travel hair curling iron

What’s the Best Travel Curling Iron? See Our Top 5 Picks

Hair , TOILETRIES

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For those of us with high-maintenance hair, traveling without the right tools is not an option. These are the best travel curling iron options for domestic and international trips to keep your luggage to a minimum!

Best Travel Curling Iron

Table of contents.

One of the biggest secrets to chic style is great hair and makeup — without these, it doesn’t matter how perfect your capsule wardrobe looks. Well-styled hair and makeup can create a polished look, even if you’re decked out in a pair of sneakers with jeans and a T-shirt.

Unfortunately, not all of us travelers are blessed with easy-to-maintain, smooth, glossy locks. So, we feel it’s worth it to sacrifice some suitcase space to make sure we have the best hair tools, like our favorite travel curling iron.

If a curling iron is on your must-have travel list, we’ve rounded up a few of the best travel curling iron options on the market. They are a collection of the most versatile and compaction travel curlers for your next trip!

Best Travel Curling Iron Reviews

L’ANGE HAIR Le Duo 360° Airflow Styler

2-in-1 Travel Curling Iron

If you need to curl and straighten your hair while traveling, then a 2-in-1 travel hair curler is a great option. You have access to both tools without sacrificing the extra space.

This travel sized curling iron by L’ANGE doubles as a flat iron, to give you a variety in your hair without having to worry about carrying multiple items. Plus, it’s a dual voltage curling iron, which means you can cart it around to any country in the world and not have to worry about blowing a fuse.

I’ve always traveled with both a curling and flat iron (unless I’ve had my hair permanently straightened recently) so when I found this 2-in-1 travel hair curler, it was the perfect solution.

 You can choose your preferred heat with the adjustable temperature setting of 280°F-430°F. My hair is fine and wavy, but the roots carry some extra curl, so when I brought this on a four-week trip, it took a few extra glides.

All things considered, I have to say this 2-in-1 curling and straightening tool is one of the best travel curling iron tools out there. It works perfectly for the occasional curl and daily smoothing.

Looking for a dual voltage flat iron ? See our list of the best ones!

VAV 2in1 Mini Travel Hair Curling Iron

Mini Curling Iron with Two Heat Settings

If you prefer that your hair styling regime mimics a salon-style treatment, then the 1-inch VAV 2in1 Mini Hair Curling Iron is the ideal choice. This mini curling wand is your standard ceramic-coated curling iron but with a compact design for easy storage during your travels.

It’s an easy-to-carry mini curling iron that heats up quickly and creates smooth, shiny curls in seconds. It only takes 30 seconds to reach the hottest setting!

Not only does this travel hair curler heat up quickly, but you have control over the temperature with two heat settings — just flip the switch from high to low. For those of us with thin and damage prone hair, the low setting is built to be gentle enough to protect your hair while leaving you with amazing curls.

Learn how to make your blowout last for days !

Conair Mini Pro 1″ Ceramic

A Travel Size Curling Iron that’s Budget-Friendly

If you need a budget-friendly travel size curling iron, then the ultra-tiny Conair Mini Pro iron is a great choice. It is compact and can easily fit in any bag or purse without you needing to sacrifice the space for other necessities.

This travel size curler heats up quickly and gets to a high enough temperature for you to curl thick hair. That said, because of its smaller size, it might not be the best travel curling iron for travelers with extra long hair.

Need to dry your hair fast on the go? See our tips!

AmoVee 2 in 1 Mini Flat Iron Curling Iron

Mini Travel Curling Wand to Save Space

If you have limited space but want to bring a travel hair curler along with you on your next trip, then a mini curling wand might be the solution for you

A great option for a mini curler is the titanium AmoVee 2in1  styler, which creates curls or waves in your locks while adding shine and luster to your hair. Additionally, you can straighten with this small-size tool, too!

It is an easy to use travel curling wand that helps create fast hairstyles in a single stroke. Plus, the titanium barrel distributes heat evenly to eliminate kinks whether you’re curling or straightening. It also heats up fast.

I describe myself as ultra lazy when it comes to hairstyling, but when I started using this travel curling iron , I became obsessed with how easy it was to use! Now I rarely travel without it, especially since it’s dual-voltage.

We round up the best hair diffusers for travel!

Conair ThermaCell Compact Curling Iron

Cordless Curling Iron for on the Go

When you travel with electronic devices or hair styling tools, you have to think about plugs, adapters, and voltage. Especially if you’re traveling to somewhere like Europe, where the plugs don’t match. Unless you travel with a cordless curling iron.

I had always wanted cordless hair tools for road trips or places where access to power outlets aren’t easy to come by. Measuring a mere 6.4 inches, the ThermaCell by Conair is the ultimate cordless curler to carry throughout your travels!

Our favorite feature of this cordless curling tool is obviously the fact that there are no plugs or batteries to fuss with. And the ThermaCell cartridges last several months, so you can style your hair anytime, anywhere without worrying about running out of juice.

The ThermaCell also saves you time by heating up in as little as 30 seconds, giving you plenty of time to hit the city and enjoy your vacation. This portable curling wand is a great addition to your packing list, and due to the lack of cord, you don’t even have to worry about the voltage. Roadtrip, here we come!

Check out our ultimate guide to hair while traveling!

Best Travel Curling Iron Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick review of the best travel curling irons.

Universal Travel Plug Charger

The Importance of Dual Voltage Curling Irons

Before you head off to purchase you’re favorite of the best travel curling iron options, we need to have a chat about the importance of a dual voltage curling iron. Voltage refers simply to electricity, and different countries you might travel to have different types of electricity. For example, here in the US, we use 110-120V, but in Europe, they use 220-240V.

There’s a good chance that your electronics are built for the same voltage as the country in which you bought them. That means that if you take your non-dual voltage hair curler with you while you’re visiting another country, it might not work. In fact, you could even blow a fuse or destroy your travel hair tool if you try to use it. Not cool!

If you want a full run-down on voltage by country, you can check out this World Standards page .

Learn about voltage converters vs. adapters !

To use your favorite travel curling iron in another country, you’re going to need two things:

• The correct voltage
• A travel adapter

Your hair styling tools, including blow dryers, curling wands and irons, and hair straighteners use a ton of electricity. That means it’s important they they are used with the correct voltage.

Some hair tools are labeled “dual-voltage,” which means they’ve been designed to be used in multiple countries. If you’re traveling outside of the US (or a country that uses the same voltage) you’re going to want to bring your dual voltage curler with you.

Once you have your hands on a dual voltage curling iron, you’re also going to need a travel adapter. A travel adapter enables you to plug your electronics into international outlets while you travel. Since not every country uses the same type of plug, we highly recommend you buy an international adapter .

Visit this power outlet guide for travelers to see a full list of plugs and outlets by country!

The Best Travel Curling Iron for the US

If you’re both from the US and traveling within the US, you won’t need to get a dual voltage curling iron. But you might want to save some space by choosing to travel with a mini curling iron.

If you are traveling to the US from a country outside of the US, you’ll need to travel with a dual voltage curler (you can still save space by getting yourself a mini iron). Make sure that you switch the voltage to 110V/120V before using your travel hair curler once you’ve arrived in the US.

The Best Travel Curling Iron for Europe

Is your travel curling iron dual voltage? If so, then that is the one you’ll want to use if you’re traveling from the US to Europe, Asia, Africa, or the South Pacific.

If the one you have at home is not a dual voltage curling iron, you’ll want to look into purchasing a new one for your travels (but avoid the 1-inch Mini Hair Curling Iron because it doesn’t have that feature).

Note that if you purchase a travel curling iron for Europe while you’re there, it likely will be a curling iron with a European plug. If you’re from the US, a European curling iron won’t help much when you get home!

A dual voltage curling iron is not automatically set for travel, so make sure to switch your hair tools to 220V/240V before you use them at your destination!

So, are you ready to spend your vacation with beautiful curls without the fuss? The best travel curling iron can easily take your hair from flat to va-va-voom in a matter of minutes!

What are your picks for the best travel curling iron? Share in the comments!

For more tips on travel hairstyles, please read:

• What’s the Best Travel Hair Dryer?
• Should I Pack a Travel Blow Dryer?
• What’s the Best Travel Hair Straightener?
• Best Hair Products for Travelers

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I bought two of the 6th Sense Styling Technology. One for travel/gym bag and one for home. I love it so much!

Thanks for sharing your love of your curling iron with us Jillian! Always love hearing the feedback of our readers!

I always travel with a normal size curling iron but find it is a little too long to fit comfortably in my personal item. I purchased the Conair Mini Pro Ceramic but found it was too hard to use on my shoulder-length hair. I kept burning my fingers! I think it would work well for someone with short hair, however. I returned it and bought the AmoVee 2-in-1 curling iron. This one is a keeper. Much easier to use and I like the padded sleeve that comes with it. It is dual voltage too! In the meantime, I stumbled across an old Charlescraft Quartette curling iron in a second-hand store for $10. The handle and the four curling iron barrels are separate and snap together. Smart design! It is not dual voltage but I can use it for domestic travel. I notice a similar one (Triplette instead of Quartette) is for sale on Poshmark.

The best thing I’ve used is my Karmin curling iron, I love it.❤❤❤

Hi Katherine, thank you for sharing how you like to style your hair when traveling with us! ?

I prefer Karmin.

Hi Heidi, thank you for sharing your recommendation with us! 🙂

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6 travel-size hot tools: Flat irons, hair dryers and curling irons

As the coronavirus vaccine rolls out across the country and more and more people are fully-vaccinated , there is a greater desire to travel in 2021 — and while non-essential, one travel-friendly accessory to consider grabbing is the compact flat iron or hair dryer. Equipping travel-ready staples may be especially significant this year as 89 percent of Americans polled in a December 2020 Hotels.com survey said they plan on taking more “spontaneous” trips in 2021. If you’re looking to travel as the weather warms up, then you’re likely stocking up on hand sanitizer , face masks , portable chargers , portable speakers and Lysol disinfecting wipes , too.

Some travel-friendly mini hot tools pack a similar punch to their full-sized cousins and often cost less, too. For example, a three-piece CHI Air gift set that includes a mini flat iron, curling iron and blow dryer will only set you back $90 compared to the full-sized hair straightener , which alone costs $130. Mini hot tools are readily available at beauty specialty stores like Sephora , Ulta and Dermstore . You can also order them from Shopping reader-favorite retailers like Walmart , Amazon and Target .

We found six lightweight and portable hot tools that won’t take up too much space in your suitcase, along with some options favored by celebrity hair stylists.

Shopping How Dyson's blow dryer transforms curly hair

Babyliss pro mini nano flat iron.

Hairstylist Kristen Shaw previously called the $30 BaByliss flat iron "compact, thin and perfect" for touching up your edges and part. The six-inch-long hair straightener is equipped with .5-inch-wide titanium plates that heat up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit. It also earned a 4.4-star average from more than 4,370-reviews on Amazon.

Harry Josh Pro Travel Curling Iron

The biggest difference between Harry Josh's travel curling iron and the full-size model is an optional marcel clip. When you remove a curling iron's clip, it transforms into a curling wand, creating loose curls and waves rather than ringlets. Hairstylist Caile Noble previously told us he relies on the full-size ceramic curling iron because the barrel minimizes frizz, distributes heat evenly and adds shine. "You can achieve consistent curls or waves with overall less damage to each section," he said. Harry Josh's travel curling iron earned a 4.93-star average rating from more than 30 reviews on Dermstore.

Drybar Baby Brush Crush Mini Heated Straightening Brush

The Drybar Baby Brush is a hybrid between a flat iron and a paddle brush. After drying your hair, run the ionic straightening brush through it to help smooth your strands and minimize flyaways. Given the device's small size, it is conducive when you need to focus on styling your roots and bangs. Drybar's mini straightening brush heats up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and boasts a 4.2-star average rating from more than 450 reviews on Amazon.

Shopping What to know before buying azelaic acid products

Melophy cordless hair curler.

If you're unsure how to curl your hair, then Melophy's cordless iron is worth considering. After selecting from six temperatures and 11 timer settings, place your hair into the iron's chamber and press the start button to curl your hair automatically. After a three-hour charge, Melophy's rechargeable curling iron offers a one-hour cordless battery life. This ceramic curling iron automatically turns off after 10 minutes of non-use and earned a 4-star average rating from more than 3,400 reviews on Amazon.

Hot Tools Professional Travel Dryer

Hot Tools Professional is a relatively affordable brand and popular among hair experts like Kristen Shaw, who previously told us she has been “a Hot Tools die-hard for years.” This foldable hair dryer is equipped with a concentrator nozzle to smooth your hair and a diffuser to enhance your natural curl pattern. It features two heat and two speed settings, along with a cool shot to help lock your style in place. The ionic hair dryer is best suited for those with fine-to-medium hair because it has a relatively lower wattage, according to hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor. This is the sole hot tool on our list that comes with a 7-year warranty if you shop directly through the brand .

T3 Mini Miracles Gift Set

T3, a popular hot tools brand, created a two-piece gift set featuring the T3 SinglePass Compact flat iron and T3 Featherweight Compact hair dryer in two colors: Rose and White . The flat iron has .8-inch-wide ceramic plates with a single pre-set temperature: 410 degrees Fahrenheit. As a bonus, it comes with a heat-resistant cover for added safety. T3 says the ceramic Featherweight hair dryer boasts an ergonomic design and folding cord. It features two heat and speed settings and a cool shot and includes a concentrator nozzle and travel storage bag.

Shopping Staff pick: Dyson Corrale hair straightener

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Nicole Saunders is a former associate commerce editor for Select on NBC News, covering wellness and lifestyle.

• Beauty & Health
• Curling Irons

Best Travel Curling Irons to Always Look Gorgeous

It's an extremely safe styler since it has an auto shut-off feature that will automatically turn off the device after 60 minutes of disuse.

The location of control buttons is a bit awkward. 

With the MHD Professional iron, you will be able to create silky smooth and curly hairstyles daily! Plus, this genius 2-in-1 device will save your luggage space and money. 

Classic,  1-1/4"

Ceramic tourmaline

3 heat settings (275°F - 425°F)

60-minute auto shut-off, Dual voltage, Anti-scald cool tip, Rubber handle, 360° tangle-free swivel cord with hang loop, 30-second heat up

Power network

The curler comes with a stylish travel pouch where you can pack it even when it's still hot. The wand heats up just in 30 seconds to the max temperature.

The barrel is somewhat small for styling long hair.

The Conair Travel Smart curler is one of the smallest curling irons in the world. If luggage space is an issue for you, this one is the best choice.

Classic, 1"

Constant temperature

Worldwide dual voltage, Anti-scald cool tip, 60-inch 360° tangle-free swivel cord, 30-second heat up, Travel pouch

Packed with the PTC technology, the iron heats up quickly and evenly to save you energy and time, while protecting your hair from over-styling.

The power cord might be a bit longer. 

The AmoVee combo styler is excellent for fine and damaged hair, since it boasts Titanium plates and PTC technology. It has a reasonable size and is suitable for home use as well.

Classic, 1"

Single temp range 365°F - 420°F

Worldwide dual voltage, Anti-scald cool tip, rubber handle, 57-inch 360° tangle-free swivel cord, Carry bag 

Boasting Nano silver and Tourmaline technology, this combo styler will always provide you with smooth and healthy-looking hairstyles. It will make your hair look shiny and voluminous. 

It doesn't work well with extremely thick hair.

This mini styler is great for business trips. With it, you'll always look beautiful! It will help you do your hair straight or curly for important meetings. 

Classic, 1-1/8"

Nano silver and tourmaline

374°F constant temperature

Worldwide dual voltage, Anti-scald cool tip, 71-inch 360° tangle-free swivel cord with hang loop, Carry bag

100% satisfaction guaranteed 

The iron releases a powerful stream of negatively-charged ions that neutralize the static effect and penetrate deeply into your hair, making it smoother and healthier. 

The white barrel gets dirty quickly. 

The Vivid & Vogue iron can help you not only create flawless curls but also moisturize your hair and make it easier to manage. Forget about annoying frizziness!

2 heat settings (300-320°F, 330-350°F)

Worldwide dual voltage, 60-minute auto shut-off, Anti-scald cool tip, 70-inch 360° tangle-free swivel cord

1-year replacement, 2-year warranty

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MHD MHD-055

Experiment with your style.

The MHD Professional 2-in-1 hair styler has a very clever design! It combines a flat iron and a curler. It has a tong-like design with two plates that can be securely locked in to form an extra-wide barrel. And with just one button, you can switch between curling and straightening.

The heat goes up to 425°F in less than 2 minutes for salon-quality results. Yet, if you have thin hair, you can always select a lower temperature (from 275°F to 425°F). The handy LED display will show you when the device is ready for use. The straightener works amazingly well on the frizzy hair, and the curler is fantastic for loose wavy curls. This combo styler is dual voltage (120V to 240V) and is suitable for worldwide use. The unit will automatically adjust to the proper voltage provided that you have a compatible adapter (not switch).

If you're a bit forgetful, you'll definitely like the auto shut-off function. The device will power off after 60 minutes of disuse. Another feature that adds to the convenience of use is the non-slip design allowing you to comfortably hold the unit when you straighten or curl your hair. So, if you need an ultra-versatile styler to look awesome wherever you are, this is a great investment.

MHD MHD-055: 1.25 in

Conair TS63R: 1 in

6th Sense Styling Technology 2-in-1 Mini Travel Flat/Curling Iron: 1 in

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

Conair TS63R

Super portable.

This little beauty is extra light and portable! With the weight of just 5.6 ounces, the Conair TS63R portable curling iron is a must-have thing for every stylish traveler. Take note that the barrel of this mini curler is pretty short, and you can style a small amount of your hair at a time. However, that's the point if you need something extra compact for traveling. The item is supplied with a stylish carrying case in which you can pack it while it is still hot.

The curler heats up really fast - in less than 30 seconds. It's worth mentioning that it has no adjustable heat settings. The unit maintains a steady temperature that's not too hot, maybe a bit less than 300° F to suit most hair types. But, if you have extremely coarse and frizzy hair, this heat might seem not enough to deliver you bone-straight results.

The Conair TS63R has a small plastic wedge on one side to prevent the hot barrel from resting directly on a counter. A thin black piece sticking out at the bottom can make the curling iron balance well on any surface without heating it.

Overall, if you often travel light and prefer taking just carry-on luggage, the extra-light and extra-compact Conair 1" Ceramic Mini Curling Iron might be the best bet for you.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

MHD MHD-055: 87 W

Conair TS63R: 47 W

6th Sense Styling Technology 2-in-1 Mini Travel Flat/Curling Iron: 35 W

AmoVee 2 in 1 Mini Curling and Flat Iron

Not just for travel use.

If you are looking for a not-too-big-not-too-small iron, you've just found it. The AMOVEE 2-in-1 hair styler has a perfect size for both traveling and everyday use. As you've probably guessed, this curling iron doubles as a flat iron to let you straighten your hair as well. The transition between both tools is super easy, and unlike many other combo irons this one doesn't open at the slightest breeze. But the major selling point of this hair styler is that it's designed with the titanium barrel. Titanium is considered to be the safest material for hair, and no wonder that this curling iron is used for keratin treatments by professional stylists worldwide. For sure, this is one of the safest irons in our review that can bring less damage to your hair.

Another ace up its sleeve is the PTC heating technology. Owing to this technology, the iron is less susceptible to overheating, requires lower operating costs, and heats up to constant temperature very quickly. The unit doesn't come with variable heat settings and gets hot enough to create silky, lasting curls or to turn frizzy, wavy hair into a smooth, sleek hairstyle. You can hardly find so gentle combo styler like this. It's excellent for fine, damaged, and medium-thick hair.

6th Sense Styling Technology 2-in-1 Mini Travel Flat/Curling Iron

Great combo styler.

This 2-in-1 mini styler is a wonderful travel accessory! It's stylish, compact, lightweight, dual functioning, and really gets the job done. To switch between the curler and the flat iron, you simply need to make one level push. Heating up to steady 374° F, it quickly takes the frizz away and delivers soft curls or sleek straight hair. It's really great for quick styling before a business meeting. This one-temperature device easily handles 110-240 Volts; you just need to get the correct adapter for the country you go.

