When it comes to curling your hair, having a cord getting in the way can be frustrating. That’s why cordless curling irons are a game-changer. Not only do they eliminate the hassle of cords, but they also offer a range of benefits, from ease of use to versatility and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out with curling, a good cordless curling iron can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a great cordless curling iron, and highlight our top picks for the best options on the market. From budget-friendly choices to premium models, we’ve got you covered. So why wait? Let’s dive in and explore the world of cordless curling irons.
Cordless Curling Iron Factors
Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to begin when selecting a cordless curling iron that better suits your needs than your previous one did. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll delve into the key features to look out for when shopping. We’ll also provide some product recommendations and explore why factors like material and barrel size are crucial considerations.
Curler Type
The cordless curling iron market offers a variety of options, with three primary types: curling wands, clamp curlers, and automatic curlers. For an in-depth examination of the advantages and disadvantages of each type, readers are encouraged to consult our comprehensive guide found below. Furthermore, we’ve included a versatile flat iron on our list, capable of not only straightening but also curling hair to achieve a range of styles.
Materials
The type of material used to coat the barrel of a curling iron plays a significant role in how well it handles frizziness. Each material has its own unique properties that can affect the final outcome. While we’ll dive deeper into the specifics in our comprehensive guide, it’s essential to understand that different materials cater to distinct hair types and needs.
Heat Settings
While some curling irons may be straightforward with a single temperature setting, many others offer a range of options to cater to different hair types and styles. In this post, we’ll break down the number of heat settings you can expect from various models, as well as their respective temperature ranges, so you can make an informed decision when shopping for your perfect curling iron.
Timer Settings
Customizing your timer settings allows for precise control over the amount of time your hair spends wrapped around the barrel, enabling you to experiment with a range of curl styles. By adjusting this parameter, you can fine-tune the duration of each curl, unlocking a world of possibilities in terms of texture, volume, and overall aesthetic.
Charge Time
When considering a curling iron, an essential aspect to evaluate is the charge time – the duration it takes for the device to fully recharge. This metric provides insight into how quickly you’ll be able to use your styling tool once the batteries are depleted.
Use Time
The lifespan of a curling iron’s usage between charges depends on several factors, including its wattage and usage patterns. On average, a standard curling iron with 300-400 watts can last around 20-30 minutes without needing a recharge. However, high-powered models with 500-700 watts can only manage about 10-15 minutes of continuous use before requiring a top-up.
Heat Range
When it comes to choosing the right curling iron temperature, understanding the heat range is crucial. The heat range refers to the lowest and highest temperatures that the tool can achieve. This is particularly important for individuals with fine or thick hair, as the ideal temperature can significantly impact the final result. If you’re unsure about which temperature setting is best for your locks, be sure to consult our comprehensive guide on heat settings before proceeding.
Convenience Features
When discussing the convenience features of this curling iron, we’ll delve into its ease of use and portability. This includes examining the device’s power-to-usage ratio, the clarity of its display, and how straightforward it is to operate, making it a breeze to take with you on-the-go.
Styling Features
Delving into the intricacies of styling with a curling iron, this section dives deeper into the heat range, exploring how different temperature settings can impact the final result. Additionally, we’ll examine if and how timer settings correspond to various curl styles, as well as any size variations in the wand itself. Furthermore, we’ll investigate whether these curling irons offer automatic settings for added convenience.
Top 10 Best Cordless Curling Irons 2024
Best Overall Curling Iron: Conair Unbound Cordless Auto Curler
The Conair Unbound Auto Curler is a popular choice among users, thanks to its ease of use, wide temperature range, and sleek design. This automatic curler excels at styling hair of all types, from fine and limp to coarse and curly. One of the key features that sets this curler apart is its impressive heat range, spanning 320°F to 400°F (160°C to 200°C). This means you can achieve a wide variety of styles, from loose waves to tighter curls.
The ceramic barrel also helps to reduce frizz and prevent tangling. The Conair Unbound Auto Curler comes with several convenience features that make it easy to use. The LED display shows the battery level, temperature, and an indicator for when the curler is ready to use. It will also automatically turn off after 15 minutes of idle time to prevent accidental overheating. However, one drawback is the long charge time, which can be a concern if you’re planning to take the curler on a trip.
