Spiral curls are back in style and it’s important to use the right type of curling iron to get your curls just right.
In general, curling irons with larger barrels will tend to produce looser, larger curls, whereas smaller barrels will create much tighter, more neatly spiraled curls.
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In A Hurry? Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Conair Instant Heat Spiral 3/4-Inch Curling Iron | Buy on Amazon | |
 | EmaxDesign Curling Iron, Unique 5 in 1 Curling Wand Set with 3 Barrel Hair Waver and Hair Straightener Brush | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Bed Head Curlipops Clamp-Free Spiral Curling Wand, 1 inch | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Tomorotec Professional Spiral Curl Ceramic Spiral Styler Curling Iron Hair Curler Curling Wand Waver Maker | Buy on Amazon |
What you should look for in a curling iron for spiral curls
There are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for the best curling irons for spiral curls.
Be aware of your hair type and texture, as well as its length.
Look for curling irons with barrels made from tourmaline or ceramic.
These are excellent heat conductors, ensuring that the heat more evenly distributes throughout your hair, and therefore minimizing the risk of burning or scalding.
They also have a negative ionic charge, which reduces the frizz or static that heated styling tools can sometimes cause.
You may also be able to find a curling iron for spiral curls that also have a protective shield.
This covers the barrel and helps you to avoid burning either your fingers or forehead.
Let’s check out some of 2023’s best curling irons for spiral curls!
14 Best Curling Irons For Spiral Curls [2023 buying guide]
1. Conair Instant Heat Spiral 3/4Inch Curling Iron
Highlights
This is a wallet-friendly curling iron that will produce consistent spiral curls. It’s portable and travels well, and heats up relatively swiftly.
Features
- 30second heat up time
- Dual voltage
- Multilayer barrel technology for even heat
- Extra-long cool tip
- Auto-off
- 5ft power cord
What we like
For the price, this is one of the best curling irons available for spiral curls. Conair is also a well-respected brand that consistently produces high-quality haircare products.
What we don’t like
Take care that you’re purchasing the 3/4inch curling iron, as it’s this one that will cause spiral curls, but others are advertised on the same page.
2. EmaxDesign Curling Iron 5-in-1
Highlights
If you’re looking for one tool to serve all of your hairstyling needs, then this curling iron combination tool is the best to go for. You’ll be able to create cute spiral curls with the one-inch barrel, but it also comes with a cylinder and tapered barrel, as well as a hair straightening brush and three-barrel crimper.
Features
- 30second heat up time
- Ceramic and tourmaline coated barrel
- LCD temperature display
- Long cooling tip and anti-scald stand
- Dual voltage
What we like
This tool has a memory function, so it remembers the temperature you last used in order to ensure consistent styling. The dual voltage means this tool travels well.
What we don’t like
You may not make use of all five of the components, so it might be a little expensive.
3. Bed Head Curlipops Clamp-Free Spiral Curling Wand
Highlights
The one-inch barrel ensures super tight spiral curls, and there’s a cool tip so you don’t burn your fingers. Bed Head is a reliable brand, so you know that you can trust the product.
Features
- Ceramic and tourmaline technology on the barrel
- High heat of 400Fahrenheit
- 6ft swivel cord
- Heat protectant glove
- Dual voltage
What we like
It’s reasonably priced and delivers cute bouncy curls.
What we don’t like
It might not work as well for all hair types and textures.
4. Tomorotec Professional Spiral Curl Styler
Highlights
This is a super budget curling iron for spiral curls, but it still does the job. It’s basic with only one temperature setting but nonetheless works.
Features
- 360swivel cord
- Ceramic coated barrel
- 4.5ft length
- Two color options
- Dual voltage
What we like
It’s not the most sophisticated curling iron for spiral curls, but it is one of the cheapest.
What we don’t like
Ideally, the tool would have more than one temperature so as to be more accommodating to different hair types and textures.