The item is supplied with a heat-resistant carry bag, so you don't need to wait for the total cooldown to pack it. The pouch is extremely slim and attractive with its animal print. The thermal bag is very convenient when you're on-the-go and limited in time.

The 6th SENSE company really cares about every customer and its mission is "to make you beautiful and happy". So, if for some reason you're not happy with the product, the company guarantees to handle any issue even past Amazon’s 30 days. 100% satisfaction and happiness guaranteed!

Temperature (max)

MHD MHD-055: 425 ºF

Conair TS63R: 290 ºF

6th Sense Styling Technology 2-in-1 Mini Travel Flat/Curling Iron: 374 ºF

Vivid & Vogue Mini Hair Curling Iron

Compact, gentle, stylish.

The Vivid&Vogue company offers travelers a super portable curling iron that looks fantastic and works even better. Designed in vibrant pink and classy white colors, it has a sleek design any girl will definitely like. It's just 9 inches in length and 7 ounces in weight, so it's easy to take with you on trips. The barrel of the curler is only 1 inch in a diameter, meaning this iron is suitable for creating various types of curls including popular Spiral Curls, Lazy Curls, and gorgeous Red Carpet Waves. And since the curler produces negative ions and is made of ceramic material, you can be sure that it won't damage your hair. The unit releases a powerful stream of negatively-charged ions that neutralize the static effect and penetrate deeply into your hair, making it glossier, smoother, stronger, and softer. It also ensures the optimal moisture balance of your hair to make it easier to manage and reduce the damage.

This mini curling iron offers two heat settings -High and Low - that suit different hair type . Another highlight of this product is an excellent after-sale service (1-year replacement) and a generous 2-year warranty . Being super reliable and stylish, the Vivid&Vogue curler will help you look your best in any corner of the world!

What is a Travel Curling Iron?

A mini travel curling iron works like a magic wand in a variety of situations. Whether you need to style your hair for a business meeting or just need a quick touch up before your date in Paris, it will help you quickly create irresistible curls! Travel hair stylers are way more compact and lighter than bulky professional models, plus they usually handle the 110 V– 240 V range just anywhere in the world. So, you don't have to worry about the voltage and don't need any special converters when traveling abroad - just the correct adapter for the country you're staying in.

In this travel curling irons review, we have rounded up only the best models available on the market. Make your choice and always look fabulous!

However, if you need a professional device for home styling, we recommend you to look through our another curling irons review. And if you would like to experiment with your style, we kindly offer you to read our review on the top 5 flat irons .

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8 Best Mini Flat Irons and Travel Straighteners for All Hair Types

Touch up short hair and unruly bangs on the go.

In finding the best mini flat irons out there, our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab evaluated several models to see whether they are worth the investment, while a panel of consumer testers gave their overall feedback on how well each straightened their hair. The following picks are based on a combination of top performers and brands we love from other expert testing by our beauty editors. Here are the best mini flat irons for all hair types , including ones for curly hair and thin hair , that'll make it easier to part from your full-sized straightener.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Mini Flat Iron

Chi ceramic dual voltage mini flat iron.

Best Value Mini Flat Iron

Conair minipro ceramic flat iron.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Curly Hair

Babylisspro mini straightening iron.

Best Mini Hair Straightener Brush

Amika mini polished perfection straightening brush.

Best Cordless Mini Flatiron

Ghd unplugged cordless styler.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Fine Hair

T3 singlepass compact travel styling flat iron.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Short Hair

Drybar the tiny tress press detailing iron.

Best Mini Flat Iron for Bangs and Touch-Ups

Eva nyc mini healthy heat ceramic styling iron.

Read how exactly we tested mini flat irons ahead — plus, advice on what to look for when shopping. You can pair these pint-sized hot tools with a travel hair dryer worth slimming down for.

Every one of our consumer testers agreed the CHI straightened their hair to perfection , and a majority gave it a top score for reaching the right temperature to straighten effectively. In fact, many praised its "smooth iron," "lightweight" feel and quick heating. A majority of mini models we tested felt too hot to the touch, while this was the only one to keep cool on the surface. Our pros also love that its dual voltage makes it a good option for overseas travel. Keep in mind that its on/off switch is located on the inside of its handles. Since this iron was one of the longest among the mini flat irons we tested, the switch is not as close to the hinge of the handles, making it easier to reach.

Conair's MiniPro may not pull out all the bells and whistles, but it certainly gets the job done. A t eight inches, it's small and compact for easy traveling . Those with bangs may appreciate this more as some online reviews say it gives a "blown out" effect rather than totally sleek. Others attested to its quick heating, with a red light that blinks off once it reaches the temperature setting. We haven't tested this in Lab yet, but our pros appreciate its dual voltage capabilities.

Its big sister iron is our Beauty Lab's standard for some anti-frizz studies. The curved edge makes it easier to smooth frizz from top to bottom . "Not only did this save me from a bad hair day, but it also worked wonders on my hair!" says one Ulta reviewer. "This made my frizzy bangs bone straight." Plus, it comes with a heat-resistant pouch that you can rest it on when not in use.

No thoughts, just silky strands. Though we've yet to try this mini hair straightening brush, our editors named the full-sized Amika brush in our best hair straighteners roundup, loving that it styled hair with ease . It's a happy medium between a straightener and a dryer, smoothing flyaways while maintaining volume.

Nearly identical to the brand's full-sized straightener we tried, this mini, cordless version aims to impress with its ceramic plates that ensure smooth flattening whenever curling or straightening hair. The brand claims it keeps a full 20-minute charge, plus a consistent temperature of 365º for even styling . When getting ready in a hurry, it's said to heat up in 45 seconds and cools down in 15 minutes.

Run this T3 through hair sections to reveal silky smooth ends on the other side, then slip its heat-resistant cap on for quick and easy storage. In Lab tests, we discovered that its plate temperatures measured up to its packaging claims. What's more, its curved ceramic plates resemble the ones of the full-sized T3 that testers reported made fine hair noticeably shiny without creases or tugs.

Our editors and pros alike covet DryBar hot tools — hair dryers , curling wands , travel hair dryers (winning best overall) — as the brand always performs exceptionally on the road and in our Lab tests. At just six inches in length, its compact build tucks away nicely into carry-ons and purses. One DryBar reviewer with short hair said it made it easy to curl or straighten those hard-to-grab pieces. Plus, the included travel pouch doubles as a heat protection pad, so don't worry about marring countertops.

A teeny-tiny flat iron may be exactly what you need to tame flyaways or to fix bangs on-the-go. We appreciate that this Eva NYC straightener offers dual voltage with adjustable temperature settings . Beauty lovers rave about Eva NYC for its cutely packaged yet reliable hair care products — this one's no different thanks to its unique hand ridges that make it harder for the iron to slip out of your hand.

How we tested the best mini flat irons

Our Beauty Lab experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test hot tools, from curling irons to hair dryer brushes . When we tested mini flat irons, we evaluated 10 models against five full-sized Lab-tested straighteners.

The Lab scientists honed in on safety and effectiveness by assessing temperatures of surfaces that can touch skin and handling of the controls. We measured the inner plate and surface temperature heating profiles of the flat irons and compared them to the temperature of the full-sized straighteners we previously tested and recommended. We also tried the hair tools on 15 consumer testers who gave satisfaction ratings based on how well it straightened, its surface heat and straightening temperature, then commented on what they liked and disliked about it.

What to consider when shopping for a mini flat iron

✔️ Dual voltage is always a good idea as it's one less worry when traveling internationally. Still, we recommend finding an appropriate travel adapter for plugging into outlets as some voltages may vary depending on where you are.

✔️ Most mini flat irons feature a 0.5-inch wide plate. For consumers with long, thick or curly hair, it may take more time or effort to do their regular styling with a travel iron, so consider this before you ditch your regular one on your next trip.

✔️ For travel irons that are relatively short in length and compact in size, the controls may be too close to the hot plates or the hinge. The user can then face burning their fingers or have difficulty adjusting settings including turning it on and off. Aral suggests that they look for simple controls , like one with auto on/off and easy-to-reach settings.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Executive Director of the Beauty Lab Birnur Aral evaluates nearly every beauty category under the sun, including GH's guides to sulfate-free shampoo and hair masks . In addition to her 15 years of leading clinical and consumer testing in the Beauty Lab, she contributes her industry knowledge with her R&D experience in testing the above products and brands in Lab.

Associate Product & Reviews Editor Jacqueline Saguin wrote this story according to research and tests sourced from the GH Beauty Lab. She also added comprehensive shopping advice based on Aral's expertise and tips.

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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The 12 Best Hair Straighteners and Flat Irons for Travel [2023]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 41 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Temperature

1. compact hair straightener for use both at home and away, 2. tourmaline plates for beautiful results, 3. supercute mini straighteners from the experts at babyliss, 4. a fixed temperature iron that is useful for touch-ups, 5. straighten or curl your way around the world, 6. small but perfectly formed for expert styling, 7. mini flat iron that delivers professional results, 8. quick and easy styling from the experts at revlon, 9. salon quality styling at a fraction of the price, 10. increase root life and volume with 1-inch plates, 11. multi-function straightening and curling in 1 handy iron, 12. a salon quality appliance for great looking hair, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Hair straighteners and flat irons can help to kick unruly hair back into shape when it just won’t behave. Whether you want to eliminate frizz or create a whole new look, many of us simply could not be without our flat irons on vacation. Compact yet powerful travel-size flat irons mean that you can say “no” to bad vacation hair and travel the world looking as gorgeous as ever.

Things To Look for in Hair Straighteners

Straighteners are uncomplicated — their main purpose is to change the appearance of your natural hair. Straighten, smooth, or, in some cases, curl as much as you want to, but be sure to consider the following before you commit to your next travel hair straightener or flat iron:

Most countries have different requirements when it comes to voltage, and most modern-day hair appliances come with a dual voltage . This means that your straighteners and flat irons will work just as well when you are away as they do at home.

Do double-check that this is the case if you are planning on taking your regular appliance with you, though. If the voltage is too low, your flat iron won’t work; too high, and it could be dangerous.

While most travel-sized items are generally smaller versions of full-sized items, the physical dimensions of your straighteners or flat iron may not be an issue. If you are packing your hair styling appliances in your checked baggage , your regular-size straighteners or flat irons should be just fine. They are not particularly heavy or bulky, and as long as they operate on a dual voltage, you should be able to use them anywhere in the world.

However, if you’re traveling with minimal luggage or are short on space, there are many travel-sized smaller hair straighteners on the market.

Hot Tip: If you are purchasing new appliances to take with you, remember that hot and humid conditions can make hair less than smooth and shiny, so look for an iron that offers wider plates to tame even the most unruly of hair on the go.

Flat irons and straighteners work by heating the hair follicles to change their shape. In this case, the desired effect is soft, shiny, salon straight hair. The optimum temperature that doesn’t burn or damage the follicles is around 350°F (177°C) , so if you want gorgeous, healthy hair, never choose a flat iron that can’t handle these temperatures.

Plates these days are far more gentle on the hair than the old-fashioned metal ones used to be. Check before you buy that the plates are made from ceramic materials to ensure smoother results without damaging your hair.

The 12 Best Hair Straighteners for Travel

MHU Professional Travel Size 0.5-Inch Mini Flat Iron Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Straightener

This professional tourmaline hair straightener is fast to heat up and offers even heat distribution for a flawless finish. Easy to use, you only need to turn on the power switch and wait just a few seconds for the plates to heat up. Maintaining a heat of around 356°F, the non-adjustable heat setting is no big deal as this is the perfect temperature for damage-free smoothing.

Extremely lightweight and measuring a very compact 6 inches, this little beauty is ideal for use on the go. Pack in your suitcase or keep close in your handbag for emergency touch-ups anywhere in the world.

What We Like

• Compact and great for carry-on

What We Don’t Like

• The temperature is not adjustable

Mini Portable Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

Featuring ceramic tourmaline plates that gently and evenly heat the hair, this travel-sized straightening iron is great for looking good on the go. With a dual voltage designed for worldwide travel, the 3D floating plates deliver beautiful results both at home and away.

Superfast to heat up, this flat iron uses negative ions to leave your hair looking and feeling healthy, while the unique round body shape will help you to create unique flips and curls. With a non-slip handle and its very own travel carry case, this makes a great tool to keep you looking your best wherever you may be.

• Comes with a heat-resistant case
• No swivel cord for easy maneuverability

• BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron

The BaBylissPRO 1-inch Travel Iron comes complete with supercool nano titanium-ceramic plates that heat up quickly. Reaching temperatures of up to 430°F in just seconds, this little straightening iron is small enough to fit in your purse but powerful enough to leave your hair supersmooth and shiny.

The 1-inch plates are perfect for styling both long and short hair, and the dual voltage makes it an excellent choice for worldwide usage. The lightweight design and superior heat retention combine to make for exceptional smoothness and super-sexy, straight-looking hair.

• Heats up quickly
• No auto shut off

AmoVee Mini Flat Iron Smart Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener

Using smart ceramic technology, this fixed temperature flat iron can create supersmooth hairstyles or cascading curls with its ceramic tourmaline technology. The mini flat iron heats evenly to prevent hot spots, and its thin-plate size means that you can smooth and even style bangs and short hair.

The unique V-shape design of these straighteners prevents kinks at the end of the hair, and the straighteners are compact enough to fit in your purse or carry-on when you travel.

• The floating plates stop your hair from pulling
• The power cord could be longer

Travel Flat Iron 2-in-1 Mini Hair Straightener

This 2-in-1 mini flat iron and curling iron combo is precisely what your hair needs , both at home and away. At 11 inches long, it is still slim enough to fit into your carry-on, and its dual voltage capacity means you can take it virtually anywhere in the world.

Heating up to 375°F in a matter of moments, this fixed-temperature flat iron will style your hair with minimal heat damage. Complete with its very own carry case, you can straighten and curl your hair quickly and easily with this travel-friendly flat iron.

• Comes with a heat-resistant carry case
• Doesn’t work as well on thick hair

Phoebe Mini Hair Flat Iron 3/4-Inch Ceramic Tourmaline Hair Straightener

This mini flat iron is designed with traveling in mind. Small enough to fit into your purse, or pack into your carry-on , this tiny little purple flat iron will have you looking fabulous wherever you may be.

With an instant heat up and a maximum temperature of 430°F, you can get ready quickly with minimal damage to your hair. Compact and easy to use, this is a great little flat iron for your next vacation.

• Good for touch-ups
• No stand to protect surfaces from the heat

• Conair Travel Smart Mini Hair Straightener

Using state-of-the-art ceramic technology, the Travel Smart mini hair straightener features ½-inch ceramic plates that glide across the hair , leaving it silky smooth and super straight. Designed to eliminate hot spots and minimize heat damage, the high heat setting will give you salon-worthy results wherever you may be.

With a 30-second instant heat-up, a compact design, and its own storage case , this is a useful mini flat iron to take away with you.

• Cools down quickly
• The handle can get quite hot

Revlon Essentials Ceramic Flat Iron 1-Inch

If you are looking to achieve sleek locks on the go, the Revlon Essentials flat iron set has everything you need to keep the frizz at bay. With a 1-inch ceramic plate, this straightener is small enough to take on your domestic travels, so you can enjoy beautiful straight hair both at home and away.

Choose between low and high heat settings, depending on your hair type and style, with comfort and control with the silicone finger grips. The constant heat sensors monitor the temperature to ensure your hair remains frizz-free to give you supermodel style on a budget.

• Low and high temperature settings
• No swivel cord, so this can get tangled up

CROC Baby Flat Iron Travel Size Hair Straightener

This compact flat iron may be small enough to take anywhere, but it still offers salon-quality styling for a fraction of the price. Perfect for styling short hair, bangs, and taming flyaways, this is a useful little tool for keeping your hair on point.

With ceramic stationary plates that emit negative ions, a static temperature of 410°F, and dual voltage capability , you can achieve professional-looking hair wherever your vacation takes you. Complete with an additional heatproof case, this little flat iron is ready to go when you are.

• Comes in a variety of bright colors
• Only has 1 temperature setting

Conair Infiniti Pro 1-Inch Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron

Using tourmaline ceramic technology to help reduce frizz and flyaways, this flat iron is an excellent choice for anyone looking to retain shiny, poker-straight hair. The high-quality 1-inch plates get close to the roots to increase lift and volume, and the smooth gliding design protects hair from damage and adds shine.

The 455°F temperature setting heats up in just 15 seconds , and with 11 different digital heat settings, you can choose the right temperature for your hair type or desired style.

• Multiple heat settings
• Can be turned off easily by accident when using

JYfeel  2 in 1 Hair Straightener and Curler

Upgrade your look and cut down on your packing with this cleverly combined curling and straightening tool. Heating up to 430 ° F in just 30 seconds, you can choose from sleek straight locks or beautiful frizz-free curls at home or on vacation. The 360-degree swivel cord allows for easy styling , and when you’re done, just pop it back into its heat protective pouch.

Dual voltage capabilities make this particularly useful for adventures overseas, and the tourmaline ceramic-coated heating panel will ensure that your hair is soft and shiny no matter how often you style it.

• Saves packing a separate flat iron and curler
• Can sometimes pull your hair

T3 – SinglePass Compact Styling Iron

This top-of-the-range flat iron uses digital T3 SinglePass Technology for gorgeous glamour on the go. With an internal microchip that continuously measures and maintains an even temperature , your hair will never become burnt, dry, or damaged when styling.

The custom blend of ceramic and ionic technology will leave you with a smooth, glossy finish, and the smooth ceramic plates will straighten, curl, or shape easily and with precision.

The small-size plates make this little beauty perfect for taking with you, but with extremely powerful plates, you can also use this at home, too. Incredibly smart and designed to impress, this dual voltage straightening iron is worth every penny.

• Comes with a heat-resistant cap for storage
• Can be too hot for fine hair

If straightening or curling your hair is part of your daily beauty routine, it stands to reason that you would want your appliances to travel with you. Whether you are off on vacation or traveling the world, make sure you invest in a travel-size straighter or hair iron before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best travel hair straighteners.

There are many great options to choose from when it comes to travel hair straighteners, but here are some popular options:

• MHU Professional Travel Size 0.5-Inch Mini Flat Iron
• AmoVee Mini Flat Iron
• Xtava Sleek & Shiny Flat Iron Toolkit
• Wazor Mini Hair Flat Iron
• Revlon Straightening Ceramic Flat Iron Set

What is dual voltage?

Electrical items will usually accept either 110-120V or 220-240V. A dual voltage hair straightener, or other device, will accept both of these inputs, making them perfect for travel.

Can you fly with a hair straightener in your carry-on?

The TSA website states that hair straighteners can be packed in either your checked luggage or carry-on.

How do you travel with a hair straightener?

Most countries have different requirements when it comes to voltage, and most modern-day hair appliances come with a dual voltage. This means that your straighteners and flat irons will work just as well when you are away as they do at home.

Do double-check that this is the case if you are planning on taking your regular appliance with you, though. If the voltage is too low your flat iron won’t work; too high and it could be dangerous.

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Best Travel Curling Iron 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

Looking for the best travel curling iron?

It is almost impossible to maintain a hairstyle naturally when you are on a travel, camping, adventure trip or outside for project work! If the location has an electrical problem, it can be worse!

However, if you carry a light, portable, manageable, usable travel-friendly butane curling iron for international travel, it can be possible. The travel-friendly butane technology supported curling iron specifically is designed for travelers who want a quick hairstyle. So it has to have some precise criteria to be an efficient and better curling iron while traveling.

Table of Contents

Features to look for in the best travel curling iron

Travel-friendly curling irons must be lightweight and small compared to other general curling irons. People prefer to purchase mini curling irons to use them when  traveling so that they don’t take extra space in the luggage! A mini curling iron looks identical to a conventional curling iron, except the barrel and handle are smaller than normal.

For the best travel size curling iron, the barrel size is typically 5/8 or 3/4 inches, maximum 1 inch. If you have large or thick hair, try to use 1”. If you have short hair, go for less than 1”. It will help to carry and manage curling iron while traveling.

The barrel material should get perfect, durable, and damage-free hair and have fastest and high heat transfer for immediate and superior results. Ceramic is the perfect material for a travel-friendly curling iron. User should check the handle and the plate material of curling iron

The biggest barrier of travel-friendly curling iron is a voltage meter for plugging. It is particularly the case when you’re traveling overseas and need to bring along plug and voltage adapters to use styling appliances. The products that have a dual voltage of standard 120V used in the US and 240V for operation in foreign countries are more preferable. Dual voltage curling iron can be used without a voltage adapter though users will need US to EU plug adapter. Countries that work without a voltage adapter are Germany, The Netherlands, France, Austria, Italy, and Spain.

