Best Curling Wands in Canada – Reviews & Buying Guide

Choosing the right wand for curling your hair is an important decision. Are you the type of person who prefers loose beach waves or do you like tighter curls? There are a lot of hot hair tools out there and we’re here to help you decide which one you should be using.

A curling wand is not to be confused with a curling iron. The difference: irons typically have a clamp whereas wands don’t because clamps can easily make dents in the hair while styling. Wands are more popular for this reason but irons have been around longer. 

We have picked five of our favourite curling wands to help you create the bombshell curls your hair deserves.

For background information, see our comparison table and buying advice.

Best curling wands

• Best overall – GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand
• Best for thick hair – Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand
• Best for fine hair – Remington Pro Curling Wand 
• Best for long hair – Infiniti Pro by Conair Rainbow Titanium Wand
• Best for versatility – Dyson Airwrap Styler

Best curling wands comparison

Best overall – ghd Curve Creative Curl Wand

• Barrel size: 1” round to 0.9” oval
• Warranty: 2 years
• Cord length: 9 ft.
• Heat up time: 25 seconds
• Automatic shut-off: Yes, 30 seconds
• Dual voltage: Yes

Design

The GHD wand uses a ceramic coated barrel to create smoother, snag-free curls while protecting your hair from heat damage. Its unique tapered barrel shape can be used to create different types of curls depending on what part of the barrel is used. It is designed for creative styling flexibility and only takes five to eight seconds to complete each small section of your hair. 

Heat settings

There are no adjustable heat settings on this wand but a permanent temperature of 185°C across the entire barrel. This heat setting works for all hair types and textures without causing any damage. 

Technology

It uses patented ultra-zone technology that has six different sensors across the barrel to make sure the barrel temperature stays at a consistent 185°C. The heat is monitored 250 times every second so that it’s always at the optimum temperature. It maintains heat evenly from root to tip making sure the moisture in your hair is locked in so the curls stay in place all day.  

Safety

With a hefty price tag usually comes great safety features including a cool tip which makes the wand easier to grip as you curl your hair. It also has a built-in safety stand for securing the wand on a surface when not in use so it doesn’t burn anything you may rest it on.

Lastly and most importantly, it has an automatic shut-off timer that goes on sleep mode if left unattended for 30 minutes which is ideal for those tricky times when you’ve left the house but aren’t certain if you turned the curling wand off. 

Best for thick hair – Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand

• Barrel size: 1” 
• Warranty: 2 years
• Cord length: 6 ft.
• Heat up time: 45 seconds
• Automatic shut-off: No
• Dual voltage: Yes

Design

This curling wand uses a one-inch barrel that is great for creating medium-sized loose waves. The waves will be even all the way through because of the consistent size of the barrel from the bottom to the top. It is also purposefully designed without clamps, which is a common attribute in many curling irons, to ensure kink-free, quick and easy curls. 

Heat settings

It does not have an adjustable heat setting and fairly quickly rises to 204°C, which is pretty hot and is the reason this wand is not recommended for fine hair that can’t take too much heat. If your hair gets too hot, it is advisable to switch off the wand for a little bit to cool off. A heat protectant spray is key to keeping your hair healthy when using hot tools. 

Technology

The wand uses tourmaline ceramic technology to compensate for the higher heat. A ceramic coated barrel protects hair by creating even and consistent heat so there are no potentially damaging hotspots. Tourmaline is a semi-precious stone that produces negative ions which help hair retain moisture and cut down on static and frizz. 

Safety

It comes with a heat resistant glove so your hand is protected from the heat as you curl your hair. The top of the barrel has a cool tip so it gives you a cooler area from where to grip the wand. To turn it on and off, there is a strategically placed large toggle with indicator lights that doesn’t accidentally get pressed while in use which is more common than you would think.

Best for fine hair – Remington Pro Curling Wand

• Barrel size: 1”- 1.5”
• Warranty: 4 years
• Cord length: 6 ft.
• Heat up time: 30 seconds
• Automatic shut-off: Yes, 60 minutes
• Dual voltage: No

Design

This wand has a conical barrel that creates loose and tousled waves. The barrel is tapered to allow for waves of different sizes to create a more natural look. It is ergonomically designed to be easy to grip and works well on both thick and thin hair. 

