The best curling wands for thick hair in 2024 for bouncy and long-lasting results

Those with thicker hair know all too well that finding a curling tool that styles your locks efficiently can take some trial and error, but the best curling wands for thick hair makes all the difference, creating curly and wavy styles with ease. Between us, we’ve tested dozens of styling tools over the years, so we’ve rounded up the curling tongs that are best for styling thicker strands.

The best curling wand should not only be easy and fuss-free to use but also create enviable curls. However, much like the best hair straighteners for thick hair, it's not always easy to spot which tools will work well with your hair type and yield long-lasting styling that won't drop out. Thankfully, a few of our simple tips will help you to pick a curling tong for thick hair that will create seriously impressive curls, without any of the hassle.

"When looking for a curling wand, much of what you consider should depend on your hair length and texture," says Nicole Petty, Hair Expert and Milk + Blush. “You ideally want a curling wand with an adjustable temperature range so you can customise the heat depending on your hair type," she advises. With that in mind, we've tested a range of hair curlers with a variety of settings and functions in order to find the ones that are truly worth the investment – with quality results for thick hair.

The quick list: our top 6

The best curling wand for thick overall

You don't need us to tell you that ghd offers some of the best tools that money can buy. Making some of the best hair straighteners, as well as stellar haircare products, this is a brand that really knows how to make a great device.

Those with thick hair know how long it can take to curl a full head, so a lightweight tool that avoids that dreaded armache is a must, and this curler delivered exactly that. This tool would suit absolutely anyone thanks to its easy to hold and intuitive design - which saves any fiddling around with buttons and switches. It also gets plus points from us for the wand’s cold tip which helped throughout the styling process. Despite only offering one heat setting, we found this to be perfect for our thick, frizzy hair. If you want to invest in a high-quality, fuss-free tool that will deliver stellar results every time, you can't go wrong with this.

Best hydrating curling wand for thick hair

We are huge fans of Revamp tools for our thick and dry hair, as the Progloss range works some serious magic. The small, light and easy to use styler made the entire curling process a breeze. Our curls stayed intact all night long – without the need for any hairspray – and looked just as good the next day after being slept on.

Though the barrel is short, this posed no problems for our thick and long hair. Thoroughly heating and styling each section of hair, the result was a curl that was neither too tight nor too loose – AKA, what we always opt for. Thanks to the tool being infused with oils, the results left our hair looking smooth and healthy, with no need for finishing products which sped up the process even more.

Its cordless design, with two interchangeable batteries, ensured quick and easy styling whenever you’re on the go. However, it’s wise to note that the batteries take a few hours to charge, so it's a good idea to be prepared and make sure you have both ready to go when you want to use this styler. But overall, if your locks are on the drier, frizzier side and in need of some extra TLC, we can't recommend this tool enough.

Best affordable curling wand for thick hair

Throughout the testing process, the Remington PROluxe You Adaptive Wand really impressed us. Whilst the tool itself was easy to operate, the wider barrel was perfect for creating long hairstyles , creating gorgeous curls quickly. We were seriously impressed by how well these curls lasted without any hairspray or hair styling products, too – two days after styling our curls were still there, albeit looser, proving that the results hold up in thick hair.

The StyleAdapt technology is a unique and interesting touch, however, it didn't feel completely essential and we would have been quite happy setting the temperature ourselves - but for this very affordable price, we really can't complain. If you’re still figuring out how to curl your hair, or you’re unsure on what’s needed for your hair type, this tool is a great option.

Best premium curling wand for thick hair

This is a brand whose hair tools arguably need no introduction. From the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer to the Airwrap and newer Dyson Airstrait, you’ve probably heard a lot about them. But, with this particular guide in mind, we focused our testing on how well it works specifically on thick and frizzy hair.With tricky to manage locks that require significantly high temperature tools to look its best, our tester was initially unsure how the Airwrap would perform using air rather than heat - unlike traditional tools, this one swaps out direct heat for hot air. We’d still recommend you to apply the best heat protection before styling. However, after using the curling attachments on our natural, dry hair, we were completely sold. Taking only a matter of seconds to form each curl, our hair was transformed from dry and frizzy to shiny and smooth with perfectly shaped curls.

Whilst this is a pricey tool, the results spoke for themselves, providing optimum curl with minimal effort – something we very rarely encounter in other tools. So, if you have the budget and want something that saves significant time and effort, we think it is worth the splurge.

See our full Dyson Airwrap review for a detailed guide to this famous tool

Best curling wand for thick hair for bouncy curls

It's not easy to find a traditional curling tong that doesn't produce ringlet-style curls with each wrap-around, especially if you are still working out the best curling technique for your hair type. Arriving with a travel case, heat-proof glove and a heat-proof mat, this wand covers all bases for easy transport and usage. Its intuitive design is extremely easy to navigate, only taking 60 seconds to heat up before it’s ready to go.

However, when trialling the tool, we found that those with pin-straight hair will most likely need some finishing products to get a long-lasting bouncy blow dry look. If your hair is particularly smooth or struggles to hold styles in place all day, you might benefit from finishing off the look either with rollers or some heavy-duty hairspray. Overall, considering this is one of the most affordable curling tongs for thick hair on this list, it performed extremely well and yielded the type of curl we wanted without any additional effort.

