Best Hair Curler UK
Finding the right hair curler depends on your hair type, the curl style you want, and how much heat protection matters to you. UK humidity levels vary hugely by season, so barrel material and temperature control make a real difference to how long curls hold. This guide covers the most popular curling wands, tongs and auto-curlers available from major UK retailers.
What to Look For
- 1Barrel diameter determines curl type — 25mm for classic curls, 32mm for loose waves, 19mm for tight ringlets. Pick based on your preferred style, not the biggest barrel.
- 2Ceramic and tourmaline barrels distribute heat more evenly and reduce frizz, which matters in the UK's damp climate. Titanium heats faster but can be harsh on fine hair.
- 3Variable temperature settings (150–230°C) let you match heat to hair type — fine hair needs lower temps (150–180°C), thick or coarse hair benefits from 200°C+.
- 4Auto-curlers like the BaByliss Curl Secret are easier for beginners but offer less control over curl direction than manual wands.
- 5Look for a heat-resistant glove and cool tip — most UK brands include these. A swivel cord of at least 2.5m prevents tangling during use.
Our Top Picks
ghd Curve Classic Curl Tong 26mm
Pros
- Ultra-zone technology maintains optimal 185°C across the barrel
- Protective cool tip and heat-resistant spring lever
- Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes for safety
- Premium build quality with 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- No variable temperature — fixed at 185°C only
- Premium price point around £120–£140
Consistent 185°C heat with ultra-zone technology delivers salon-quality curls that hold all day.
BaByliss Curl Secret Optimum C1600
Pros
- Automatic curl system — just place hair and press
- Three heat settings (190°C, 210°C, 230°C)
- Three timer settings for loose, natural or tight curls
- Ceramic coating reduces frizz
Cons
- Can tangle if too much hair is loaded at once
- Bulkier than traditional wands
Auto-curl mechanism makes it the easiest curler to use, ideal for beginners who struggle with manual wands.
Remington Pro Spiral Curl CI5519
Pros
- Ceramic-tourmaline coating for even heat and reduced frizz
- 19mm barrel perfect for defined spiral curls
- 30-second heat-up to 210°C
- Cool tip and heat-resistant glove included
Cons
- Only suitable for tight curls due to narrow barrel
- No digital temperature display
Strong budget option with ceramic-tourmaline barrel that punches well above its £25–£35 price.
ghd Curve Creative Curl Wand
Pros
- Tapered barrel for mixed curl sizes in one pass
- Ultra-zone predictive technology for even heat
- Automatic sleep mode for safety
- Heat-resistant glove included
Cons
- No clamp — requires wrapping technique
- Fixed temperature with no adjustment
Tapered 28–23mm barrel creates varied, natural-looking curls from a single tool.
BaByliss Pro 210 Ceramic Curling Tong 32mm
Pros
- 32mm barrel ideal for loose curls and waves
- Ceramic barrel heats evenly to 210°C
- Spring-loaded clamp holds hair securely
- Widely available at Boots and Superdrug
Cons
- Single temperature setting only
- Cord is shorter at 1.8m
Affordable 32mm tong that delivers loose, bouncy curls without the premium price tag.
Editor's Note
In the UK market, ghd and BaByliss dominate the mid-to-premium tier, while Remington offers solid budget options often discounted at Boots and Argos. Autumn and winter months see the highest demand for curlers as party season approaches — retailers like Boots and John Lewis typically run deals from October. For UK humidity, ceramic barrels with adjustable heat tend to hold curls longest.