Some Common Adapter Plug Types

The chart below lists is the appropriate adapter plug models for the most familiar travel destinations.

Cordless curling irons solve the plug problem entirely, as they don’t rely on electricity for power.

Most cordless curling irons run on butane cartridges and get hot when this pressurized liquid safely combusts inside of the appliance. While you don’t have to recharge batteries to continue using a butane-powered cordless curling iron, it is necessary to replace the cartridges regularly.

Temperature

The temperature should be similar to a usual curling iron. It must have many heats setting options with lowest heat (200°F) and the highest heat (450°F).

Our Best Travel Curling Irons

1. travel smart by conair 1-inch ceramic curling iron.

Check on Amazon

This is our best travel size curling iron for international travel. The 1-inch ceramic-coated barrel heats evenly and quickly (30 seconds) to prevent damaging hot spots. It reduces frizz for silky, shiny results. This curling iron has a heat shield for safe and secure storage with automatic shut off. Most importantly it is eligible for worldwide dual voltage.

• Lightweight, travel-friendly
• Ceramic coated barrel distributes even heats for smoother curls
• Heats up within 30 seconds
• Worldwide dual voltage supported

If you want to use this product worldwide, you need an adapter. We suggest you use the Ceptics GP-5PK International Travel Worldwide Plug Adapter Set .

2. Conair YOU Pro Cordless ThermaCell 3/4 Inch Curling Iron – cordless

This is our 2nd best travel curling iron. Without any plug or battery, you can use this product anywhere. It is made with ceramic technology for smooth, sleek styling and high-shine finish. It goes up to 360°F ultra-high heat performance. It is cordless for easy travel. The replaceable Thermacell butane gas cartridge lasts for months of use. It’s compact: The stylish neat and portable size makes it easy to store away or pack up for travel.

• Please keep your Travel-friendly Curling Iron safely especially cordless. If it turns on, an auto can cause a harmful accident.
• Carry your small and light curling iron in the bag that can easily find.
• As you are traveling, your hair will be dirtier. So Hair must washout with a deep-clean shampoo that will give a chunky look. Then conditioning hair only ends not in the roots and uses it half. Conditioner can drag down your hair, which can make curls drop out of it.
• Blow-dry hair upside down with your hands until hair is completely dry. Do not curl hair when it is wet.
• A mousse or curling cream creates body and helps tired hair to hold curls.

FAQs on curling iron for international travel

1. can curling irons go through airport security.

According to the TSA, curling irons are only allowed in hand luggage and not in checked luggage. But they require a safety cover so as to prevent accidental activation. If it is a battery-operated curler, you should remove the batteries and put them in the check-in baggage. 

2. What to look for in a travel curling iron?

If you need to travel with your curling iron, you should look for one which is lightweight and travel-friendly. It should facilitate dual-voltage so you can carry it to any place in the world. A cordless one could also be less cumbersome to carry. Try one with a universal 1” barrel so you don’t have to carry too many accessories. 

3. Can you use your curling iron in Spain and other countries in Europe?

It depends on the make of the curling iron. In case it is the dual voltage you need not carry a power adapter. If the curling iron runs on 230volts of power it is a compatible appliance to use in Spain. However, for other European countries, you might need to check the specification if it is 110-240v it means the multi worldwide voltage . 

Wrap Up on best travel curling iron

Pick up the best travel size curling iron for international travel according to your needs. Compare qualities according to travel-friendly criteria and match them with the products and your needs. Most matched quality of the product will be your best travel curling iron.

Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 Readers' Choice

• Beauty & Personal Care
• Styling Tools & Appliances
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YEEGOR Curling Iron Brush 1 Inch, Heated Styling Round Brush Curling Iron Travel Dual Voltage，3 Temps Anti-Scald Hot Curling Brush Culer for Short Hair

About this item.

• 【Easy to Get Two Hairstyles】: Do you want to curl, comb, and straighten your hair? YEEGOR curling brush can meet your needs. This hot brush curling iron combines a comb and curling iron. Get smooth straight hair, bouncy wavy curls and add volume to hair roots.
• 【Spiral Anti-Scald Bristles for Better Holding Your Hair】: The spiral bristle design makes round brush curling iron easier to hold your hair in place on the curling brush, helping to prevent tangling and providing more convenience while styling your hair.Anti-scald nylon bristles protect your scalp or hair from heat damage. NOT A HOT AIR BRUSH! PLEASE DO NOT USE ON WET HAIR.
• 【3 Adjustable Temperature For All Hair Types】:Brush curling irons for all hair types have three temperature settings, 320°F for thin/fine/normal hair, 380°F for wavy/curly hair, 430°F for coarse/thick hair. Heated styling curling iron brush features a PTC heater that quickly heats up to 320°F in 30s. The curling brush shuts off automatically after 1 hour of use to ensure safety.
• 【Ceramic Tourmaline Coating Protects Hair Health】: Curling brush for short hair is coated with ceramic tourmaline to provide even heat to the hair and keep hair silky smooth. The curling brush releases millions of negative ions to reduce heat damage to hair and protect hair health. The 360° swivel cord for convenience in styling hair.
• 【Dual Voltage for International Travel】: Curling iron brush 1 inch adapts to dual voltages from 100v to 240v, making it suitable for international travel. You can take it wherever you go. It will definitely be your good travel companion.NOTE:The curling brush will automatically adapt to the local voltage no need to use a voltage converter, just a plug adapter if in other countries.

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curling iron

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2-in-1 Curling Iron Brush

This curling iron brush and volumizer that will straighten or curl your hair well

Thin Curling Iron brush

Allows you to easily wrap strands of your short hair for the perfectly finished style

3/4 Curling Iron

Fix hair damage in your daily life, make your short hair more shine and natural

Hair Straightener

Salon hair straightener for silky smooth hair

Professional Salon Hair Dryer

Reducing frizz and retaining moisture, giving your hair a shiny and glossy finish

Product Description

YEEGOR is a young and energetic brand. Since its inception, we have been dedicated to the needs of American women's hair styling. Whether you are an office worker, a student or a mother, you deserve a shinny and glossy curly hair. It is our eternal goal to achieve the professional hairdressing salon effect even at home.

Salon Quality

YEEGOR hot brush iron provides you with salon-level performance, including quick styling, long-lasting curls and extraordinary shine.

• Long press the ON/OFF button to turn on/off your device.
• Click the button to adjust the temp. 430℉（red light）,380℉（yellow light）,330℉（green light）
• When the temp is reached, the indicator light stop flashing.

What you can do with it

• Curl the End of the Hair Inward
• Curl Your Hair Outward
• Make Hair Fluffy
• Make Air Bangs

Anti-Scald Spiral Bristles: safe & convenient

The anti-scald bristles make it possible for you to style your hair without burning your hands, no more glove is needed! The uniquely designed bristles also make it easier to hold your hair on this device, providing more convenience while styling.

Videos for this product

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YEEGOR Curling Iron Brush

Product details.

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.5 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches; 1.08 Pounds
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 22, 2021
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ YEEGOR
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09MCH8SWQ
• #326 in Hair Curling Wands

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Important information

Legal disclaimer.

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

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Disclaimer : While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.

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Best Curling Irons

The Bio Ionic Long Barrel gave us swoonworthy curls, while the Conair Double Ceramic snagged our baby hairs

•  shares of the article

A curling iron is one of the best ways to turn up the volume on your hair. But the market is awash in options: Titanium or ceramic? A ½-inch or 2-inch barrel diameter? Which is best for tight curls or loose waves? Do I really need one with the latest hair technology? What does that even mean???

If you’re already feeling decision fatigue, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to wade through a thousand user reviews to find the right one. It all comes down to knowing your hair and the style you want to achieve. To help you, we’ve done a deep dive on the different kinds of curling irons and which work best with different types of hair. Then we go even deeper and share our results from a five-person evaluation of eight of the most popular curling irons in this Outside the Labs review. See how we evaluated the curling irons .

Also see: How to Choose a Curling Iron What Is the Best Curling Iron Material? What Size Curling Iron Should You Get? What’s the Difference Between a Curling Iron and a Curling Wand? What About Additional Technologies? How to Avoid Damaging Your Hair While Using a Curling Iron How to Create Curls That Last Curling Iron Safety

Editor's Choice: Bio Ionic Long Barrel

Photo: Laura Murphy/Consumer Reports Photo: Laura Murphy/Consumer Reports

Price: $140

Where to buy: Amazon , Bio Ionic , Ulta , Walmart Quick take: The extra-long barrel and multiple temperature settings produced bouncy, shiny curls that lasted for days for most users, but one tester felt the barrel was too long for her short hair.

Read our full review of the Bio Ionic Long Barrel .

Best Deal: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Extended Barrel

Photo: BaBylissPro Photo: BaBylissPro

Price: From $67

Where to buy: Amazon , BaBylissPro , Ulta , Walmart

Quick take: At a little more than half the price of the Bio Ionic, the BaBylissPro’s extra-long titanium barrel delivered long-lasting Rapunzel-quality curls. But the lack of a barrier between the heated barrel and the handle makes it easier to burn your hand.

Read our full review of the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Extended Barrel .

The Cordless Option: Belisa by Lunata

Price: From $107

Where to buy: Best Buy , Lunata , Target

Quick take: The lack of a cord was a game changer! But it takes at least 2½ hours to charge, and the charge runs out after 30 minutes.

Read our full review of the Belisa by Lunata .

Best for Thick, Curly, or Coarse Hair: GHD Curve Classic Curl

Photo: GHD Photo: GHD

Price: $199

Where to buy: Amazon , GHD , Sephora

Quick take: Our evaluators with thick hair loved the bouncy, long-lasting curls they achieved with the GHD. But with only one temperature setting, many worried that it might damage their hair.

Read our full review of the GHD Curve Classic Curl .

Best for Fine, Damaged, or Thin Hair: T3 SinglePass Curl

Photo: T3 Photo: T3

Price: $150

Where to buy: Amazon , Bed Bath & Beyond , T3 , and Ulta

Quick take: It really does take just one pass—which is especially important for those with fine hair, because excessive application of heat could damage fragile tresses. But the ceramic-tourmaline blend barrel can get too hot if you’re not careful.

Read our full review of the T3 SinglePass Curl .

Best for Loose Curls: Hot Tools 24K Gold Professional

Photo: Hot Tools Photo: Hot Tools

Where to buy: Amazon , Bed Bath & Beyond , Hot Tools

Quick take: The gold barrel turns out looser curls for a more beachy style—but the style doesn’t last very long.

Read our full review of Hot Tools 24K Gold Professional .

Best for Sally's Beauty Devotees: Hot Shot Tools Gold Series Spring

Photo: Hot Shot Tools Photo: Hot Shot Tools

Where to buy: Sally Beauty

Quick take: It’s just like the Hot Tools one but costs $3 less. Sally Beauty Rewards members earn points with each purchase, so if you’re a loyalist, this one may be for you.

Read our full review of the Hot Shot Tools Gold Series Spring .

The One to Skip: Conair Double Ceramic

Photo: Conair Photo: Conair

Where to buy: Amazon , JCPenney , Target , and Ulta

Quick take: At a super-low price, the Conair Double Ceramic curling iron still turns out nice, bouncy curls. But it has a short cord and a short barrel, and it snags on hair during styling.

Read our full review of the Conair Double Ceramic .

How to Choose a Curling Iron

To find the right curling iron for you, Nilofer Farjo, a hair transplant surgeon and president of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, recommends that you consider hair type, the condition of your hair, and your hair length.

To determine your hair type, here are the four main questions to ask yourself.

• Is it thick or thin?
• Is it curly, wavy, or straight?
• Is it coarse or fine?
• Is it fragile or damaged from highlights, heat, or the sun?

Because curling irons are made from different materials and offer different features, knowing your hair type will help you choose an iron that will work well with your hair and incur less damage. Farjo says you’ll want to consider how heat is distributed by the curling iron, the maximum temperature it can reach (does it have a temperature range?), and the surface materials. It’s also important to look for safety features, such as automatic shutoff; a cold tip, so you don’t burn your fingers; a warranty; and electrical safety certifications .

For more on your hair type and how to keep it healthy, see our related article, How To Determine Your Hair Type .

What Is the Best Curling Iron Material?

Today, curling irons are covered in one of four surface materials: ceramic, tourmaline-ceramic blends, titanium, and gold.

Ceramic: Best for Fine, Delicate, or Damaged Hair

Ceramic curling irons are best for people with fine, delicate, or damaged hair, according to Annamarie Parker, a senior instructor at Arrojo Cosmetology in New York City.

“Ceramic is great for curling the hair without dragging or pulling and typically creates the smoothest results,” Parker says.

According to Farjo, ceramic is probably the most popular curling iron material today because it spreads heat evenly. That characteristic does come with a caveat though. “It can take time to heat up,” she says.

Ceramic irons we tried: GHD Curve Classic Curl , Bio Ionic Long Barrel , Conair Double Ceramic

Tourmaline-Ceramic Blend: Best for Coarse Hair

Because it minimizes static and frizz while creating a natural-looking shine, tourmaline-ceramic blends are best for coarse hair, Parker says. 

Keya Neal, a colorist, curl specialist, and beauty brand diversity and inclusion strategist based in Gambrills, Md., likes tourmaline-ceramic blends because they’re friendly to hair cuticles and you can style the hair at lower temperature. 

“Tourmaline is a gemstone that can be combined with ceramic to create better heat distribution,” Farjo says. “Hairs are positively charged, so the negative charge of tourmaline reduces surface tension of the hair, which will help the hairs to lie flat against each other thereby reducing frizz and static.”

Tourmaline-ceramic blend iron we tried: T3 SinglePass Curl

Titanium: Best for Thick Hair

Titanium heats to higher temperatures more quickly, Farjo says, making it a choice for thicker hair. But she warns that on thin, short, or fine hair, titanium can quickly cause heat damage. 

It can also smooth the hair, according to Neal, but the heat titanium can pack remains a concern. “I only use it in the salon as part of a system, where I may be using other products to treat the hair,” she says.

Titanium irons we tried: Belisa by Lunata , BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Extended Barrel

Gold-Plated: Not Really Recommended by the Experts

“Gold-coated irons can hold high heat settings for a long time,” Parker says, “but they often don’t distribute the heat evenly.”

There’s also the problem of the coating. While other irons are made of solid material, gold-coated ones have another heating element underneath—often another metal. 

“The problem with any curling iron that just has a coating is that the coating is likely to come off,” Neal shared. “You want to make sure that whatever is under that coating isn’t going to scorch your hair, and it typically will—that’s why there’s a coating in the first place.” 

Gold-plated irons we tried: Hot Tools 24K Gold Professional , Hot Shot Tools Gold Series Spring

What Size Curling Iron Should You Get?

Curling irons come in many barrel diameters from as small as ⅜ inch to as large as 2 inches.

“The barrel size determines the size and tightness of the curl,” Parker says. Smaller barrel sizes will yield tight, corkscrew curls, while larger ones result in looser, bouncy curls. 

Josh Marquette, a hair designer for Broadway shows in New York, says 1 to 1½ inches is a good size for beginners: “The wands are nice for self-styling and angling the iron in different directions.” 

Lauren DeCosimo, a bridal hairstylist, agrees: “I typically recommend a 1¼ to a 1½ for most hair lengths. Longer hair can use a larger rod. One inch will be tighter and better for shorter hairstyles.”

The longevity of the style is determined by the products used, not the curling iron size.

Bridal Hairstylist

What's the Difference Between a Curling Iron and a Curling Wand?

Curling irons feature a clamp, which will hold your hair in place as you curl it. Curling wands, meanwhile, have no clamp—you simply wrap the hair around the barrel and then unravel it to release.

“A wand only produces a wave,” DeCosimo says. “A curling iron is more flexible and can create both a curl and a wave.”

Parker says a wand creates “more beachy” waves than the defined look you’ll get with a curling iron. Marquette, an expert in hairstyles across the decades, says contemporary hairstyles are “more carefree and undone”—a style curling wands are known to achieve. 

We decided to start with the classic curling iron for this evaluation and move on to wands in a future Outside the Labs review.

What About Additional Technologies?

Many curling irons today advertise technologies designed to prevent heat damage, enhance your style, and even improve the health of your hair. This includes features such as variable heat settings, microchips that can detect heat changes and maintain the correct temperature, and far infrared technology—which supposedly penetrates deep into the hair shaft and heats hair from the inside out—as well as safety features, such as automatic shutoff.

Of all these bells and whistles, the most important feature is heat control. Marquette, who styles hair and wigs for Broadway performers who may use a curling iron up to eight times a week, says that being able to turn down the heat on your hair is key when it comes to preventing heat damage. 

Of the other claims? “They’re legitimate,” Parker says. “But how it works really depends on your hair type.”

Photos: Getty Images, Adobe Stock Photos: Getty Images, Adobe Stock

How to Avoid Damaging Your Hair While Using a Curling Iron

“There are two types of action caused by intense heat, which causes great damage to the hair,” says Tony Maleedy, a cosmetic scientist and lecturer at the University of Bath in England. “Firstly, a general evaporation of moisture from within the cortical fibers of the hair and a loss of protective cuticle scales from the surface of the hair. Secondly, the water in the hair can literally boil and turn to hot steam. This steam damages the cortex and allows it to break down, resulting in the hair breaking within a few days.”

Photo: Tony Maleedy/University of Bath Photo: Tony Maleedy/University of Bath

To protect your hair from this fate, every expert I spoke to emphasized the importance of having a good heat protectant spray. 

”The best ones work by forming a fine film on the hair,” Maleedy says. “This film reduces heat conduction and disperses it so it spreads over a wider area and it’s less concentrated in one spot. The best proven materials for doing that are silicones, PVP/DMAPA acrylates, a conditioning agents called Quaternium-70, and hydrolyzed proteins (usually wheat but others can work well too).”

“Redken Hot Set 22 Thermal Setting Mist or Redken Iron Shape 11 Heat Protectant Spray are my favorites but there are many other brands to choose from,” DeCosimo says. She recommends the Redken 22 for more hold and the Redken 11 for finer hair types.

Pro Tip: Neal suggests that people take their heat protectant for a trial run before using it on their hair with a hot tool. “Spray it on a tissue, then clamp the curling iron down on it,” she says, “If the tissue burns, then either your heat protectant isn’t good enough or you’ve got the temperature too high.”

Colorist, curl specialist, and beauty brand diversity and inclusion strategist

Marquette says the best way to apply heat protectant spray is to do each strand as you’re about to curl it, truly covering the hair. DeCosimo adds that she doesn’t recommend using hair spray until you’re done styling with heat. 

“Heat protection sprays can be very helpful . . . to a point,” Maleedy says. “Some people think that if they use a heat protection spray, their hair is fully protected, but it’s not! The surface of the hair can easily reach 200° C [392° F] if the hairdryer is held in one spot for too long, and using a curling iron can take it over 250° C [482° F].”

That’s why it’s so important to use the right heat setting for your hair. Most of the curling irons we evaluated came with a guide that recommends which heat setting to use based on your hair type. 

“Pay attention to how your hair reacts,” Marquette says. “Don’t use a blazing hot curling iron on delicate hair. But thicker, straighter hair may be able to take more heat.”

Pro tip: Move quickly through the hair so that the heat does not stay on any one spot too long. You should also minimize the number of passes.

Senior Instructor at Arrojo Cosmetology School in New York City

“If you use a lot of heat, the ideal is to keep your hair in the best condition you can,” Farjo says. “Choose a pH-balanced shampoo. The pH of skin and hair is 5.5 (acidic), so a shampoo in this pH range is best. Some shampoos may state the pH [on the bottle], but if not, the best thing to do is go for a big brand, such as Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, etc., as they spend a lot of money on research and development.”

Farjo also says that products from hair salons and specialty stores are likely to be high-quality but more expensive. The difference between products at the convenience store and products at the salon is that the specialty ones tend to be more concentrated, so you can use less for the same benefit. 

“With Afro-textured hair it is usually best to use a specialist shampoo, as the hair tends to be drier and more brittle,” Farjo says. 

