Spiral curls can help bring volume to your hair, add texture, and assist you in creating a number of different looks and styles. And because spiral curls are so versatile, they can be a perfect style for anyone with long or short hair. If rocking a spiral curly look is one of your major beauty goals, you will surely need the help of a quality spiral curling iron.
A dedicated spiral curling iron will help you carefully craft your curls into tight ringlets, instead of creating larger, bouncier curls. This type of wand can speed up the time it takes you to style your hair into spirals and can be a great investment if you regularly wear your hair in a variety of spiral looks.
Starting the search for the perfect spiral curling iron can be a little confusing, which is why we’re here to help. We’ve gathered a list of the top 10 best spiral curling irons available today and broken down what makes them so great. With our help, you’ll be able to find the perfect product in no time!
- What You Should Know About Curling Irons for Spiral Curls
- Top 10 Best Curling Irons for Spiral Curls 2021
- 1. Best Overall Spiral Curling Iron: Conair Instant Heat Spiral Curling Iron
- 2. Best Premium Spiral Curling Iron: PARWIN PRO 7 in 1 Curling Wand Set
- 3. Best Budget Spiral Curling Iron: SexyBeauty Professional Spiral Curling Iron
- 4. Best Spiral Curling Iron Set: BESTOPE Curling Iron Wand Set
- 5. Best Basic Spiral Curling Iron: Bed Head Rock N' Roller Curling Wand
- 6. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Short Hair: KIPOZI Thin Curling Wand
- 7. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Thick Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Iron
- 8. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Volume: Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Curling Wand
- 9. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Travel: KIPOZI Bubble Curling Wand
- 10. Best for Hard to Curl Hair: L’Ange Hair Le Perle Bubble Curling Wand
- Your Full Guide to Curling Irons for Spiral Curls
What You Should Know About Curling Irons for Spiral Curls
Before we get to our list, there are some important features in a spiral curling iron that we first need to discuss.
Traditional vs. Spiral Curling Iron
You may be wondering what exactly the difference is between a traditional curling iron and a dedicated spiral curling iron. It may seem like they are pretty similar, but these products have some significant differences.
The most notable difference is, of course, the shape of the barrel. While traditional curling iron barrels are larger and more uniformly round in size, spiral curling irons typically feature a bubble or ridged design.
This design allows you to create very tightly wrapped spiral curls or larger, wavy spiral curls and features a small clamp that doesn’t extend the length of the hair; traditional curling irons have a longer clamp that will often crimp the length of the hair and ruin the effect of a spiral curl.
Some spiral curling irons may not have this bubble design and will instead be thinner and tapered. This type of iron is perfect for creating very tight spiral curls and using on short hair, but may take a little bit more skill to use. From our list, the KIPOZI Thin Curling Wand is a great example of this.
Barrel Size
The barrel size of your spiral curling iron is how many inches thick the thickest-part of the heated area is. Most barrel sizes are around 1 inch thick, but you can find thinner barrels that are more suited for thinner or short hair that come in at around a 1/2-inch thick.
Alternatively, you can find barrels, like the one on the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Conicurl Iron that are 1 and a 1/2-inch thick and more suited for thicker hair types.
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Barrel Material
The material that makes up the barrel on your spiral curling iron is important to understand, as this will often affect the final appearance of your style. Your iron may feature one of these materials or be created from a mix of them.
Ceramic
Ceramic is the most commonly used material for curling irons as it works on most hair types and is fairly inexpensive. However, ceramic is not as durable as other types of plate materials and may not last as long as a more premium product.
Titanium
Titanium is often found on spiral curling irons of salon or professional quality. It can be one of the more expensive materials, but it is strong, reliable, and a great choice for using on very thick or hard to curl hair.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a mineral that is most often blended into ceramic barrels. It emits negative ions that react with the positive ions present in hair as you curl, creating styles that are significantly less frizzy and sleeker than ones created with plain ceramic plates.
Like titanium, this technology can be a little on the pricier side, but it is a good choice if you struggle with very dry or damaged hair.
Temperature Settings
The temperature settings available on your spiral curling iron are very important to consider. You want to be sure that there is a temperature available that is suitable for your hair type, whether your hair is on the finer side or harder to curl.
Irons that have adjustable temperature settings are more versatile, but if you have harder to curl hair, you may do just as well with a spiral curling iron that stays at one higher temperature.
