Best Curling Irons For Short Hair: Ultimate Guide (2025)

When it comes to curling short hair, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to select a curling iron with a smaller barrel size, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter. This will allow you to create tighter curls or waves that will hold their shape in shorter hair.

The type of curling iron you choose is also important. Irons with a clip or clamp are great for coarse or frizzy hair, while wands are better suited for fine hair as they give you more control over the curl.

Additionally, look for curling irons with adjustable heat settings so you can customize the temperature to your hair type. For fine or sensitive hair, a lower temperature of around 325-350°F is ideal, while coarse or curl-resistant hair may require higher temperatures of 380-400°F.

- Mermade PRO Hair Waver

- Remington Pro Conical Curling Wand

- Dyson Airwrap

- Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron

- Conair Curling Iron

- Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron

Best curling iron for short hair overall

The BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Curling Iron is our top pick for curling short hair. This curling iron heated up quickly without damaging our hair. The barrel was easy to grip and manoeuvre thanks to the indented dimples and the bottom lever. It also features a kickstand, which is useful when you need to put the iron down to re-apply product. For short hair, the 0.75-inch barrel is perfect for creating ringlets or defined curls.

The only downsides are that the temperature dial isn't electronic, so it takes a while to adjust, and the iron has to be turned off manually.

The InfinitiPro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron is our best budget option. It's lightweight, has a digital display screen, and is easy to adjust the temperature. It also comes with a lever to help you open and close the clamp. However, it's not suitable for type 4 hair as it doesn't get hot enough.

The Dyson Airwrap is our top splurge option. It's an all-in-one dryer, curler, and blowout master with six attachments, including curling wands. The iron self-wraps without tangling and comes with a cold setting, which may help reduce hair damage. It also adjusts to the desired temperature very quickly. The only downsides are that it's very expensive and the exact temperatures aren't specified.

Best budget curling iron for short hair

Short hair can be a challenge to curl, but the right tools can make it a breeze. Here are some of the best budget-friendly curling irons for short hair:

• InfinitiPro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron: This curling iron is perfect for those looking for an inexpensive option that delivers great results. It's lightweight, easy to use, and has a digital display screen for adjusting the temperature. The clamp helps to securely hold the hair in place, and it's suitable for most hair types except type 4 hair.
• Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron: This is a highly popular and effective curling iron that is also budget-friendly. It features adjustable heat settings and innovative pulse technology, which cuts down styling time by half. The 24K gold surface creates long-lasting, defined curls. However, reviewers note that it can snag hair, so it's important to section hair into smaller pieces while styling.
• Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron: This classic curling iron is a great bargain buy, with adjustable heat settings and a ceramic coating. It's perfect for creating curls or waves in fine to thick hair, and at such a low price, it's an excellent option for those who don't curl their hair regularly.
• Remington Pro Conical Curling Wand: This budget-friendly curling wand heats up in just 30 seconds, making it perfect for those who are short on time. It creates beautiful beachy waves and is especially effective on straight hair. However, it's important to use the heat-protective glove included with the wand to avoid burning your fingertips.
• MiroPure Automatic Curling Iron: This automatic curling wand features a unique button to enable or disable rotation, giving you more control over your curls. It has a longer barrel, perfect for creating waves and curls, and it's suitable for all hair types.
• ELLA BELLA® Curling Iron: This 1-inch professional hair curler is suitable for all hair types and helps you transform your look in seconds. It promises to say goodbye to heat damage with its ceramic curling iron technology.

Best splurge curling iron for short hair

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line curling iron for your short hair, the Dyson Airwrap is the one for you. This curling iron comes with a hefty price tag of $600, but it may be the last hair tool you ever need to buy. The Dyson Airwrap styles your hair using Coanda airflow instead of heat, resulting in less damage and breakage. It comes with six attachments, including a dryer and curling wands, so you can create any style you want. The curling iron also has three heat settings and a cold setting, which may help to reduce hair damage. The exact temperatures are not specified, but the curling iron quickly adjusts to the desired temperature.