When it comes to conditioners, she recommends choosing one that says “moisturizing” on the bottle so that it doesn’t dehydrate your hair. 

“One thing to look out for is high salt content,” Farjo says. “This is used as a thickening agent, but it’s not good for hair. If it’s nearer the top of the ingredients list, then there is more salt in the product, so beware.” 

She also warns those trying to be extra gentle with their hair to skip baby shampoo. “It’s alkaline and designed so it doesn’t irritate the baby’s eyes.”

How to Create Curls That Last

Curls that last are paramount for DeCosimo’s clients—brides who want their style to hold up from the ceremony all the way until the end of the after-party. 

“Without products, most textures will not hold a curl very long,” she says. “Layering mousse, setting spray, and hairspray creates the shape and longevity.”

She suggests people looking for a long-lasting style start with mousse when the hair is 80 percent dry. Setting spray, also called heat protectant or thermal iron spray, should be applied to dry hair before using a curling iron. She recommends using about two to three sprays, then combing it through each section before curling.

While curling, DeCosimo suggests setting the hair by pinning the curls to your head after you take them off the rod. Your hair will take about 20 minutes to cool down.

“The longer it sits in the shape, the longer it lasts,” she says. “I usually recommend doing your makeup during those 20 minutes.”

Curling Iron Safety

It’s important to make sure that your curling iron has a warranty and has an electrical safety certificate from a trusted third party. You can typically find these certifications on the packaging—the curling irons we tested had certifications from MET Laboratories , Intertek’s Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) or TÜV Rheinland .

“There are a lot of knockoffs with any electrical device,” Farjo says. “A warranty means that it should come from a legitimate company that has tested for heat stability and electrical safety.”

Though curling irons are a common household device, safety is still an important consideration. 

“There are many factors as to why safety risks may arise, such as overloading outlets with multiple adaptors, connecting an electric device with several extension cords, etc.,” says Ashita Kapoor, associate director of product safety at Consumer Reports. “Some minor flaws can also lead to burns and other injuries. Curling irons emanate excessive heat. If the curling iron is plugged in, it should never be left unattended. Users should always unplug the curling iron after use.”

Most of the curling irons we evaluated came with detailed safety instructions. A study published in 2001 found that the most common injuries related to curling irons are burns. 

It is also possible to shock, or even electrocute, yourself. That’s why it’s important to never use a curling iron in the bath or near water. Do not place or store your curling iron where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or a sink. If your iron does fall into water or any kind of liquid, unplug it immediately—do not touch the liquid. 

Fires are also a danger. Always unplug your curling iron after use. Leaving it plugged in is a fire hazard. Using an extension cord is also a fire hazard. If you see that the cord on your iron is frayed or damaged, do not plug it in. 

Never leave a hot curling iron unattended. When the iron is hot, do not touch the barrel with your hand and avoid touching your scalp or face. Ensure that the heated part does not touch any surface when the iron is on and hot. Children and people with certain disabilities should not use curling irons by themselves, or they should at least be closely supervised.

The average age of pediatric injuries in children under the age of 11 resulting from curling irons was about 2½ years old, according to a 2019 study . Most of the injuries happened when the child touched the iron while it was within reach. But other injuries occurred because the child pulled the power cord to the curling iron; the child stepped, rolled, or jumped onto a hot curling iron left on the ground; or the curling iron fell, injuring the child. 

We found that even after curling irons have been turned off, they can take up to 20 minutes to cool down. Be sure to warn anyone in your vicinity that might come near the curling iron that it’s still hot and they shouldn’t touch it. Store the curling iron only after it has completely cooled, to avoid setting anything that might be stored near it on fire.

How We Evaluated the Curling Irons

I selected eight curling irons based on search data; they were best sellers on popular sites such as Sephora, Sally Beauty Supply, and Amazon. I also looked for a range of prices and materials. 

I decided to go with 1-inch barrels for all the irons so that we would be able to compare results. 

Lastly, I recruited four co-workers to help me evaluate the curling irons. 

Ginger has waist-length fine hair with medium density. It naturally falls into well-defined spiral curls. After straightening, her hair has trouble holding a curl without significant help. She’s looking for an iron that can give her bouncy, shiny curls that will last. 

Angela has fine but dense hair that’s somewhat porous because she highlights it. It’s naturally pretty straight, with a slight wave to it. She’s a curling iron newbie—she’s never used a curling iron before! She wants a curling iron that’s easy to use.

Perry has thin, fine hair with low porosity that’s straight, with a slight wave to it. She does not use any hair products aside from shampoo and conditioner, and she hasn’t used a curling iron since “middle school, maybe?” She wants a curling iron that’s easy to use and can deliver natural-looking results. 

Daniela has thick hair that falls naturally into loose but well-defined S-shaped curls. She wants a curling iron that doesn’t take forever to style her hair, has great curl definition, and is easy to use. 

I have highly porous, highlighted hair. It’s fine but has medium density. In the winter, when humidity is low, it’s straight, with a slight wave to it. In the summer, when humidity is high, it’s wavy. It curls easily and can hold a style for days. I want a curling iron that won’t damage or dry out my hair and yields shiny, soft-to-the-touch curls. 

Over the course of many weeks, we each curled our hair with all eight curling irons. We looked at criteria including:

• Whether the iron had adjustable heat settings.
• How long it took to heat up and cool down.
• How easy it was to use.
• Whether we achieved the style we wanted.
• Whether the iron incurred any damage on our hair.
• Safety features such as a cool tip, a barrier between barrel and handle, and automatic shutoff.
• Other features, such as specialized technologies, dual voltage, and cord length.
• Whether the iron has a warranty.
• And whether we would use it again in the future or recommend it to a friend.

Notes to Manufacturers

At a certain price, it strikes me that manufacturers should include nice-to-have accessories with their irons, such as a heat-resistant mat upon which to rest the iron, a bag for storage—or, even better, a silicone sleeve like the one the Belisa by Lunata provides. 

Furthermore, a few of the user manuals describe medium or average hair—that which is neither thick nor thin, fine nor coarse—as “normal.” What is normal? The language here is unimaginative at best and vaguely insulting at worst.

Which Curling Iron Are You?

@consumerreports There’s a curling iron for every hair type and personality. Learn more about what we liked, our biggest gripes and the best curling irons for your locks and budget at CR.org/curlingirons. #screenshotchallenge #curlingiron #haircare #curltip ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

Snap a screenshot to discover your curling iron style

CREDIT: Consumer Reports TikTok

This product evaluation is part of Consumer Reports’ Outside the Labs reviews program, which is separate from our laboratory testing and ratings. Our Outside the Labs reviews are performed at home and in other native settings by individuals, including our journalists, with specialized subject matter experience or familiarity and are designed to offer another important perspective for consumers as they shop. While the products or services mentioned in this article might not currently be in CR’s ratings, they could eventually be tested in our laboratories and rated according to an objective, scientific protocol.

Like all CR evaluations of products and services, our Outside the Labs reviews are independent and free from advertising. If you’d like to learn more about the criteria for our lab testing, please go to  CR’s Research & Testing page .

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Laura Murphy

Just like you, I'm a consumer. I love to shop, and I'm obsessed with finding the highest-quality item at the best price. I want my products sustainably made with fair labor practices, and built to last, so I don't have to replace them every two years.

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10 Best Mini Curling Irons for Travel | 2022

Finding the perfect mini curling iron. (July 2023)

One of the hardest things about having a beauty routine while traveling is that you often don’t have access to all of your tools and products. Hot tools like curling irons, hair dryers, and hair straighteners can be bulky and take up a lot of precious room in your suitcase. Especially if you’re packing light, these are the first things to get left behind. But, with these mini travel curling irons, you don’t have to give up your gorgeous curls!

My Top Picks – Best Curling Irons for Travel

Luckily, new technology has given us the ability to make everything travel-size, including our curling irons. If you’re in the market for a new curling iron or just looking for one that is better suited for travel, keep reading to find out which mini curling iron is best for you. 

PRO TIP: For the dual voltage curling irons, the iron can adjust to the voltages in different countries but in order to plug it in, you will need a portable adapter . Our recommendation for our favorite adapter is in the post below:

• How to Pack for an International Flight

The Mini Curling Iron: The 10 Best That We Found

1. 6th sense 2-in-1 mini flat iron/curling iron.

SHOP:  Amazon

What We Like

An obvious pro to this curling iron is that it doubles as a hair straightener. This is an excellent option if you like to switch up your style when doing your hair daily. You won’t have to sacrifice extra space by packing another hot tool. Another thing that I love about this mini option is that it’s a dual-voltage curling iron. This means you can take it to any country without worrying about blowing a fuse in the hotel you’re staying at.

What We Don’t Like

One drawback to the 6th Sense 2-in-1 is that it only has one heat setting on it. If you have fine hair, this mini curling iron will still work great, but not so much if you have curly hair. Depending on your hair type, you may need to look for an option. You may need an option that gives you more range when it comes to temperature settings. 

2. Conair Mini Pro

This Conair Mini Pro is a great choice for a budget-friendly  option that fits right in your purse .  Because it takes up so little space, you may not need to give up any space in your suitcase. Just throw it in your backpack or carry-on, and you’re good to go. It also heats up quickly and gets hot enough to curl thick hair without having to go over your curls five times. 

Because of its’ smaller size, there are a few drawbacks depending on your hair length. If you have super long hair, it’s going to take a very long time to curl all of your hair. If you have short hair, this is a good choice, but if your hair is far past your shoulders, you might need a larger barrel.  

3. AmoVee 2-in-1 Mini Flat Iron/Curling Iron

This AmoVee 2-in-1 works well as a curling wand and a flat iron to help you create that put-together look that you feel you can only achieve at home. This is one of the best titanium curling irons out there that are suited for travel. The titanium design gives you a consistent temperature throughout the barrel so the heat is distracted evenly, resulting in beautiful curls. The fact that it is dual voltage makes it an excellent choice for international travel. And if you need even more features, this AmoVee 2-in-1 Mini has a handy swivel cord so it doesn’t get tangled while doing your hair.

One thing to mention that is a potential drawback about this hair tool is that the temperature is fixed at about 380 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature settings aren’t adjustable like they are on some other curling irons, so if you have thick, curly hair that is difficult to manage, you might need something that gets a little hotter. 

4. Conair ThermaCell Compact Curling Iron

If you’re traveling internationally and aren’t able to find a dual voltage curling iron, or if you just don’t want to worry about cords at all, this Conair ThermaCell Compact curling iron is a great solution. When you travel with any electronics, especially ones that require a little more power, you have to think about adapters and the kind of voltage that they require. This Conair curling iron’s battery cartridges last several months so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice suddenly when you’re using it. 

You do get one extra cartridge when you purchase the curling iron, but after that, you’ll have to buy additional ones after they run out of power. Unfortunately, the batteries that power this Conair curling iron aren’t rechargeable, which would be a nice feature. However, for road trips,  camping trips , or international travel, this cordless curling iron is a great choice. 

5. Xtava The It Curl Oval Wand

If you’re looking for a curling wand with more temperature range, this Xtava curling iron is for you. Lack of temperature control is something that a lot of mini curling irons don’t have, so if that’s a feature that you’re looking for, this will probably be your favorite curling iron. The ceramic wand on this Xtava option heats up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit very quickly and has 22 temperature settings before it gets up to that maximum heat. It also features a dual voltage design so you can bring it to international destinations. 

One thing that I would look out for is its’ size, however. While it still is technically travel friendly, the design of this curling wand is lightly longer than some of the other pocket-sized curling irons in this list. It will still fit easily in a suitcase, but will take up slightly more room that some of the other models. 

6. VAV 2-in-1 Hair Straightener and Curler 

This VAV 2-in-1 is another great curling iron/straighter option to help you conserve some space while you’re packing light. The ceramic barrel will help give your curls that salon-grade look in no time; it only takes about 30 seconds to heat up. Unlike the 6th Sense 2-in-1, this VAV option has two heat settings, so it works for thin hair and thick hair. The low setting is enough to give you gorgeous curls without damaging your hair too much. 

However, if you’re someone who does a lot of international travel, this won’t be the best curling iron for you. This VAV 2-in-1 is not a dual voltage wand, which could leave you without any hair tools at all if you try to use it and a fuse blows. This curling/straightening duo is much better suited for domestic trips. 

7. Berta Mini Hair Curler

Most of the mini curling irons on this list are on the affordable side, but this Berta Mini Hair Curler is an extremely affordable option. The ceramic barrel also heats with negative ions so your final look is much less frizzy than it would be with another travel curler. The 3-degree adjustable temperature setting, ranging from low to high heat, is designed to accommodate all hair types. Last but not least, the 360 degree swivel cord keeps you from getting tangled up while you’re styling. 

Like some of the others on this list, this Berta curler works great for domestic travel, but it doesn’t come with dual voltage, so it may not be best suited for international destinations. 

8. FURIDEN Mini Curling Iron

Although it’s marketed at a mini curling iron, this FURIDEN curler actually allows you to straighten or curl using the same wand. Other great features that I love about this FURIDEN Mini curling iron are its 60-minute auto shut-off function, universal voltage, and the 6 foot swivel cord. The barrel size is 9 inches in length, so it’s a bit smaller than traditional curling irons, making it the perfect size for a quick trip. 

One thing that was noted in some reviews is that this curling iron doesn’t work great on short hair due to its design. Those with medium to long hair should have no problem using this particular model though!

9. SEMBELLE Cordless Curling Iron

One of the issues with the cordless Conair curling iron that I have on this list is that it isn’t rechargeable. That problem is solved with this SEMBELLE Cordless Curling Iron. To make it even cooler, it can also charge your phone. The built-in battery lasts for about 45 minutes, which is long enough to achieve any hairstyle, and the wand is only 7.9 inches long making it easily portable. It also has great reviews for all hair types, so there’s not much in the ‘con’ category for this curling iron. 

The only potentially problematic feature I could foresee with this SEMBELLE curler is that it needs to be charged for about 8 hours to acheive a full charge after using it. If you remember to plug it in to charge before bed, this shouldn’t be a problem. But in the event that it does run out of charge mid-style, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle.

10. Remington Pro Advanced Collapsible Curling Wand 

In an effort to save even more space, Remington created this collapsible curling wand that easily fits into your purse or makeup bag. The cool tip makes it easy to use without burning your fingers and the thermal technology used in the 1-inch barrel allow you to create perfect soft curls without causing too much damage to your hair. 

One drawback to this Remington model is that it only has one temperature setting. Like I mentioned before, this works for some hair types but not for all. If your hair is thicker and requires more heat to get it to cooperate, you may need a curler that has a bit more heat control. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mini Curling Iron 

If you still have lingering questions about which mini curling iron is the right styling tool for you and how to travel with hot tools, keep reading to have all of your questions answered. 

Can you take a curling iron on an airplane? 

Yes, you can take a curling iron on an airplane. One thing I would caution you on is making sure that your curling iron is sufficiently cooled before packing it. You don’t want to burn or melt anything else that’s packed in your suitcase with a hot curler. 

What size barrel is best for beach waves? 

To create perfect, beachy waves, you’ll want to use a curling iron with a 1-to-2 inch barrel. This will give you loose curls that don’t require much effort on your part. Most of the mini curling irons that I reviewed here are around that size, so you should be able to create a beach wave look with any of the curling irons listed above. 

How do you travel with a curling iron?

Finding a small travel hair curler is important, and the products in this post are excellent optons. If you’re traveling internationally, one feature that you want to look out for in a curling iron is that dual voltage that I mentioned earlier. This will keep you from blowing a fuse while you’re abroad. You’ll also want to pack an international adapter because chances are the plug on the curling iron won’t match the international plug in the wall. If you’re traveling to a foreign country, you should already have an adapter to charge your phone, so you can use the same adapter for your curling iron. 

We hope you found this blog post about the mini curling iron helpful! Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

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The 10 Best Curling Irons of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Fancy features, cutting-edge technology, and just about every barrel size you can imagine, we tested them all.

In This Article

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Our Testing Process

What to keep in mind, your questions, answered, what is instyle picks, why shop with us.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

There’s no one right way to style hair, but few tools are quite so versatile as a curling iron. Whether you like your curls tight and coily, loose and wavy, uniform and polished, or textured and messy, using a curling iron makes it easy to create a vast array of looks with one simple tool. 

If you’ve never had a curling iron in your hair arsenal — or worse, have had one in your lineup but have been left unsatisfied — there is a lot to consider before investing, especially for these notoriously tricky tools. You’ll need to consider your natural hair type, the health of your hair, and (of course) the look you’re trying to achieve. Not to mention, the perfect curling iron needs to be a snap to use (no one has time for an extended learning curve). With so many different curling irons on the market, combing through all your options is no easy task —  so we did it for you.

Our team of InStyle editors rigorously tested the 14 buzziest and most popular curling irons out there. We used the tool across every hair type in our New York City-based Lab, as well as in our own natural hair for two weeks. For each curling iron, we measured the speed at which the iron came to our desired temperature, the ease of using it, the durability of the curl (using benchmarks of one hour, six hours, and overnight), clamp tension, range of heat settings, and then assessed our hair for any damage during and after use. We also considered the way our hair looked overall after each styling session. After compiling and evaluating all the testing data, we ranked each curling iron, and the highest scoring tools are featured on this list.

Best Overall

Hot tools pro artist black gold digital curling iron.

What We Love: This tool performs flawlessly across all hair types.

What We Don't Love: Those with finer hair may find that their hair slips out of the iron during use.

It’s rare to find a curling iron that delivers a solid curl across all hair textures regardless of the size of the barrel, but this one from Hot Tools did just that. We tried three different sized barrels — 0.75-inch, 1.25-inch, and 1.5-inch —  and we found that each one delivered on their styling promises (beachy waves for larger sizes, tighter curls for smaller). Not only did our curls look great immediately after styling, but they also held their shape for the rest of the day, and even sometimes the next morning.

Design-wise, we were impressed with all the helpful features: It heated up in just a few seconds and conveniently beeped when it was ready. The clamp was comfortable and never caught or tugged at our hair, and the digital temperature screen made it easy to view and adjust the heat as needed. The extra long cord was another unexpected, but appreciated detail. Clocking in at nine feet, it was very easy to maneuver the tool around our heads, even when the outlet was a distance away from our mirror and our vanity was cluttered with beauty products.

Most hot tools will break when used with a power converter abroad, but because this tool offers dual voltage, we were able to safely style our hair while traveling outside of the country.

Though this curling iron worked beautifully across all hair types, the clamp wasn’t quite tight enough to fully secure our fine strands and the baby hairs sometimes slipped out. With a few spritzes of a dry shampoo or texturizing spray that have some hold and grip, we were easily able to touch up our curls. 

Price at time of publish: $85

Barrel Size: Available in 0.75-inch, 1-inch, 1.25-inch, 1.5-inch | Barrel Material: Proprietary black gold styling surface | Automatic Shut Off: Yes

Best Budget

Conair infinitipro tourmaline ceramic curling iron.

What We Love: Beyond the price, we loved how smooth it made our hair and the even, consistent curl pattern it created.

What We Don't Love: The clamp is removable, which sometimes made it harder to use.

If you’ve ever experienced the phenomenon of never achieving the same result twice with a curling iron, this tool should be on your radar — especially at such a wallet-friendly price. The Infinitipro consistently spat out shiny, glossy curls that lasted through the day and beyond, especially on thicker and more textured hair. In fact, we found that our curls lasted up to four days on our very curly hair — no touch-ups required. 

With the unique removable clamp, this iron is actually a two-in-one: It can be used as a traditional curling iron or as a wand to achieve a wide range of styles. While we enjoyed the duality, if the clamp wasn’t correctly attached it fell off mid-use and snagged our hair. When we took the time to secure it, it was smooth curling. 

Finding a two-in-on hot tool under $30 is a rare gem, and despite the clamp mishaps, we still love the way our hair looked (and a good deal, too).

Price at time of publish: $27

Barrel Size: 0.75-inch, 1-inch, 1.25-inch, 1.5-inch | Barrel Material: Tourmaline, ceramic  | Automatic Shut Off: Yes

Best Splurge

Dyson airwrap multi-styler complete long.

What We Love: This styling system is basically an entire salon’s worth of hot tools in one device.

