Trust us – these are the 8 best curling wands for thick hair in that create lasting and effortlessly bouncy results
Our beauty team have curled and waved their thick strands with an array of curling wands – these eight came out on top
Sennen Prickett
There are so many excellent curling wands and tongs on the market that make quick work of creating loose waves and bouncy curls. But the best curling wands for thick hair need to heat and style well enough to create a lasting shape in thicker strands. How do you know which tools fit that description? You rely on our beauty team's detailed guide to the top performing tools on the market.
The very best curling wands are, of course, designed to make creating bouncy, defined curls a fuss-free task, even for non-hairdressers. But not all are made equal, and certainly not when it comes to styling thick hair. In fact, for those of us with a lot of hair, thick strands, or both, finding a tool that yields glossy results that don't drop out within minutes is actually quite the mission. Thankfully though, like with the best straighteners for thick hair, there are tools up to the task – you just need to know what to look for. And this is where our beauty team comes in.
The best curling wands for thick hair deals
These deals were last checked on 22/12/25 and we will continue to do so to ensure that all of the products below are still in stock, still discounted and, most importantly, are the very best deals around at the moment.
The quick list: Our top 6
You probably know that ghd boasts some of the best hair tools on the market and this wand certainly didn't disappoint. Also dubbed one of the best curlers for short hair by the brand, we found it worked just as well on our longer, thicker lengths, creating everything from bouncy curls to loose, beachy waves.
For a more budget-friendly option, the Remington PROluxe You curler is an excellent pick. One of the most unique tongs we've ever tried on thick hair, it's equipped with StyleAdapt, an innovative technology that personalises its heat setting to suit your hair type and needs – predicting the level of heat you need and adjusting accordingly.
Why do the curling work yourself when you could have a tool that can do it for you? This BaByliss tool is a styling game-changer thanks to the automatic curling technology, creating beachy waves with just a click of a button. It's ideal for those who struggle with the curling technique or who (like us) like a lazier approach.
If you love the loose and bouncy look, this large-barrelled Beauty Works curling tong is great. Promising to create classic-looking Hollywood curls, this reasonably-priced pick is sure to deliver results that will make your hair look as though you've just stepped out of the salon.
Even if you only know a little about hair styling, you won't be surprised the Dyson Airwrap made our list. This tool was both easy to use and saved our tester time within her haircare routine. That said, it's worth noting that this styler probably won't provide tight, ringlet curls if you have thick and extra long locks, as you may struggle to wrap all of your hair around its barrels.
Given the team's raving review of Revamp's hair straightener brushes, we had high expectations for this brand's curling tong. While we like the absence of the restrictions of mains powered hair stylers, this cordless oil-infused wand changed our perceptions of going wire-free. Its small, lightweight and easy to use design made the styling process a breeze.
The best curling wand for thick hair overall
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans, Aleesha Badkar
When it comes to hair styling, ghd is undoubtedly a champion. It's home to some of the best styling tools that money can buy, including many of the best hair straighteners on the market, plus a stellar lineup of haircare products. In other words, if you're looking to invest in a quality hair tool, ghd is a safe destination.
Curling thick hair is often a lengthy task, so styling with something fairly lightweight is key to avoiding arm ache. But I found that this wand delivers exactly that. It was both easy to hold and manoeuvre, without me having to fiddle with any buttons. Though the tool only has one heat setting, it was able to create bouncy curls in my thick and frizzy hair. Plus, it wins extra points for its cold tip, which makes the styling process a breeze, too.
Read our full ghd Creative Curl Wand Review for a fdetailed guide to this iconic tool
Best affordable curling wand
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
Some people are sceptical of budget-friendly hair tools, but Remington's PROluxe You Adaptive Wand really impressed me throughout the testing process. The tool itself was easy to use and I found the wider barrel ideal for quickly creating effortless curls on long hairstyles. Then, when it came to the results, my curls lasted incredibly well – even without hairspray or hair styling products. Two days after styling, my curls were still there, albeit looser, but proving the results hold up in thick hair.
Despite its more affordable price tag, coming in way under £50 this curling wand's clever StyleAdapt technology is a unique touch for those whose priority is to preserve the health of their hair – although I would have happily set the temperature myself, too. But if you struggle to curl your hair with the desired outcome, or you’re unsure of what’s needed for your hair type, this tool is a great option.
Best automatic curling wand
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans, Fiona McKim
I'm always intrigued by brands that create innovative new methods for styling your hair, so this BaByliss tool had me seriously impressed. Here's how it works: It automatically draws a section of hair into its ceramic curling chamber and heats it there before you release it to cool with a newly-formed curl. The method does take a little getting used to, but if you want a quick, easy and effortless curling method, this is the styler for you.
Based on my first impressions, the large head of this tool does mean that it's on the bulky side, but this design does make it great for styling chunky sections of thick and long hair. If, however, you want more defined waves, I'd recommend styling smaller sections of hair at once. One downside I did notice, though, is that you don't have any control over the type of curl this tool creates – it's a one-style-only kind of tool. Nonetheless the results are truly brilliant, so I don't mind that too much. I must also mention the handy heat-proof mat it comes with – a feature that always gets a tick from me.