Additionally, getting your hair into the curling chamber can be a bit tricky, although the helpful beeps that signal when to stop will guide you through the process. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Conair Unbound Auto Curler is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use automatic curler with plenty of styling options. Its multiple timer settings and left, right, and mixed settings allow you to customize your curls to suit your personal style.
Best Premium Curling Iron: YAPOY Hair Curler
The YAPOY Hair Curler’s appeal lies in its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and versatility in creating curls. With five temperature settings and a range of 320°-390°F, this curler can cater to various hair types. The device also features a timer with five settings, allowing for customized styling. One of the standout features is the automatic curl chamber that enables mixing of curl directions, resulting in uniform curls that add volume or simply look great.
The curler’s sensor detects when too much hair is inserted, preventing tangles and uneven heating. While it may not be ideal for beginners due to its complexity, experienced users will appreciate its performance. The YAPOY Hair Curler comes with a 3-hour charge time and a 1-hour use time, making it suitable for travel or daily use. Its compact size and decent battery life make it a great option for those who want a reliable curling companion.
Best Budget Curling Iron: Conair Cordless Curling Iron
The Conair Cordless Curling Iron stands out due to its unique ThermaCell butane battery, which eliminates the need to worry about charging times. This feature, combined with an affordable price and ease of use, makes it a great option for those who value convenience. The ceramic barrel is accompanied by an attached clip that runs along the length of the wand, making styling straightforward.
While there’s only one heat setting, the 360-degree range allows for effective curling on average hair density. With virtually unlimited use time and no need to recharge, this curling iron is perfect for those who want a hassle-free experience. However, users should be aware that the settings are quite basic, which may not appeal to those seeking more customization options.
Best Butane Curler: ThermaCELL by Conair Compact Curling Iron
The Thermacell by Conair is a travel-friendly curling iron that stands out from the crowd due to its butane-powered cartridge, eliminating the need to wait for charging. This compact device is lightweight and comes with a durable plastic case, making it an excellent companion for vacations or business trips. With only one heat setting at 390°F, users can expect consistent results, although this may not be suitable for all hair types.
The manual clamp system allows for easy curling in both directions, but the barrel size is fixed at ⅝ inches, limiting the type of curls that can be achieved. While it lacks timer settings and display, the Thermacell by Conair is a fuss-free machine with an intuitive on-switch design. In terms of convenience, the cartridge lasts for up to a year with moderate use, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
Best Auto Curler for Beginners: MELOPHY Cordless Hair Curler
The MELOPHY Cordless Hair Curler’s success stems from its thoughtful design and innovative features. For those new to automatic curlers, the device is user-friendly, with a simple LED screen that indicates when it’s ready to use and shows battery charge levels. The 3-hour charging time yields 1 hour of styling, making it a convenient option.
The cordless curler boasts a blend of ceramic, tourmaline, and nano silver materials that help reduce frizziness, while its anti-scald feature and automatic shutoff after 10 minutes of inactivity ensure safety. Moreover, the device’s chamber is designed to prevent hair tangling, making it suitable for those without prior experience with automatic curlers.
In terms of styling capabilities, the MELOPHY Cordless Hair Curler excels at producing evenly curled hair that can be rotated in both directions. The device’s 6 heat settings and 6 timer settings allow users to experiment and find their ideal combination. Although it may not be as effective for very long or thick hair, the curler is suitable for a wide range of hair types, from fine to thicker and denser volumes.
One drawback is that the device doesn’t reach extremely high temperatures, which might limit its effectiveness for some users. On the other hand, the MELOPHY Cordless Hair Curler’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and convenient curling experience.
Best Curler With Timer Settings: Laluztop Cordless Auto Hair Curler
The Laluztop Cordless Auto Hair Curler stands out for its impressive array of features, including 10 timer settings that cater to various styling preferences. The device boasts an LED display that provides clear indications of charge status, readiness for use, and selected timer setting. While it may take some time to fully charge and heat up, the end result is a convenient and easy-to-use curler that can be used for up to 1 hour at a time.
