The 12 Best Rotating Curling Irons We Tested for Curls with the Press of a Button

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo: People / Jessica Juliao

Though the look ofvoluminous curlsis alluring, sometimes the curling process is more tedious than it’s worth — and that’s where rotating curling irons come in handy. These tools use rotational technology, so you clip your hair to the barrel, hit a button, and the iron does all the work for you.“You want to look for rotating curling irons that have adjustable heat temperatures and are ceramic,” celebrity hairstylistJoseph Michaeltells PEOPLE. “This will help control the amount of temperature used on the hair and protect hair from being burnt.” But more than that, these kinds of curling irons are here to make your life easier.Deal Alert!Our best ionic pick, theTymo Rota Automatic Curling Wand, is currently $20 off atAmazon.To find the best rotating curling irons, our PEOPLE Tested team tried 21 top hair tools, looking at temperature settings, overall performance, and curl results. After putting each one to the test, we narrowed it down to 12 top picks.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Prizm Professional Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Budget:MaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$39Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$149Jump to ReviewBest for Thick Hair:NuMe Automatic Curling Wand at Amazon$129Jump to ReviewBest for Long Hair:Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron at Amazon$145Jump to ReviewBest for Volume:SALET3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$210$147Jump to ReviewBest for Loose Curls:The Farrah Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$85Jump to ReviewBest Ionic:TYMO Rota at Target$100Jump to ReviewBest with Attachments:SALEShark FlexStyle System at Amazon$300$220Jump to Review

Though the look ofvoluminous curlsis alluring, sometimes the curling process is more tedious than it’s worth — and that’s where rotating curling irons come in handy. These tools use rotational technology, so you clip your hair to the barrel, hit a button, and the iron does all the work for you.

“You want to look for rotating curling irons that have adjustable heat temperatures and are ceramic,” celebrity hairstylistJoseph Michaeltells PEOPLE. “This will help control the amount of temperature used on the hair and protect hair from being burnt.” But more than that, these kinds of curling irons are here to make your life easier.

Deal Alert!Our best ionic pick, theTymo Rota Automatic Curling Wand, is currently $20 off atAmazon.

Deal Alert!

Our best ionic pick, theTymo Rota Automatic Curling Wand, is currently $20 off atAmazon.

To find the best rotating curling irons, our PEOPLE Tested team tried 21 top hair tools, looking at temperature settings, overall performance, and curl results. After putting each one to the test, we narrowed it down to 12 top picks.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Prizm Professional Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Budget:MaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$39Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$149Jump to ReviewBest for Thick Hair:NuMe Automatic Curling Wand at Amazon$129Jump to ReviewBest for Long Hair:Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron at Amazon$145Jump to ReviewBest for Volume:SALET3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$210$147Jump to ReviewBest for Loose Curls:The Farrah Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$85Jump to ReviewBest Ionic:TYMO Rota at Target$100Jump to ReviewBest with Attachments:SALEShark FlexStyle System at Amazon$300$220Jump to Review

Best Overall:Prizm Professional Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Budget:MaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$39Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to ReviewBest for Beginners:Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$149Jump to ReviewBest for Thick Hair:NuMe Automatic Curling Wand at Amazon$129Jump to ReviewBest for Long Hair:Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron at Amazon$145Jump to ReviewBest for Volume:SALET3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$210$147Jump to ReviewBest for Loose Curls:The Farrah Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$85Jump to ReviewBest Ionic:TYMO Rota at Target$100Jump to ReviewBest with Attachments:SALEShark FlexStyle System at Amazon$300$220Jump to Review

Best Overall:Prizm Professional Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$60Jump to Review

Best Overall:Prizm Professional Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$60

Best Overall:

Best Budget:MaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$39Jump to Review

Best Budget:MaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$39

Best Budget:

Best Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600Jump to Review

Best Investment:Dyson Airwrap at Amazon$600

Best Investment:

Best for Beginners:Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$149Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$149

Best for Beginners:

Best for Thick Hair:NuMe Automatic Curling Wand at Amazon$129Jump to Review

Best for Thick Hair:NuMe Automatic Curling Wand at Amazon$129

Best for Thick Hair:

Best for Long Hair:Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron at Amazon$145Jump to Review

Best for Long Hair:Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron at Amazon$145

Best for Long Hair:

Best for Volume:SALET3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$210$147Jump to Review