Price
Prices for spiral curling irons range between more affordable and budget options, to products in a more professional, premium price range. Keep in mind that you can find quality curling iron options in every price range, and it is not always necessary to spend a large amount of money to find something that works for you. Shopping by budget is a great way to find the best product for your needs and price range.
Now that we’ve discussed the important selection factors of spiral curling irons, let’s get straight to our list of the best products out there!
Top 10 Best Curling Irons for Spiral Curls 2021
1. Best Overall Spiral Curling Iron: Conair Instant Heat Spiral Curling Iron
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: .75 inch
- Barrel Material: Ceramic
- Price: Affordable
This spiral curling iron is easy to use and great for beginners to spiral curling. The design of the iron features a light ridge that you can wrap sections of hands in between, creating a perfectly shaped spiral curl. The added turbo heat boost is perfect for using on hair that is hard to curl.
The Conair iron works well on all hair types and hair lengths. It creates a spiral curl that is versatile and suits most face shapes, and is highly customizable if you are spiral curling to create an elegant updo or party look. It is a great choice for anyone who prefers versatility in their products.
Even though the cord on this product is a long, 360-degree swivel cord, it can get tangled easily. This can cause issues when it comes to moving with the cord and can slow down your styling process if you need to keep untangling it.
Pros
- Features turbo heat boost
- Easy to use
- Works well on all hair types
- Perfect size for most spiral looks
Cons
- Cord gets tangled easily
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: .5 inch to 1.5 inch
- Barrel Material: Tourmaline Ceramic
- Price: Premium
This 7 in 1 Curling Wand Set delivers salon-quality hairstyles right from the comfort of your home. The handle of the wand is easily interchanged with any of the other curling heads; these heads include a tapered iron and a bubble iron perfect for shaping spiral curls. It is a great premium, professional product set for true spiral curl enthusiasts.
The tourmaline ceramic technology in the plates of this product is great for use on anyone with a frizzy hair type. The tourmaline counteracts any frizziness in hair strands to leave your curls looking soft and sleek. Additionally, the iron heats up quickly so there’s no need to wait to style.
On the downside, this premium product does come with a more premium price tag. It can be great for a splurge, but not the best option if you are shopping on a budget. It is also not the best for beginners as there are so many curling options it may be confusing. We recommend a simple bubble iron like the Bed Head Rock N’ Roller Curling Wand for someone new to spiral curls.
Pros
- Premium professional product set
- Great for frizzy hair types
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the best for beginners
3. Best Budget Spiral Curling Iron: SexyBeauty Professional Spiral Curling Iron
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: 1 inch
- Barrel Material: Ceramic
- Price: Budget
The SexyBeauty Professional Portable Spiral Curling Iron is a very affordable product sure to fit most budgets. It features multiple heat settings and a plastic heat protection guard that is able to protect your fingers from burns while you curl your hair, taking away the need for heat resistant gloves. It is a good choice if you want a little bit of extra protection while you curl your hair.
This product is great for creating spiral curls that are uniform all over your head. This is due to the uniform spiral interior and plastic protection guard working together to keep hair in one place and heat strands evenly, leaving you with natural looking, even spirals.
Unfortunately, this is not the best product for short hair. The plastic protection guard makes it hard to curl very short hair, and you will not be able to precision curl bangs or other short fly away hairs with this product very easily. For short hair, we recommend the KIPOZI Thin Curling Wand.
Pros
- Plastic heat protection guard
- Budget-friendly product
- Great for creating uniform spiral curls
Cons
- Not the best for short hair
4. Best Spiral Curling Iron Set: BESTOPE Curling Iron Wand Set
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: .35 inch to 1.25 inch
- Barrel Material: Tourmaline Ceramic
- Price: Mid-Range
If you are interested in a value set like PARWIN PRO’s 7 in 1 Curling Wand Set, but want something a little more reasonably priced, the BESTOPE Curling Iron Wand set is a good choice for you. It features 5 different wand types that allow you to create a perfect multi-textured spiral look.
This set includes heat resistant gloves and hair clips for added value, and the entire set comes with a 1-year warranty. The customer service is very responsive when it comes to product issues and replacements, so you are able to buy this product with peace of mind. It makes a good choice for somebody who wants to get the most out of their money.
A drawback with this product is that the iron tends to not get very hot. This can make it hard to curl very thick or coarse hair, or have the spiral curls stay in place for a long time. If you are looking for a durable product that works well on thick hair, we recommend the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Iron instead.
