The Best Curling Irons of 2025

Editorial Beauty Team & Beau Dieda January 24, 2025 5435

We tested and reviewed the top curling irons for long-lasting curls.

Updated: February 13, 2025 1983
Written by: The SRI Editorial Team
Tested and Reviewed by: Beau Dieda, Hollywood Stylist

As a stylist with over a decade in the hair industry, I’ve seen countless clients transform daily frustration into undeniable confidence once they discover the right curling iron. Because let’s be real—great hair isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how it makes you feel.

That’s why finding your perfect curling iron is more than just a purchase—it’s a step toward embracing the best version of yourself. Luckily, I’m here to guide you through the top five features to look for when choosing the best curling iron for your needs.

Think of this as your personal cheat sheet for curling iron shopping. One important rule of thumb: if a curler doesn’t tick at least three of these boxes, keep looking!

Low-quality curlers aren’t just ineffective—they can damage your hair. Poor materials and design can scorch your strands, no matter how much heat protectant you use.

But let me tell you, our TOP PICK will be your new secret weapon for achieving shiny, bouncy curls that last. And remember, it’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about finding a tool that brings that WOW factor to your styling routine.

Now, let’s dive into the five must-have features to look for in your next curling iron.

5 Must-Have Features for a High-Quality Curling Iron

If you want flawless, long-lasting curls without damaging your hair, choosing the right curling iron is key. Here are the top five features to look for when investing in a high-quality curling iron:

1. Advanced Infrared Light Technology
Infrared technology ensures even heat distribution while locking in moisture, reducing frizz, and enhancing shine. Unlike traditional curling irons that can scorch your strands, infrared heat styles hair gently, helping to maintain its health and vibrancy.

2. Extra-Long Barrel
A longer barrel is a total game-changer—especially for those with long or thick hair. It allows you to wrap larger sections at once, cutting down styling time and making it easier to achieve salon-worthy curls.

3. Adjustable Temperature Control
Different hair types require different heat settings. Adjustable temperature control lets you customize the heat level to match your hair’s needs, minimizing damage while ensuring beautiful, bouncy curls.

4. Ergonomic Design with a Cool Tip
Comfort and safety matter! Look for a curling iron with an ergonomic design and a cool tip. This makes styling easier, especially when holding curls in place for longer. A comfortable grip also reduces hand strain, turning your curling routine into a seamless experience.

5. 360º Swivel Cord for Tangle-Free Styling
A flexible, 360º swivel cord gives you the freedom to style from any angle without annoying tangles. Whether you’re curling the back of your hair or perfecting face-framing pieces, this feature makes the process smooth and frustration-free.
When choosing your next curling iron, keep these essential features in mind to achieve effortless, salon-quality curls—without compromising your hair’s health.

Now that we’ve covered the top five features to look for in a high-quality curler, it’s time to reveal the top pick…

#1 Infrarose Curler

Infrared light, tourmaline barrel, negative ions

Overall Rating: Excellent

Regular Price: ~~$165~~
Presidents' Day Sale: $95

The Infrarose Curler has rightfully earned the top spot with its standout feature — infrared light technology. This innovative feature makes it easy to create shiny, long-lasting curls.

Beyond the advanced technology, this curling iron features an elegant design with helpful features like an ergonomic grip, cool tip, 360º swivel cord, and digital temperature display.

But more than anything, we loved that the curls we created with the Infrarose Styler actually lasted through the day. This even holds true for our thick-haired friends who know a thing or two about curls that fall flat before lunch.

Also, the Skin Research Institute stands by their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Every Infrarose Curler purchase comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty. They like to call it peace-of-mind purchasing — love that.

PROS:

Infrared Light Technology delivers even heat, locking in moisture for shinier, healthier hair.
Long-lasting curls that hold all day without excessive heat damage.
Extra-long barrel speeds up styling, perfect for long or thick hair.
360º swivel cord prevents tangles and allows effortless styling.
Tourmaline & ceramic barrel ensures even heat, reducing frizz and damage.
60-day money-back guarantee + 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
Digital temperature display for safe, precise heat control.

CONS:

Regular Price: $149.00

The Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler definitely earns its stripes in our quest for the best curling irons, particularly for those with longer locks.

This styler’s extended barrel is a standout feature, perfect for wrapping larger sections of hair and ideal for creating luxurious, voluminous curls. It’s especially beneficial for those with long hair, streamlining the curling process.

The digital temperature control allows for precise heat adjustments, accommodating a variety of hair types and styles. It heats up swiftly, which is great for those busy mornings, and its lightweight build makes it an excellent travel companion.

However, the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler isn’t without its drawbacks. The longer barrel, while great for certain hair lengths, can be somewhat unwieldy, especially for those with shorter hair or less experience with curling irons.

Additionally, the price point is higher than many standard curling irons, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

PROS:

CONS:

Regular Price: $169.99

The T3 SinglePass Curling Iron came with high expectations. On the positive side, the T3 SinglePass is visually stunning. It’s designed with a sleek white body and sophisticated rose gold accents, making it a stylish addition to any bathroom counter or vanity.

Performance-wise, the T3 SinglePass efficiently delivered lovely beach waves and medium-sized curls. The curler’s ability to style hair in a single pass is impressive, saving time without sacrificing quality. But this is where the issue comes into play. Although it creates a curl in a single pass, these curls didn’t last very long at all. Also, the absence of a digital temperature screen was a drawback, as it limits precise heat control.

We also encountered issues with snagging hair, which was disappointing and detracted from the overall user experience.