Styling fine hair can be, and often is, trickier than styling coarser hair. If you can't feel the strand of your hair between your fingers, you know this styling fact. Despite its beauty, fine hair is more sensitive to heat and hair treating products, so you must treat it with care and respect. That includes the selection of proper nurturing formulas, as well as suitable tools that can style your hair without damaging it.
To successfully add voluminous curls to your hairstyle, you’ll want the best curling iron for fine hair the market has to offer. However, in the sea of available products of various sizes and materials, it's hard to pick the best one, especially if this is your first time purchasing a curling iron for fine hair.
Take a few minutes to read through our article and discover some of the best curling irons for fine hair, and their pros and cons. We also included a somewhat comprehensive buyer's guide which explains all the terms and features curling irons have, to help you choose the product that suits you best. Here is our top pick of the best curling irons for fine hair:
The Best Curling Irons for Fine Hair
Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron
Sale
Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron, 0.75...
Despite its petite size, the Conair Double Ceramic curler comes with many useful features, most notably an incredible temperature control. But before we get to that, let's talk about its main selling point – the double ceramic coating.
The manufacturer opted to use a generous amount of ceramics to coat the heating element on this model. As a result, the barrel distributes heat quite evenly, eliminating potential hotspots and minimizing heat damage. In turn, it also allows you to better control your fizz, without having to increase the temperature further, and damage the hair.
When it comes to temperature, the maximum this little device can deliver is 400°F. Temperatures that high would tame even the thickest, coarsest of hair, let alone fine hair. Luckily, the device features over 30 heat settings, allowing you to find a perfect temperature for your hair. It also features a Turbo Heat boost that adds 27°F bursts of heat to your heat settings for styling those difficult-to-style spots.
Another exciting feature about the Conair Double Ceramics it that it features five different barrels sizes, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. This makes it perfect for fine hair, allowing even those with short hair to "curl up" their hairstyle. Unfortunately, barrel sizes aren't interchangeable, so you'll have to choose yours at the moment of purchase.
Additional features include Auto Off feature, a unique cool tip for easier handling, and dual voltage compatibility for travelers.
You might interested to checking out our recent guide about corner bathroom sink vanities
The Good
The Bad
MiroPure Curling Iron
Curling Iron 1 1/4-inch Instant Heat...
MiroPure is a step further from your standard metal barrel curlers since it features a tourmaline-infused ceramic barrel and several exciting features. Like the previous model on our list, the MiroPure is also travel-friendly, featuring a dual voltage powering option for worldwide use. However, it only features 1.25 to 1.5-inch barrel diameter, which is more suitable for medium to lengthier hair.
Thanks to the tourmaline-infused ceramic barrel, which evenly distributes temperature, it will provide you with beautiful and shiny curls. It takes approx. 60 seconds to reach the maximum temperature of 410°F, which is a bit excessive for finer hair. The barrel itself is quite smooth, even at the tip, and puts much less stress on the hair while preventing snags.
The device features six different pre-set temperature settings, all accessible via a one-button heat control, that also serves as an ON/OFF switch. Thanks to the built-in LCD, you can always track the temperature, eliminating the chance of burning your hair from exposing it to excessive temperatures.
The Good
The Bad
Conair INFINITIPRO Curling Iron
Conair INFINITIPRO Nano Tourmaline...
INFINITIPRO by Conair is a feature-packed curling iron that’s suitable for all hair types and lengths, which makes curling hair a breeze. It features several different barrel widths, ranging from ¾-inch to 1½-inch in diameter. Unfortunately, they're not interchangeable but are tied to specific, color-coded models to eliminate potential mistakes.
The barrels themselves are made of ceramics infused with nano-tourmaline, one of the best materials for thermal hair styling. It's extra-smooth and releases negatively charged ions that will make your hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable. In other words, it will reduce static and frizz, resulting in more beautiful looking, healthier curls.