Pros
- Value set for different curl types
- Includes heat resistant gloves and hair clips
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Does not get very hot
5. Best Basic Spiral Curling Iron: Bed Head Rock N' Roller Curling Wand
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: 1 inch
- Barrel Material: Tourmaline Ceramic
- Price: Affordable
The unique bubble design of the Bed Head Rock N’ Roller Curling Wand is great for creating tighter spiral curls or looser wavy spirals. It is simple, no frills product that is easy to use and great for beginners and lovers of basic products alike.
The cord on this curling iron is long and features a swivel for ease of movement. It is tangle-free and sure not to get in your way or knot up into a bunch when you are using the product. Additionally, the product gets fairly hot and creates curls that can last all day long.
This is not the best product for precision styling since it is a little larger in the barrel and features the unique bubble design. It is a little heavier than other irons and can be hard to hold or maneuver until you get used to styling with it. If you are looking for a more lightweight bubble curling iron, we suggest checking out the KIPOZI Bubble Curling Wand.
Pros
- Good for creating wavy spirals
- Simple spiral curling iron
- Tangle-free cord
- Creates long-lasting curls
Cons
- Not the best for precision styling
- Can be hard to hold
6. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Short Hair: KIPOZI Thin Curling Wand
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: 3/10 inch
- Barrel Material: Ceramic
- Price: Mid-Range
The KIPOZI Thin Curling Wand features a very small barrel, coming in at 3/10 of an inch (or 9mm). This makes it a great choice if you want to create tiny, corkscrew looking spiral curls, or for using on afro-textured hair that needs help creating more definition. The wand itself is easy to hold and move around as you style.
This product also works very well on short hair, even hair that is cut into a pixie cut. It is helpful if you need to precision style and create spiral curls in your bangs or on other hard to reach or thin areas of hair. Fine hair will also benefit greatly from this product.
Because the wand is so small in size, it is not the best product if you have very long or thick hair. Spiral curling hair like this can take a very long time with this iron, so it is a better choice to use a larger curling wand and then finish up the details with this product.
Pros
- Perfect for small spiral curls
- Works well on short hair
- Great for afro-textured hair
- Helpful for precision styling
Cons
- Not the best for very long hair
7. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Thick Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Iron
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: 1 1/2 inch
- Barrel Material: Titanium
- Price: Mid-Range
The titanium barrel on the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Iron allows it to work extremely effectively on thicker and coarse hair types. The titanium gets very hot and works to spiral curl hair as quickly as possible; the 50 heat settings available provide you with a great amount of versatility regarding temperature control. It is a good choice if you want to have an extreme amount of control over how your hair is curled.
This product is very durable, thanks to the titanium barrel and sturdy plastic exterior. The titanium will not rust or corrode, and the plastic does not break easily, even when dropped. It is a good salon-quality product that will last a long time, and is a good option for anyone looking for a spiral curling iron to last them a long time.
Because it has a larger barrel size and higher heat settings, this is not the best product to use on very thin or fine hair. It can be too hot for this hair type and may contribute to more rapid heat damage. Additionally, because of the larger barrel size, it can be harder to maneuver this product until you get used to styling with it.
Pros
- Great for thick hair types
- Durable barrel
- 50 heat settings
Cons
- Hard to use on thin or fine hair
- Can be difficult to maneuver
8. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Volume: Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Curling Wand
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: 1 inch
- Barrel Material: Tourmaline Ceramic
- Price: Mid-Range
The rippled design of the Bed Head Curlipop Spiral Curling Wand is great for easily creating spiral curls that are not too tight or too loose in appearance. Even beginners to hair curling will easily be able to use the wand and curl their hair into the ridges, eliminating the need for skill or guess work.
This product works well on both shorter and longer hair types. The ripples on the iron allow it to create more voluminous spiral curls that build on top of each other as you curl the entirety of your head. It is a good choice if you have thinner or fine hair, or simply want an extra dramatic spiral style.
The heated part of the wand can become very hot to touch, even the part that is meant to stay cool for easy styling, and can prevent you from using the product properly. You may need to invest in a set of heat resistant gloves in order to use this curler. It is also not the best product for creating very tight, corkscrew spirals, as the rippled design limits it to only one style of spiral.
Pros
- Great for creating voluminous curls
- Works well on short or long hair
- Intuitive design
Cons
- Wand can be too hot to touch
- Not the best for very tight, corkscrew spirals
9. Best Spiral Curling Iron for Travel: KIPOZI Bubble Curling Wand
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: 1 inch
- Barrel Material: Tourmaline Ceramic
- Price: Mid-Range
The lightweight size of the KIPOZI Bubble Curling Wand makes it easy to use and a great product for traveling with. It fits in most bags and travel cases and features a dual voltage capability that will allow you to use it internationally whenever needed. It is a great choice for anyone who wants a spiral curling iron they can bring with them wherever.
