The Best Curlers of 2025:Guide to Perfect Curls-As of April 9, 2025, curling tools have solidified their status as must-have hair styling essentials in the UK and beyond, transforming flat strands into bouncy waves, tight ringlets, or tousled beachy looks with ease. Whether you’re chasing a red-carpet glamour vibe or a casual “just rolled out of bed” aesthetic, the right curler can make all the difference. But with a dizzying array of options—from Dyson’s high-tech Airwrap to budget-friendly Remington wands—how do you pick the best one? This article dives into the world of the best curlers, spotlighting top performers based on the latest reviews, expert tests, and what’s trending on YouTube and Google. We’ll answer your burning questions, explore the hottest tools of 2025, and help you find the perfect curler for your hair type, budget, and style goals.
The UK haircare market is buzzing, with curling tools driving a chunk of the £1.5 billion industry (Statista, 2024). From traditional tongs to innovative air stylers, the best curlers of 2025 blend cutting-edge tech with user-friendly designs, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned stylists. Whether you’ve got fine, thick, short, or long locks, there’s a curler out there to deliver salon-worthy results at home. Let’s unravel the top picks, trends, and tips to make your curls pop—and stick around all day.
What Makes a Curler the “Best”?
The “best” curler isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about what works for you. In 2025, experts and testers (think The Independent, Glamour UK, Good Housekeeping) judge curlers on:
Performance: Do they create long-lasting curls—beachy waves, tight spirals, or Hollywood glam—that hold up to humidity and time?
Ease of Use: Are they intuitive for newbies, with features like auto shut-off or lightweight designs?
Heat Settings: Do they offer adjustable temperatures to suit fine, coarse, or damaged hair?
Technology: Ceramic barrels, ionic tech, or air styling—does it protect hair from damage?
Value: Does the price match the results, from £40 budget buys to £400+ luxury tools?
YouTube searches like “best curlers 2025 UK” and Google queries like “curling wands for long hair” show fans want tools that deliver on these fronts. We’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the cream of the crop.
The Top Curlers of 2025: Tried, Tested, and Loved
Based on the latest reviews from The Independent (September 2024), Glamour UK (February 2025), Good Housekeeping (March 2025), and more, here are the standout curlers ruling the UK market this year.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
Price: £429.99 (Boots.com)
Best For: All hair types, minimal heat damage
Barrel Sizes: 30mm, 40mm (plus brushes and dryer)
The Dyson Airwrap remains the gold standard in 2025, earning “Best Overall” from The Independent and Glamour UK. Using Coanda airflow—not scorching plates—this multi-tool dries, curls, and smooths with six attachments, including 30mm and 40mm barrels for tight or loose curls. Testers love its “salon-level bounce” and shine, with curls lasting 8–12 hours on fine hair (Good Housekeeping). The “cool shot” feature locks styles in, and its 150°C max heat protects strands—a godsend for damaged locks. Downsides? The £429.99 price tag stings, and curls may drop faster on thick hair without Dyson’s Chitosan prep spray (£35 extra). Still, YouTube hauls scream “worth it” for its versatility.
ghd Curve Thin Wand
Price: £149 (Cult Beauty)
Best For: Tight, defined curls
Barrel Size: 14mm
For corkscrew curls that scream precision, the ghd Curve Thin Wand is unbeatable, snagging Vogue UK’s nod (October 2024) for “dreamy ringlets.” Its 14mm barrel heats to 185°C—ghd’s signature “safe” temp—in 30 seconds, delivering tight spirals that last all day, even on fine hair (Women’s Health, January 2025). Testers praise its lightweight feel and cool tip, though the single heat setting limits flexibility. Perfect for short bobs or adding detail to curly textures, it’s a go-to for bold, lasting styles.
Remington Proluxe You Adaptive Styler
Price: £49.99 (Amazon.co.uk)
Best For: Budget brilliance, all hair types
Barrel Size: 32mm
Crowned “Best Budget Buy” by The Independent (2024), this £49.99 gem proves you don’t need to splurge for great curls. Its 32mm ceramic barrel uses “StyleAdapt” tech to adjust heat (120°C–210°C) based on your hair’s needs, creating loose, shiny waves that hold for 12+ hours (Mirror Online, 2023, updated 2025). YouTube’s “Curling Hacks 2025” vids love its nine settings and 60-minute shut-off, though some note the barrel’s length suits longer hair best. A steal for beginners or cash-savvy stylers.