However, we must advise caution. The lowest heat setting on this curler starts at 285°F and takes approx. 30 seconds to reach full 400°F, depending on the setting you choose. You can monitor the heat settings on the LED temperature indicator, to ensure that you've selected the correct temperature for fine hair.
If you're looking to turn heads with your beautiful and bouncy curls, Conair's INFINITIPRO is your product.
The Good
The Bad
BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Curling Iron
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling...
BaByliss is one of the largest manufacturers of hair styling tools, including some of the best clippers, hairdryers, and curling irons. Their BaByliss Pro curling iron uses nano-titanium to add shape to your hair, without adding fizz.
The device itself is exquisitely designed and features several different barrels that range from ¾- to 1½-inch in diameter, making it perfect for any hair length. Unfortunately, the barrels aren't interchangeable, so you'll need to choose the one that suits your hair length at the moment of purchase. However, the BaByliss Pro curling iron allows you to swap the curling iron barrel for a wand barrel, which adds even more versatility.
In addition to the variety of barrels, this product reaches 430°F, making it one of the hottest products on our list. It features five different heat settings, ranging from 220° to 430°F, which makes it suitable for all types of hair, including fine hair. However, it lacks a temperature display that would tell you the barrel's actual temperature, something the BaByliss Pro curler would greatly benefit from.
Don't forget to checking out the reviews of acupressure mat reviews
The Good
The Bad
Remington CI9538 Pro Curling Wand
Sale
Remington CI9538 Pro 1"-1.5" Pearl...
The first wand on our list comes from Remington, a reputable manufacturer with 80 years of experience creating the best tools for styling hair. And their CI9538 curling wand provides salon-grade results, sans the salon price.
Everything on this curler screams quality and value, thanks to its beautiful design and exceptional performance. The product comes with two distinctive tapered ceramic barrels, measuring ½- to 1-inch, and 1 to 1½-inch from tip to the base. However, the product features specially designed barrels, which are infused with real crushed pearls that boost its performance, while eliminating dryness and fizz. Pearl powder, a known skincare ingredient, reignites the hair's shine and provides you with vibrant results.
The CI9538 heats up to temperature in a matter of seconds, reaching its peak setting of 410°F in just 30 seconds. Of course, you adjust the temperature via buttons on the handle, which allows you to choose one of ten available heat settings. This makes the wand suitable for all hair types, from fine to very coarse. And you don't even have to guess the temperature; the built-in LCD displays the selected setting for easier monitoring.
When it comes to additional features, this model is equipped with Auto Shut Off, a temperature lock, and a swivel cord.
The Good
The Bad
Hoson Curling Iron
Hoson 1 Inch Curling Iron Professional...
This curling iron from Hoson comes in three different barrel sizes measuring ¾, 1, and 1½-inch in diameter. Today, the one we're reviewing features a ¾-inch tourmaline-infused ceramic barrel that eliminates the static and creates beautiful and tight curls. And thanks to the 8.3-inch long barrel, it can accommodate all lengths of hair.
The heating element features a dual PTC heater inside, which takes approximately 60 seconds to reach 225°F, which is its lowers setting. Certainly not the fastest heater in our list, so keep that in mind if you often find yourself in a hurry. Besides that, its maximum temperature reaches 450°, which makes Hoson the hottest product on our list. All temperature settings are accessible via the LCD panel located on the handle.
The quality-of-life features are not negligible on this device, since it’s quite safe and convenient to use. You can style your hair with ease, thanks to the 360° swivel cable and an insulated anti-scald tip. The only downside to this iron, besides slower heating, it the relatively short 6.5 feet cable. Other than that, we think Hoson is a great curling iron for fine hair, thanks to its fantastic design, and good overall performance.
The Good
The Bad
KIPOZI Curling Iron
KIPOZI 1 Inch Curling Iron Hair Curler...
If you’re multitasking your morning routine, you need a curling iron that moves with you. KIPOZI does just that, with its 9-feet long swivel cable, and ultra-fast heating. The KIPOZI curling iron comes with a plethora of well-thought-out functions and features, which is why it deserved a place on our list.