When not in use, it automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of idle time, ensuring safety and energy efficiency. The Laluztop Cordless Auto Hair Curler’s ceramic, tourmaline, and nano silver materials ensure a safe and healthy styling experience. The curler’s temperature range of 300°-390°F across six heat settings makes it suitable for most hair types, including fine hair that requires lower temperatures.
The timer settings, ranging from 8-18 seconds, provide ample customization options, accompanied by beeps to signal the need to move on to the next strand. Notably, this curler can style hair in both directions for a balanced look. While it may not be ideal for those seeking long-lasting high heat styling, the Laluztop Cordless Auto Hair Curler excels as a versatile and convenient tool that can be easily carried in a purse or travel bag.
Its lightweight design and anti-scald feature further enhance its appeal.
Best Curler for Beach Waves: Duomishu Automatic Curling Iron
The Duomishu Automatic Curling Iron stands out due to its ability to create relaxed, beachy waves that aren’t too tight. One of its most appealing features is the ceramic tourmaline coating on the barrel, which helps dispel frizz caused by heat styling. The design is sleek and easy to maneuver, making it an excellent option for those seeking a hassle-free curling experience. One notable convenience feature is the compact size that makes it an ideal travel companion.
Additionally, the auto-off function after 10 minutes of idle time ensures safe usage even when you’re not actively styling your hair. While the display makes it simple to know when the iron is ready for use, selecting settings can be a bit challenging, especially for first-time users. In terms of performance, the Duomishu Curling Iron offers an hour-long styling window once fully charged.
Although this may seem average compared to other curlers, it does take four hours to achieve full charge, which may be a drawback if you’re planning to use it during a trip and want to minimize time spent in the hotel room. The temperature range is suitable for fine to thicker hair types, resulting in loose curls even on longer timer settings. If tighter curls are desired, consider alternatives like the Laluztop Cordless Auto Hair Curler.
The automatic curling mechanism ensures uniform results every time, which is particularly important when dealing with short hair that can’t hide any unevenness. The ability to adjust the curling direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) also allows for versatility in creating curls that look great from any angle.
Best Curler for Touch-Ups: Deogra Mini Flat Iron
The Deogra mini flat iron is a versatile tool that can both straighten and curl your hair, making it perfect for quick touch-ups on-the-go. Its compact design measures just 7.8 inches in length, allowing it to fit easily into your travel bag or purse. This mini flat iron excels at styling shorter hair, but its use time is limited to about 25 minutes before the heat starts to compromise, which may not be sufficient for those with longer locks.
To address this limitation, consider the Thermacell by Conair Compact Curling Iron, a curling iron specifically designed for longer hair. In terms of features, the Deogra mini flat iron only has one heat setting at 410°F, making it suitable for thicker or already curly hair. While it lacks timer settings, its single high-heat option provides excellent results for styling shorter hair.
As a two-in-one tool that can both curl and straighten, this mini flat iron offers the versatility of having multiple styling options in one device.
Best Curling Wand: Conair Unbound Curler
Best Wired Travel Curling Iron: Travel Smart by Conair Curling Iron
The Travel Smart by Conair Curling Iron is a travel-friendly option that packs a punch despite its compact size. Its fully ceramic barrel and bright blue handle make it easy to find in your bag, even when you’re on the go. The corded design may seem like a limitation, but its automatic voltage adjustment and petite size make it an excellent choice for international travelers. One of the standout features of this curling iron is its rapid heat-up time – just about a minute to get started.
However, there isn’t an automatic shutoff feature, so be sure to turn it off when you’re done styling your locks. The Travel Smart by Conair is remarkably small at just 2 inches in length, but this compact size does come with some limitations. You won’t be able to curl long hair quickly, as the iron only accommodates a small amount of hair at a time. The barrel measures 1 inch in diameter and doesn’t taper, resulting in uniform 1-inch curls.
There’s only one heat setting, which may not be ideal for those who prefer more temperature options. However, the manual clamp design allows you to set your own curling timers and direction, giving you more control over your styling process. The Travel Smart by Conair has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it’s a great option for travel due to its size and automatic voltage adjustment. It also heats up quickly and doesn’t require charging.
