If you have fine hair like me, you know the struggle—our hair is fragile and needs to be handled carefully. Fine hair often has a genetic deficit of its own protein compounds, so it is more sensitive and reacts more sensitively to possible breakage. The chances of hair damage are greatly increased if heat tools are used improperly. That’s why it’s imperative to choose hair brushes, hair dryers, and hot tools safe enough for fine hair to prevent our strands from becoming too brittle and breaking off.
Don’t let that scare you off from styling your hair, though. When you have the right devices and wield them correctly, you can get away with straightening and curling your hair with minimal damage. Some of the best curling irons for fine hair are designed to readjust themselves automatically to distribute heat evenly, and many of them have customizable heat settings that you can play with to find the ideal temperature. Another thing to consider when you have fine hair is the size of the barrel. “If your fine hair has trouble holding a curl, I recommend using a smaller curling iron than you may think.
Top picks for the best curling irons for fine hair in 2024
Tested tools on our own fine hair, and read countless customer reviews to round up the 12 best curling irons for fine hair. Below, we also included more tips for curling fine hair and techniques for warding off heat damage, courtesy of our research and experts.
1.Ghd Curve Classic Curl Iron
Ghd’s curling iron has only one heat setting of 365 degrees, which has been scientifically proven to keep the hair health intact without sacrificing style. Additionally, the one-inch barrel because it offers some flexibility in the end result. It’s small enough to allow room for the hair to slightly fall if needed. Or, you can take smaller sections and hold the hair on the iron longer for a tighter curl.
Barrel size: 1 inch
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
2.PATTERN The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron
This innovative tool is designed for all hair, wigs, extensions, and textures. Use the smallest barrel to create or define waves, curls, and coils, the 3/4-inch barrel for old Hollywood waves, and the largest of the bunch to sculpt everything from beach waves to Shirley Temple-esque curls. The brand recommends utilizing the 300-degree setting for those of us with fine hair.
Barrel sizes: 3/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and one inch
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
3.T3 SinglePass Curl Ceramic Long Barrel Curling Iron
Curling your hair is hard enough without having to deal with a twisted cord; this one has an eight-foot cord that swivels all the way around to prevent annoying tangles. However, that’s not even the best part—one pass is all you need for each strand of your hair to curl and stay curled until your next wash day.
Barrel size: 3/4 inch
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
4.Dyson Airwrap
The Dyson Airwrap may not be as trendy these days, but it’s still worth our attention. The machine uses as little heat as possible as it dries and styles your hair, so you won’t have to worry about burning your strands. You may have heard that you shouldn’t curl wet hair, but you can with this tool.
Barrel sizes: 1.2 inch, 1.6 inch
Amazon rating: TK
5.Conair Double Ceramic 1” Curling Iron
If you like to fully control your hair curler’s settings, try this one, which features a whopping 30 different temperature options to accommodate every hair texture and type. Even if you turn up the heat, the tip of the iron stays cool to make positioning the iron as you curl that much easier.
Barrel size: 1 inch
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
6.Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron
The barrel on this tool rotates both left and right at the push of a button, so curling in either direction is smooth and effortless. Its curvy handle fits right in the plan of your hand for the most comfortable styling session possible.
Barrel size: 1 inch
Beachwaver rating: 4.5/5 stars
7.Bio Ionic 1” Pro Curling Iron
Although shorter hair can get away with any barrel length, longer locks will appreciate the extra inches on this curling iron. You’ll discover that you can curl larger sections at a time, saving valuable minutes when you rush to get to your next engagement.
Barrel size: 1 inch
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
8.Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Ceramic 1 Inch Curling Wand
Long, flexible cords are a boon, but what if you didn’t have to be constrained by a cord at all? Harry Josh developed this professional-approved and lithium battery-powered curling iron so that you don’t have to rely on an external power source to make waves or curls.
Barrel size: 1 inch
9.Bondi Boost AirBurst Styler Hair Straightener with Cool Burst Technology
This may be a straightener by definition, but many fans of the tool rave about its ability to construct waves and even curls. The holes on its facade are small air vents that blow cool air onto your hair during the styling process to act like a cold shot, bringing down the heat and helping your mane stay styled for longer.
Barrel size: N/A
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
10.Kristin Ess Nanoblack 11/4 Inch Automatic Ceramic Curling Iron
Every time I leave the house, I worry that I’ve left my hot tool on before I left. However, you won’t have to worry about that with this curling iron, which turns off on its own after 30 minutes. The tool also comes with the brand’s heat protectant spray that shields strands against temperatures as high as 450 degrees and offers hair serious shine.
Barrel size: 1 1/4 inches
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
11.Mane Handle with Curl 1.5” Curling Iron
If you want to get bigger curls but skip the frizz, this curling iron should be your pick. The heat settings go up to 410 degrees. Fine hair should stick to lower temperatures if possible, but those with curly or coily hair that needs more intensity may find the wider range useful.
Barrel size: 1.5 inch
Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars
12.Amika High Tide Deep Waver
Wavers are a foolproof shortcut to waves that make you look like you’ve been relaxing in the salty air of a sunny beach for hours. All you have to do is clamp your hair a few times with this tool; it also boasts negative ion technology that closes cuticles, locking in moisture and fighting frizz.
Barrel size: 7/10 inch each
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