Heat settings

It has adjustable heat settings which is great for fine hair that can’t take as much heat. It has a minimum temperature of 130°C and a maximum of 210°C. There are nine different temperatures within that range that the wand can be set at using the digital display on the handle. It also has a temperature lock feature allowing you to lock the wand temperature at your preferred heat so it doesn’t accidentally shift while in use. 

Technology

It uses ceramic pearl technology to create smooth, frizz-defying waves. The ceramic barrel is infused with real crushed pearls that don’t damage the hair while creating salon results. The pearls help hair become smoother and shinier and overall reduce frizz. The ceramic coating delivers even, consistent heat so curls can be produced instantly.

Safety

This wand also comes with a heat protective glove to protect your hand while styling and a cool tip to safely grip on as you make your curls. A 60-minute auto shut-off timer has been put in place which is a little bit on the longer side but is still a great feature to have. 

Best for long hair – Infiniti Pro by Conair Rainbow Titanium Wand

• Barrel size: 1”
• Warranty: 3 years
• Cord length: 5 ft.
• Heat up time: 60 seconds
• Automatic shut-off: Yes 
• Dual voltage: No

Design

This wand is designed to have an extra-long barrel which is ideal for long hair so it can easily wrap around. The barrel is 1” throughout allowing for perfectly uniform waves. The titanium coating also lets the hair glide off the barrel easily without any snagging. This model also features a unique handle to allow for easy gripping and styling.

Heat settings

It has 20 variable heat settings that go up to a maximum of 204°C which is only recommended for thick coarse hair. Instead of being labeled by temperature, this wand uses numbers from 1-20 to guide temperature.

For fine or thin hair, the wand can be set lower to a range between 1-5. Medium and normal hair can be styled at a heat setting between 6-10. Curly and wavy hair is preferred to be styled at a range between 11-15. Thick coarse hair can handle high heat and can be used at 16-20. 

Technology

The wand uses instant heat technology to quickly heat up to the temperature you have selected for your hair type allowing for styling versatility. It also provides even heat throughout the barrel so there are no heat spots. Titanium technology reduces hair damage and frizz and adds shine for healthier looking hair. 

Safety

It has an auto shut-off feature but it is not specified exactly how long this will take to kick in. It also comes with a three-finger heat protective glove to protect fingers from temporary contact with the barrel when wrapping hair around the appliance. Like all other wands, it is built to have a cool tip for safe handling.  

Best for versatility – Dyson Airwrap Styler

• Barrel size: 1.2” and 1.6”
• Warranty: 2 years
• Cord length: 8 ft. 9 in.
• Heat up time: N/A
• Automatic shut-off: No 
• Dual voltage: No

Design

The Dyson Airwrap is designed to be multipurpose so you can use it to dry your hair as well as to curl, wave, smooth or control it. It comes with two different barrel sizes, 1.2” and 1.6”. Each of the barrel sizes have two barrels that move in different directions, clockwise or anticlockwise for symmetrical curls, giving users a total of 4 unique barrels.

There are three brush attachments – a firm brush for a straighter style for frizzy hair, a smoothing brush for a blow-dry finish, a round brush to add volume and body into the hair. It also comes with a basic hair dryer attachment that should be used pre-styling. All this comes in a compact storage case with a non-slip mat and a filter cleaning brush.  Its many features allow it to be the only hair styler you’ll ever need which can help somewhat justify the price.

Heat settings

It has four heat settings and three speed settings. Given that it is also a hair dryer, it needs these additional options that typical curling wands don’t have. Its maximum heat is 150°C and it uses intelligent heat control to measure the temperature over 40 times per second to make sure it always stays below that. This is a low temperature compared to other hair tools which makes it much less damaging for hair while still providing the same results. 

Technology

The Airwrap is powered by a digital motor that generates high pressure which creates the Coanda effect. The Coanda effect makes the hair automatically wrap around the barrel, no need to manually do it making it easier for the user and eradicating the need for heat protective gloves or awkward winding mechanisms.

Currently, no other curling wand is as advanced as this. It doesn’t rely on just heat to make the hair curl or straighten, but rather the strength of high-speed air flow. This means you can style hair without having to worry as much about damage.

Safety

It comes in a leather storage case that keeps it safe from any damage and a heating mat that will protect whichever surface you’re working on from overheating.