Best for Volume:SALET3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$210$147

Best for Volume:

SALE

Best for Loose Curls:The Farrah Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$85Jump to Review

Best for Loose Curls:The Farrah Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon$85

Best for Loose Curls:

Best Ionic:TYMO Rota at Target$100Jump to Review

Best Ionic:TYMO Rota at Target$100

Best Ionic:

Best with Attachments:SALEShark FlexStyle System at Amazon$300$220Jump to Review

Best with Attachments:SALEShark FlexStyle System at Amazon$300$220

Best with Attachments:

Best OverallPrizm Professional Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Amazon$60 at AmazonStar QualitiesEasy-to-turn barrelsFast-heating temperaturesUnder $100 for a pro-level hot toolLightweight designRed FlagsNot available at many retailersThis rotating curling iron was so easy to use, even for those of us who had never used this type of hot tool before. The design has several buttons to turn it on and off, modify the temperature, and for the rotation feature — with directional guides for turning left, right, and re-centering it.In terms of effectiveness, this rotating curling ironreallyworks. We were impressed it only took about 20 seconds to heat to our desired temperature. It’s super lightweight when you’re holding it in your hand and rotates in each direction seamlessly. There was no burning or damage, and the clamp held the hair without pulling it too hard. We were delighted at the well-defined and bouncy curls this hair tool was able to create.While we loved the ease of use and effectiveness of this rotating curling iron, it was the price that really sold us. Despite the high quality, the price is under $100, less than the average for most rotating curling irons (due to the extra technology involved). We would definitely recommend this tool for those of any experience level.Barrel Size:1 inch |Temperature:250°–450°F |Material:Titanium |Best For:Wavy hairPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoExperts SayAccording toSarah Potempa, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of The Beachwaver Co., adding a rotating curling iron into your routine makes styling your hairsomuch easier, especially when working on the back of your hair. “You can create uniform and beautiful waves without having to think about it or do some crazy arm workout,” she explains.

Best OverallPrizm Professional Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Amazon$60 at Amazon

Best OverallPrizm Professional Rotating Curling Iron

Best Overall

Prizm Professional Rotating Curling Iron

PHOTO: Amazon

$60 at Amazon

Star QualitiesEasy-to-turn barrelsFast-heating temperaturesUnder $100 for a pro-level hot toolLightweight designRed FlagsNot available at many retailers

Star QualitiesEasy-to-turn barrelsFast-heating temperaturesUnder $100 for a pro-level hot toolLightweight design

Easy-to-turn barrels

Fast-heating temperatures

Under $100 for a pro-level hot tool

Lightweight design

Red FlagsNot available at many retailers

Not available at many retailers

This rotating curling iron was so easy to use, even for those of us who had never used this type of hot tool before. The design has several buttons to turn it on and off, modify the temperature, and for the rotation feature — with directional guides for turning left, right, and re-centering it.

In terms of effectiveness, this rotating curling ironreallyworks. We were impressed it only took about 20 seconds to heat to our desired temperature. It’s super lightweight when you’re holding it in your hand and rotates in each direction seamlessly. There was no burning or damage, and the clamp held the hair without pulling it too hard. We were delighted at the well-defined and bouncy curls this hair tool was able to create.

While we loved the ease of use and effectiveness of this rotating curling iron, it was the price that really sold us. Despite the high quality, the price is under $100, less than the average for most rotating curling irons (due to the extra technology involved). We would definitely recommend this tool for those of any experience level.

Barrel Size:1 inch |Temperature:250°–450°F |Material:Titanium |Best For:Wavy hair

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Experts SayAccording toSarah Potempa, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of The Beachwaver Co., adding a rotating curling iron into your routine makes styling your hairsomuch easier, especially when working on the back of your hair. “You can create uniform and beautiful waves without having to think about it or do some crazy arm workout,” she explains.

Experts Say

According toSarah Potempa, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of The Beachwaver Co., adding a rotating curling iron into your routine makes styling your hairsomuch easier, especially when working on the back of your hair. “You can create uniform and beautiful waves without having to think about it or do some crazy arm workout,” she explains.