What We Don't Love: Because this tool harnesses air to curl hair, it sometimes sucks up pieces of already-styled strands when trying to work on a new section.

If you’re skeptical about spending so much money on a hot tool, believe us when we say that the Dyson Airwrap is worth the investment (and the hype). With just one purchase, you’ll get the tool itself, six attachments, and a sleek leather storage box to keep it all in, meaning you can cut down your collection of heat stylers to just this (amazing) one.

Unlike many other options, Dyson taps air instead of a heated surface to curl the hair, and to our delight, we experienced zero heat damage, even when we used it several times a week on bonded hair extensions. With the Airwrap, we didn’t have to get super close to our scalp and risk the integrity of the bonds in order to get our extensions to support a curl. It’s also worth noting that we used the second generation Airwrap that comes with barrels that allow you to switch the direction of the airflow. Although it's a small detail, it had a big payoff because it made it super easy for us to ensure our curls were all facing the right direction. Our curls held well, though on finer hair, the larger barrel resulted in more of a bouncy blowout effect than a true curl. 

The strong suction powers on this device created solid curls, but that also meant it often sucked in pieces we had already styled. We recommend pinning up finished sections — not only will this help keep them out of the way, it’ll also help the curl set and last longer.

Price at time of publish: $600

Barrel Size: 1.2-inch, 1.6-inch | Barrel Material: Alloy | Automatic Shut Off: No

InStyle / Tamara Staples

Best for Damaged Hair

Shark flexstyle air styling and drying system.

What We Love: This device from Shark offers similar technology to the Dyson, along with unique attachment options to choose from, at half the price.

What We Don't Love: There are barrels for both left- and right-facing curls, so you’ll have to switch them out as you work.

If you’re not ready to splurge on the Airwrap but want a hot air-based curling iron that will care for your damaged hair, the Shark is your best — and most customizable — option. In this choose your own adventure, hairstyling edition, you’re free to select three attachments (out of eight total options), which include two curling barrel sizes, a variety of brushes, concentrator, comb, and even a diffuser. 

Although the Shark looked intimidating, we got the hang of it quickly and were styling our hair like pros within minutes. While the tool does heat up, it never reached a temperature that scorched our hair or scalp, instead producing a lasting curl that required few, if any, touch-ups. We were never able to master a tight ringlet; we’d compare our final look as model off-duty beach waves, which is perfectly fine by us.

Despite how easy the Shark was to operate, it was a bit annoying having to switch out barrels to change the direction of our curl. That said, this only takes a few seconds, and  Shark clearly distinguishes between the two — there is a very clear “L” and “R” on the corresponding attachments.

Price at time of publish: $280

Barrel Size: 0.59-inch, 1.25-inch | Barrel Material: Not applicable, uses air

InStyle / Jessica Juliao

Best for Beginners

Ghd classic curl 1-inch curling iron.

What We Love: This is the lightest curling iron we’ve ever held, making it very comfortable to use during long styling sessions.

What We Don't Love: There is only one heat setting, which may not work for all hair types.

If you’re new to using a curling iron, you might find yourself getting tired while styling — they’re often so heavy that you end up getting a vigorous arm workout along with a head full of curls. Even though this tool is a premium and well-made device, it feels incredibly light (the lightest we’ve ever tried), making it a breeze to hold (an especially important quality for neophytes) as it works to give hair a lasting curl with minimal frizz. 

Interestingly, the iron only has one heat setting (365 degrees); it’s considered a safe temperature for most hair types, so it didn’t really bother us. However, when we tested the iron on very fine hair, the heat zapped too much moisture from our strands and left our hair steaming after just a few seconds. We didn’t encounter any issues with thicker hair, though. In fact, when used on type 2 and 4 textures, our curls maintained their shape for days. 

Temperature aside, we liked the clamp’s nice, strong grip that didn’t yank at our hair, but kept it firmly in place as we styled, while the barrel was smooth enough to slide our finished curls right off. 

As a bonus, if you travel frequently, you’ll enjoy the universal voltage (no frying your hot tool on vacation!) and the automatic sleep mode, which kicks in after 30 minutes (it’s easy to forget to turn off a curling iron, especially when jet-lagged).

Price at time of publish: $205

Barrel Size: 1-inch | Barrel Material: Ceramic | Automatic Shut Off: Yes

Best for Beach Waves

Instyler cerasilk 1-inch curling iron.

What We Love: The ultra-long barrel is perfect for creating loose, mermaid-like waves.

What We Don't Love: This doesn’t have a clamp, which is terrific for making waves, but requires a bit of a learning curve.

When creating beach waves, we find it’s easiest to achieve that look when using a long-barreled curling wand without a clamp, and this tool from InStyler fits the bill. Thanks to the clamp-free design, we were able to loosely wrap our hair along the barrel, creating elongated curls that even a mermaid would envy. That said, the tip of this styling tool features a unique “feeder” grip tip that allows for easy one-handed styling, so if you prefer a clamp, you do have options. 

The barrel of this curling wand features a special coating that allows heat to pass through without allowing hair to directly touch the heat source, ultimately cutting way down on potential damage. Even our fine hair, which never held a curl for more than two minutes, met its match with this curling wand — our waves lasted much longer than they did with any other hot tool. 

For many people, using a curling wand is far easier than a traditional curling iron because of the way you can customize your curl. On the flip side, it’ll take some trial and error to master your technique. If you’re winding your hair too tightly around the barrel of the InStyler, you’ll get tight ringlets, though they will relax and get beachier, especially if you brush them out. Practice makes perfect with this one! 

Price at time of publish: $125

Best for Thick Hair

T3 switch kit wave trio.

What We Love: This interchangeable tool comes with three barrels, so it’s like three curling irons in one. 

What We Don't Love: It is hard to safely change out the barrels when they’re hot if you want to create a look with different types of curls.

This clever tool is perfect for cutting down on beauty bag bulk (the set comes with three barrels for triple the looks) and is particularly excellent for curling thick hair — a single styling session gave us shampoo commercial-level bounce that lasted for days. 

Somehow, we always end up losing a few good strands to deadly clamps, but with the T3, our hair never once got stuck. We also loved the huge variety of heat settings, so we didn’t have to settle for too-hot temps, which diffused evenly down the barrel (no fried ends!). It was also pretty light, and we managed to curl all the way around in 20 minutes. 

The interchangeable barrels set this pick apart from other options, too. Each attachment securely fastened into the base, thanks to a twistable locking mechanism, which doubled as a stand so the hot surface didn’t scorch our countertop. We also liked that this tool features universal voltage, making it travel friendly. 

Our only gripe was that you have to hold and twist the barrel itself to remove it and swap it out for another. Happily, this set comes with a heat-resistant glove, so you can wear it if you’re planning on creating a style with a range of curl sizes.

Price at time of publish: $300

Barrel Size: 1-inch, 1.25-inch, 1.5-inch | Barrel Material: Ceramic | Automatic Shut Off: Yes

Best for Long Hair

Bio ionic long barrel curling iron.

What We Love: The length of this barrel made it easy to style the back of our heads — a notoriously tricky spot to reach.

What We Don't Love: This hot tool didn’t provide a strong-holding curl on thicker hair.

With a barrel that’s two inches longer than the average curling iron, this iron is an excellent choice for those with long hair. We curled our almost waist-length strands in one go, never needing to go over the same section twice. We just kept wrapping our hair around the barrel until we reached the end. We bet even those with shorter hair will find the barrel length helpful to grab the hard-to-reach pieces in the back. One small but mighty detail we loved was the generously-sized cool tip at the end of the barrel, so we could control the iron without burning our fingers. We were able to craft loose, beachy waves without much effort — we didn’t even need to brush our hair once we were finished because this iron produced such natural-looking waves. 

For the most part, our finished look maintained shape throughout the day. Although when we tested it on thick hair, we found that our style didn’t last as long and required frequent touch-ups. With that in mind, it may not be the best pick for thick or heavy hair, but it was brilliant with fine to medium strands. 

Price at time of publish: $149

Best for Short Hair

Babylisspro nano titanium spring curling iron.

What We Love: This tool’s clamp never left hard lines or crimps in our curls.

What We Don't Love: The temperature gauge isn't very straightforward.

When curling short hair , you have limited real estate to get the perfect ringlet, and irons with long barrels aren’t the easiest to maneuver. But because this BaByliss tool has a short wand and a gentle, yet effective clamp, it was super simple for us to form smooth, glorious curls, leaving our shoulder-length hair free of any harsh bends or creases that we sometimes get from other irons.

We had the option to choose between four barrel sizes, and we tested the 0.75-inch. At first, we were annoyed by how long it was taking us to curl our hair (after all, smaller barrels meant we had to use smaller sections of hair). Despite our grumbling, that extra time was worth the effort: Firm, stunning curls with kangaroo-levels of bounce. With a quick finger comb and light brushing, along with a spritz of hairspray, the style slayed all day and night. We even rocked the wavy remnants the next day.

The only downside of this tool is the temperature gauge — there are almost too many options to choose from and we’re still not exactly sure what some of the settings do (we’re talking to you, Boost mode). That said, we loved the results that we got from this tool, and the price is hard to beat.

Price at time of publish: $60

Barrel Size: 0.75-inch, 1-inch, 1.25-inch, 1.5-inch | Barrel Material: Titanium, ceramic | Automatic Shut Off: No

Best for Fine Hair

Tymo cues 3-in-1 interchangeable curling iron.

What We Love: This is the most affordable and interchangeable curling iron on our list.

What We Don't Love: The power button and temperature controls are awkwardly placed.

We’ve never seen much success when using a curling iron on our fine hair. We had almost given up, accepting that our hair would always just slide out of the clamp looking like a wet noodle. That all changed when we tested this hero tool. Though it’s pretty budget friendly, it comes with pricier features, including three detachable barrels in different sizes, an LED temperature screen, and accessories, like a protective glove, hair clips, and storage bag.

While we’ve used a lot of curling irons that snagged our fine strands in the past, the smooth barrels and an unfussy clamp (with a comfortable grip) on this one allowed our curls to gently roll off when we were done. Our finished look actually lasted four days with this tool — a downright miracle for our hair. We attribute the longevity in part to the helpful temperature guide, which taught us that we’ve been curling our hair with too much heat.

If we could change one thing about this nearly perfect curling iron, it would be the awkward button placement. There is just one button to power the iron on/off and to change the temperature (pressing and holding for a few seconds turns it on/off and simply hitting it, even softly, adjusts the temperature) and it’s unwisely situated right where you hold the handle. A mild annoyance is a small sacrifice for the fabulous curls it gave us.

Price at time of publish: $80

Barrel Size: 0.5-inch, 1-inch, 1.5-inch | Barrel Material: Ceramic | Automatic Shut Off: Yes

To ensure we thoroughly analyzed the performance of each device, we tested each curling iron across many metrics. We started in our NYC-based Lab and used each iron to curl hair types 1–4, and evaluated the curls’ longevity by checking in at the one-hour mark, six-hour mark, and then overnight to see how well each held the curl.

Once this portion of the test was complete, we sent each curling iron to three editors, each with a different hair type and texture, to incorporate into their hair styling routine over a two-week period. During this portion, we evaluated each iron for ease of use, the shape and endurance of the curls, the heat damage it caused (if any), and the overall quality of the final look. At the end of the two-week test, we compiled and digested the data from each editor, and then ranked each iron accordingly. Our very favorite curling irons earned the highest marks, and are featured on this list.

When selecting a curling iron, you’ll want to consider the qualities of your hair itself — not just the length, which may benefit from an extra-long curling rod like those found from InStyler Cerasilk Curling Iron and Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron . Think about the density, condition, and the texture of your hair as well, all of which will help you determine the optimal temperature setting, and narrow down your options.

If you have ultra-fine or damaged hair, you will want to select a curling iron that offers a low styling temperature. “Excessive heat will damage the cuticle further,” warns New York-based hairstylist Alwyn DiGregorio. “Lower temps with smaller sections will work just as well as higher temps and bigger sections.” 

For hair that falls into this category, aim for a temperature of 350 degrees or below. Look at the Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Digital Curling Iron , which features a very low starting temperature of 265 degrees, or an air-powered model, like the Dyson Airwrap or the Shark Air Styling and Drying System .

Thicker or coarse hair can withstand more heat — this is a good thing, because these hair types may find that their curls fall within an hour or two, due to the weight of their hair. For these hair types, New York City-based hairstylist Vennela Chamarti uses medium to high heat settings (around 375 degrees or above). This goes for super healthy hair, too. “Often, very silky and healthy hair doesn’t hold a curl as well, and therefore needs more heat,” she says.

ARKIVE Headcare founder, Adam Reed, prefers using one flat temperature for all hair, regardless of its texture or type — 365 degrees, which he says is the best universal styling temperature. “365 degrees is the most respectful temperature to any hair type,” he says. “It’ll warm any hair type enough to mold it into the curl you want — if you go above that you risk higher damage, and if you go below that the curls will fall.” Conveniently, ghd Classic Curl 1-Inch Curling Iron is set at this precise temperature.

However, if your hair stubbornly refuses to hold a curl at all, we hate to admit it, but it’s likely due to user error. DiGregorio recommends taking smaller sections and using a slightly smaller barrel size, like the 0.75-inch version of Conair InfinitiPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron . “Be mindful that each hair section can easily wrap around the iron with a little room to spare,” she says. “This enables the heat to reach every hair in the section.” 

Charmarti also says to let your hair cool down completely after styling. Pinning your curls up (with rollers or clips) for at least 20 minutes will help them set.

Barrel Size

Perhaps the most daunting aspect of selecting a curling iron is navigating all of the barrel sizes. “Choose your barrel based on what look you’re going for,” says Reed. The larger the barrel, the looser your curl will be, so if you want a faux blowout effect or a beachy wave, look for a thick barrel. 

DiGregorio recommends keeping your hair length under consideration, too. She uses 1-inch barrels for above-the-shoulder-length hair, 1.25-inch to 1.5-inch barrels for medium length hair, and 2-inch barrels on hair that’s lower than a bra hook. As mentioned, if your hair doesn’t hold a curl well, go with a smaller-sized barrel. 

Ultimately, your hair type plays no role in what barrel size you should pick, just in how you style: “If you have thicker hair, use smaller sections on your hair; if you have thinner hair, you can use larger sections,” explains Reed.

Barrel Material

You’ll really only see three kinds of materials when it comes to curling iron barrels: Ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium. If you have coarse hair that is heat resistant, titanium is the way to go. “It’s a natural metal that heats up very fast and will help the heat penetrate fully through the hair,” says DiGregorio, who adds that it’s also a lightweight material to hold. You’ll find it in the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron .

Ceramic and tourmaline tools are a bit gentler on the hair as they don’t get quite as hot. DiGregorio likes ceramic, as she finds they create the most even heat throughout the iron. If you have an issue with the smoothness of your hair, check out a tourmaline tool. “Tourmaline is a crystal mineral that emits negative ions to counteract positive ions, which helps keep moisture and shine,” says DiGregorio. 

What's the best way to use a curling iron?

The best way to use a curling iron is whatever way it feels most comfortable for you. Some people may prefer a wand, while others may prefer a traditional curling iron with a clamp. “Being able to curl your hair in a way that’s comfortable and doesn’t strain your arms will yield better results and less damage,” says Chamarti (that includes avoiding burning yourself!).

When it comes down to specific looks, you can create a tighter curl by using your iron just off the scalp. Meanwhile, you’ll achieve a looser style if you skip the root and start wrapping your hair about a third of the way down the shaft. “Holding the curl horizontally will make the curl fuller, vertically will provide a more relaxed look,” adds DiGregorio. If you’re going for a beach wave or modern vibe, Reed loves to curl hair in different directions to prevent uniformity or an overdone look. “If you’re looking for classic curls, keep the iron going in one direction,” he says. 

The most important thing to do when styling your hair with a curling iron is to keep things moving to avoid heat damage. “Do not leave the iron on your hair for too long,” warns Reed. “If I’m doing a wave or a curl, I’m always moving the tool underneath the hair to evenly distribute the heat and make sure one section isn’t being overheated.”

What's the difference between a curling iron and a curling wand?

The only true difference between curling irons and curling wands is that an iron has a clamp to hold your hair in place while you style. You’ll also find that wands come in more shapes than curling irons do, such as conical and bubble, says DiGregorio. The one-two punch of a unique shape, plus a lack of clamp makes it simpler to achieve beachy waves or undone look — putting less tension on the hair with your fingers will make for a looser curl. Curling irons will often result in a cleaner and tighter curl. 

Ultimately, though, “a curling iron versus a curling wand is a personal preference — some people just like one more than the other,” says Reed. 

How can I protect my hair from heat damage?

When it comes to heat damage, prevention is better than a cure. “If you know that you use a lot of heat on your hair, make sure a hair oil and a hair mask are a regular part of your hair routine,” says Reed. 

DiGregorio also likes working Schwarzkopf Professional Fibre Clinix Fortify Sealed Ends from the mid-length to ends before going in with heat. “It’ll help nourish and repair bonds while keeping hair strong, soft, and shiny.” 

Whatever you do, don’t take any kind of hot tool to your hair without priming your hair with a high-quality heat protectant first. If you prefer a cream styler, which will be best for dry or damaged hair, try DiGregorio’s pick, OSiS+ Tame Wild Cream , that will defend against temperatures up to 428 degrees. If a lightweight formula is more your thing, Chamarti likes working the L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color 10-in-1 Multi-Benefit Leave-In Spray into hair before blow drying. 

Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) coverage in exchange. Put simply: InStyle picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too.

Want more product recommendations? From best-in-class concealer to the black pants you need for work, check out all of our InStyle Picks content .

Emily Orofino is a beauty writer, editor, and consultant with more than a decade of experience in the industry. She has stubbornly straight hair that refuses to hold a curl without aggressive amounts of product, but has found success in using tools from Dyson, Sarah Potempa, and Conair. For this piece, she carefully sifted through the research performed by the InStyle testing team who rigorously tested multiple curling irons to narrow it down to the best devices. She also tapped three stylists —  ARKIVE Headcare founder Adam Reed, Vennela Chamarti at Blandi on 5th, and Alwyn DiGregorio — who shared their insights into curling irons and how to get the best curl out of your hot tool.

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• Main content
• What's the difference from the old version?
• What it's like to use
• Is it worth it?
• Where to buy
• Alternatives
• What a professional hairstylist thinks
• How to clean

The bottom line

Is the new dyson airwrap worth it here's everything you need to know about the upgrade.

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

When I wrote my Dyson Airwrap review for Insider about a year ago, I had nothing but good things to report. As a 3-in-1 hair appliance, it functioned as the best hair dryer , flat iron, and curling iron all in one. I quickly fell in love with the advanced heat technology that reduced drying time while keeping my hair looking and feeling healthy. It had a hefty price tag at $599, but I was willing to make the investment given its benefits. 

Dyson has since retired the original Airwrap Styler and recently introduced an updated version called the Airwrap Complete ($599.99) . If you're debating whether it's worth the investment, the answer is a resounding yes, especially during Black Friday, when you can save $120. Read our guide to the best Dyson Airwrap Black Friday deals for more information. 

If you already own the older version of the Dyson Airwrap, the new features still might not make it worth spending more to upgrade, even with the steep discount during Black Friday. Ahead you'll find answers to all your questions when it comes to this second generation of the Airwrap.

The Dyson Airwrap Complete Long is a hot air multi-styler with specially designed attachments made for drying and smoothing hair. It's the lowest price we've ever seen on the Airwrap, as you can save $120 when you shop for one this Black Friday. Make sure to clip the on-page coupon for the lowest price.

What's the difference between the new Dyson Airwrap Complete and the old version ?