5. Zinnor Curl Styler Ceramic Curling Wand
Highlights
Another fairly wallet-friendly curling iron that will deliver spiral curls. The barrel is ceramic for even heat distribution and there’s an anti-scald tip so that you don’t burn your fingers whilst waiting for your curl to form.
Features
- 30second heat up time
- Single voltage
- Anti-scald tip
- Portable
What we like
This tool can create curls that are both tight and slightly looser depending on your preference and the width of your hair sections.
What we don’t like
It’s single voltage, so won’t work internationally, and the on/off button occasionally gets hot, which isn’t ideal when you need to turn the tool off after use.
6. Bed Head Rock N’ Roller Clamp-Free Bubble Curling Wand
Highlights
If you’re not a fan of curling irons that rely on a clamp in order to form spiral curls, then this is the best for you. The barrel is tourmaline and ceramic for reduced frizz and static, and you simply wrap your sectioned hair around or between the bubbles (depending on the thickness you want), without having to clamp the hair down.
Features
- Clamp-free
- Ceramic and tourmaline barrel
- Up to 400degree Fahrenheit
- 6ft swivel cord
- Comes with a heat-protective glove
What we like
If you don’t like having to use a clamp to secure the hair you’re aiming to curl, then this is one of the best curling irons for you. Bed Head is also a reputable brand that we love.
What we don’t like
The glove isn’t the most protective against heat.
7. Professional Portable Spiral Curl Ceramic Curling Wand
Highlights
Another basic but functional curling iron, this one will create corkscrew spiral curls with ease. It heats quickly and remains at one heat consistently, and it comes in different colors.
Features
- Multiple colors
- Easy grip
- Secure hold clamp
- 360swivel cord
- Dual voltage
- Heats in 15 seconds
What we like
For the price, you get really bouncy, lively curls, and the tool works well on different hair types and lengths.
What we don’t like
In an ideal world, it would have more than one temperature setting so as to be customizable.
8. Yunai Salon Bubble Curling Wand
Highlights
This is another of the curling irons that have a bubble design so as to create beautiful spiral curls. LED temperature display makes for easy reading, and the anti-scald bracket prevents the tool from damaging any furniture or surface it’s set down on.
Features
- Bubble barrel
- LED temperature display
- 360swivel cord
- Anti-scald bracket for safety
What we like
We’re a fan of curling irons with bubble barrels, as these create the tightest spiral curls.
What we don’t like
It’s not got the longest lifespan, but it’s also not overly pricey.
9. Epoya Automatic Curling Iron
Highlights
This is the first on our list of automatic hair curlers. Unlike more manual curling irons, these rely on a motor in order to form curls. But don’t worry, there’s anti-tangle protection and the barrel rotates in two directions so as to prevent any hair from getting caught. The curling iron beeps a certain number of times to indicate the length of time the hair is being curled, which tells you how tight you can expect the curl to be. You can also choose the right temperature according to your hair type.
Features
- Auto shut-off
- 4 temperatures
- 3 timer settings
- Dual voltage
- 360 swivel cord
- Anti-tangle protection
- Ceramic barrel
What we like
We’re a fan of automatic curling irons, and this one is easy to use and smart. It comes in two colors, and we love that it beeps to let you know how long the hair has been curling for.
What we don’t like
It’s not the most affordable option on this list of curling irons.
10. Hot Tools Professional Black Gold Spiral Curling Iron
Highlights
Hot Tools is a reputable brand in the world of hair care, and this tool delivers salon-worthy spiral curls.
Features
- ¾ inch barrel size for tight spiral curls
- Up to 455degrees Fahrenheit heat
- 4 heat settings and fast heat-up time
- Lightweight and compact
- Pulse technology ensures even heat delivery
What we like
This curling iron is controlled via a dial which is super user-friendly.
What we don’t like
It’s expensive, and there are many Hot Tools products available, so take care that you purchase the one with the correct barrel size for the kind of curl that you’re looking to achieve.
11. Automatic Curling Iron Wand
Highlights
Another automatic curling iron and this will create spiral curls and beyond, so is one of the best options for those looking for a customizable haircare tool.
