6 Best Curling Irons for Fine Hair – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2019)

Amazing hairstyles take time and effort, but you have to be particularly careful if dealing with fine hair. If you belong to those who have sensitive hair, you need to pick the product you use carefully. That includes using nurturing formulas that can promote health and strengthen your cuticles.
Apart from those products, you also need suitable tools to style your hair. You don’t want to lose time or damage your hair in the process of looking for a great curling iron. That is why we did the testing for you and reviewed six best curling irons for fine hair.
You can check our selection below, but don’t forget to read our buying guide, too. It contains all the details on choosing these appliances. We also included instructions that will tell you how to maximize a curling iron’s potential if you have fine hair. It is why we won’t waste any more time so that you can start reading!

Reviews of the Best Curling Irons for Fine Hair

1. CHI Air Spin N Curl Products

The first thing you notice is the unusual design of this product, especially for a curling iron. However. You soon realize that Chi was bold enough to be innovative, and this appliance paid them off by performing well.
The size of the rotating barrel is one-inch, and the manufacturer added a ceramic coating to prevent overheating, and minimize hair damage. The entirely round design may be unusual, but it makes it easy to control the device. However, please watch where you put the appliance because it might roll over and fall on the floor.
When it comes to heat adjustment, you have three options. The lowest one is 370F, and that is the one you should go for if you have sensitive hair. The product also has a solution for hair tangling. It can automatically detect it and stop working to enable you to remove the curler gently.

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2. HOT TOOLS Professional Ceramic + Tourmaline Deep Waver

Apart from ceramic, HOT TOOLs also implemented tourmaline for this curling iron. That way, it extended durability and increased safety when it comes to protecting hair from overheating. You will still need to be careful because the product is quite powerful with 430F as a maximum heat.
The temperature dial is on the side of the product, as well as the switch that turns the device on and off. You can easily adjust the heat, and it shouldn’t take more than several seconds for the product to accommodate. The tips remain cool at all times to keep your hands unburned.
The barrel itself is deep, which can be great for making waves. It would be useful if the product had a light that would indicate whether it is on or off. Unless you know for sure, the only way to check is to see if the surface is hot.

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3. T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand

Are you looking for a versatile curling wand? In that case, you cannot go wrong with the T3 Whirl Trio. You will receive several barrels that vary from one to 1.75” in diameter. You can easily switch the barrels, which allows you plenty of freedom for mixing and matching.
That’s not where this appliance stops to impress. It offers different heat settings with 410F being the highest temperature. The lowest heat level of 250F should interest you if you have fine hair. It is what makes the product suitable even for most sensitive hair types out there.
The company also included dual voltage support if you are traveling around the world. All these features have to come at a price, and the tag is a bit high for this product. However, it is a truly all-around solution, and it can be a smart long-term investment.

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4. L’ange Hair Ondule Curling Wand

The barrel that L’ange Hair’s curling wand offers is not only large, but it is also quite long. It has a diameter of 1.25 inches, and its length is six inches. That makes it suitable for long hair, but you will need to be careful if your hair is sensitive.
The maximum heat the appliance can reach is 410F. The problem is that there is no temperature control, which means that you can’t set the desired heat. The only remaining thing is to be extra careful not to burn your hair.
Ceramic tourmaline coating helps with that goal as it ensures adequate heat distribution. You can also take advantage of the dual voltage, and the design is suitable for transport. The swivel cord makes using the product simple as it gives you a lot of space for maneuvering. That is supported by the overall lightweight of the product.

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5. Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand for Loose Curls

This curling wand can reach high temperatures of 400F, which is why the manufacturer included a thermal glove that should protect your hands while using the device. The product does not have temperature control, which means you will need to be sensitive to avoid burning your hair.
The ceramic tourmaline barrel is quite long, and it has a one-inch diameter. The product has an attractive design and features dual voltage support to use anywhere. The swivel cord makes the product more suitable for beginners as it secures the highest level of maneuverability.
The manufacturer added a stand that you can use to keep the appliance safe on the counter. However, that stand can be a bit inconvenient when operating the iron as it can get tangled in your hair. The good news is you will probably get used to it quickly.