There are a few things that set the new model apart, including: 

1. New and improved attachments: The Airwrap Complete comes with six attachments ($199.99) plus a wide-tooth comb ($39.99) that can be purchased separately from the kit. All work with the old Airwrap Styler. "Compatibility was something important to our engineers considering all the existing Airwrap Styler owners out there," says Kate Craft, a Reliability Engineer at Dyson. Not all of the attachments are new, per se, but all have been re-engineered. They include: 

• A smoothing dryer: This dual function tool dries hair and smooths flyaways - use it as a blow dryer, then twist the top nozzle to turn it into a flat iron to create a smooth, polished look. 
• Two curling barrels: With the OG, you had to switch barrels to create different shapes of waves and curls. Now, a nozzle at the top of the barrel (there are arrows to guide you) can change the air direction. "You can create both clockwise and anticlockwise curls using a single attachment," shares Craft. The width of the barrels remains the same (1.2" and 1.6"), but Dyson has expanded their length to 7.31" (from 5.29") to help with longer styles. 
• A soft and firm smoothing brush : The Airwrap Complete comes with two smoothing brushes – a softer bristle for fine hair and a firmer one for thick or frizz-prone hair. A center line of stationary bristles has been removed to create better tension and some veins inside the brush heads were added to help guide airflow. 
• A round volumizing brush : The coating on the existing round brush has been upgraded so there's less tug and snagging. 
• A wide-tooth comb: The teeth on the comb are designed with soft, curved tips so they glide through hair while drying, adding volume and length to curly textures.

2. Improved airflow: To speed up drying time, Dyson engineers increased the Airwrap's airflow from 13 to 13.5 liters per second. 

3. Bonus accessories: You can now buy a display stand ($59.99) to hold the base unit and eight attachments along with a heat-resistant velvet travel pouch ($59.99) designed to transport the base unit and three attachments. 

4. A cool-shot button: To help seal the hair's cuticle and create a longer-lasting hold, the Airwrap Complete comes with a cool-shot button. "It also helps create shine," adds Craft.  

5. New shades: The Airwrap Complete is available in new nickel/copper and topaz colorways. 

What is the new Dyson Airwrap like to use?

When it comes to usage and application, the Complete remains virtually the same as the original Airwrap Styler, with all its key features and benefits along with some new ones mentioned above. Like its predecessor, it dries and styles hair simultaneously using a special jet engine technology called the Coanda effect that creates a spinning vortex of air around the attachments for better styling. It also has features that regulate heat so your hair doesn't burn.

Is the Dyson Airwrap actually worth it?

Yes. Like I said in my first Dyson Airwrap review, I still feel the $599.99 is worth the investment because I can dry my hair in less than 15 minutes, and I'm left with a salon quality style that truly looks and feels healthier. That said, if you own the OG, I can't say it's worth upgrading. Here's why: 

• I never had a problem with the original Airwrap Styler's speed and I don't notice a difference in drying time with the upgraded model. 
• I don't feel it's worth spending $200 for the six new attachments. While I appreciate the longer barrels, if you've got medium length hair or shorter (like I do), there's no real need for the extra barrel length. And notwithstanding its new coating, the round brush feels just like the original to me. 
• As much as I want to love the smoothing dryer attachment, I just couldn't get the hang of it, no matter how many YouTube videos I watched. It felt like I was adding frizz to my hair. 

Where to buy the new Dyson Airwrap

During its summer 2022 launch, and for some time afterwards, Dyson was having trouble filling new orders due to high consumer demand. But if you're currently searching for where to buy the new Dyson Airwrap , the product is readily available for online purchase at Dyson , Sephora , Nordstrom , and Best Buy . 

Dyson Airwrap alternatives

In the fall of 2022, one of the best Dyson Airwrap dupes hit the market — at half the price. The Shark FlexStyle ($299.95) promises a fast, minimal heat styling experience and comes with five Dyson-inspired attachments, including two curling barrels, two styling brushes and a nozzle concentrator. Both the Airwrap Complete and the FlexStyle market themselves as a 3-in-1 (hair dryer, curling and flat iron) and use temperature measuring technologies to prevent heat damage. 

I tested the FlexStyle after my initial Dyson Airwrap review, and while it has its pros (most notably the price), I won't be swapping it for my Airwrap anytime soon. Although only six ounces heavier than the Airwrap, the FlexStyle felt weightier in my hand and louder in my ears. Plus, I found the round brush too large for my medium-length and textured hair. It did dry my hair super fast, but unlike the Airwrap, it made my strands hot to the touch and they felt and looked dryer afterward.  

If you're searching for an even less expensive option than the FlexStyle, both the Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush ($155) and Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer ($69.99) come with a round, non-detachable nylon and tufted bristle brush and use ionic technology to eliminate static and frizz and promote faster drying. You won't have the benefit of multiple attachments, but if you're looking for an easy way to dry and shape your hair, these are among the best blow dryer brushes that serve as Airwrap alternatives. Here you can read our full Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush review and Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer review .

A professional hairstylist's Dyson Airwrap review

Jenna Perry is a celebrity hair colorist (with a clientele including Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa) and founder of Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York City. She's been a fan of the Airwrap since its initial launch. "The original Airwrap provided a new way to a salon-level style at home without the fear of heat damage," Perry says. "What I love most about the new model are the upgrades — the reengineered curling barrels that don't require changing if you want to alter the direction of your curls, and the smoothing dryer and brushes that give my wavy and thick hair a more polished look."

"I take the Airwrap Complete on trips with me and use it at home when I don't have access to a blowout from one of my team members. I really look forward to styling with it," said Perry. For reference, she has never been paid to endorse a Dyson product.

Dyson Airwrap FAQs

Why is the dyson airwrap so expensive.

The good news: despite inflation, the second generation Airwrap is priced the same as the first. The bad news: it will still set you back $599.99. Why is it so expensive? The complexity of the technology and all of the research and development behind the Airwrap Complete contribute to its high cost.

 "You're paying for things like the jet engine Coanda technology and a built-in heat regulating bead thermistor and microprocessor," says Craft. "The six high-quality attachments and high-end design also factor into the price." 

Why is a vacuum company in the hair business?

"Our consumers told us they were looking for a multi-functional, hair-healthy styling tool because they were unhappy with all the heavy and hot blow dryers on the market that took a long time to dry and the curling and flat irons that were prone to snagging," says Craft. "So we stole from our vacuum motor technology and created a 3-in-1 product unlike anything the market had ever seen. In the end, we were simply listening to our customers." 

Why does your hair have to be 80% dry to use it?

Hydrogen bonds break down in wet hair and need to be reformed in order to style strands. That can happen by using air or heat — in the Airwrap's case, it's a combination of the two. Because they're used together, you need less heat to achieve the style, limiting your exposure to damage. If you're styling on totally dry hair, you're taking air out of the equation. So in order to manipulate the hydrogen bonds, you'll need to use more heat. You want just enough moisture left in the hair so that the hydrogen bonds are not completely set. At 10-20% percent damp, your hair should feel almost cold instead of wet. If you're finding you have to hold each curl on the barrel for over a minute to get it completely dry, your hair is probably still too wet.

How to clean a Dyson Airwrap filter

To keep it running at maximum efficiency, Dyson suggests you clean your styler at least once a month. Here's how: unplug the unit, slide the circular filter brush that comes with the product onto the filter cage located at the bottom of the wand, then twist the brush in a back-and-forth motion to remove any hair or dust particles caught in the cage. Pinch the dot on the filter cage, and pull it down off the wand. Rinse under a stream of warm water, tap, and let air dry. Reassemble by sliding the filter cage back onto the unit until it snaps into place.

If I could make one suggestion to the decision makers at Dyson, it would be this: as a company that spends millions on research, try testing an à la carte attachment experience out on a focus group. I use just three of the 13 total attachments, and I assume most people will similarly only use the select few that complement their hair texture and style. And then there's this: who has the space to store all of these attachments? Not even the unit's new stand or travel pouch can hold all 13. But besides this grievance, I call the Dyson Airwrap an impressive feat of hair styling technology that's ultimately worth the cost. 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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The Beachwaver Curling Iron Is on Sale for Black Friday

Black Friday 2023

i gave up on curling my hair in middle school. No matter how hard I tried, I could never replicate the corkscrew curls I'd see on my friends or the popular YouTube beauty vloggers I subscribed to at the time. Instead, I settled for the loose waves I managed to achieve with my flat iron. I've since stuck to that same look for over a decade.

Enter the TikTok-viral Beachwaver B1, a curling iron that automatically curls your hair with a push of a button. This hair tool has, finally , given me the ringlets of my dreams. Thanks to Black Friday, it's currently $50 off—which is one of the lowest prices we've seen. (It's worth noting it is final sale, though.) If you've been seeing it all over your For You page, take this as your sign to hit that buy button.

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more .

There's one reason I struggled to curl my hair: I could never grasp (ha ha!) the mechanics of how to use a curling iron. Which direction do you wrap it? How are you supposed to bend your wrist? How is the hair all supposed to fit on the iron?

Beachwaver's B1 takes the guesswork out. All you have to do is clamp your hair, press the button, and watch as a strand of your hair automatically wraps around the wand. With two arrow buttons on the handle, you can spin it to the right or to the left, depending on which side of your head you're curling. Once you've spun it close to the root, hold it there for a few seconds and unclamp it to reveal a beautiful corkscrew curl. It did take me a little time to get the hang of it, but after a while it felt like second nature.

This particular model comes with a 1-inch barrel, which is ideal for my shoulder-length hair (Beachwaver is offering discounts on a few other sizes as well). It comes with three different heat settings too: 290 degrees, 350 degrees, and 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Other notable features are the short clamp that prevents accidental kinks, a 30-minute automatic shut-off, and an 8-foot swivel cord. It's also super lightweight, making it easy to carry in my duffel bag when I'm traveling.

Worried about heat damage? The Dyson Airwrap ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is also on sale for $480 ($120 off) . It's a lot more expensive than the Beachwaver, but it relies on hot air instead of hot metal to style your hair—making this the healthier option. And, like the B1, it automatically wraps your hair around the barrel without having to twist your strands manually. The parts are interchangeable, too, so you get more than just a curling iron. In addition to two curling barrels, the Airwrap comes equipped with a round volumizing brush, a Coanda smoothing dryer, a soft smoothing brush, a firm smoothing brush, a filter cleaning brush, and a storage box.

But if all you want are those beautiful curls, you can rest assured the Beachwaver B1 is more than enough.

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• Travel Essentials & Accessories

12 Amazing Travel Converter For Hair Dryer And Curling Iron for 2023

Published: September 7, 2023

Modified: September 26, 2023

by Anneliese Mchenry

• Dual Voltage Converter

Introducing the 12 Amazing Travel Converter For Hair Dryer And Curling Iron for 2023. Are you a globetrotter or travel enthusiast who relies on their trusted hair dryer and curling iron? Look no further! In this guide, we have curated a list of top-notch travel converters that will ensure your hair styling tools work seamlessly in any corner of the world. These innovative devices are compact, versatile, and equipped with the latest technology, allowing you to effortlessly achieve fabulous hairstyles while exploring new destinations. Join us as we explore the best travel converters for hair dryers and curling irons that will make your 2023 travels a breeze.

Jump to Review

DoAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter

This product has a rating of A. * What does this rating mean?

Overall Score : 8/10

The DoAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is a must-have accessory for any traveler. This converter allows you to safely and easily use your US standard devices in 220-240V countries. It is designed for use with hair styling tools, hair dryers, steam irons, electric kettles, and more. The 3-prong adapter socket allows you to use dual voltage devices in any country. With dual USB ports, you can charge your smartphones, cameras, and other USB devices. The converter comes with US/EU/UK/AU plugs, making it compatible with over 190 countries. It is silent, safe, and reliable with built-in protection features. With a quality guarantee and excellent customer service, this converter is a reliable choice for travelers.

Key Features

• Step-down converter for 110V/120V devices
• 10A adapter for all dual voltage travel devices
• Dual USB ports and international compatibility
• Silent working and safety assurance
• Quality guarantee and best customer service

Specifications

• Color: Black
• Dimension: 4.30Lx2.10Wx1.96H
• Size: C11 Power Converter/Travel Adapter/Dual USB
• Works with a variety of devices
• Dual USB ports for charging convenience
• Compatible with multiple plug types
• Silent operation
• Built-in protection features
• Prongs may not securely fit all outlets
• Bulky and cumbersome design
• Some users reported issues with certain devices

The DoAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is a reliable and convenient accessory for travelers. Its versatile features, including its step-down converter, dual USB ports, and compatibility with multiple plug types, make it suitable for a wide range of devices. The converter’s silent operation and built-in protection features provide peace of mind during use. While some users reported issues with certain devices and the size of the converter, overall it offers excellent functionality for the price. With a quality guarantee and responsive customer service, this converter is a worthy investment for anyone traveling to 220-240V countries.

TryAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter

Overall Score : 8.2/10

The TryAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is a compact and efficient accessory for travelers. With its upgraded converter feature, it can convert voltage from 220-240V to 100-120V, making it suitable for a variety of American appliances, including hair dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons, and electric kettles. It also has a 10A adapter for dual voltage devices and dual USB ports for charging multiple devices simultaneously. The converter comes with US/EU/UK/AU worldwide plugs, making it compatible with power outlets in more than 200 countries. It is designed with safety features such as overcurrent and overvoltage protection, providing a reliable and secure charging solution for your devices. Compact and lightweight, this voltage converter is a must-have for any traveler.

• Upgraded Converter for 110-120V Devices
• 10A Adapter for All Dual Voltage Devices
• Dual USB ports for charging multiple devices
• Plugs Worldwide Used
• Silent Working and Safety
• Color: White
• Size: Upgraded 2000W Adapter and converter for Travel
• Compact and portable design
• Compatible with a wide range of devices
• Comes with worldwide plugs for easy use in different countries
• Built-in safety features
• Not compatible with Dyson hair dryers
• May be top-heavy and come out of the socket
• Prongs are loose and weak
• May not work with high voltage products
• May stick out of the socket, posing a risk of pulling out

The TryAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is a reliable and efficient accessory for travelers seeking a convenient charging solution for their devices. With its wide range of features and compatibility, it offers versatility and ease of use. The compact design and worldwide plugs make it a great companion for international travel. While it may have some limitations and potential drawbacks, overall it provides a satisfactory performance. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this voltage converter ensures that your devices stay powered up and ready to go. Invest in the TryAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience!

Upgraded DoAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter

The Upgraded DoAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is a must-have accessory for travelers. This converter allows you to use your US standard devices, such as hair styling tools, hair dryers, steam irons, and electric kettles, in countries with 220-240V power outlets. It also works as a 10A adapter for dual voltage devices like cell phones, cameras, laptops, and more. With dual USB ports, it can charge almost all USB devices. The worldwide plug options cover over 190+ countries, making it suitable for international travel. It is also equipped with safety features like auto shut-off protection and surge protection. Despite some concerns about its bulkiness and the two-prong outlet, this converter delivers reliable performance. Overall, it is a quality product backed by excellent customer service.

• Step down 220V to 110V for US standard devices
• Works as a 10A adapter for dual voltage devices
• Dual USB ports compatible with most USB devices
• Compatible with 190+ countries
• Quality guarantee and excellent customer service
• Size: C11 Power Converter/ Travel Adapter/ Dual USB
• Versatile and reliable performance
• Compact design for travel convenience
• Wide compatibility with various devices
• Silent working and stable cooling
• Safety certified
• Bulky and tends to fall out of outlets
• Two-prong outlet may not work for all devices

The Upgraded DoAce 2000W Travel Voltage Converter is a reliable choice for travelers needing to use US standard devices in countries with different power outlets. It offers versatility, with the ability to step down voltage for hair styling tools and other devices, as well as serving as a 10A adapter for dual voltage devices. The dual USB ports and worldwide plug options make it convenient for charging various devices worldwide. It may be a bit bulky and have a two-prong outlet, but it still performs well and is backed by a quality guarantee and excellent customer service. Ensure that it meets your specific device requirements before purchasing.

FOVAL Power Step Down Travel Voltage Converter

The FOVAL Power Step Down 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter is an essential accessory for any traveler. With its worldwide use capability, you can use your American electronics in over 160 countries. It features 2 AC outlets, 4 USB charging ports, and a compact design that makes it perfect for travel. The converter is designed to protect your devices from surge protection, over-heating, short circuiting, and more. It is certified by CE, FCC, and RoHS industry standards, ensuring its safety and reliability. However, it is important to note that this converter should not be used with hair dryers or household appliances over 230 watts. Overall, the FOVAL Power Step Down Converter is a reliable and convenient travel accessory.

• Worldwide Use with 4 International Adapters
• 2 AC Outlets and 4 USB Charging Ports
• Compact and Portable Design
• Certified by CE, FCC, and Ro HS
• Protective Features for Device Safety
• Dimension: 4.82Lx3.13Wx1.47H
• Wide compatibility for use in over 160 countries
• Multiple outlets and USB ports for charging multiple devices
• Compact and travel-friendly design
• Certified for safety and reliability
• Not suitable for hair dryers or appliances over 230 watts
• May not work with devices that have a test/reset button on the plug

The FOVAL Power Step Down Converter is a versatile and reliable travel accessory. With its wide compatibility, multiple charging options, and compact design, it offers convenience and peace of mind for travelers. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations when using high-powered devices. Overall, if you’re looking for a handy voltage converter for your travel needs, the FOVAL Power Step Down Converter is a great choice.

BESTEK 3000W Travel Adapter with USB

Overall Score : 9/10

The BESTEK International Travel Adapter is a convenient and powerful accessory for travelers. With built-in protection AC outlets and smart identify USB ports, it can charge multiple devices quickly and safely. The dual voltage input allows for worldwide use, and the 5 international adapters make it compatible with outlets in various countries. Designed for travelers and businessmen, it is portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry anywhere. BESTEK also offers a money-back guarantee, limited product warranty, and 24/7 customer service. Overall, this travel adapter is a reliable and efficient option for those in need of a versatile power solution on their trips.

• 3000W Converter Built-in protection AC outlets
• 2 smart identify USB ports with fast charge speed
• Dual Voltage Input Universal 100V~240V
• 5 International Adapters for various countries
• Portable size and lightweight design
• 30 days money back, 18-Months limited warranty, 24/7 customer service
• Dimension: 4.20Lx2.50Wx1.40H
• Fast charging for multiple devices
• Universal compatibility for worldwide use
• Portable and lightweight design
• Money-back guarantee and warranty
• Does not support voltage conversion
• No plugs for Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Chile, and South Africa
• Power response delay when turning off

The BESTEK International Travel Adapter is a reliable and efficient power solution for travelers. It offers fast charging, universal compatibility, and a portable design. While it lacks voltage conversion and some plug options, its overall performance and customer support make it a great choice. With high ratings and positive reviews from customers, this travel adapter proves to be a valuable accessory for any trip. Whether you are a leisure traveler or a busy businessman, this BESTEK adapter will ensure that your electronic devices are powered up wherever you go.

ALLWEI International Travel Adapter 220V to 110V Step Down Power Voltage Converter

Overall Score : 8.5/10

The ALLWEI International Travel Adapter is a versatile and portable accessory that allows you to use your American electronics in over 150 countries around the world. With its step-down voltage conversion capability, it provides a safe and efficient way to power your devices in different countries. The adapter comes with 5 international adapters, making it suitable for use in the United Kingdom, Europe, Italy, Australia, Thailand, Japan, China, Russia, and more. It also features a safety shutdown system and a silent working fan for your peace of mind and undisturbed sleep. Compact and travel-friendly, this adapter is easy to pack and comes with a storage bag for convenience. With the ALLWEI International Travel Adapter, you can stay connected and powered up wherever you go.

• Patented product with US10270355B1 patent number
• Works perfectly for hair straighteners and curling irons
• Step-down voltage conversion for worldwide use
• Safety features include auto shutdown and silent fan
• Compact and travel size for easy packing
• Dimension: 4.90Lx2.90Wx1.20H
• Works well for charging phones, tablets, and hair tools
• Comes with 5 international adapters and storage bag
• Safe and efficient voltage conversion
• Silent fan ensures undisturbed sleep
• May heat up when used for extended periods
• Plug adapters may not fit all outlet types

The ALLWEI International Travel Adapter is a reliable companion for your international travels. It offers compatibility with a wide range of devices and provides a safe and convenient way to power your electronics in different countries. The compact size and included storage bag make it easy to pack and carry. While it may heat up during extended use, the adapter’s safety features and silent fan ensure your peace of mind and undisturbed sleep. With its versatility and convenience, this travel adapter is a must-have for globetrotters who want to stay connected and powered up wherever they go.