However, some users may be put off by the corded design, limited heat settings, and lack of automatic shutoff.
Buying Guide for Cordless Curling Irons
Cordless Curling Iron vs. Wired Curling Iron
When it comes to curling your hair, the absence of a cord can make all the difference. Cordless curling irons are ideal for travel due to their compact design, which minimizes bulk and makes them easier to pack. However, having a cord also ensures that your curling iron won’t suddenly die on you in the middle of styling – a concern with some cordless models that may have limited battery life.
With a corded option like a full-size wired curling iron, you’ll typically get more power and longer-lasting results, although they can be less portable due to their larger size. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a lightweight, quick-to-use solution that’s easy to take on the go, a cordless curling iron might be the perfect fit.
Materials
When it comes to choosing the right curling iron barrel material, the primary consideration should be its ability to handle frizziness. The type of material used can significantly impact the level of negative ions emitted, which in turn affect how well the tool can combat frizz. For instance, ceramic barrels are commonly used due to their even heat distribution and smooth glide through hair, although they may not produce as many negative ions as other materials.
This is why some curling irons combine ceramic with tourmaline or other materials to boost ion emission. Tourmaline, on the other hand, offers a significant advantage in terms of frizz-fighting power. Its barrels are made from crushed gemstones and emit six times more negative ions than ceramic or titanium, making them an excellent choice for those struggling with heat-styling related frizz.
While tourmaline can be prone to chipping, blending it with other materials doesn’t compromise its ability to combat frizz. Nano silver is a newer material in curling irons, known primarily for its antibacterial properties. It’s also gentle on hair and leaves it looking shiny and glossy. Although it may not be as durable as titanium, nano silver emits negative ions at the same rate as ceramic or titanium, making it suitable for fighting frizz.
Finally, titanium is the most durable metal used in curling irons, allowing for high heat styling without compromising durability. Its barrels also heat up quickly and retain heat well, emitting a comparable amount of negative ions to ceramic materials. This makes them an excellent choice for those who need to work with very high temperatures frequently.
Types of Curlers
When it comes to finding the right curling iron for your hair, understanding the differences between various types can be key. There are three main categories: curling wands, clamp curlers, and automatic curlers. Each has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from the others. Curling WandsA curling wand is an exposed barrel with no clamp or a very short one, like the Conair Unbound Curler. Some models have a tapered design, allowing for varying curl sizes depending on the occasion.
While this type of curler can be faster to use than automatic ones, it also poses a higher risk of burns due to its extremely hot metal or ceramic surface. Clamp CurlersA clamp curler is similar to a curling wand but features a clamp running along the length of the barrel, helping to secure your hair in place as you style. This design makes it safer and easier to use than a wand alone, although the curls may not be as uniform.
The barrels of clamp curlers are typically uniform in size, offering less variety than wands. Automatic CurlersAn automatic curler is a device with a chamber that accepts a section of hair. When activated, the machine curls your locks around its internal barrel, resulting in effortlessly curled hair. Automatic curlers often feature multiple timer settings but can be tricky to work with due to the need to feed your hair into the curler in just the right amount.
The Duomishu Automatic Curling Iron is designed to make this process easier, although it may take longer to finish than using a wand.
About Heat Settings
When it comes to heat styling tools, using the lowest effective temperature is crucial for preserving your hair’s health and achieving the desired curls. High temperatures can cause damage and compromise the hold of your curls, so it’s essential to find the sweet spot that works best for you. Contrary to popular myth, higher temperatures don’t necessarily result in tighter curls. Instead, adjust the heat according to your hair’s density and texture for optimal results.
Regardless of your hair type, using a heat protectant like L’Oreal Paris’ offering can significantly reduce damage risk. For fine or processed hair (280°-325°), lower temperatures are generally more suitable to avoid damaging strands. The Conair Unbound Curler is a great option that caters to this temperature range. Normal-density hair (330°-360°) typically responds well to medium temperatures, which work well for those with naturally wavy locks.