Right of the bet, let's talk about the barrel. The KIPOZI features a ceramic coating barrel, that measures one inch in diameter, and features an anti-scald insulting tip. It takes seconds to heat up, even to a maximum temperature of 450°F, making it suitable for thick and coarse hair. However, we're interested in the finer setting range and lower temperatures. Well, with a minimum temperature of 180°F, the KIPOZI doesn't disappoint.
The super-wide clip makes hair styling more comfortable, as it can grip the lock with a broader surface area, which results in shinier, longer-lasting curls. But good things don't stop there. The handle is ergonomically designed for a more natural grip that doesn't cause hand fatigue. This, along with a wide range of temperature settings and an LCD, make the KIPOZI suitable for salon use.
The Good
The Bad
BESTOPE 5in1 Curling Wand
BESTOPE Curling Iron 5 in 1 Curling Wand...
BESTOPE is the most versatile curler on our list since it comes with five different, interchangeable ceramic barrels infused with tourmaline. This makes the device suitable for most hair lengths and provides a wide range of "tightness" of your locks. All five of the barrels feature a PTC heating technology that heats up fast and maintains an evenly distributed heat, eliminating the hotspots.
You get a 1-inch spiral barrel for springy spiral locks, a 1-inch straight barrel for regular curls, and a 1-inch tapered barrel for beachy curls. The wand comes with an additional ¾- and 1¼-inch barrel for voluminous and tousled curls and waves. The barrels heat up within seconds to the maximum temperature of 410°F, which is excellent for unruly and coarse hair.
Unfortunately, the device lacks temperature settings, something most, if not all, device in this price range must have. Considering that even more affordable curlers have different heat settings, we cannot recommend this device to individuals with sensitive hair. You can still use it on fine hair and achieve lovely curls if you're skilled. But if you're not, you're experimenting with your hair, something that can result in a total hairstyle makeover.
The Good
The Bad
XTAVA 5in1 Professional Curling Iron and Wand set
Sale
5 in 1 Professional Curling Iron and...
Is it a curling iron or a curling wand? No, it's both. Step aside, children, and let XTAVA, the most versatile curling iron in our list, do an excellent job of curling your hair. This fantastic product is the top candidate for being the best curling iron for fine hair, as it offers a plethora of features and functions.
The XTAVA features three curling iron barrels of different sizes, measuring ¾-, 1-, and 1¼-inch in diameter. It also offers two curling wand tapered barrels, which measure 0.7-1 inch and 0.3-0.7 inches in diameter. And the best part about it is that they're interchangeable, which gives XTAVA its unparalleled versatility. Combine that with fantastic temperature range, and high-quality materials, and you get a salon-grade product that's suitable for all hair types.
Speaking of materials, the barrels are made of tourmaline-infused ceramics, with the omitted cool tip, so it would be best if you exercise caution. While the material releases negative ions and reduces fizz and static, giving the curls a shinier finish, it also heats up reasonably fast. It takes approx. 60 seconds for XTAVA to reach 410°F.
XTAVA features nine precise temperature settings easily read on the LCD screen, ranging between 250° and 410°F. The device is also equipped with Auto Shut Off feature, an 8-foot 360° swivel cord, a two-year warranty, and a money-back guarantee. It's one tool with endless possibilities.
The Good
The Bad
SUNLUNA Hair Curling Iron
Curling Iron 1.25 Inch, SUNLUNA Hair...
If you’re in the market for the best curling iron for fine hair, but want to keep it simple, the SUNLUNA curling iron seems like a suitable product. It features a 1¼-inch wide tourmaline crystal-infused ceramic barrel with an insulated tip for easier styling and safer curling. Thanks to the fast-heating PTC technology, the heating element reaches 430°F in less than a minute.