Best BudgetMaikcQ Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Amazon$39 at AmazonStar QualitiesOne of the most budget-friendly tools we triedCan use it as both a rotating and standard curling ironLightweight design makes it easier to style strandsRed FlagsFew instructions includedClamp is shortThis rotating curling iron proved super versatile during testing and came in at a lower price than most on the market, making it a stellar pick for those on a budget. The main portion of the tool is a standard 1.25-inch curling iron, but it comes with a brush attachment for the rotation feature. We were a little disappointed with the limited instructions on the packaging, but the tool is still quite user-friendly.We liked how lightweight this rotating curling iron is — a quality that makes it easy to hold while it spins your curls into existence. In terms of design, the clamp was somewhat short, and for those of us with shorter hair, there was some concern about the hot tip being a little too close to our heads. All in all, we were able to curl our hair within five minutes. The buttons are simple to use, and the tool creates loose, bouncy waves as desired. Overall, we love this rotating curling iron as a budget pick.Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:176°–410°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair typesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best BudgetMaikcQ Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Amazon$39 at Amazon

Best BudgetMaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron

Best Budget

MaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron

$39 at Amazon

Star QualitiesOne of the most budget-friendly tools we triedCan use it as both a rotating and standard curling ironLightweight design makes it easier to style strandsRed FlagsFew instructions includedClamp is short

Star QualitiesOne of the most budget-friendly tools we triedCan use it as both a rotating and standard curling ironLightweight design makes it easier to style strands

One of the most budget-friendly tools we tried

Can use it as both a rotating and standard curling iron

Lightweight design makes it easier to style strands

Red FlagsFew instructions includedClamp is short

Few instructions included

Clamp is short

This rotating curling iron proved super versatile during testing and came in at a lower price than most on the market, making it a stellar pick for those on a budget. The main portion of the tool is a standard 1.25-inch curling iron, but it comes with a brush attachment for the rotation feature. We were a little disappointed with the limited instructions on the packaging, but the tool is still quite user-friendly.

We liked how lightweight this rotating curling iron is — a quality that makes it easy to hold while it spins your curls into existence. In terms of design, the clamp was somewhat short, and for those of us with shorter hair, there was some concern about the hot tip being a little too close to our heads. All in all, we were able to curl our hair within five minutes. The buttons are simple to use, and the tool creates loose, bouncy waves as desired. Overall, we love this rotating curling iron as a budget pick.

Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:176°–410°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair types

Best InvestmentDyson AirwrapPHOTO: Sephora$600 at Amazon$600 at Nordstrom$600 at UltaStar QualitiesComes with 6 attachmentsSleek and ergonomic designUses air suction instead of a clamp to curlRed FlagsNot as intuitive as othersExpensiveDyson productsare famous for being splurge-worthy, and the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler is practically a household name at this point. We put the beloved hair tool to the test — and it lives up to the hype. During testing, we generally found this tool to be user-friendly, though it takes a few minutes to figure out which barrel to use for what purpose. It’s super lightweight in your hand and can be held for extended periods without worries of your hand cramping up. We figured out the groove of this tool after finishing two or so sections of hair.The fan settings ensured no burned hair, and the rotation moved in both directions for various types of curls. There aren’t too many buttons and settings, so it’s fairly straightforward, and like any tool, with more practice, the faster the process will go. We appreciated itsCoanda air technologyrather than a traditional clamp and were impressed with the curls it produced.Experts SayWe’re not alone in holding the Dyson in esteem. “The reason why I like the Dyson Airwrap is that it is a different kind of heating technology that simulates the same experience as a rotating curling iron while still keeping the integrity of your hair,” says Michael.Barrel Size:1.2, 1.6 inches |Temperature:<302°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair typesPHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best InvestmentDyson AirwrapPHOTO: Sephora$600 at Amazon$600 at Nordstrom$600 at Ulta

Best InvestmentDyson Airwrap

Best Investment

Dyson Airwrap

PHOTO: Sephora

$600 at Amazon$600 at Nordstrom$600 at Ulta

Star QualitiesComes with 6 attachmentsSleek and ergonomic designUses air suction instead of a clamp to curlRed FlagsNot as intuitive as othersExpensive

Star QualitiesComes with 6 attachmentsSleek and ergonomic designUses air suction instead of a clamp to curl

Comes with 6 attachments

Sleek and ergonomic design

Uses air suction instead of a clamp to curl

Red FlagsNot as intuitive as othersExpensive

Not as intuitive as others

Expensive

Dyson productsare famous for being splurge-worthy, and the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler is practically a household name at this point. We put the beloved hair tool to the test — and it lives up to the hype. During testing, we generally found this tool to be user-friendly, though it takes a few minutes to figure out which barrel to use for what purpose. It’s super lightweight in your hand and can be held for extended periods without worries of your hand cramping up. We figured out the groove of this tool after finishing two or so sections of hair.