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
Price: £269.99 (Sephora)
Best For: Soft curls, multi-tasking
Barrel Size: Two 1.25-inch curlers
The Shark FlexStyle, dubbed “Dyson’s rival” by Glamour (2025), offers air-powered curling at a fraction of the Airwrap’s cost. With five attachments—two 1.25-inch curlers, brushes, and a concentrator—it delivers “enviable, bouncy curls” in 10–15 minutes (Good Housekeeping). Four heat and three airflow settings plus a cool-shot button make it versatile, though testers with very long hair wish the barrels were bigger. At £269.99, it’s a luxe-yet-accessible pick for soft, lasting waves.
BaByliss Wave Secret Air
Price: £150 (Lookfantastic)
Best For: Beachy, mermaid waves
Barrel Size: Auto-curling chamber
For effortless beach waves, the BaByliss Wave Secret Air shines, earning Cosmopolitan’s praise (November 2024) for its “cool-girl” finish. This auto-curler sucks hair into a ceramic chamber, spinning it into loose S-shaped waves in seconds. With three heat settings (up to 230°C), it’s fast and frizz-free, though not ideal for extensions (Glamour UK). YouTube’s “Lazy Girl Curling” vids adore its simplicity—just clamp and release—but the single-wave style limits versatility.
Honorable Mentions
Beauty Works Jumbo Waver (£70, Lookfantastic): Three 18.5mm barrels for mermaid waves; great for long hair (Vogue UK).
T3 Curl ID (£189, Boots): 1.25-inch smart barrel for glam curls; adjusts heat via hair profile (InStyle, 2025).
Hershesons The Wand (£120, Hershesons): 25mm lightweight wand for undone waves; beginner-friendly (Women’s Health).
What People Are Asking About Curlers in 2025
YouTube and Google searches reveal a curl-obsessed crowd hungry for answers. Here’s what’s trending, with insights from the latest buzz:
“What’s the Best Curler for Long Hair?”
For lengthy locks, the Dyson Airwrap’s long barrels or Beauty Works’ Jumbo Waver are top picks (The Independent). Testers with waist-length hair praise Dyson’s 40mm attachment for loose curls and the Jumbo Waver’s triple barrels for quick, voluminous waves. Google’s “best curler for long hair UK” spikes align with YouTube hauls showcasing these tools’ speed and coverage.
“Which Curler Works Best for Fine Hair?”
Fine hair needs gentle heat and hold. The ghd Curve Thin Wand (185°C) and Shark FlexStyle (adjustable airflow) lead, per Woman & Home (November 2024). Both avoid damage while delivering curls that stick—ghd for tight spirals, Shark for soft bounce. YouTube’s “fine hair curling tips” vids lean toward these for their lightweight, non-frizzing barrels.
“Are Expensive Curlers Worth It?”
The Dyson Airwrap (£429.99) and Shark FlexStyle (£269.99) spark this debate. InStyle (February 2025) says yes for multi-use and hair health—Dyson’s zero-heat-damage claim is a game-changer for frequent stylers. But Remington’s £49.99 Proluxe proves budget tools can compete, with Mirror Online testers reporting all-day curls. Google’s “Dyson vs. cheap curler” searches suggest value hinges on how often you style.
“What’s the Best Curler for Beginners?”
Ease matters. The BaByliss Wave Secret Air and Hershesons The Wand top Good Housekeeping’s beginner list (October 2024). BaByliss auto-curls with no wrapping required, while Hershesons’ 25mm barrel and 360° cord make styling a breeze. YouTube’s “curling for dummies” tutorials rave about their low learning curve.
“How Do I Make Curls Last Longer?”
Heat, technique, and prep are key. Glamour UK (2025) testers found T3 Curl ID and ghd wands excel at 12+ hour hold, thanks to ceramic tech and even heat. YouTube’s “long-lasting curls 2025” hacks suggest heat protectant (e.g., ghd Bodyguard, £19.90) and a cool-shot finish—standard on Dyson and Shark—to lock styles in.
