If you're after bouncy waves, you're going to want to know about these curling wands

The pro's have declared the biggest hair trends of 2024, and to me expensive hair screams getting the curl on. The best curling wands and tongs are your go-to's for volume and beautifully tousled hair. The trouble is there are so many to choose from, and it's tricky to work out exactly which one will do what you want it to.

That's where we come in. Team MC has decades worth of experience in testing the best straighteners, the best hair dryers and the best curling wands to save you the trial and error. Testing out all the best curling wands 2024 has to offer, on straight, wavy, and curly hair. Curls work for pretty much everyone, whether it be for the best bob hairstyles, short hairstyles for thin hair or short hairstyles for older women. There's a curl for everyone and different curls to create for any occasion - sleek, mermaid waves, and bouncy, corkscrew curls alike. But with so many different styles comes so many questions, what size to go for or what shape is best? 

The best thing about the humble curling wand is its versatility as a tool. Sure, you can execute perfectly defined curls, but you can also use a curling wand to create texture. "If you are creating beachy or textured waves, your dry shampoo will come in handy. Use your favourite curling tong to style your hair and allow your hair to set and cool down. Apply dry shampoo throughout the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. This will give definition and shape to your waves. It will also help it last longer," explains Jay Birmingham, celebrity hair stylist. 

Whatever hairstyle you're after, we've rounded up the best curling wands and tongs for all hair types and styles. So now all you need to decide is which curly hairstyles you want to opt for. From professional grade tongs to cheap and cheerful options for a quick spruce, we've tried and tested all of the curling wands worth having on your radar this year.

How to choose the best curling wands?

Choose your curling wand shape

There are typically three different types or shapes of curling tools, and each one creates a different shape in your hair. 

Straight  - This is the most common of curlers - it's the same width along the entire barrel meaning that your curls will also be the same from root to tip. If you're after a more classic look, then look for a straight barrel.

Tapered - If you're after a more natural and relaxed curl, then the tapered tool is the one for you. Using this means that the curl will be tighter at the root, getting looser as it gets down to the ends.

Bubble - This is the strangest looking curling wand - if we're honest it looks like something quite different to a curler, which is probably why they're not as common. A bubble-shaped wand creates super loose waves - something a little more beachy than a done do.

Which size curling wand barrel is best?

It all depends on what type of curl you want to create. The width of the barrel is important because that will determine the look you're after.

Less than 20mm - The thinner the wand the tighter the curl. If you're after a disco, Studio 54 look then keep an eye out for one of these. Think Kate Moss on her 30th birthday.

20mm - 32mm - These widths create your classic, well defined, polished looking curls. If you want your hair to look as close to perfect and as far away from a festival as possible, then look no further.

32mm or larger - Large barrel curlers are the way to go if you're after gorgeous, super-smooth bouncy waves. Brand-wise, ghd and Cloud Nine are high up there on our wish list and well worth the investment for their long lasting benefits and salon-worthy finish.

So, is a curling wand or a curling tong better?

Is it a wand or is it a tong? In all honesty, both do the same thing. The difference is a tong has a clamp to hold the hair in place, which makes them a bit better for beginners, while the wand doesn't. So it's really more about personal preference. 

What did we look for when testing the best curling wands?

So, what exactly did we look out for? When it came to testing, we held each wand up against the below criteria to ensure we were only selecting the best of the best for this list:

• Is the curling wand good value for money?
• What kind of curls can it create?
• Can it work on all hair types?
• Is it easy to use?

Best curling wands and tongs in 2023

With so many tongs on the market, it all depends on personal preference - your hair type and the curl you are aiming to achieve. Keep scrolling for a roundup of the best curling wands based on your needs.

1. ghd Creative Curl Wand

ghd's Creative Curl Wand is one of the most versatile curling wands out there. It allows for everything from tight curls to loose bouncing waves, depending on how you use it. Whether you're a quick curl everyday kind of gal, or a special occasion bouncy waver, these ones really are worth every penny.

The curler uses ghd's special ceramic tri-zone technology which ensures that the hair gets just the right amount of heat (185°C).

2. Babyliss Tight Curls Wand

If it's lots and lots of skinny curls you're after, this ultra-thin wand from Babyliss does the job (and does it well). Ideal for those with tight natural curls who want to give what they're working with a bit of enhancement, don't be fooled by their bargain price tag: they're actually among the best curling wands we've tried.

3. Hot Tools Black Gold Curl Bar

As soon as we saw this curler, it was clear it would change the game forever. If you often end up with an arm ache in the bid to create perfect curls, this is the best curling wand for you. The curl bar design makes it super easy to use; you no longer have to hold your tong at an awkward angle while keeping your hair in place with this ergonomic design. 

It also comes with a built-in vibrating timer to further remove any stress from the curl process. You can set the timer between 5-20 seconds, depending on your strands' needs. It's available in 32mm, too and comes with a heat-protecting glove and mat. 

4. Cloud Nine The Waving Wand

Great for loose, tumbling curls (Victoria's Secret angel, who?) Cloud Nine's barrel wand is a great choice if you want to add a smooth, old Hollywood-esque wave to your locks. Its barrel is mineral-infused, too, leaving hair soft, smooth and shiny once you've finished styling. Swoon.

5. Turbo Tong The Professional Long Tong

Long, long hair is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that it looks amazing when curled, and a curse in that it can take years of trial and error to find the right tools. Enter: the Turbo Tong. Specially designed for super-duper long hair, this longer than standard wand is a fast track to a fairy tale worthy Rapunzel-style do.

6. T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand

Why on earth should you have to choose one curl style? You shouldn't have to. And thanks to this T3 interchangeable tool you don't need to. From loose, flowing waves, to defined spirals and glamorous curls - it does it all.

7. Dyson Airwap Styler Complete

The Airwrap caused quite the stir when it launched, which was quite understandable. Since Dyson made their way into haircare, they're released well-researched and well-designed tools. The Airwrap is no different. There are all sorts of barrels included to create all types of waves and curls, as well as brushes to control, smooth and volumise. The Airwrap is different from your typical curler as it uses suction to wrap the hair around the barrel, rather than you having to do it yourself.

8. Babyliss 2112U Curl Luxe Hair Styler

Another alternative to your traditional curler. This one is very much like a tong, and yet the clamp is in itself also a heated plate.

9. Babyliss 9000 Cordless Curling Tong

Cordless hair tools are the latest and greatest innovation to hit the hair industry. They make on-the-go styling a doddle. Charge it before you head off anywhere, pop it in your handbag and then off you go. The beauty of this Babyliss 9000 Cordless Curling Tong is that you don't have to scrimp on any of the brand's iconic technology. Get all the goods without feeling tied to a wall. Also, a brilliant choice if you're forever getting caught in knots or don't have a plug near to your mirror.