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6. Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

It sounds incredible, which is why we double-checked, but it is true. You get 30 different heat settings for an affordable price. The maximum heat is 400F, but it is the freedom in adjusting the temperature that makes the unit a great choice for fine hair. It enables you to find just the right heat for your hair.
The manufacturer brags that they use a generous quantity of ceramic to minimize potential heat damage. The curling iron also has an interesting design with the combination of white and rose gold colors.
The product has an automatic shut off feature, but it comes with a twist. It seems that it tracks time from the moment when you turn on the appliance, which may result in it switching off while you are still using it. However, it only takes flipping a switch to activate it again.

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Curling Iron for Fine Hair Buying Guide

The curling iron you choose depends on your hair type. There is no one-size-fits-all formula, and you should pick the appliance that suits your needs. With that in mind, here is a buying guide on picking curling irons for fine hair.

How to Choose Best Curling Iron for Fine Hair

Let’s take a quick overview of the key features you should consider in a curling iron:

• Barrel size and material
• Maximum heat and temperature control features
• Overall design and comfort

Think of this as only a general indicator of factors you need to keep in mind, but we will get into a detailed analysis of each feature below.

• What Materials Can You Find in Curling Irons?

  It doesn’t matter what you are buying; you should always check the materials used in making the product. When it comes to a curling iron, you will often see a combination of plastic and metal. You can’t go a lot wrong there, but what you should consider is the barrel material.
  You will find several types of barrel coatings, and these include:

  • Ceramic – the most common choice because it conducts heat well, and it is quite affordable.
  • Tourmaline – it often comes in a mix with ceramic, and it is there to promote even heat distribution and minimize heat damage and frizz.
  • Titanium – it is a great choice for barrel durability and a material that can do a good job in distributing the heat.
  • Gold – you can’t often find it in curling irons, but it is also heat conductor.
  • Steel – it does not act well with heat, which is why you should avoid it. The same applies to harsh metals.

• How to Choose the Right Barrel Size for My Hair

  Theoretically, you can use any barrel size on any hair type. However, you want to achieve the perfect curls, and you also want to use a curling iron with ease, and an unsuitable barrel might make it stressful.
  The general rule is that the longer the hair, the bigger the barrel should be. Extremely long and thick hair requires barrels of at least two inches in diameter. If your hair is relatively long, but not that coarse, you might go for 1.25 to 1.75 inches in diameter. You can check out the reviews of curling irons for long hair to find the most suitable appliance.
  As for short hair, you may want to go with short diameter. Shoulder-length hair can deal with a one-inch barrel, but extremely short hair might require an even smaller barrel than that.

• Why Temperature Plays an Important Role in Choosing a Curling Iron for Fine Hair?

  Fine hair is sensitive to a lot of things, and one of them is extreme temperature. That is why you don’t need the highest level of heat if you have sensitive hair. Instead, you should look for products that offer temperature control.
  Thanks to various adjustments, you can easily choose the one that suits your hair type. If your cuticles are particularly sensitive, even 250F of heat can be enough. However, you can also go to approximately 350F – 370F.
  If we are honest, we should say that you can use even higher temperature settings than that. However, you will have to be far more careful when using the curling iron. Keeping your hair inside the appliance for too long can lead to damage, and the damage gets bigger with increased heat.

• How to Choose the Right Handle

  Many users focus on performance too much, and they forget about a component that can be crucial in using a curling iron. The component we are talking about is the handle, and it must suit your needs.
  Here are some guidelines on choosing the right handle:

  • It may be easier to control the curling irons where the handle is longer than the actual heating component. That can also decrease the risk of burning your hands.
  • Always go for a non-slipping handle. Some manufacturers use rubber, and others go for alternative materials. As long as it prevents slipping, the material used is fine.
  • Watch the position of the buttons. The manufacturers usually place the buttons on handles, and you need to ensure that you can’t hit them accidentally while operating the appliance. That may change the settings, which may affect the performance of the curling iron and potentially damage your hair.