Curler Types: Wands, Tongs, and Beyond
Curlers come in flavors—each shaping your look differently:
Wands: No clamp, just wrap hair around (e.g., ghd Curve). Best for loose waves; beginner-friendly but needs practice.
Tongs: Clamped barrels (e.g., Remington Proluxe) for uniform curls; great for tight ringlets and frizz control.
Air Stylers: Dyson and Shark use airflow, not plates, for damage-free bounce; ideal for versatility.
Wavers: Triple barrels (e.g., Beauty Works) for S-shaped beach waves; fast for big sections.
Cosmopolitan (2024) notes barrel size matters—smaller (14–25mm) for tight curls, larger (32–40mm) for loose waves. Your hair length and desired style dictate the pick.
How to Choose the Best Curler for You
air Type: Fine? Low heat (Dyson, ghd). Thick? High heat (T3, BaByliss). Damaged? Air stylers or ceramic (Woman & Home).
Curl Style: Tight? ghd Thin Wand. Loose? Remington or Shark. Beachy? BaByliss Wave Secret.
Budget: Under £50? Remington. £100–£150? ghd or BaByliss. £200+? Dyson or Shark.
Skill Level: Newbie? Auto-curlers or lightweight wands. Pro? T3’s smart tech.
YouTube’s “curler reviews 2025” stress testing a tool’s weight—Hershesons’ 220g wand beats heavier rivals for arm-fatigue-free styling.
Trends Shaping Curlers in 2025
Air Tech: Dyson and Shark lead with heatless curling, cutting damage (InStyle).
Smart Features: Remington’s StyleAdapt and T3’s Curl ID adjust heat automatically (Good Housekeeping).
Sustainability: BaByliss and ghd push recyclable packaging; Dyson’s durability reduces waste (Vogue UK).
Cordless: BaByliss 9000 (£50.40, Lookfantastic sale) offers portable curling (Woman & Home).
Pros and Cons of Top Curlers
Dyson Airwrap
Pros: Damage-free, multi-use, shiny results.
Cons: Pricey, curls may drop on thick hair.
ghd Curve Thin Wand
Pros: Tight curls, quick heat-up, safe temp.
Cons: No heat variety, not for loose styles.
Remington Proluxe You
Pros: Affordable, adaptive heat, long-lasting.
Cons: Bulky for short hair, slower heat-up.
Shark FlexStyle
Pros: Versatile, gentler heat, great value.
Cons: Smaller barrels, learning curve.
BaByliss Wave Secret Air
Pros: Easy waves, fast, frizz-free.
Cons: Single style, not for extensions.
Maximizing Your Curler Game
Prep: Use heat protectant (e.g., Tresemmé Keratin Smooth, £5) and dry hair fully (Women’s Health).
Section: Smaller sections for tight curls, bigger for waves (Glamour UK).
Hold: 5–10 seconds per curl; cool before brushing (Cosmopolitan).
Finish: Hairspray (e.g., L’Oréal Elnett, £6) or cool shot for hold.
Real User Vibes
YouTube: “Dyson Airwrap gave me salon curls in 15 mins—pricey but unreal!” (Curl Goals 2025).
X: “ghd Thin Wand is my tight-curl savior—12 hours strong” (@HairByLiz).
Reddit (r/UKBeauty): “Remington Proluxe at £49? Steal. Waves lasted through a sweaty commute.”
Curlers vs. Alternatives
Curlers vs. Straighteners: Curlers are faster for defined curls; straighteners multitask but take skill (Marie Claire UK, 2025).
Curlers vs. Heatless: Tools beat rollers for speed and precision; heatless wins for health (Vogue UK).
Curlers vs. Blow Dryers: Air stylers merge both—Dyson’s a hybrid king (T3).
Why Curlers Matter in 2025
Curlers aren’t just tools—they’re confidence boosters. With UK haircare spending up 6% annually (Statista), they’re a staple for self-expression. British Vogue (2024) ties their rise to TikTok’s curl trends—mermaid waves, ‘90s blowouts—while Glamour sees them as time-savers in busy lives. From £40 to £400, they democratize salon vibes at home.