DoAce X11 Voltage Converter

The DoAce X11 2200W Voltage Converter is the perfect travel accessory for any globetrotter. Designed in California with US Flag inspiration, this portable converter is compact and comes with a handy mesh bag. It is a versatile all-in-one combo adapter and converter that meets all your needs while traveling. The 2200W converter socket can step down foreign voltage from 220-240V to 110V/120V, making it ideal for US standard devices like hair styling tools, steam irons, and electric kettles. With international compatibility, this power adapter converter can cover over 190 countries. It even has 4 USB ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Safety is guaranteed with its upgraded hardware and complete protection against over-current, over-load, over-heat, and short-circuit. Overall, the DoAce X11 2200W Voltage Converter is a reliable and convenient travel companion.

• Portable size with mesh bag
• 2200W converter for US standard devices
• International compatibility with various plugs
• 4 USB ports for charging multiple devices
• Safety guaranteed with complete protection
• Dimension: 5.90Lx3.15Wx1.26H
• Size: 2200W Converter& 10A Adapter& 4-Port USB& Case
• Compact and portable
• Versatile for various devices
• Covers over 190 countries
• Can charge multiple devices simultaneously
• Upgraded safety features
• Cannot convert 50Hz to 60Hz
• Not suitable for high amp devices like hair dryers

The DoAce X11 2200W Voltage Converter is a must-have for any traveler. Its compact size and versatile features make it a convenient companion for exploring different countries. With its ability to convert foreign voltage to US standard voltage, you can safely use your hair styling tools or other devices without any worries. The included USB ports are a great addition for charging multiple devices at once. However, keep in mind that it cannot convert frequency from 50Hz to 60Hz and may not be suitable for high amp devices. Overall, this converter delivers reliable performance and ensures the safety of your devices. Say goodbye to voltage worries and travel with peace of mind!

Universal International Travel Adapter with USB Ports

The International Adapter for Travel is a must-have accessory for globetrotters. Designed to work seamlessly in over 200 countries, this compact and high-speed charger is compatible with all USB devices like phones, cameras, laptops, and more. It also supports selective dual voltage hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Please note that this adapter cannot convert voltage, so make sure your device supports dual voltage. With 5 fast USB ports and 8A AC outlets, you can charge up to 6 devices at once. The adapter comes in a stylish blue color and has a 90-day warranty. It is the perfect travel companion for anyone jetting off to explore the world.

• Supports dual voltage devices
• Compatible with all USB devices
• Works in over 200 countries
• Charge up to 6 devices simultaneously
• Comes with a 90-day warranty
• Color: Blue
• Wide compatibility with USB devices
• Suitable for various countries
• Allows charging multiple devices at once
• Cannot convert voltage
• Some users found the plug to be loose

The International Adapter for Travel is a versatile and reliable companion for travelers. Its compatibility with a wide range of devices and support for multiple countries make it highly convenient. The ability to charge up to 6 devices simultaneously is a great advantage, especially for those on the go. The compact and portable design ensures easy packing, and the 90-day warranty provides peace of mind. However, users should be aware that this adapter cannot convert voltage. Additionally, a few users reported that the plug was loose. Overall, this adapter receives a score of 8 out of 10 based on its positive reviews and features.

FOVAL Power Step Down Voltage Converter

The FOVAL Power Step Down Voltage Converter is an essential accessory for international travelers. This converter allows you to use your American electronics in over 150 countries across the world. It provides 230 watts of power and features two standard US plugs and four 5V/2.4A USB ports for charging multiple devices simultaneously. The compact size and detachable power cable make it ideal for travel. It is designed with safety in mind, with features such as surge protection, over-heating protection, and short-circuit protection. Certified by CE, FCC, and RoHS industry standards, this converter is safe to use. However, it is not suitable for use with hair dryers and household appliances over 230 watts. Overall, the FOVAL Power Step Down Voltage Converter is a reliable and convenient travel accessory.

• Worldwide Use: Compatible with over 150 countries
• 230 watts power converter with 2 US plugs and 4 USB ports
• Protects electronics from surges, overheating, and short circuits
• Compact size and detachable power cable for easy travel
• Certified by CE, FCC, and Ro HS industry standards
• Color: Gray
• Dimension: 4.80Lx3.10Wx1.50H
• Compatible with multiple countries
• Multiple USB ports for charging devices
• Certified for safety
• Not suitable for high wattage appliances
• Some adapters may not be compatible with advertised countries
• May get warm during use

The FOVAL Power Step Down Voltage Converter is a reliable and convenient accessory for international travelers. With its worldwide compatibility and multiple charging options, it offers great convenience. The compact design and safety features make it perfect for travel. While it may not be suitable for high wattage appliances, it excels at charging smaller electronic devices. However, some buyers have reported issues with certain adapters not being compatible with advertised countries. Despite this, the majority of users have had a positive experience with this converter. Overall, the FOVAL Power Step Down Voltage Converter is a dependable choice for travelers in need of a versatile power solution.

Ceptics Voltage Converter -200W

The Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter is a must-have accessory for anyone traveling to 220V countries such as Europe, Asia, Australia, or Africa. With its patented technology, it allows you to use your devices up to 200W in these countries by converting the voltage from 220V to 110V. It is ideal for charging various devices simultaneously, with 2 USA inputs and 4 USB ports featuring QC 3.0 fast charging. The converter is compact, lightweight, and comes with a 5 feet cable, making it easy to pack and carry. It is also equipped with multiple safety features such as a silent fan, surge protection, and short circuit protection. With its wide range of compatibility and impressive performance, the Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter is a reliable companion for all your travel needs.

• No. 1 Travel adapter brand
• Converts 220V voltage to 110V
• Charge 6 devices at once
• Multiple safety certifications
• Compact and lightweight design
• Includes various plug types
• Dimension: 4.80Lx3.10Wx1.00H
• Safe and efficient charging for multiple devices
• Works in a wide range of countries
• Comes with a 12-month warranty
• Requires manual power-on
• May get slightly warm with prolonged use

The Ceptics Travel Voltage Converter is a reliable and efficient companion for travelers. With its ability to convert voltage, charge multiple devices simultaneously, and compact design, it offers convenience and peace of mind. The inclusion of various plug types further enhances its versatility. While the manual power-on feature and slight warming may be minor drawbacks, they do not outweigh the overall performance and usefulness of this product. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this voltage converter is an essential item to ensure your devices stay powered up wherever you go.

2000Watts Travel Adapter and Converter Combo Step Down Voltage 220V to 110V for Hair Dryer Steam Iron Laptop MacBook Cell Phone Travel Adapter Converter for US to UK Europe AU Over 150 Countries

The 2000Watts Travel Adapter and Converter Combo is a compact and versatile travel accessory that allows you to use your electronic devices in over 150 countries. This adapter and converter combo features both adapter mode and converter mode, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. It is suitable for mobile devices, laptops, cameras, and electric products such as hair dryers and steam irons. The converter mode allows you to step down the voltage from 220v to 110v, ensuring the safe use of electric products. The adapter is not suitable for use with T3 hair products, televisions, multi-function coffee machines, and other appliances rated at 0-25W. With its black color and compact size, this travel adapter and converter combo is a convenient and essential travel companion. It has received a customer rating of 4.0/5.

• Compact travel size (2.8”x2.5”x2.3”)
• Fits electrical outlets in over 150 countries
• Adapter mode for mobile devices, laptops, etc.
• Converter mode for electric products
• Not suitable for T3 hair products and televisions
• Dimension: 2.40Lx2.20Wx2.00H
• Size: Step-Down Converter 220V-110V
• Compact and versatile
• Works well with most electronic devices
• Good value for money
• Bulky and awkward to plug in some sockets
• Easy to accidentally switch between converter and adapter modes
• Fuse cannot be replaced

The 2000Watts Travel Adapter and Converter Combo is a reliable and convenient accessory for travelers. Its compact size and compatibility with various devices make it a versatile option. While it may be a bit bulky and have some limitations like the inability to replace the fuse, overall, it delivers good value for the price. It is especially useful for those who frequently travel to different countries and need a reliable power solution. Whether you’re charging your phone, using a hair dryer, or working on your laptop, this adapter and converter combo has you covered. Just make sure to carefully read the instructions and double-check the mode before plugging in your device.

FURIDEN Lite Travel Curling Iron

The FURIDEN Lite Travel Curling Iron is a versatile hair styling tool that combines a flat iron and a curling iron. With dual voltage compatibility, it can be used anywhere in the world without the need for an adapter. The curling iron heats up quickly and reaches temperatures up to 450 degrees, delivering soft curls or sleek straight hair. Made with tourmaline and ceramic plates, it is safe for all hair types and regulates temperature automatically to protect your hair from damage. The travel curling iron comes with a heat-resistant glove for styling and features a 360-degree swivel cord for convenience. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel, and it even comes with a storage bag for easy packing. Overall, this FURIDEN curling iron is a reliable and convenient tool for achieving various hairstyles while on the go.

• 2-in-1 design combines a flat iron and a curling iron
• Global dual voltage for use worldwide
• Heats up quickly and reaches up to 450 degrees
• Made with tourmaline and ceramic plates
• Comes with a heat-resistant glove and 360-degree swivel cord
• Dimension: 8.86Lx1.26Wx2.48H
• Size: 1 inch
• Versatile styling options
• Compact and travel-friendly
• Suitable for all hair types
• Regulates temperature to protect hair
• Short barrel may be challenging for longer hair
• Bulky and stiff cord
• No temperature adjustment feature

The FURIDEN Lite Travel Curling Iron is a reliable and convenient hair styling tool for travelers. Its 2-in-1 design offers versatility, allowing users to switch between flat iron and curling iron modes. With its global dual voltage and compact size, it can be easily used anywhere in the world. The tourmaline and ceramic plates ensure safe styling for all hair types, and the automatic temperature regulation protects hair from damage. Despite some minor drawbacks like the short barrel and bulky cord, this curling iron delivers excellent results and is a great addition to any travel beauty kit.

Travel Converter for Hair Dryer and Curling Iron – Buyer's Guide

Key features to consider:.

• Voltage compatibility: Ensure that the travel converter you choose is compatible with the voltage of your destination country. Most countries use either 110-120V or 220-240V, so make sure the converter supports the appropriate voltage range.
• Power rating: Check the power rating of your hair dryer and curling iron to ensure the travel converter can handle the wattage. If the converter has a lower wattage limit than your devices, it may not work efficiently or even damage your appliances.
• Plug types: Different countries have different plug types, so it is crucial to ensure that the travel converter has the appropriate plug adapters for your destination. Look for converters that come with a variety of plug options to accommodate multiple countries.
• Portability: Travel converters should be compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack and carry. Consider the size and weight of the converter, making sure it fits conveniently in your luggage.
• Safety features: Look for converters with safety features like surge protection, overheating protection, and short-circuit protection. These features provide an added layer of security for your appliances and ensure a safe charging experience.

Types of Travel Converters:

• All-in-one Travel Converter: These versatile converters usually come with various plug adapters and can work with a wide range of voltage levels. They are suitable for most hair dryers and curling irons, but double-check the wattage compatibility to ensure they can handle your specific devices.
• Voltage Converter with Plug Adapter: These converters typically have a voltage switch to adjust the output voltage according to the destination country. They might also include plug adapters to accommodate different plug types.
• Plug Adapter Only: If the voltage in your destination country is compatible with your hair dryer and curling iron, you may only need a plug adapter. These adapters allow you to use your devices with the foreign plug types but do not convert the voltage.

Travel Converter Tips and Tricks:

• It's always advisable to check the voltage and plug type of your destination country before purchasing a travel converter.
• If you plan to use multiple electronic devices, consider buying a travel converter with multiple outlets to accommodate all your appliances simultaneously.
• If you have dual-voltage hair dryers or curling irons, ensure that the voltage selector is set correctly before using them with a travel converter.
• Label your travel converter and plug adapters to avoid confusion and ensure they are easily identifiable in your luggage.
• If you are uncertain about the compatibility of your devices with a travel converter, consult the manufacturer's recommendations or seek professional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about 12 Amazing Travel Converter For Hair Dryer And Curling Iron for 2023

Travel converters work with most hair dryers and curling irons, but it’s essential to check the converter’s wattage limit to ensure it supports your specific devices.

Yes, a voltage converter can be used instead of a travel converter for devices that are not dual voltage compatible. However, it is crucial to consider the wattage rating and safety features of the converter.

If your hair dryer or curling iron is dual voltage, you may not need a travel converter. Simply adjust the voltage selector on your device to match the voltage of your destination country, and use a plug adapter if necessary.

Some hotels may provide hair dryers in guest rooms, reducing the need for your own. Alternatively, you may opt to purchase a hair dryer or curling iron specifically designed for travel, as they are often compatible with various voltages and plug types.

Yes, travel converters are suitable for a wide range of electronic devices such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones. However, make sure the converter’s wattage rating can handle the power requirements of your devices.

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Parent item expand the sub menu, black friday gives retail early gift, yet no bellwether for season, campbell addy to win isabella blow prize, zegna partners with city of milan, the 10 best flat irons for every hair type, tested and reviewed by editors.

Straight, silky hair will be yours with these top flat irons.

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Updated November 24th, 2023: This article on the best flat irons was updated with new product picks, additional tips for straight-styling, and fact-checked by a copy editor.

Flat irons are a catchall hair styling tool that belongs in everyone’s vanity. Think about it: Yes, hair straighteners can straighten hair, but depending on the technique you use they can also create textured styles like beachy waves and bouncy curls — all it takes is a flick of your wrist and a little practice. 

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Much like hair dryers , the best flat irons have special features that cater to the needs of different hair types. Tools with adjustable temperature gauges allow you to customize the heat level to suit your specific texture, and some even include smart technology that automatically matches you with the ideal setting. The heat versatility alone makes a world of a difference in the health of your hair, but experts share that the material of the plates themselves can enhance the end result. With high-tech advancements, ceramic and titanium plates can now be infused with shine-boosting ingredients like keratin and argan oil for sleeker finishes. (The tools from yesteryear could never.) 

Some flat irons don’t even need to be plugged into a power source to use — cordless designs make it easier than ever to style your hair on the move. Those with cords more commonly have dual voltage capabilities, which make for ideal travel flat irons . These technological innovations only scratch the surface of what today’s hair straighteners can do.

After researching top-rated tools, tapping expert hair stylists, and putting these hair straighteners through extensive testing, we built our list of the best flat irons. Regardless of your styling needs, these picks deliver the smooth, glass-like strands with each pass.

Top Flat Irons of 2023

• Best for Fine Hair : Ghd Platinum+ Styler 1″ Flat Iron

Harry Josh 1.25 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron

• Best for Natural Hair: Tymo Ring Straightener Comb
• Best Affordable : Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener
• Best Cordless: Dyson Corrale Styler Straightener
• Best Professional: Chi Original Ceramic Hair Straightener

Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Flat Iron

• Best for Curling: T3 SinglePass StyleMax Professional 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron
• Best for Curly Hair: BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron

Hot Tools Pro Artist Double Straight Dual Plate Hair Straightener

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Testing Verdict: Best Overall Flat Iron

After an extensive evaluation period and input from expert hairstylists, our testers agree that Ghd’s Platinum+ Styler is the best hair straightener of 2023. The 1-inch plates are a practical size for working close to the roots of your hair when needed, without requiring multiple passes for a smoothed look on the lengths of your hair. To prevent damage, Ghd’s flat iron locks in at 365 degrees Farenheit, which is a Goldilocks temperature for straightening without compromising the health of your hair. Finally, this tool’s plates have curved edges, which makes it versatile for working curls and waves into hair with a twisting motion.

Ghd Platinum+ Styler 1″ Flat Iron

Ghd’s top-rated Platinum+ Styler takes out the guesswork that comes with selecting a heat level for your hair type. The tool is programmed with one temperature — 365 degrees Fahrenheit — which celebrity hairstylist Scott King says is ideal for those with fine hair. “You don’t need anything higher than that to achieve smooth hairstyles,” he insists. Even at this moderate heat setting, the tool produces a sleek, shiny finish with minimal passes, reducing damage in the long run. And if you forget to unplug the straightener after styling (we’ve all been there), it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity. Editor testing and review notes: “Ghd’s flat iron outperformed every other straightener during testing. From the jump, this iron heats up in under 30 seconds with the click of one button (its preset temperature takes out the guesswork of landing on the right temp). The plates glide over curls and soft waves to straighten them without causing steam or sizzling, and it’s the best straightener I tested that works to create soft curls — simply twist the iron as you move it from the mid-length of your hair down to the ends. My curly hair typically requires multiple passes for a smooth, straight look, but just one does the trick with this tool.” Price upon publish date of this article: $195.30

Meet Harry Josh’s mint green wonder that quickly and efficiently straightens all hair types with its wide 1.25-inch ceramic plates. The bright color may be what captures your attention, but it’s the salon-quality results that will turn this into a vanity mainstay. An adjustable thermostat features vast temperature settings ranging from 235 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to accommodate a variety of hair textures, while the larger-than-standard plate size makes it easy to smooth big sections of hair. These factors reduce the amount of time you spend styling, ultimately simplifying your routine and keeping hair as healthy as possible. Editor testing and review notes: “Larger plates are ideal for those with a lot of hair, however some can be tricky to work close to the root of your hair to smooth out unwanted texture. Harry Josh’s features thin plates that are easy to wiggle into the roots where needed, then creating a glossy result after you glide the iron down the lengths of your hair. The heat settings cover quite the range, which is nice for those with delicate hair who need minimal heat.” Price upon publish date of this article: $200

Tymo Ring Straightener Comb

The Tymo ring has made waves on TikTok (35.1 million views and counting) for its ability to quickly create sleek silk presses on coarse natural hair. Straying from conventional flat iron designs, it looks and performs like a hot comb, heating up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit to tame and smooth thick hair cuticles. Instead of sandwiching strands between two plates, you brush hair through the heated ceramic teeth. The teeth are covered with an anti-scald plate to prevent potential burns, but the tool also comes with a heat-resistant glove — as well as hairpins, a travel bag, and a brush — for extra protection.  Editor testing and review notes: “One common issue with hair straightening brushes is that they can accumulate fallen hairs similar to your hair brush. When left on that heated surface, the smell is less than appealing. But that’s not the case with Tymo’s straightening brush, which moves through hair like butter. The heated teeth create more tension than a standard flat iron, which is ideal for smoothing out my curls, but they don’t snag on hairs and cause fallout.” Price upon publish date of this article: $49.99

Remington Shine Therapy Hair Straightener

If you’re after glass-like hair at a drugstore price, this Remington straightener is hard to one-up. With a slew of high-end features — including an LED temperature display, adjustable heat settings, professional length swivel cord, and argan oil- and keratin-infused plates — it rivals tools quadruple its cost. Along with producing smooth, straight strands, the beveled edges are also ideal for creating beachy waves and curls. But regardless of how you style, the micro-conditioner-emitting ceramic plates promise to double shine for an enviably glossy outcome.  Editor testing and review notes: “While I’m always wary of hot tools that promise the delivery of hair care ingredients, one things for certain: This hair straightener will leave your hair looking — and feeling — like silk. Although it’s an inexpensive option, it held up to luxury options in its durability and results, making it the best budget-friendly straightener I tested.” Price upon publish date of this article: $24.58

Dyson Corrale Styler Straightener

We consider the Corrale the underdog of Dyson’s styling line up: iI may not receive nearly as much attention as the Airwrap multi-styler or Supersonic hair dryer , but its innovative plates and convenient cordless design carry unique benefits we haven’t seen from other brands. While most straighteners are built with ceramic or titanium plates, these are constructed with copper alloy that flexes around the hair. This factor, paired with the intelligent heat control that regulates the temperature 100 times per second, creates sleek and shiny strands with minimal heat. Additionally, you don’t need to be tethered to an outlet to use this. The cordless design holds a 30-minute charge, allowing you to straighten your hair from nearly anywhere.  Editor testing and review notes: “Dyson’s straightener impressed me with its cordless design and damage-free results. It’s best used on fine, thin hair, as the tool works best on small sections of hair (those with thick or coarse hair will either need to devote some extra time to using the tool or commit to multiple passes for the desired result). But if you’re in the fine hair camp, you’ll consider this tool a game changer: It delivers amazing shine without damaging your hair or causing breakage, and you’ll never be tethered to a wall again.” Price upon publish date of this article: $499