See Digital Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim's full BaByliss Wave Secret Air review for a detailed look at this easy curler
Best curling wand for bouncy curls
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
It can feel like a mission to find a curling tong that doesn't produce ringlet-style curls. But that's where tools like this Beauty Works number come in. This wand has an easy-to-use design and takes just 60 seconds to warm up. It also comes with a travel case, a heat-proof glove and a mat for fuss-free and portable styling.
After trying out this tool, I noticed that my thick, straight hair needed finishing products to ensure the curls were defined and lasted all day long. If you find curls typically drop out of your strands, as is common in hair that's naturally smooth and flat, it might be wise to invest in a strong-hold hairspray to lock your look in place. But overall, considering it's one of the more affordable curling tongs on the market, Beauty Works' offering performed extremely well, creating the type of curls I wanted without any additional effort.
Best premium curling wand
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans, Sennen Prickett
Arguably needing no introduction, Dyson has created an impressive selection of hair tools, from the Supersonic Hair Dryer to the Dyson Airstrait. But for this particular guide, I focused on how well the Airwrap's curling barrels work on thick and frizzy hair types specifically. My hair can feel difficult to manage and I usually need higher temperatures to create defined curls, so I was initially unsure of how well this gentler air styler would perform. (Do note: while this tool uses air instead of direct heat, you still need to apply the best heat protection.) But after just one use of the curling attachment on my natural, dry hair, I was completely sold. Each curl only took a matter of seconds to create leaving my once dry and frizzy strands with smooth and shiny curls.
It's worth noting that this pricey tool is, obviously, quite a big initial investment, but I feel the results speak for themselves as well as requiring minimal effort. So, if you have the budget and want a styler that saves significant time and effort, we think you'll find it's worth it.
See our team's full Dyson Airwrap review for a detailed guide to this famous tool
Best shine-boosting curling wand
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
Revamp's tools are ideal for those with thick hair that's on the drier side, especially the brand's oil-infused Progloss range – I speak from firsthand experience here. This small, lightweight and easy-to-use wand made styling incredibly easy, while my bouncy curls remained intact all night long (without the need for hairspray to boot).
Its barrel may look deceivingly short, but it still catered to my long and thick hair well, delivering curls that were neither too tight nor too loose. I did notice the benefits of the oils, as my hair was left looking smooth and healthy-feeling, with no need for finishing products – something that further sped up my overall styling process.
With not just one but two interchangeable batteries, the wire-free design also made for quick and easy styling, even while on the go. However, it's worth noting that the batteries do take a few hours to charge. But overall, if your hair is prone to dryness and frizz, we'd highly recommend this as a styling tool.
Best travel curling wand
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
BaByliss has yet another candidate I rank among the best curling tongs for thick hair: the 9000 Cordless Waving Wand. Particularly great for those who want to style on the go or who don't want to be limited to being in close proximity to a wall socket, this cordless curler makes for easy and fuss-free styling wherever, whenever. While testing, I found this was noticeably shorter than other tools, but the thick barrel is more than big enough to wrap each strand around it. This tool is admittedly on the heavy side, but using it isn’t too much of a strenuous task – in fact, this weightiness gives the curler a kind of luxe feel.
In terms of ease of use and results, it's also touted as one of the best curling irons for fine hair, and I loved how quickly I could form curls with this tool and how well they lasted throughout the day. The downside? It does require recharging after about 40 minutes of use on the maximum heat setting. This is fine if your hair doesn't take long to style, but for those of us with very thick and long hair, this may not be enough time, so it's worth bearing in mind.
Best curling wand for beachy waves
Reviewed by: Amelia Yeomans
A hybrid between a straightener and a waver, I had to include this Bellissima tool because of the gorgeous tousled waves it created. To look at, it's similar to one of the best hair straighteners but has a rounded internal clamp that helps create natural, relaxed waves that last – even on thick hair. If you've mastered the art of how to curl hair with straighteners, this is a great option that is both less damaging to your hair and geared more towards curling.
I usually struggle to create curls using a straightener, but I found this tool pretty easy to use when styling. Simply hold it at a slanted angle, turn it 180° and smooth through the hair in one motion. With more practice of the technique, I could see this becoming a go-to multi-use tool, as it's ideal for travel or for creating quick hairstyles. The rounded plate also creates waves without much effort, while the steam technology and argan oil-infused ceramic promote a healthy and shiny finish, even in very thick strands.
How we tested the best curling wands for thick hair
A selection of the curlers for thick hair that we tested for this guide
To refine a list of the best curling wands for thick hair, based on our own firsthand experience, we made sure to carry out a thorough testing process – putting a broad range of tools through their paces. We paid close attention to a number of details, features and characteristics, including the settings and functions available, how easy they were to use and, most importantly, the look and lasting power of our curls.
The design, price and added extras – such as a heatproof glove or carry case – were also considered. Each of the tools in this guide either met or went above and beyond our expectations, so you can trust that we deem any of them a worthy addition to your styling arsenal.