The fan settings ensured no burned hair, and the rotation moved in both directions for various types of curls. There aren’t too many buttons and settings, so it’s fairly straightforward, and like any tool, with more practice, the faster the process will go. We appreciated itsCoanda air technologyrather than a traditional clamp and were impressed with the curls it produced.

Experts SayWe’re not alone in holding the Dyson in esteem. “The reason why I like the Dyson Airwrap is that it is a different kind of heating technology that simulates the same experience as a rotating curling iron while still keeping the integrity of your hair,” says Michael.

We’re not alone in holding the Dyson in esteem. “The reason why I like the Dyson Airwrap is that it is a different kind of heating technology that simulates the same experience as a rotating curling iron while still keeping the integrity of your hair,” says Michael.

Barrel Size:1.2, 1.6 inches |Temperature:<302°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair types

PHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: PeoplePHOTO: People

Best for BeginnersBeachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Amazon$149 at AmazonView on Planetbeauty.comView on Beachwaver.comStar QualitiesUser-friendly designCeramic barrel provides even heatingExcellent heat rangeRed FlagsClamp is too smallThe Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron is ideal for beginners because the buttons are intuitive — left and right. The other mechanics, like temperature and the clamp to hold your hair in place, are easy to figure out. The barrel is one inch thick and works well for longer hair, though you can make it work for shorter or thinner hair, too (especially since the clamp is shorter). We were impressed with the curls it formed — they were well-defined and voluminous.For the most part, we thought this tool was lightweight, though one member of our team thought it was a little bulky. We did wish the clamp was a little longer, but even as such, our hair didn’t tangle or get caught in it.Experts SayHair experts love this Beachwaver tool, too. “I like the Beachwaver because it has an easy-to-use temperature gauge and the ceramic barrel makes it easy to create voluminous curls,” says Michael.Barrel Size:1 inch |Temperature:290°–410°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Longer hair, all hair typesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for BeginnersBeachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Amazon$149 at AmazonView on Planetbeauty.comView on Beachwaver.com

Best for BeginnersBeachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron

Best for Beginners

Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron

$149 at AmazonView on Planetbeauty.comView on Beachwaver.com

Star QualitiesUser-friendly designCeramic barrel provides even heatingExcellent heat rangeRed FlagsClamp is too small

Star QualitiesUser-friendly designCeramic barrel provides even heatingExcellent heat range

User-friendly design

Ceramic barrel provides even heating

Excellent heat range

Red FlagsClamp is too small

Clamp is too small

The Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron is ideal for beginners because the buttons are intuitive — left and right. The other mechanics, like temperature and the clamp to hold your hair in place, are easy to figure out. The barrel is one inch thick and works well for longer hair, though you can make it work for shorter or thinner hair, too (especially since the clamp is shorter). We were impressed with the curls it formed — they were well-defined and voluminous.

For the most part, we thought this tool was lightweight, though one member of our team thought it was a little bulky. We did wish the clamp was a little longer, but even as such, our hair didn’t tangle or get caught in it.

Experts SayHair experts love this Beachwaver tool, too. “I like the Beachwaver because it has an easy-to-use temperature gauge and the ceramic barrel makes it easy to create voluminous curls,” says Michael.

Hair experts love this Beachwaver tool, too. “I like the Beachwaver because it has an easy-to-use temperature gauge and the ceramic barrel makes it easy to create voluminous curls,” says Michael.

Barrel Size:1 inch |Temperature:290°–410°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Longer hair, all hair types