This product features an LCD screen that shows the current temperature for easy heat setting control. This makes it easy to find the perfect temperature for your hair and ensure it stays there. It has a 60-second quick heat up time which is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to wait to curl their hair.
The lock button is placed a little awkwardly on this item; it is placed in an area where you can easily bump into it when curling your hair, causing issues with the iron not working in the middle of your styling. Additionally, a pair of heat resistant gloves are included in with this product, but they do not work very well to prevent burns.
Pros
- Great for travel
- Dual voltage capability
- LCD screen for easy temperature control
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lock button is placed awkwardly
- Included heat resistant glove does not work well
10. Best for Hard to Curl Hair: L’Ange Hair Le Perle Bubble Curling Wand
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Barrel Size: 1 inch
- Barrel Material: Titanium
- Price: Premium
The L’Ange Curling Wand reaches high heated temperatures which enables it to easily curl coarse or thick hair, or hair that typically does not hold spiral curls well. The titanium barrel adds extra durability and works well to tame unmanageable hair.
The handle of this product is made out of a comfortable rubber and is very ergonomic. This makes it easy to hold and to move around as you style your hair. The 1-inch bubble design of the barrel is great for creating bouncy, natural looking spiral curls or crafting a wavy spiral curl look.
This product only features one heat setting, which can be a drawback if you prefer a curling iron with adjustable heat. The heat setting is fairly hot in order to curl resistant hair types, and can make this product a poor choice for fine or thin hair that needs lower heat settings as a damage preventative. If you have fine or thin hair, we recommend trying the Conair Instant Heat Spiral Curling Iron instead.
Pros
- Curls coarse or hard to curl hair textures
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
- Great for bouncy, natural looking spirals
Cons
- Only features one heat setting
- Not the best for thin or fine hair
Your Full Guide to Curling Irons for Spiral Curls
If you need to know more about spiral curling irons, look no further than our full guide for all of the must-know information.
Benefits of Using a Spiral Curling Iron
There are many benefits to your hair that come from using a dedicated spiral curling iron. The most important one is quality of the spiral – using a curling iron that is specifically meant for spiral curling hair will give you a better looking, more long-lasting spiral curl.
You will be able to curl your hair into spirals faster using a spiral curling iron, and you will be able to style your locks more precisely using this type of iron versus a traditional curling iron. It is also much easier to achieve any type of spiral curl look when you are using a curling iron made specifically for that purpose.
Types of Spiral Curls
There are many different kinds of spiral curl looks and styles that you can create with your curling iron. Below we have a selection of the most popular spiral curl types.
Small Spirals
Small spirals, also sometimes called a spiral perm, are tighter in appearance and look more like corkscrews. They add volume to both long and short hair, and can be great for evening out a longer face shape.
However, they can be a little less flattering on rounder face shapes and may cause thick hair to look excessively large/voluminous.
From our list, a great product for creating small spirals can be found in KIPOZI Thin Curling Wand.
Kinky Spirals
Kinky spirals are best suited to anyone with natural, afro-textured hair. This style also works well on either long or short hair, and if you do not have natural curls that fall into spirals, you can use a spiral curling iron with a small barrel to enhance your locks with this look.
like the small spiral look, kinky spirals suit people with longer face shapes, but they do appear flattering on both fine or thick hair types.
Wave Spirals
Wave spirals are a take on the ever-popular beachy wave look. These spirals add loose volume to both short and long hair, and are a perfect look for causal or formal wear. They help enhance the appearance of thicker hair types, but they might not be enough volume for fine or thinner hair.
To create this look, we recommend using a spiral curling iron with a 1-inch barrel, like the one on Bed Head’s Rock N’ Roller Curling Wand.
Plain Spirals
Plain spirals are a simple, basic spiral curl look. This style involves curling the midshafts and ends of your hair and leaving the top part virtually untouched. It is great for adding layers and creating more formal looks. This style can also make face shapes with more prominent jawlines and cheekbones look softer.
A spiral curling iron with a 3/4 of an inch barrel like Conair’s Instant Heat Spiral Curling Iron is the best for this look.