How to choose the best curling wand for thick hair
The abundance of curling wands available on the market can make pinpointing the best tool for you a tricky task, so below are some helpful pointers from hair experts that will make the shopping process even easier.
- Hair length and texture: "When looking for a curling wand, much of what you consider should depend on your hair length and texture." says Nicole Petty, Hair Expert at Milk + Blush. For example, smaller barrels work better for shorter hair, while thicker strands may benefit more from titanium coated barrels.
- Barrel size: "There are many different sizes and shapes [of wand] that can help you achieve different looks, whether that's a large barrel for loose and glamorous waves or a small barrel for tighter curls," says Tyler Moore, Expert Stylist at Live True London. "Generally speaking, a one inch curling wand is the best all-rounder and can work for most lengths and textures," adds Petty. This size is especially good for thick hair.
- Materials: "We tend to recommend ceramic for finer or more damaged hair types that can't handle higher temperatures, and tourmaline for thicker hair that is prone to frizz, as this emits negative ions to counteract this," says Moore.
- Temperature controls: "We also recommend shopping for a curling wand that allows you to control the temperature with a degree setting, allowing you to have more control," says Moore. This is especially important for damaged or damage-prone hair types.
- Additional extras: "Curling wands with an automatic shut-off option are great, so you don’t spend the day wondering if you remembered to turn them off," says Petty. “Rotating barrels make the curling process easier, and some wands come with interchangeable barrels, so you can create different curl types without having to splash out on different gadgets."
How can I keep my hair healthy when using a curling wand?
The first non-negotiable: "Always, always use heat protection!" says Moore. "No matter how you heat style your hair, this is the most vital step. We also recommend looking for a barrel material that is suited for your hair, and not styling too hot. As a rule for damaged, fine or coloured hair, go no hotter than 150ºC. For healthy or medium thickness hair, 150–190ºC, and for coarse or thick hair, a maximum of 175–230ºC."
Petty agrees that this protection is key to minimising damage to your strands and recommends you "invest in heat protector creams and sprays, which are made to protect your hair from the heat of dryers and curling wands." As for using the tool itself, she also advises you work quickly: "If you are using a curling wand, try not to use it for more than three or four seconds per section."
Finally, Petty stresses the importance of adding nourishing and reparative products into your haircare routine: "Invest in good aftercare like hair oils and the best hair masks that are designed to repair any damage, which might be caused by overuse or too much heat."
Why doesn't my thick hair hold curls and how can I fix it?
After spending your time styling bouncy curls, it can feel frustrating when they drop out of your thick hair within hours. As to why this happens? "One of the main reasons [a curl doesn't hold] is usually because the curling wands are not hot enough when used," Petty explains. "Thick hair usually needs higher temperatures, ranging from 3roughly 180ºC–230–C to set the curls."
How you wash your hair may also affect the results. “Even if you're already using quality products, you want to ensure you're thoroughly rinsing your hair in the shower, too," Petty continues. "Not properly removing conditioner creates an oily residue, which doesn't react well with heat, and also creates a barrier that stops the heat from activating the hair curl.
Once you've finished curling, avoid touching your hair to keep the curls intact. “If you brush or touch your curls when they are still warm, they lose their curl quickly," says Petty. "This is a challenge if you have longer, thicker hair, which takes more time to cool. Setting the hair with pins or clips until it has fully cooled can be useful here to get your style to hold for longer."
How can I make my curls last longer?
The answer to the question that's on all of our minds lies in the preparation. "Prep will be important to make our curls last longer," Moore stresses. Aligning with Petty's comments about allowing the hair to cool, she recommends: "Clip each curl in place while it cools down to help it set and apply a generous amount of flexible hold hairspray to maintain the style throughout the day."
Petty also recommends styling on hair that isn't freshly washed for a stronger hold. "For even better results, curl your hair on the second or third day after shampooing," she says. "Dirtier hair can hold a curl better. If your hair feels greasy, you can always use a dry shampoo beforehand."
Our expert panel
Amelia is an experienced shopping editor with a specialism in beauty and fashion who has written for woman&home, Marie Claire UK, OK!, New!, and Notion. During her time as woman&home's fashion and beauty writer, Amelia tested hundreds of products to sort the best from the rest, and has a particular penchant for hardworking makeup. She was the main tester for this guide to the best curlers for thick hair.
Aleesha is Beauty eComm Editor at woman&home, where she shares her expertise in everything from the best beauty techniques and hair tools to the latest product launches.
Fiona McKim has been part of the woman&home beauty team for more than a decade. During that time her work has included interviewing countless experts, reporting from backstage at Fashion Week and judging the woman&home Beauty Awards.
Sennen is Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares the latest beauty launches, trending buys and personal product recommendations, from makeup and hair to skincare and nails.
When we first published this article, Nicole Petty was a hair expert for extensions brand at Milk + Blush. She's advised what to look for in a curling wand for thick hair.
Tyler Moore is an experienced hair stylist working for Live True salons in London and has shared expertise on styling and what to look for in a curling iron for thick hair.