• What Is the Ideal Cord Length and Swivel?

  The length of the cord can affect how much you enjoy using a curling iron, although that also depends on the position of the power socket. If the outlet is nearby, you don’t need a long cord.
  But can you guarantee that you will have a power socket nearby wherever you use the product? That is why you should look for curling irons that have a cord length of at least seven feet, although nine is more than welcome.
  Now, a swivel cord can turn for 360 degrees, and that can be extremely helpful in two cases. The first one is that you are a newbie and you need maximum maneuverability. The second one is that you are a professional that uses curling irons for hours every day. During long-term use, a 360-degree swivel cord can decrease fatigue.

• The Importance of Comfort

  We discussed how crucial it is to choose the right handle, and why swivel cord can be useful. But what other factors can contribute to comfort?
  For starters, you want a product that ensures the handle and the tip remain cool. The handle because you don’t want to burn the hand you use to operate the curling iron. A cool tip is vital to prevent burning of the other hand. The chances are you will use both hands to shape curls properly, which is why cool tip can be a very convenient feature.
  The comfort may also depend on the length of hair you are styling. If you have short hair, you can also consider taking a look at the best curling iron for short hair guide to find a suitable model for your needs.

• What Safety Features Should a Curling Iron Have?

  Many curling irons comply with different safety standards, and certificates are always a plus. However, it is not the certificates you should look for because reputable brands can be a guarantee of a high-quality product.
  These two features can be essential when it comes to safety:

  • Automatic shut-off – it is a feature that will automatically turn off the unit after a particular time. In most cases, it will be 60 minutes, but it can also be anywhere from 30-90 minutes. The great thing about this feature is that you don’t have to worry whether you left the unit on after using it.
  • Thermal glove – many experts recommend using a heat-protecting glove if you plan on working with a curling iron, especially if you plan to use it for a long time. The glove eliminates your chance of burning your hands, which can happen if you put them on the hot plate accidentally.

How to Curl Fine Hair Correctly

The critical factors in having the curls you like are using your curling iron properly. How you use the product will depend on the curls you want to have.
If you are looking for that “I just returned from the beach look,” you should check out the buyer’s guide on curling irons for beach waves. And if you have fine hair, we suggest reading the instructions on using irons for that hair type below.

A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide on Using Curling Irons for Fine Hair

1. The key lies in preparation, which means you will need to prepare your hair adequately. For starters, you should wash it, and then dry it. You should ensure that it is almost completely dry as that will decrease the risk of burning your hair during the curling process. At this point, you can also apply a spray to protect your hair from overheating.
2. Turn on the curling iron and choose the right temperature. As we already mentioned, you want to choose the lowest heat possible. If your appliance has an adjustable temperature, start with the lowest option, and increase the heat until you find it suitable. Make sure to give enough time to the iron to reach the desired temperature (usually not more than 60 seconds, or up to ten seconds when changing the heat level).
3. Pick the first section of your hair and work on it. You want to work in sections, and you also want to start with the roots. That is why it may be wise to use ties and clips to hold the upper layers in place while you are working on bottom ones.
4. Always curl hair in the opposite direction from your face. Additionally, you can curl your hair in different directions as that might make your hair more voluminous visually (it is only an illusion, but it can be a neat trick).
5. Allow your curls to cool down for about 5-10 minutes. After that, use your fingers to loosen them a bit.

Don’t overdo it because you will lose the tightness over time either way.