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Multi-Textured Spirals
The multi-texture spiral look is created by using spiral curling irons with different sized barrels to make two different sized spirals. This creates a layered voluminous look that works on all types of hair, but can be a little more difficult to create on finer hair that doesn’t hold curls well.
If you want to create this look, you should be crafting larger, looser spirals on the bottom layer of your hair, and tighter, more corkscrew-style spirals near the top. A set of spiral curling irons with different sizes, like the ones in BESTOPE’s Curling Iron Wand Set is great for this look.
How to Use a Spiral Curling Iron
If you are new to the world of spiral curling your hair, it may take a little bit of practice to master using this type of iron. You can follow our basic guide below for help getting started styling your hair into spirals.
Before Use
Before creating your spiral curls, shampoo and condition your hair. This helps to remove any built-up dirt, oil, and products on your locks that could potentially be baked into your strands as you heat up the hair. It will also give you a more uniform soft and shiny appearance once your hair is curled.
You should also be using a heat protector on your hair before doing any type of heat styling in order to minimize heat damage and protect your hair from drying out.
During Use
Separate your hair out into four sections, more if you have very thick or coarse hair. For small and kinky spiral curl styles, you should be using a small-barreled iron and very small sections of hair (less than 1/2 of an inch) in order to build up volume.
Work through your hair section by section; for tighter spirals use the inside part of your bubble curling iron, for looser, wavy spirals, use the outer part. If you are using a tapered curling iron without a bubble design, wrap the hair around it very tightly, starting from the bottom up in order to create the spiral design.
After Use
Once all of your hair has been spiral curled, don’t brush through it, as this will cause the curls to fall out. Tousle your hair lightly, spreading out the spirals and giving them a more natural look. You can then apply a little bit of hair spray to keep your spiral style solidly in place throughout the day.
How Long Will Spiral Curls Last?
How long your curls last depends on your hair type and how you treat your hair once it is curled. As a general rule, your hair will last in spirals for 12 hours all the way up to a day, though this time length can be extended a day or two with the use of product and proper care.
Keep in mind that while you can extend the look of your curls, you may not want to wear them in the same style for more than a week. This is due to the fact that you are likely to experience dirt, oil, and product buildup while wearing your spiral curls, which can make your hair look greasy or damage your hair’s integrity over time.
Making Your Spiral Curls Long-Lived
The worst thing to experience is spending a long time curling and styling your hair perfectly only to have all of your curls fall out hours later. You can follow our pro tips below for help making your spiral curls last as long as possible once you have them.
Try Hairspray
A light holding hairspray is the best way to preserve your curls in the long term. You can apply this product as soon as your spirals are in place to help solidify the curls as you tousle and arrange them in your favorite style.
Hairspray can be reapplied throughout the day to keep the style in place, but you should be careful about using too much, as this can make hair appear sticky.
Avoid Excessive Product
Adding too much product in the name of preserving your spiral curls can have the opposite effect. Too much product can make your hair look greasy or weighed down, and may cause your spirals to fall out sooner rather than later.
Use Dry Shampoo
If your hair is prone to excessive oiliness, but you want to continue to wear your spiral curl style, you can try out dry shampoo to help extend your look. Dry shampoo will absorb all the extra oil and grease, allowing you to go an extra day or two without washing your style out.
Just remember that dry shampoo can build up on your scalp, so you want to be sure to wash it out within three days.
Can You Create Spiral Curls Without Heat?
If you’re trying to avoid using heat styling tools but are in love with the idea of spiral curls, there are a few methods you can use in order to create this look. These methods may not necessarily work as well or last as long as heat styling, but they can be a good alternative for when you want to give your hair a break from the heat. Check out this article for tips on the best ways to create spiral curls without a curling iron.
How Often Can You Spiral Curl Your Hair?
Using a spiral curling iron, much like using any other type of heat tool, can be extremely damaging with regular long-term use. You could spiral curl your hair every day, but this would likely lead to heat damage and cause your hair to become dry over time.
You should stick to heat styling your hair, whether that be using a spiral curling iron or other type of styling tool, once or twice a week, and should be sure to use conditioning and nourishing treatments in between uses in order to keep your hair healthy and moisturized.
Curling Your Way to a Spiral Style
Curling your hair into spiral curls is a great way to transform your look and experiment with different styles. For anyone who’s dreamed of rocking this unique look, a spiral curling iron is the best tool to help you achieve it.
When selecting a spiral curling iron, be sure to keep in mind the barrel size, material, and temperature settings you prefer, and you will surely be able to find the perfect product for your lifestyle.