Other than that, it is surprising that there is no auto shut-off feature since that seems to be a given in most wands but it is possible that the Airwrap is similar to a hair dryer in that its airflow has a louder noise so you’ll definitely know if you haven’t switched it off.

Dyson claims that because of its mechanism, a heat protective glove is not needed which is why they haven’t included it as an accessory.

Bottom line

What to consider when looking for a curling wand?

Now that you have a better idea of a range of curling wands and their features, how do you go about choosing the right one for you? Here are a couple of factors to keep in mind.

Barrel shape & size

The barrel diameter is a critical factor when buying a wand as it directly affects the size of curls you make. The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl so it really depends what kind of looks you prefer.

Barrel sizes typically range from ⅜ of an inch to 2 inches. 1 inch is the most popular barrel size and most curling wands come in this size. It makes full, well-defined beach waves and is great for medium length and short hair. 

Barrels are now also being created in innovative designs that help make different types of curls and add other features to make the entire curling process smoother. 

Marcel curling wand

Is unlike most curling wands in that it still has a clamp but the difference is that the length of the clamp’s activation handle is as long as the curling wand’s handle which makes it easier to grip and maneuver.

Bubble curling wand

A bubble curling wand is for creating small, tight curls. It is designed so the barrel is made up of 4-5 spheres attached together where the hair fits in between the balls so it curls up tighter with ease. 

Wands also have multiple barrels, two or sometimes even three. They let you wrap the hair around them to produce a nice S curl, ringlets, and ripple like waves. Since there are so many barrels, you also don’t need to twist and turn your hair around as much. 

Auto-rotating barrel

For those who find the constant rotating of barrels strenuous on their hand and wrists or if you work in a salon where you are always using a wand, take the ease off and invest in an auto-rotating barrel. They take some of the physical work out of curling the hair but as a result that can often be reflected in the price.

Spiral wand

A spiral wand works similarly to a bubble wand because it also creates small and tight curls. The difference is the barrel which almost looks like a tapered drill. The winding pattern on the drill guides your hair into that shape.

Heat settings

Temperature is key when curling your hair as it depends on the type of hair you have and the type of curls you want. If you have thick hair, you’ll need high heat (at least 204°C or above) to style your hair. Many curling wands don’t even get that hot because if you have fine hair, extreme heat can cause severe hair damage. 

If you share your wand with someone else with a different hair type or work in a salon where you need a versatile wand, pick a wand that has adjustable heat settings that range from approximately 80°C to 232°C. What temperature works best for you will not necessarily work for others. 

Size and weight

You should also consider the length of a wand before purchasing. Some are much longer than others because of their tapered barrels. If you have small hands, are working in a tight space, or don’t have much storage space, you may not want to pick a 17 to 20 inch wand. On the other hand, if you have extra long hair, a long barrel will help you do your hair faster. 

In the larger scheme of things, curling wands are pretty light. That said, even an extra ounce here and there when you’re curling your hair will make a difference especially if you’re a salon professional. You don’t want your arm to be hurting by the time you’re done. When you’re buying a new wand, note the weight and be sure to compare it to the others you’re deciding between. 

Warranty

When you’re buying a hair tool, think of it as an investment. Typically the ones that are higher quality and are better for your hair are usually more expensive so you don’t want to treat it like a disposable item so having some sort of protection for your purchase is preferred.

When comparing wands, try to get one that has the longest and most comprehensive warranty. Hair tools, like any appliances, can randomly fry out so make sure you have a contingency plan. 

Crystal or metal infusion

Hair tools can cause severe damage to hair if certain precautions aren’t taken. To combat this, manufacturers have tried to design wands in a way that adds a base level of protection. They infuse the barrels with crystal or metal to produce even heat.

Common metals that are used to coat barrels are titanium, chrome, gold flake, or ceramic. They make sure there are no extreme hotspots that can damage your hair. Nano and tourmaline crystal infusion help hair retain moisture preventing frizzy hair or excess split-ends. 

What to read next

• Best Hair Dryers
• Best Dry Shampoos
• Best Hair Straighteners

Over to you

How do you curl your hair? What tools do you use to get the style you prefer? Have you tried any of these curling wands? Let us know by leaving comment below!