If you have waves, you can even go up to 375° without worrying about damage, as the texture of your hair provides a natural buffer against heat stress. Thicker or coarser curly hair (380°-410°) requires higher temperatures to effectively style and enhance its natural texture. The Deogra Mini Flat Iron is an excellent choice for those who need more heat to achieve their desired curls.
About Timer Settings
When using a timer on a curling iron or automatic curler, the settings will largely depend on how long your hair needs to be wrapped around the barrel to achieve the desired curl. As this relies heavily on the temperature used and individual hair characteristics, it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact time frame for specific curl types. One key factor is the amount of time your hair remains wrapped around the barrel, which directly affects the tightness of the curls produced.
For those new to curling their hair, some experimentation may be necessary to find the right balance. To minimize potential damage, it’s generally recommended not to leave your hair wrapped for more than 20 seconds (or 10-15 seconds for fine hair) when using a curling iron.
Barrel Sizes
The core component of any curling iron or curler is the barrel, where you wrap your hair to achieve the desired curls. The larger the barrel size, the bigger and more voluminous your curls will be, regardless of the heat setting used. For cordless curling irons, a typical barrel size tends to fall within the 1-inch range or smaller, ensuring a convenient and manageable tool.
Some curling wands offer tapered designs, allowing for multiple barrel sizes and versatility in achieving different hairstyles. However, if barrel size is a crucial consideration, opting for a manual curler like the Conair Cordless Curling Iron may be the most suitable option, as automatic curlers often lack this information.
Curling Iron Styling Tips
The tightness of a curl is influenced by three key factors: barrel size, heat application time, and wrapping technique. While these elements can be more readily controlled with manual tools like curling wands or clamp curlers, automatic curlers offer an added layer of versatility through their timer settings. This allows for experimentation with different curl styles and techniques.
For a comprehensive guide on achieving various curls using curling irons and other styling tools, readers may find the resources available at The Beauty Department to be a valuable asset.
Tips for Healthy Curls
When using a cordless curling iron, keep the following tips in mind to achieve optimal results and minimize damage to your locks.
Firstly, always apply a heat protectant before styling to safeguard your hair’s health. L’Oréal Paris offers an excellent option at an affordable price.
When blow drying your hair prior to curling, avoid using high temperatures as this can cause excessive heat stress and compromise the curl’s longevity.
Additionally, high heat settings may lead to increased frizz.
To achieve the best curls, it’s crucial not to shower on the same day you plan to use your curling iron. If a shower is necessary, air-drying or using a low heat setting when blow drying will help maintain the curl’s definition.
Lastly, consider incorporating a leave-in conditioner with protein-based ingredients (like L’Oréal Paris’ offering) into your pre-styling routine.
This will help strengthen your hair and prevent damage from heat styling, particularly beneficial for finer or more fragile strands.
Cordless Curling Iron FAQ
Can You Curl Hair When It’s Wet?
When it comes to styling your locks with heat tools, it’s crucial to ensure your hair is thoroughly dry beforehand. The notion that wet hair will start boiling when exposed to heat is a common myth. In reality, using heat on damp or wet hair can cause damage and potentially lead to unpleasant sensations like sizzling sounds or even burning. To avoid these issues, make sure to air-dry or use a blow dryer to completely dry your hair before applying heat styling tools.
Are Cordless Curling Irons Damaging?
While repeated heat styling can cause cumulative damage to your locks, there are ways to mitigate these effects. When curling your hair, use a minimum amount of heat and pre-treat your strands with a heat protectant spray to create a barrier against thermal damage. Moreover, reducing the frequency of heat styling sessions will significantly help in preserving the integrity of your hair.
How Do I Clean a Curling Iron?
To tackle buildup on your curling iron caused by heat protectant or curl-enhancing products, try using a gentle cleaning solution. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently rub it onto the cool, unplugged curling iron surface until any residue is gone. Afterwards, use a damp cloth to wipe down the tool and remove any remaining debris.
Final Thoughts
While the market offers a diverse array of cordless curling irons, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming due to the varying features and styles available. However, it’s reassuring to know that there’s a suitable option for every hair type, texture, and desired style. Whether you’re seeking a sleek and smooth look or a bouncy, curly finish, the right cordless curling iron is out there waiting to be discovered.