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Thick HairNuMe Automatic Curling WandPHOTO: Amazon$129 at AmazonView on Numehair.comStar QualitiesEasy to maneuver without tiring our armsIntuitive and effective rotation technologyComes with three barrelsRed FlagsSomewhat pricey compared to othersWe appreciate this rotating curling iron because it just makessense. It has straightforward buttons that tell you which way the curling iron turns, and you can easily set the temperature to control the tool’s heat level (which heated with impressive speed). You press a button to start the curl and press one to stop it, but with practice, this becomes an auto-pilot movement. There are three barrels included, so you can swap them out depending on how big or small of a curl you’re looking to make.The rotation feature isn’t super speedy, so you have time to click each button to control the curl as you go — especially if you’re nervous about getting the tool too close to your ears or skin. There’s also a way to reset the tool to its starting position after use to keep the process going efficiently. The design is super sleek with a black barrel and rose gold buttons, and the clamp, though short, held our hair without difficulty, so the barrel could curl each section to create loose, bouncy curls.Barrel Size:0.75, 1, 1.25 inches |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Thick, curly, frizzy hairPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Thick HairNuMe Automatic Curling WandPHOTO: Amazon$129 at AmazonView on Numehair.com

Best for Thick HairNuMe Automatic Curling Wand

Best for Thick Hair

NuMe Automatic Curling Wand

$129 at AmazonView on Numehair.com

Star QualitiesEasy to maneuver without tiring our armsIntuitive and effective rotation technologyComes with three barrelsRed FlagsSomewhat pricey compared to others

Star QualitiesEasy to maneuver without tiring our armsIntuitive and effective rotation technologyComes with three barrels

Easy to maneuver without tiring our arms

Intuitive and effective rotation technology

Comes with three barrels

Red FlagsSomewhat pricey compared to others

Somewhat pricey compared to others

We appreciate this rotating curling iron because it just makessense. It has straightforward buttons that tell you which way the curling iron turns, and you can easily set the temperature to control the tool’s heat level (which heated with impressive speed). You press a button to start the curl and press one to stop it, but with practice, this becomes an auto-pilot movement. There are three barrels included, so you can swap them out depending on how big or small of a curl you’re looking to make.

The rotation feature isn’t super speedy, so you have time to click each button to control the curl as you go — especially if you’re nervous about getting the tool too close to your ears or skin. There’s also a way to reset the tool to its starting position after use to keep the process going efficiently. The design is super sleek with a black barrel and rose gold buttons, and the clamp, though short, held our hair without difficulty, so the barrel could curl each section to create loose, bouncy curls.

Barrel Size:0.75, 1, 1.25 inches |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Thick, curly, frizzy hair

Best for Long HairBio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling IronPHOTO: Amazon$145 at Amazon$140 at Walmart$145 at QVC

Best for Long HairBio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron

Best for Long Hair

Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron

$145 at Amazon$140 at Walmart$145 at QVC

Star QualitiesQuick and easy to useLight on our wristsEasy to control the direction of curls

Quick and easy to use

Light on our wrists

Easy to control the direction of curls

Took a long time to heat up

We were impressed with the ease of use when it came to the temperature settings, but wished it got hotter more quickly — it took about three minutes to fully heat up. Since this one is a manual rotating curling iron, it did take slightly longer to curl our hair on both sides of our head compared to others on our list. That said, it’s competitive in pricing with many of our favorites, and it worked effectively, so we would definitely recommend it.

Barrel Size:1 inch |Temperature:Up to 440°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Longer hair, all hair types

Best for VolumeT3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Sephora$210$147 at Amazon$210 at Sephora$210 at WalmartStar QualitiesThicker barrel creates bouncy curlsUser-friendly designComes with a few smart featuresLong clamp holds more hairRed FlagsHigher priceGenerally, you can never go wrong with a T3 hair tool — and this one is no exception. Though we’ll caution you, you do need to read the instructions here, but once you do it’s fairly easy to use. Essentially, it has smart technology that can detect motion, so it uses the literal flick of your wrist to decide which direction to curl. So, if you’re working on one side of your head it will curl one way, and when you flip your wrist toward the other, it will rotate. (We were in awe, too!)It saves time, it’s lightweight, and it creates voluminous curls given the large-sized barrel. Plus, it heats up in 20 seconds, so there’s no time lost here. Some felt the shorter clamps on other rotating curling irons made the process trickier, but that’s not an issue with the T3 because it has a standard-length clamp that holds the hair securely without tangling or pulling. We acknowledge it’s on the pricier side of our list, but we believe it’s a great value and 100 percent worth the cost.Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:260°-410°F (3 heat settings) |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair typesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for VolumeT3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: Sephora$210$147 at Amazon$210 at Sephora$210 at Walmart

Best for VolumeT3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron

Best for Volume

T3 CurlWrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron

$210$147 at Amazon$210 at Sephora$210 at Walmart

Star QualitiesThicker barrel creates bouncy curlsUser-friendly designComes with a few smart featuresLong clamp holds more hairRed FlagsHigher price