Curl Up and Shine
The best curlers of 2025—Dyson Airwrap, ghd Curve, Remington Proluxe, Shark FlexStyle, BaByliss Wave Secret—cater to every hair type, style, and wallet. Whether you’re after tight spirals, beachy waves, or a blowout bounce, there’s a tool to nail it. YouTube’s “best curling wands 2025” and Google’s “top curlers UK” point to these champs for a reason: they deliver. So, grab your pick, heat it up, and let your curls steal the show—because in 2025, great hair is just a twirl away.
FAQS
Achieving salon-quality curls at home is made easier with the right curling tool. With numerous options available in 2025, it’s essential to choose a curler that aligns with your hair type, desired curl style, and budget. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to guide your selection:
What types of hair curlers are available?
Hair curlers come in various forms, each offering unique features:
Curling Irons: Traditional tools with a heated barrel and clamp, suitable for creating defined curls.
Curling Wands: Barrel-only design without a clamp, ideal for natural, tousled waves.ELLE
Automatic Curlers: Devices that automatically draw hair into a chamber to curl, providing ease of use.Hot Rollers: Velcro or foam rollers heated before application, excellent for voluminous curls.
How do I choose the right curler for my hair type?
Consider the following factors:
Hair Length: Longer barrels are suitable for long hair, while shorter barrels work better for short to medium lengths.British Vogue
Hair Texture: Thinner hair benefits from lower heat settings, whereas thicker hair may require higher temperatures.
Desired Curl Style: Tapered barrels create natural-looking curls, while uniform barrels provide consistent curls.fresherslive.com+3Hashtag Vogue+3human hair wigs+3
Are ceramic curlers better than titanium ones?
Ceramic curlers distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots and minimizing hair damage. Titanium curlers heat up quickly and maintain high temperatures, making them suitable for thick or coarse hair. Your choice should depend on your hair type and styling needs.Hashtag Vogue
Can I use a curler on wet hair?
It’s recommended to use curlers on dry hair to prevent damage and achieve optimal results. However, some curlers, like the Shark FlexStyle Air Styler & Hair Dryer, are designed for bVogue+3fresherslive.com+3news+3oth wet and dry styling, offering versatility.
How do I maintain and clean my hair curler?
Unclog Barrels: Gently remove any hair product buildup using a soft brush.
Wipe Surfaces: Use a damp cloth to clean the exterior, ensuring the curler is unplugged and cooled.
Storage: Keep your curler in a dry place, away from moisture, to prolong its lifespan.
Are there curlers that minimize heat damage?
Yes, many modern curlers are designed with features to protect hair health:British Vogue
Intelligent Heat Control: Regulates temperature to prevent overheating.
Ceramic Coatings: Ensure even heat distribution, reducing the risk of hot spots.British Heat-Free Styling: Tools like the Dyson Airwrap use air to style hair without extreme heat, minimizing damage.
What is the difference between a curling iron and a curling wand?
A curling iron features a clamp that holds hair in place while curling, suitable for defined curls. A curling wand lacks a clamp, allowing hair to wrap freely around the barrel, resulting in more natural, beachy waves
How can I achieve long-lasting curls?
To ensure your curls last:
Use a High-Quality Curler: Invest in a reputable curler that maintains consistent heat.Apply Heat Protectant: Protects hair from heat damage and helps curls hold better.
Set Curls with Hairspray: Lightly mist curls after styling to maintain their shape.
Are there budget-friendly curlers that perform well?
Yes, several affordable curlers offer excellent performance:
Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand: Provides salon-quality curls at a reasonable price.
Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron: Ensures even heat distribution and is budget-friendly.
How do I use a curling iron safely?
Read Instructions: Familiarize yourself with the curler’s manual before use.
Avoid Contact with Skin: Be cautious to prevent burns.
Never Leave Unattended: Always turn off and unplug the curler after use.
By understanding your hair type and styling preferences, you can select a curler that delivers beautiful, lasting results while maintaining hair health.
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