Features
- 4 temperature options
- 3 timers for different curl tightness
- Dual voltage
- 360swivel cord
- Anti-scald design
- Auto shut-off
What we like
There’s a smart motor to prevent hair from becoming tangled, and double insulation prevents both your hair and either your fingers or face from getting burned.
What we don’t like
It is expensive, as are other automatic curling irons, and it could do with more customizable temperature options.
12. Wavytalk Bubble Wand Curling Iron
Highlights
It’s hard to argue with the nine temperature settings of this curling iron, which makes it one of the most appropriate for all hair textures and types. The LCD display makes for easy reading, and there’s a temperature lock button to prevent any accidental changes during styling.
Features
- Ceramic coating ensures even heat distribution
- 9 temperature settings
- LCD display
- Dual voltage
- 360swivel cord
- Auto shut-off
What we like
We really like the lock button on the size to prevent you from accidentally changing temperature mid-styling session. Not all curling irons have this, and we aren’t sure why.
What we don’t like
Might take a little practice to perfect, and you do need the heat protection glove that it comes with to prevent your fingers from burning.
13. Automatic cordless curling iron
Highlights
This curling iron is by far one of the most transportable, so is ideal for those constantly on the move. It charges via USB and works well to deliver bouncy curls.
Features
- Tourmaline, ceramic, and keratin coating to minimize frizz and static
- Cordless for ease of use and transportation
- 6 temperature settings
- Battery life of 30 – 50 minutes.
- Dual voltage
- Lightweight
What we like
It works well for different hair textures and types thanks to the various temperature settings, and the tool works well to avoid any tangling. Also comes with accessories including a glove and clips.
What we don’t like
It’s fairly expensive, and some people may find it strange using a curling iron with no handle.
14. Bestope 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set
Highlights
Choose from five different curling barrels for different types of curl, using the 0.75inch accessory for spiral curls. It’s also reasonably priced for a five-piece set.
Features
- Heats to 410degrees Fahrenheit
- 30second heat-up time
- Auto shut-off
- Dual voltage
- Lightweight and portable
- Tourmaline and ceramic barrel
- 360 swivel cord
What we like
Hair consistently comes out great, no matter which curling wand you’re using, but the tool still packs away easily and travels well.
What we don’t like
It perhaps doesn’t have the widest temperature range compared to other curling irons.
How to Use A Spiral Curling Iron
- Before using a spiral curling iron, you need to ensure that your hair is clean. Shampoo and condition your tresses as normal.
- Take care that your hair is completely dry, and use a comb to detangle it.
- Always use a heat protectant spray or serum on your hair before using a styling tool that relies on heat. This minimizes the risk of any damage or dehydration.
- Divide your hair into sections. This makes styling easier. You can use clips in order to keep each section separated. Remember, the smaller the sections, the easier it will be to form tight, spiral curls.
- Take care to set your curling iron to the best temperature for your hair type. Try to avoid over-exposing your hair to excess heat.
- Wrap your chosen section of hair around the curling iron, and ensure that it’s properly closed around the hair. Each curling iron will differ in the amount of time required in order for the curl to set, but somewhere around ten seconds is a standard average. Do not go over this time as you might burn your hair.
- Remember not to brush your new curls, as this will cause them to lose definition. You can always use hairspray if you want them to keep their bounce for longer.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re after tightly spiral or corkscrew curls, then the best curling iron is probably one with a barrel that’s eight a half-inch or three-quarters inch in width. The wider the barrel of the curling iron, the less tight the curls will be.
You can get tighter spiral curls by using a curling iron with a smaller barrel. You can also help the process by using smaller sections of hair, as this will naturally result in tighter spiral curls.
There are ways of getting curls without heat, but they may not be the super tight spiral curls that you’re after. Use tools like hair rollers, Flexi rods, or even at-home items like paper towels in order to create heat-free curls. You can also keep your hair tied up in little Bantu knots overnight, which will release the following morning into spiral curls.
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