Chi Original Ceramic Hair Straightener

Replicate an in-salon styling session from the comfort of home with this professional-grade flat iron from Chi . It takes less than one minute for the ceramic plates to heat up to the preset 392 degrees Fahrenheit, and once ready, the floating plate design prevents any snagging or tangling for the smoothest possible glide. Although the tool doesn’t feature any fancy bells and whistles, the 11-foot cord is significantly longer than the other flat irons on our list. Amazon shoppers don’t seem to mind the bare-bones model. Over 12,000 people have given it a perfect five-star rating, noting the iron’s lasting durability, and numerous reviews mention that their Chi still performs beautifully after 10 years of use.  Editor testing and review notes: “Few flat irons stand the test of time like a Chi — one WWD Shop editor has had her flat iron for seven years and it still works like new. Beyond durability, this straightener is a standout for its ease of use. Power it on, and the tool heats up in seconds, maintaining its temperature without damaging heat flare ups.” Price upon publish date of this article: $69.98

Short on space? This handy iron acts as three hair tools in one: It operates as a traditional flat iron, clamped curling iron , and curling wand. Switching between styling tools can be done with the press of a button. Simply lock it to use the curling function or unlock to separate the plates for smooth straightening. The wide temperature range makes it easy to customize heat settings to fit your hair type and needs. Plus, it’s excellent for travel thanks to the universal voltage design that enables you to style your hair from anywhere in the world.  Editor testing and review notes: “The plates on this Bio-Ionic hair straightener are longer than others on this list, however that’s part of what makes the tool a standout. That extra surface area allows you to straighten larger chunks of hair than you could with a standard flat iron, cutting down on styling time. On top of its efficiency for straightening hair, the tool has a smart design that allows you to use it as a curling wand or curling iron for ultimate versatility in your hair styling.” Price upon publish date of this article: $149

T3 SinglePass StyleMax Professional 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron

Instead of going through a trial-and-error process to find the optimal temperature for your hair, this smart T3 iron does the work for you. Once you input your hair type, it automatically selects the best heat setting that will enhance shine and reduce damage. Furthermore, the intelligent tool instinctively remembers this custom specification, so it’s ready to use the next time you turn it on. For days when you want to curl your hair, press the special curl mode button. When activated, this automation tailors the temperature to produce long-lasting curls and waves. Editor testing and review notes: “A smart hair straightener is only handy if it’s easy to use, and that’s exactly the case with T3’s Singlepass Flat Iron. It took me only five minutes to set up the tool and get it calibrated to my hair texture, length, and goals. The curling setting is a nice option for when I want to add some soft waves in place — the auto-temperature adjustments prevent my hair from snagging or feeling damaged after twisting the device through my strands.” Price upon publish date of this article: $149.99

BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Flat Iron

Attaining a pin straight style when you have curly hair can be a long, tedious process, but the BabylissPro Nano Titanium Flat Iron makes it look easy. This powerful little tool combines fast-heating titanium plates — that can reach 450 degrees Fahrenheit in mere seconds — with ionic technology. As it glides through hair, thousands of negative ions are emitted to ward off frizz, leaving soft, silky strands in its wake. It does this in fewer passes than most ceramic irons, ultimately speeding up the straightening process and protecting hair from excessive damage. King regularly uses this hair styling tool and finds the plates more forgiving than other options. Editor testing and review notes: “While this tool may be too high-powered for fine, thin hair types, it’s a dream for long, coarse hair. The firm plates and high temperature range makes quick work of smoothing any level of unwanted texture in mere seconds. That max temp might be tempting when you’re in a rush, but we recommend keeping it near the 400 degree Farenheit mark to prevent damage — you won’t need anything hotter for a gorgeous result.” Price upon publish date of this article: $129.98

Most standard flat irons have two plates, but this Hot Tools straightener was designed with four for more personalized (and quicker) styling. When you run it through hair, the first set of plates straightens strands, while the second follows behind to seal the cuticle, leading to less frizz and a silkier finish. With 30 heat settings to choose from, each set of plates can be adjusted to hold a distinct temperature reaching up to 455 degrees Fahrenheit. We suggest programming the first plates at a lower setting than the second. This method yields soft, glossy strands — no fried, crunchy ends here.  Editor testing and review notes: “When I opened this funky flat iron, my first thought was, “this one’s going to require multiple passes.” Not the case! Instead, the plates left my type 2 curls pin-straight and less prone to getting frizzy throughout the day. The tool has an intuitive design that takes seconds to get comfortable with, and the matte finish is easy to grip while you’re styling.” Price upon publish date of this article: $78.79

What to Look for in the Best Hair Straighteners

• Materials: Most flat irons are designed with either titanium or ceramic plates. Both materials are able to maintain high temperature levels and distribute constant, even heat through hair. Though similar, there are a few defining factors that set them apart from one another. Ceramic gradually heats up and manages to hold heat for longer, which experts say results in the most even heat distribution and causes less damage. Titanium, on the other hand, heats up in seconds and has the ability to smooth hair with fewer passes, making it ideal for those with thicker, coarser strands
• Plate Size: The standard flat iron plate size is one inch, which celebrity hairstylist Jessica Elbaum says works wonderfully for all hair types. However, you can also find smaller and wider sizes. Narrower widths of half an inch allow you to easily straighten wispy pieces near the scalp and are more convenient for styling bangs. Larger widths usually range from 1.5 to two inches, and are particularly useful for those with thick and coarse hair who want to cover more area in a shorter period of time. When it comes to adding waves or curls with a straightener, one inch devices offer the most control and are the most convenient to maneuver. 
• Temperature Settings: Just like with any styling tool, temperature control is essential to avoid unnecessary damage. The heat settings on a majority of flat irons are adjustable, typically ranging from 300 to 450 degrees (with some going as low as 265 degrees). Flexible settings allow you to select the temperature that is best suited for your unique hair type and texture. Some tools, including the Ghd Platinum+ Styler and Chi Original Ceramic Hair Straightener on our list, are programmed with only one moderate heat setting to take out the guesswork and minimize the chances of harming the integrity of your hair. Most experts, including King, recommend selecting a straightener with adjustable settings so you can customize the heat level to fit your specific needs.

The Best Flat Irons for Different Hair Types

• Best straightener for short hair: If you have a lob, bob, or pixie cut, the material of the flat iron doesn’t matter as much as the width of the plates. You’re better off with selecting a standard one inch size or something narrower — wider plates can be cumbersome to move through shorter strands. “Shorter hair is more compatible with thinner plates as these can get closer to the scalp,” explains Los Angeles-based hair stylist Bradley Leake . Slimmer plates also offer more control when styling bangs. 
• Best flat iron for fine hair: Because fine hair is so thin and delicate, it is more susceptible to breakage than other hair types. Most experts suggest avoiding regular heat styling for fine hair types, but if you do plan to straighten your hair, many recommend flat irons with ceramic plates. Ceramic plates heat up gradually, maintain steady heat and are gentler on hair than titanium tools, making them ideal for fine hair. Additionally, avoid using high temperature settings. A moderate setting between 260°F—350°F will be sufficient. 
• Best flat iron for thick hair: Compared to fine hair, “thicker hair can tolerate higher temperatures and wider plates,” Leake notes. Of course, the less heat you subject your hair to, the better, so opt for a flat iron that has multiple heat settings with a maximum of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. With various settings you can play around to find the optimal temperature for quick and easy styling. Models with wider plates also enable you to cover more surface area at once. 
• Best hair straightener for frizzy hair: Those with frizzy hair should seek out flat irons with ionic technology. During the straightening process, these tools emit negative ions, which cancel out frizz-causing positive ions and help to seal the hair cuticle, leaving strands looking silky, shiny, and smooth. Both ceramic and titanium straighteners can utilize ionic technology.
• Best flat iron for curly hair: “Overheating curly hair can compromise your hair’s elasticity, resulting in you losing your natural pattern over time and leaving it frizzy and prone to breakage,” says celebrity hairstylist Alyx Liu . To lessen the chance of damaging your hair, look for irons that have adjustable temperature controls so you can customize the heat level to your curly hair’s thickness. Keep in mind that curly hair is also notoriously dry and prone to becoming brittle. Tools with special features — including far infrared heat, ions, and/or steam — can help lessen the chance of exasperating these issues. 
• Best flat iron for natural hair: Similar to curly hair, excessive use of heat styling tools can disrupt natural hairs’ pattern. That said, because natural hair tends to be coarse, higher heat settings are often needed to achieve a silk press. Titanium plates can style this hair type with fewer passes due to its ability to maintain higher temperatures across the plates. 
• Best hair straightener for processed or damaged hair: While it’s best to completely avoid heat styling if your hair is overly processed or damaged, if you need to use a flat iron, keep the heat setting low and use a tool with ceramic plates. “You don’t want to go above 300 degrees Fahrenheit,” Elbaum warns. The lower temperature may require more passes to completely flatten the cuticle, but the extra effort will spare your hair in the long run. Don’t forget to use a heat protectant before styling to ward off unnecessary damage, too. 

How to Use a Flat Iron

• Before styling your hair with a flat iron, ensure that your hair is entirely dry and brushed. Our experts also recommend spritzing your hair with a thermal protectant, like the Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist , to safeguard against damage. Once prepped, plug in your iron and select a temperature for your hair type — the tool should heat up in less than a minute. 
• For the most seamless styling, Elbaum recommends straightening hair in small one- to two-inch sections. (Those with thinner hair can work in larger sections, while those with thick, coarser hair should work in smaller segments.) “Start in the back, running the flat iron down the hair shaft. Go section by section until you achieve the result you are looking for,” she says. To minimize damage, try to pass through each section only once. 
• Once you have straightened your entire head of hair, Elbaum suggests applying a hair oil (her favorite is Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Precious Hair Oil ) to lock in the cuticle and enhance shine. Place a drop or two in your hands, then run your fingers through your hair focusing on the ends. For extra staying power you can also mist your hair with a light hairspray. 
• Following each use, be sure to turn off and unplug your flat iron. While the tool is still hot, Devin Toth , a hairstylist at Salon SCK in New York City, says to wipe down the plates with a dark towel before putting it away. “This will remove any excess product from your plates.”

How to Curl Hair with a Flat Iron

• “Begin by using the same three-part sectioning technique as for straightening,” Elbaum explains. “The flat iron curl is achieved by rotating your wrist in a curl motion, just as you would with a curling iron.” As for the tightness of the curl, that is determined by the size of the hair section, with smaller segments resulting in tighter waves. If you’re looking to achieve looser curls, work in larger segments. 
• Once you have sectioned off your hair, take a segment and gently clamp it in the tool. The trick is to keep the iron somewhat loose, wrapping the hair around the edge and through the center like a loop. Outwardly rotate your wrist 180 degrees and gently move the straightener down the hair shaft in a smooth motion. Repeat this for the remaining sections of hair. Finish with a quick spritz of hairspray for added hold.

How We Chose the Best Flat Irons

To find the best flat irons for every hair type, our team thoroughly researched best selling models, poured over customer reviews, and consulted with hair experts to discover their tried-and-true favorites. Using our expert’s advice, we created a list of the top 30 flat irons to test, including a mix of budget-friendly options, cordless straighteners, and splurge-worthy devices with all the bells and whistles. After thorough testing, we narrowed down our list of the 10 best flat irons for various hair textures, lengths, and styling goals. Of the dozens we tested, the below were close to making the cut:

• Amika The Conductor Flat Iron : This option is easy to operate and amazing for a sleek, shiny result with just a few passes. However, our testers experienced some issues turning on the flat iron after a few weeks of usage.
• Kristin Ess 3-in-1 Flat Iron : Although this tool provides a good result for its price, our testers were more impressed with other budget-friendly options during testing, such as the Chi Flat Iron, which also boasted more durability.
• Flower Beauty Flat Iron: Our testers had high hopes for Flower Beauty’s straightener, as we’ve been pleasantly surprised with the brand’s hair tool offerings for their price point. All hair types found the flat iron required multiple passes for the desired result.

How We Tested and Reviewed the Best Flat Irons

A panel of three testers with various hair textures, lengths, and thicknesses spent two months personally testing top-rated straighteners at home. Throughout this process, we made sure to evaluate whether the straighteners could serve a range of hair types and textures without jeopardizing the integrity of hair. We also took note of functional preferences like plate material, plate width, automatic shut-off, and adjustable temperature gauges. Our testers also tested the durability of each of these tools, including dropping them from countertop height to see if they hold up to everyday wear and tear, and evaluating their performance over extended periods of time with regular use. Ultimately, we cut through the oversaturated market to find 10 high-performance flat irons. Below, the criteria we used to evaluate the straighteners:

• Ease of use: Unlike hair dryers and multi-stylers, most flat irons are inherently simple to use as they don’t include multiple attachments or require carefully calibrating heat and airflow settings. However, some flat irons are more intuitive to use than others. The straighteners on our list feature streamlined buttons that don’t get in the way of your hand while you’re working them through your hair. We gave bonus points to tools that work equally well to curl hair, such as Ghd’s, which has tapered edges for smooth, soft waves.
• Efficiency: Not only do multiple passes slow down your styling process, they can also cause more damage to your hair. Our panel of testers assessed the straighteners on our list across various hair thicknesses and textures to ensure the options we’ve highlighted don’t require two, three, or four passes for a silky-smooth result.
• Safety features: The best flat irons we’ve highlighted on our list have a minimum of cool touch points to prevent burns and easy-to-grip materials that prevent you from losing control of the device while operating it. We awarded extra points to straighteners with additional features like automatic shut-off technology.

Why Trust WWD

Meet the experts.

Scott King is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles, California. He has worked with Sabrina Carpenter, Jenny McCarthy, Lucy Hale and more. 

Jessica Elbaum is a celebrity hairstylist that is known for her work on shows like Modern Family, The Connors, and Magnum P.I.

Alyx Liu is a celebrity hair stylist based in Los Angeles, California. Their clients include Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Shay Mitchell,  and more. 

Devin Toth is a New York-based hairstylist at Salon SCK.

Meet the Author 

Mary Honkus is a freelance beauty writer with over five years of experience researching, testing, and writing about hair care, makeup, and skincare. She has held on-staff positions at InStyle, People, and Real Simple, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications including Cosmopolitan and Us Weekly. Mary has been using flat irons to style her hair for the past 14 years and has tested many models in that time period, including options mentioned in this story. She currently resides in New York City. 

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T3 Hair Tools Sale: Save 25% on Celeb-Approved T3 Hair Tool During This Rare Cyber Week Sale

From best-selling flat irons, curling irons, and detangling brushes, top-rated T3 hair tools are all 25% off for Cyber Week.

The holidays are officially here, which means cold weather isn't too far behind for many of us.

When it gets chilly outside, altering our  self-care routines  to nourish and protect our hair and skin is necessary. Maybe you started a new skincare routine or decided to change your hairstyle up a bit. Whatever the case may be, it's the perfect time to invest in some new styling tools and toss out those old, worn-out hair dryers, curling irons, and everything else you've been waiting to replace. Luckily, the  T3 Cyber Week Sale is here with can't-miss discounts on best-selling hair tools to help you achieve salon-quality looks at home and feel your best all season long.

Shop the T3 Micro Cyber Week Sale

Until Tuesday, November 28, the T3 Cyber Week Sale is offering 25% off sitewide, so you can score deep discounts on some of the brand's go-to hair tools  that even the stars rave over. From stylish,  lightweight hair dryers perfect for travel to curling irons that make bountiful, luminous curls, T3's lightweight tools are how some of the most notable celebrity hairstylists have achieved their clients' iconic looks over the years. We're talking swoon-worthy, red carpet-worthy styles seen on the likes of  Amal Clooney ,  Hailey Bieber and Ashley Graham . 

If you want to add one of T3's professional-grade tools to your collection, act quickly. This brand's sales don't come around incredibly rarely. If you're ready to ditch the salon and level up your home styling game, see below for some of the best deals on T3 hair tools. You'll be fielding questions about who did your hair all season long. 

T3 SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron 1.25"

With five customized heat settings and a smart microchip that — according to the retailer — helps to "keep temperature fluctuations in check," users can craft effortless curls with T3's high-tech curling iron tool.

$170   $128

T3 Lucea Professional Straightening & Styling Iron

T3's highly-rated Lucea 1.5” flat iron features wider CeraGloss ceramic plates to cover more area and provide frizz-free results.

T3 Fit Ionic Compact Hair Dryer

Lightweight. Agile. Performance packed. 30% smaller than a traditional hairdryer, T3 Fit is powered by advanced IonAir technology for fast drying with smooth, shiny results.

$150   $112

T3 Featherweight StyleMax Professional Ionic Hair Dryer

A favorite of hair professionals, this lightweight blow dryer auto-customizes heat and speed settings to your hair texture for shiny results. 

$200   $150

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Visit Moscow

From the fortified Kremlin and gold church domes, to modern skyscrapers, museums and galleries, Moscow’s landmarks reveal much about its history and future. Wars and revolutions have transformed the Russian capital many times in the past. Today it is a prosperous and cosmopolitan city. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Moscow every year for its art, history and culture.

Make Red Square your first stop. The enormous historic plaza is bordered by some of the city’s most famous buildings. Gaze in awe at St. Basil’s Cathedral with its intriguing multicolored domes. The church was built for Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century to commemorate a military victory. At the opposite end of the square is the State Historical Museum, full of artifacts that tell the story of Russia from prehistoric times to the present. Venture into the Lenin Mausoleum to see the preserved body of the former head of government of the Soviet Union.

Take a tour of the Kremlin, the vast 69-acre (29-hectare) fortified complex that occupies the spot where Moscow was founded. The compound encompasses churches, cathedrals, palaces and the official residence of the president of Russia. Appreciate the religious icons and frescoes inside the Cathedral of the Assumption. See tombs of Russian rulers in the Cathedral of the Archangel.

Anywhere in Moscow, you’re never far from a park or garden. One of the most famous is the 300-acre (120-hectare) Gorky Park, along the banks of the Moscow River. Walk, cycle or rollerblade along its paths, go boating on the lake or play tennis and other sports. During winter, ice skate on the huge rink.

You’ll find many evening activities in the city. Watch opera or ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre, dine in a café or restaurant on Arbat Street and dance in clubs featuring international DJs.

Fly into Sheremetyevo International Airport and get around by bus, tram, taxi, the metro system or rental car. Let Moscow thrill you with its fascinating buildings and history.

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Moscow City Centre

Theaters, museums, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Moscow City Centre. Make a stop by Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or Kremlin Arsenal while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Okhotny Ryad Station or Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Station to get around town.

Central Administrative Okrug

If you're spending time in Central Administrative Okrug, check out sights like Moscow Arts Theatre or Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and hop on the metro to see more the city at Okhotny Ryad Station or Teatral'naya Station.

If you're spending some time in Moskovskiy, Bitsa Park and Victory Park are top sights worth seeing.

Molzhaninovsky District

If you're spending some time in Molzhaninovsky District, Mega Khimki Mall and Metropolis Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Western Administrative Okrug

If you're spending time in Western Administrative Okrug, check out sights like Memorial Mosque or Victory Park and hop on the metro to see more the city at Yugo-Zapadnaya Station or Prospekt Vernadskogo Station.

South-Western Administrative Okrug

While you're in South-Western Administrative Okrug, take in top sights like Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Uzkoye or Bitsa Park, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Konkovo Station or Yasenevo Station.

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You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

St. Basil's Cathedral

Think of Russia and you probably picture this iconic building, whose onion-shaped domes overlook the Moscow skyline.

Arbat Street

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a visit to Arbat Street. Take in the acclaimed theater scene in this culturally rich area.

State Historical Museum

Take a walk through many different eras of Russian history at this expansive museum on Red Square.

Reviews of Moscow

5/5 - excellent.

I got to see St Basil so I was really happy about it and eat stroganoff all day! So I was a happy camper

Add Moscow to your bucket list...

Best Capitol in the world, the cleanest and very rich. Also much cheaper than other european cities. Last time I was in Moscow 20 years ago it was not an impressive place. Now it is amazing. Visit in summer - you will not regret it.

Moscow during Christmas WAS MAGICAL!! IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! DONT JUST THINK ABOUT VISITING MOSCOW- JUST GO AND SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW INCREDIBLE RUSSIA BECAME!!! BRAVO RUSSIA MOSCOW!!

Moscow is a beautiful and historic city. Red Square with fresh snow and holidays lights was straight out of a fairy tale.

I took a tour of the Kubinka Tank Museum about one hour drive from Moscow, it was amazing and worth seeing for any history buff.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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