Best automatic curling wand for thick hair

Changing the hair curling game, this BaByliss tool has left us seriously impressed. Drawing each section of hair into its ceramic curl chamber, the tool heats up the hair and curls it, before automatically stopping once the curl is formed. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to achieve effortless curls, this styler is for you - with the whole process taking a matter of seconds and leaving you with a stunning wavy hairstyle that requires almost no effort to create.Although the large head on this tool is slightly bulky, it makes it ideal for thick and long locks, working wonders on chunky sections of hair. For the best results, we recommend opting for smaller sections of hair to get the most defined waves. When testing, we found the only downside to be that you have no control over the type of curl this automatic styler creates. However, considering how brilliant the results are, we really didn't mind. Plus, it comes with a handy heat-proof mat – something we always approve of. For a tool that will help you master hairstyles for long hair without spending hours in front of a mirror, you can't do much better.

See our full BaByliss Wave Secret Air review for more on this easy curler

Best curling wand for thick hair for travel

Another stellar tool from BaByliss, this is certainly one of the best curling tongs for thick hair if you like to travel or spend a lot of time on the go and want to be able to take your tool with you. Its cordless functionality, in combination with its handy travel case, makes this the go-to curler for fuss-free styling no matter where you are. During the testing process, we found this curling wand to be a little shorter than others we've used, however, the thick barrel provided ample room for each strand of hair. Albeit slightly heavy, using this tool isn’t too much of a strenuous task – in fact, it gives the curler a luxe feel.

Much like the best hair straighteners for thick hair in terms of ease of use and results, we were seriously impressed by how quickly our curls formed with this tool and how well they lasted throughout the day. Its only downside is that it will need recharging after about 40 minutes of use on the maximum heat setting, which was fine for us as our hair didn't take long to style. However, those with very thick and long hair may find that this isn't enough, which is worth bearing in mind.

Best curling wand for thick hair for loose waves

Although sitting somewhere between a straightener and a waver, we felt it was right to include this Bellissima tool on the list, due to the gorgeous tousled waves it produces. With the structure of the best hair straighteners plus a rounded internal clamp, it's easy to get a natural, relaxed wave that lasts - even on thick hair. If you've mastered how to curl hair with straighteners and you're used to this kind of tool, this is a great option that is both less damaging to your hair and also more naturally catered towards curling.

Despite our tester usually struggling to create straightener curls, we 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. If we had more practice of the technique, we can see this becoming a go-to multi-use tool, as it's ideal for travel or for creating quick hairstyles. The rounded plate allows waves to form without much effort, while the steam technology and argan oil-infused ceramic promote a healthy, shiny finish, even in the thickest of strands.

Best curling wand for defining thick curly hair

Behaving in a similar way to the regular ghd Curve tool, except this extra-slim barrel is both longer and much thinner. If you already have a curly hairstyle and you're looking to enhance your natural texture, this is the ideal touch-up tool to give kinky and coily hair a gorgeous and defined refresh. Alternatively, if you’re after a tight ringlet look or if you like to begin with tight curls before letting the hair drop naturally, this tool is perfect.

Taking just 30 seconds to heat up, this curling wand is incredibly easy to use and offers an extremely fast process when it comes to the actual curling. When testing, we found that it lives up to its claims of being able to set hair in as little as three seconds, even on thick hair. We also love that it has an automatic sleep mode after 60 minutes - perfect for those worrying about whether you left your hair tools on in the morning rush. A foolproof wand for achieving defined curls extremely quickly, this is definitely our top pick for giving new life to naturally curly and wavy textures.

How we tested the best curling wands for thick hair

Throughout this process testing the best curling wands for thick hair, we were on the lookout for several different features and characteristics. We paid close attention to how each tool felt to use, how easy they were to operate, the number of settings and functions available, and perhaps most importantly, the look of our curls and how long they lasted. All of the picks in this guide lived up to our expectations, so you can be sure that they are deserving of a place in your hair tools collection.

How to choose the best curling wand for thick hair

Choosing the best curling wand for thick hair can take some thorough research, but these top tips will make shopping a breeze:

• Look at the barrel type: "There are many different sizes and shapes 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.
• Pay attention to barrel size: "Generally speaking, a 1-inch curling wand is the best all-rounder and can work for most lengths and textures," says Petty. This size is especially good for thick hair.
• Assess the type of wand: "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.
• Consider 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 hair types.
• Look at 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."

Tyler Moore

Tyler Moore is an experienced hair stylist working for Live True salons in London.

How can I keep my hair healthy when using a curling wand?

"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 colored hair, go no hotter than 150 degrees Celsius. For healthy or medium thickness hair, 150-190 degrees, and for coarse or thick hair, a maximum of 175-230 degrees."

On top of this, Petty recommends you "invest in heat protector creams and sprays, which are made to protect your hair from the heat of dryers and curling wands." This is the essential for ensuring your locks sustain as little damage as possible. “To protect your hair while styling, work quickly," she continues. "If you are using a curling wand, try not to use it for more than three or four seconds per section."

Finally, Petty also emphasises the importance of nourishing and reparative products: "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 won't my thick hair hold curls and how can I fix it?

"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 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to set the curls." Moore agrees: "If your hair won't hold curls, try styling your hair on a higher degree setting until you find a temperature your hair can tolerate without becoming dry."

When it comes to washing your hair, Petty advises revisiting the process with this top tip: “Even if you're already using quality products, you want to ensure you're thoroughly rinsing your hair in the shower, too," she says. "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."

Be mindful of touching your hair just after you have finished styling. “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?

"Prep will be important to make our curls last longer," emphasises Moore, reiterating Petty's comments about allowing the hair to cool. "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 non-freshly washed hair to get a stronger hold. "For even better results, curl your hair on the second or third day after shampooing. Dirtier hair can hold a curl better. If your hair feels greasy, you can always use a dry shampoo beforehand," she says.