However, more delicate hair requires far less heat, and SUNLUNA comes equipped with a unique heat dial that allows you to choose one of its ten heat settings. The rotating dial is located under the on/off button; rotating it determines a heat setting in the range of 230°-430°F, making it suitable for all hair types. Other than that, the SUNLUNA offers an Auto Shut Off feature, a heat-insulating glove, and a dual voltage for worldwide use.
You might also interested in checking out our best makeup vanity
The Good
The Bad
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re new to hair styling and hair styling tools, the chances are that all the hair curling irons appear to do the same – use heat to shape your hair. This may be true, but only the experienced hairdressers know that there are subtle differences between different models that make significant differences in your hair styling. This buyer's guide aims to explain those subtle differences and help you choose your own best curling iron for fine hair.
We will explain all the different terms and phrases associated with the best curling irons for fine hair and their useful features. So, let's dive into the world of best curling irons for fine hair without further ado.
Different types of curling irons
Most people associate hair curling irons with hair curling wands, because of their similarities, though they do have their differences. Technically speaking, there are several noteworthy differences which we'll cover here:
Curling irons – Curling irons use a clasp, referred to as a "clip," to hold the hair to the barrel (the heater) to create curls. This results in a more "polished" ringlets of uniform size that go throughout the whole length of your hair. The size of the ringlets largely depends on the barrel's size, which we'll discuss later. When it comes to heating, curling irons are slower than heating wands and take approximately 30-60 seconds to reach the desired temperature. Still, they're the best choice if you're looking for those perfectly shaped curls. But if you're more into beachy curls, curling wands are the way to go.
Curling wands – Unlike curling irons, wands don't feature a clasp, but require you to hold the hair strands with your hand, preferably with gloves to avoid injury. You wrap the hair from root to the tip and hold it there for a few seconds. Thanks to the tapered barrel, the resulting curls are smaller and tighter at the end of the hair strands, giving them a more natural, wavy look. Curling wands heat faster, giving you much quicker results and a bigger chance of burning your hair if you're not careful.
Pick an appropriate product depending on what kind of hairstyle you wish to achieve. If you're looking for a quick curling session, with longer-lasting curls but less shine, go with the curling wand. But, if you want shiny curls with a beautiful and smooth finish, investing in a curling iron is a fantastic idea. However, choosing the best curling iron for fine hair (or a wand, for that matter), isn't as easy as it sounds. You still need to consider the following:
- Barrel Size
- Barrel materials
- Temperature setting and maximum heat
- Design, comfort, and other useful features
So, let’s get on with it.
Barrel size
Barrel size determines the diameter, referred to as “tightness” among hairdressers, of your curls. Theoretically, you can use any barrel size on any hair type and size. In reality, using an unsuitable barrel might make the process more stressful, and lead you away from your perfect curls. So, there are some general rules regarding hair types and hair lengths.
Extraordinarily long and coarse hair requires a barrel that's at least two inches in diameter. However, if you have long fine hair, you should opt for a barrel between 1.25 and 1.75 inches in diameter. This diameter would allow the full length of hair to fit along the barrel's length for even heat exposure.
Those with fine shoulder-length hair should choose a barrel that measures anywhere from ¾-inch to 1.25 inches. This will allow them even heat exposure, creating fantastic looking curls that are proportional to their hair length. Individuals with extremely short hair might require a product with a barrel smaller than ¾-inch.
High-end curling irons and wands feature interchangeable barrels, which would allow more versatility, allowing you to use one product for different lengths of hair. In other words, this feature would allow your curling iron to grow with your hair.
Barrel Material
Different curling irons use different materials for their heating barrel. Low-quality materials and cheap coatings on the barrel tend to have uneven temperature distribution across the barrel. This leads to "hotspots," which have incredibly high heat, and can have a detrimental effect on fine hair. To avoid creating hotspots, reputable manufacturers use different high-quality coatings and coating techniques like ceramics, titanium, tourmaline infusion, and nanotechnology.
Ceramics coated barrels – Ceramic coating helps even temperature distribution throughout the barrels, eliminating the possibilities of thermal hotspots. They're also quite smooth, allowing your hair to slide over the barrel surface easily.
