft feeling curls and waves. My curls were still going strong after 3 days."
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Best For Your Basic Needs
If you're looking for a more basic curling iron that still has exceptional, professional quality, look no further than the Express Gold Curl from Paul Mitchell. It falls in the middle of the spectrum price-wise compared to some of the other options on this list, making it a more everyday friendly selection.
The iron's gold barrel heats up quickly and retains even heat to seal in moisture and give your hair a gorgeous shine. The extra-long cool tip provides a sturdy place to grip the tool to avoid burns; and we all know how easy it is to burn yourself while curling short hair.
If temperature is a concern for you, you'll be happy to know that the Express Gold Curl has adjustable heat. And even better, you can lock the temperature adjuster so you don't accidentally kick up the heat and burn your hair or drop it down too low that your curls don't hold.
Amazon reviewer Bluebox writes:
"I have used curling irons since the 70s. I am not a hairdresser, stylist, whatever, I don't even LIKE doing my hair. It varies between shoulder length and shorter, right now shoulder. All that being said, this iron is FANTASTIC. I don't know why; the gold barrel maybe? I did have to change my usual way of holding it because of the controls but it was so worth it. Heats up quickly, like having actual temp setting in degrees, and the velcro attached for the cord is a plus. Better than all that, it works better... My hair comes out of the iron softer and silkier."
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Topics Beauty
Miller Kern is the Deputy Editor, Shopping and Reviews at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews, roundups, and deals about tech products including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She has five years of experience writing buying guides, gift guides, and deals, and covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.
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