The Dyson Airwrap is easy to use, even for those who have little experience with curling irons. The curling iron gently self-wraps your hair, and none of your hair will feel like it's being pulled or tangled. The interchangeable barrels allow you to curl your hair into different styles, and the storage case keeps everything organised when you're done.

One downside to the Dyson Airwrap is that it makes a lot of noise. It can also be difficult to get hold of due to its popularity. But if you're looking for a splurge-worthy curling iron that will give you salon-quality curls, the Dyson Airwrap is the one for you.

Best curling iron for short, thick hair

When it comes to curling short, thick hair, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to look for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings, as thicker hair typically requires higher temperatures to style effectively. You should also opt for a curling iron with a smaller barrel, as this will help you achieve tighter curls that will last longer. Finally, look for a curling iron that is easy to manoeuvre and has a swivel cord, as this will make it easier to style your short hair.

Kristin Ess Titanium Pivoting Wand

This curling wand is perfect for those with short, thick hair. The titanium barrel heats up quickly and retains heat, making it ideal for styling thick hair. The wand also pivots to a 90-degree angle, making it easy to access all sections of your short hair. However, it's important to note that this tool has a high heat range, so be sure to use a heat protectant to avoid damage.

GHD Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand

The GHD Classic Wave curling wand is another great option for short, thick hair. While it only has one heat setting, it's preset to 365°F, which is high enough to effectively style thick hair. The oval-shaped barrel creates natural, undone waves without sacrificing length, making it perfect for shorter hair. It also has an automatic shut-off feature, so you don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on.

Chi Lava Ceramic Curling Iron

The Chi Lava Ceramic curling iron is a solid choice for short, thick hair. It scored high marks in ease of use, performance, and satisfaction tests. It also releases hair from the clamp without snagging or pulling, which is important for thick hair that can be more prone to tugging and pulling. Additionally, it reaches a high temperature of 450°F, which is ideal for creating long-lasting curls in thick hair.

Beachwaver PRO Curling Iron

The Beachwaver PRO is an automated curling iron that does the work for you. Simply clamp a section of hair and press a button, and the barrel will rotate to create perfect curls. This curling iron is ideal for short hair, as it's easy to use and creates well-defined, lasting curls. However, it may have a bit of a learning curve, so be sure to practice before using it on your own.

Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron

The Hot Tools Gold curling iron is a favourite among hairstylists and beauty editors. It offers adjustable heat settings and even heat distribution, making it suitable for all hair types, including short, thick hair. The gold coating helps to create symmetrical curls from root to tip. Additionally, the 360-degree swivel cord makes it easy to manoeuvre and style your hair. Just be sure to keep your strands away from the hinge of the clamp to avoid any tangles.

Best curling iron for short, fine hair

When it comes to curling short, fine hair, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to look for a curling iron with a smaller barrel size, as this will help you achieve tighter curls. A barrel size of 1 inch or less is generally recommended for short hair.

Another important factor is the material of the curling iron. Ceramic barrels are a good option for fine hair as they heat evenly and help protect the hair from damage. Titanium barrels are also an option, as they heat up quickly and hold heat well, but they may not be as gentle on fine hair.

• GHD Soft Curl Curling Iron: This curling iron has a 1.25-inch barrel, which is a good size for short hair. It has a consistent temperature of 365 degrees, which is gentler on fine hair than higher heat settings. It also features a cool tip to prevent burns and an automatic shut-off feature.
• Beachwaver Co. S1 Dual Voltage: This rotating curling iron is easy to use and creates long-lasting curls. It has a 1.75-inch barrel and adjustable heat settings, allowing you to customize the temperature to suit your hair type.
• Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron: This affordable curling iron has 30 heat settings, allowing you to tailor the temperature to your hair type. It also comes with a thermal glove to protect your hands from the heat.
• Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Long Curling Iron: This curling iron has a long barrel that is suitable for a range of hair lengths, including short hair. It offers five temperature settings and an 8-inch swivel cord for easy maneuverability.
• T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kit: While on the higher end of the price spectrum, this styling tool creates sleek, shiny curls without causing heat damage. It comes with a pouch for easy storage and is lightweight and easy to use.

Frequently asked questions