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Protect delicate, fine hair with these curling irons made for you.

The Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand in the product box on a table

Credit:Southern Living

In This Article

Southern Living

Fine and thin hairneeds special attention while styling.

It would be like using the same gas for every vehicle, she explains.

Its not going to work.

InStyler Cerasilk 1-Inch Curling Iron

Credit: InStyler

Morgan Switzer is a hairstylist at Cha Chas Salon in Lexington, Kentucky.

With so many shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to know where to start.

These are the five best curling irons for fine hair.

Hand testing the temperature of the InStyler Cerasilk 1-Inch Curling Iron

Credit: Southern Living

This wands woven ceramic-covered barrel helps protect against heat damage by distributing the heat evenly.

Its only available in a 1-inch barrel and does not have a clamp.

Instead, theres a patented cool-touch grip for one-handed styling.

Hand holding a strand of red hair

We found this curling iron to be lightweight, which is extremely important for wands.

The cord features a swirling connection for flexibility while styling.

Overall, we were impressed by this picks ease of use, curl hold, and ergonomic design.

Different colored strands of curled hair

The barrels are made of double ceramic for more even temperatures and heat protection for your hair.

During testing, we were impressed that this curling iron heated up in less than one minute.

We also wished there were an automatic-shutoff feature.

Hand testing the temperature of the InStyler Cerasilk 1-Inch Curling Iron

However, we thought this curling iron was worth the money for a budget option.

It reaches maximum temperature in just 35 seconds, which is the fastest of any iron on our list.

We loved the irons temperature-lock feature, which prevents any accidental changes in heat controls while styling.

Hand holding a strand of red hair

There are four barrel sizes so you could achieve tight spirals or lived-in curls.

The cool-touch grip on the tip and thumb grip on the clamp give you full control while styling.

Switzer has noticed that the barrel seems to stick and doesnt glide as seamlessly as other irons.

Different colored strands of curled hair

The clamp held hair in place without being too tight, and there was no slipping.

All three barrel sizes glide nicely over hair without tugging.

There are nine temperature configs for every hair bang out.

Amazon Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron

Credit: Amazon

This can be a pro or a con depending on how frequently you change temperatures.

Overall, we were impressed by the way our curls looked after using this iron.

It didnt feel like it got too hot, and the clamp didnt leave any marks.

Person using Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

Credit: Southern Living / Jhett Thompson

By the afternoon, our hair was still bouncy and voluminous.

The four barrel sizes allow you to pick which will work best for your short hair and desired results.

We love the cord-free design for total freedom while styling.

Person testing Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

During testing, we got up to 50 minutes on a full battery.

We found that the battery fully charges within four hours.

During testing, we were impressed by this wands lightweight, ergonomic design.

Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron result is displayed

There are three temperature parameters: 320F, 355F, and 400F.

The low setting is ideal for fine hair, but we wish there were more in-between options.

For the price, we wish there were an auto-shutoff feature, though.

Person testing Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

The ceramic-and-tourmaline barrel distributes heat evenly while adding shine.

We noticed that curls stayed intact after six hours as well as overnight.

Its woven ceramic-covered barrel protects against heat damage and creates long-lasting curls.

Person holding Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

We allowed the iron to heat up and curled at the temperature according to each hair pop in.

We repeated the process for each hair throw in and barrel size.

We evaluated the curl hold after one hour, six hours, and after the curls sat overnight.

Person using Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

For fine hair, she prefers a 1-inch barrel.

you’re free to always brush through to loosen the curls later.

Theres more versatility, and the heat is distributed more evenly, Switzer explains.

Person testing Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

For a more beginner-friendly option, consider curling irons withouta clamp, also known as wands.

You wont have to worry about creases, but consider aheat-resistant gloveto protect your fingers from getting burnt.

Questions and Answers

What is the best way to curl fine hair?

Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron result is displayed

Its easy to makemistakes while styling fine hair, and a common mistake Switzer sees is not sectioning hair.

Besides sectioning, Switzer says quality products, including heat protection, are key.

Any time youre using any heat tool, heat protection is non-negotiable, she says.

Person testing Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

That means one before you dry and one specifically for using hot tools.

How do you get fine, straight hair to hold a curl?

If yourhair wont hold a curl, Switzer says to start by looking at your hair care products.

Person holding Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron

After that, hairspray and volume powder.

This will give your hair time to settle and form a curl memory.

How do you make thin hair look fuller with curls?

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

Credit: Amazon

Again, products are key, Switzer says.

After curling, add in some volume powder for texture and finish with a hairspray or texture spray.

Dont be afraid to flip your head upside-down while spraying, she says.

Hand curling dark brown hair with the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

Credit: Southern Living

Let gravity do a little work.

Different colored strands of curled hair

Different colored strands of curled hair

Hand curling blonde hair with Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

Hand curling dark brown hair with the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

Different colored strands of curled hair

Different colored strands of curled hair

Hand curling blonde hair with Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

T3 SinglePass Curl 1" Curling Iron

Credit: T3

T3 SinglePass Curl 1" Curling Iron is displayed

Credit: Southern Living / Sidney Burds

Person showing the result of T3 SinglePass Curl 1" Curling Iron

Person showing the result of T3 SinglePass Curl 1" Curling Iron

T3 SinglePass Curl 1" Curling Iron is displayed

Person showing the result of T3 SinglePass Curl 1" Curling Iron

Person showing the result of T3 SinglePass Curl 1" Curling Iron

Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Credit: Harry Josh

Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand results is displayed

Credit: Southern Living / Jhett Thompson

Person testing Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Person testing Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Person showing result of Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Person showing result of Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand results is displayed

Person testing Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Person testing Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Person showing result of Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Person showing result of Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Person showing result of Harry Josh Cordless Ceramic Curling Wand

Credit:Southern Living