Curling Iron Tips for Fine Hair

The best tip we can give you is to choose a curling iron that is the most suitable for your hair type. But if you are planning on doing that, we could give you some extra tips when it comes to fine curling hair;

• Don’t use a lot of conditioners – you may like the conditioner, but if you want curls, you should steer clear from it. It would be best if you could eliminate it, at least when you are planning on curling your hair. The hair will become slippery from a conditioner, and that can make it tricky to get the curls you wanted.
• Always use a spray to protect your hair – unlike a conditioner, it is essential to use a spray that aims to keep your hair safe from the heat. It may not stop the damage if there is too much overheating, but it can certainly assist in dealing with high levels of heat better.
• Never keep your hair in the curling iron for too long – we won’t lie to you – this will take a bit of trial and error. Since your hair is fine and sensitive, even a second longer in the barrel might lead to burning. However, you also want to keep it just long enough for optimal and long-lasting curls. That is why you will need to look for perfect timing and try to maintain it with every section you curl.

Common Mistakes While Curling Fine Hair

It is important to make all the right moves when curling your fine hair, but what you don’t do can also be crucial. Here are some mistakes that first-time users frequently make:

• Don’t go over the same section multiple times – although this would be advisable for thick hair, you can only curl sections of sensitive hair once. It is because fine hair is extremely prone to heat, and making multiple passes with a wand heated to extreme temperatures may damage it easily.
• You touch your curl immediately as you release it from the curling iron – it is tempting to see the results of your curling effects. However, if you touch curls immediately, you may limit their lifespan.
• Drying and styling wet hair – this is a big no-no, especially if you have sensitive hair. It is not easy to estimate the effect of the curling iron on wet hair, which increases the risk of potential burning and damage. You don’t want that to happen, which is why you should only style hair that is almost completely dry.

Tips on How to Uphold Long-Lasting Curls for Fine Hair

You’ve got your curls last time, but the problem is that they didn’t last long. Would you like to know how to extend their lifespan? Here are several tips that could help:

• Consider using a mousse – it is a very useful hair care product that promotes long-lasting curls. Aim to place the mousse before you start curling your hair, and it will assist in holding the curls you make.
• Always begin curling from the roots – unless you have very short hair, and in that case, it doesn’t matter because you probably only have a single hair layer. Joking aside, it is vital to start curling from the bottom as that is the way to promote long-lasting curls.
• Take your time – you don’t want to rush anywhere, especially if you are dealing with fine hair. It is very sensitive, and your every move needs to be perfect. If you do everything by the instructions and follow all the tips while taking the time to do everything right, you increase the chances of getting the curls you always wanted.

FAQs & Answers

• Q: Do I need dual voltage for my curling iron?
  A: While it is not necessary, a dual voltage can be extremely useful if you are often traveling, especially if you go abroad. Some countries use 110V voltage, and others 220V. With dual voltage, you will be ready for both options without having to look for an adapter.
• Q: Can I use curling irons for all hair lengths?
  A: Yes, you can use curling irons for short, medium, and long hair. You can also use it for all hairstyles, including straight, curly, wavy, etc. The features you need, however, will vary depending on the length and style, so make sure to choose accordingly.
• Q: Do I need to wear thermal gloves when using a curling iron?
  A: Gloves can provide the necessary protection against heat. Some curling irons keep the tip and handle cool to keep your hands from getting burnt. In those cases, you don’t “need” them, but they can come in handy as you can focus on operating the iron instead of thinking where your hands are.

Wrap Up

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of our buying guide on how to find the best curling iron for fine hair. We did our best to provide all the information you will ever need about sensitive hair and curling irons.
For us, it is far more than listing the top-rated products on the market. We want to help you pick the most suitable appliance for your needs. That is why our extensive buying guide focuses on revealing how to pick a curling iron based on the specifics of your sensitive hair.
We also teach you how to use these products to get those curls you always dreamed of, even if you have fine hair. As you can see, everything is possible with a little bit of dedication and effort. We can only hope that our guide will help you to look confident the next time you look in a mirror and see those gorgeous curls!