Titanium barrel surface – These act similarly to ceramic coated barrels, since they heat evenly, and allow your hair to slide effortlessly across the barrel. However, they also allow your hair to retain more moisture and add a bit of shine to the hair strands. Another titanium barrel quality is that it heats up extremely fast and doesn't corrode on high temperatures as older-type iron barrels do.
Tourmaline crystal infusion – Barrels infused with tourmaline crystal are known to prevent flyaway hairs that make your hairstyle appear messy. As your hair loses moisture, it builds up many positively charged ions, which make the hair naturally "push away" from each other. Tourmaline-infused barrels help your hair retain its critical moisture while releasing negatively charged ions in the process. These negatively charged ions counteract the positive ions in your strands, canceling them out, making your hair more cooperative and easily styled. Also, they achieve fantastic results at low temperatures, making them perfect for fine hair.
Nanotechnology – Nanotechnology uses titanium or silver nanoparticles infused into a ceramic coated barrel. Compared to tourmaline-infused barrels, nanotechnology allows your hair to retain more than 25%-75% more moisture, and keep it from drying out. It also kills germs and contributes to a healthier-looking shine. In other words, it's like tourmaline crystal infusion, but on steroids.
Of course, different materials are suitable for different hair types. Though you can use curling irons with titanium barrel surface, you’re better of with tourmaline crystal infused barrels, or the ones featuring nanoparticles. Titanium barrels, though very durable and lightweight, are better suited for thick and coarse hair.
Maximum heat and temperature setting
Excessive heat is terrible on the hair, but it's a necessary evil when it comes to curling. Still, that doesn't mean you should ramp up the heat. Remember, fine hair is sensitive to heat, which is why you shouldn't use temperatures over 340°F (around 170°C). If your fine hair is dyed, permed, or porous, you shouldn't exceed temperatures over 300°-310°F (around 150°C).
Higher temperatures might dry out your fine hear, and lead to damage and breakage. It's imperative that your curling iron features low-temperature settings, preferably between 200°-340°F. Luckily, many modern curling irons for fine hair feature an adjustable temperature, with an LCD display. And the more adjustable the temperature is, the better. That way, you can gradually increase the temperature by small increments to reach the perfect heat setting suitable for your hair.
Design and comfort
It's essential to find the best curling iron for fine hair in terms of performance, but you mustn't neglect design and comfort. Choosing the right handle, cord length, and safety features are as important as your product's performance.
The right handle – It's recommended that you choose the product with a non-slip grip that's longer than the actual heating element. That will drastically decrease the risk of injuries, like burning your fingers. Also, the position of buttons is critical; you want the buttons to be accessible to allow you to switch settings easily. But at the same time, you want the placed in a way that would prevent you from accidentally activating them.
Cord length and swivel – Ideally, you should opt for a product that features a 7-feet long cord, which will allow you to power the device from the nearest outlet. One could argue about the suggested length, especially if your power outlet is nearby. But will you always have a power outlet nearby when using the product? Better safe than sorry, we say.
Swivel cord turns for 360°, which is extremely helpful, as it offers more maneuverability while decreasing fatigue.
Automatic shut-off – This is a beneficial feature if you're one of those individuals that forget to turn the curler off when rushing to prepare for a night out. It will automatically turn the device off after some time, usually anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the model. That way, you don't have to worry whether or not you forgot to turn the curler off.
Conclusion
As you can see, the world of hair curlers is vast and very well worth exploring. We hope that our article, and our buyer’s guide, helped you on your quest in searching the best curling iron for fine hair. We recommend our top pick, the XTAVA 5in1 Professional Curling Iron and Wand set to anyone looking for the best curling iron for fine hair. Those on a tighter budget certainly won’t be disappointed in the budget curler, the Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron.
In the end, a side note for the men reading this article: Almost all the best curling irons for fine hair described in this article would make a great birthday or Valentine's day gift.