Star QualitiesThicker barrel creates bouncy curlsUser-friendly designComes with a few smart featuresLong clamp holds more hair

Thicker barrel creates bouncy curls

Comes with a few smart features

Long clamp holds more hair

Red FlagsHigher price

Higher price

Generally, you can never go wrong with a T3 hair tool — and this one is no exception. Though we’ll caution you, you do need to read the instructions here, but once you do it’s fairly easy to use. Essentially, it has smart technology that can detect motion, so it uses the literal flick of your wrist to decide which direction to curl. So, if you’re working on one side of your head it will curl one way, and when you flip your wrist toward the other, it will rotate. (We were in awe, too!)

It saves time, it’s lightweight, and it creates voluminous curls given the large-sized barrel. Plus, it heats up in 20 seconds, so there’s no time lost here. Some felt the shorter clamps on other rotating curling irons made the process trickier, but that’s not an issue with the T3 because it has a standard-length clamp that holds the hair securely without tangling or pulling. We acknowledge it’s on the pricier side of our list, but we believe it’s a great value and 100 percent worth the cost.

Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:260°-410°F (3 heat settings) |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair types

Best for Loose CurlsThe Farrah Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: The Farrah$85 at AmazonView on Thefarrah.comStar QualitiesCompact sizeSuper easy to useLightweight and comfortable to holdRed FlagsDesign is too complicated for short hairTakes a few minutes to heat upIf you’re looking to create loose bouncy curls that emulate a nice blowout, this is the rotating curling iron to help you achieve that look. It’s super compact (perfect for travel and tucking intocarry-on luggage) and uses a loose chamber system that automatically rotates your hair to curl it. We learned it takes a few tries to figure it out, but once you have it going, this rotating curling iron is super easy to use. There’s one central power button, two rotational buttons (for each direction), and five temperature settings ranging from 250°–450°F.It proved quite lightweight to hold in your hand while styling and has a swivel cord to avoid any tangles during the process. Given the loose style of this beauty tool, we don’t think it would work for short hair since it might not stay on the barrel as well. It did take its time heating up, but once it reached the right level, it curled effortlessly, creating a blowout-worthy look.Barrel Size:1 inch |Temperature:250°–450°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Longer hair, all hair typesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Loose CurlsThe Farrah Rotating Curling IronPHOTO: The Farrah$85 at AmazonView on Thefarrah.com

Best for Loose CurlsThe Farrah Rotating Curling Iron

Best for Loose Curls

The Farrah Rotating Curling Iron

PHOTO: The Farrah

$85 at AmazonView on Thefarrah.com

Star QualitiesCompact sizeSuper easy to useLightweight and comfortable to holdRed FlagsDesign is too complicated for short hairTakes a few minutes to heat up

Star QualitiesCompact sizeSuper easy to useLightweight and comfortable to hold

Compact size

Super easy to use

Lightweight and comfortable to hold

Red FlagsDesign is too complicated for short hairTakes a few minutes to heat up

Design is too complicated for short hair

Takes a few minutes to heat up

If you’re looking to create loose bouncy curls that emulate a nice blowout, this is the rotating curling iron to help you achieve that look. It’s super compact (perfect for travel and tucking intocarry-on luggage) and uses a loose chamber system that automatically rotates your hair to curl it. We learned it takes a few tries to figure it out, but once you have it going, this rotating curling iron is super easy to use. There’s one central power button, two rotational buttons (for each direction), and five temperature settings ranging from 250°–450°F.

It proved quite lightweight to hold in your hand while styling and has a swivel cord to avoid any tangles during the process. Given the loose style of this beauty tool, we don’t think it would work for short hair since it might not stay on the barrel as well. It did take its time heating up, but once it reached the right level, it curled effortlessly, creating a blowout-worthy look.

Barrel Size:1 inch |Temperature:250°–450°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Longer hair, all hair types

Best IonicTYMO RotaPHOTO: Target$100 at TargetView on Tymobeauty.comStar QualitiesRotating feature makes it easy to useSecure clamp that doesn’t pull hairCreates beautiful loose curlsRed FlagsTemperature settings take getting used toIonic refers to the positive and negative charges that work together in this type of hair tool to help reduce frizz. We liked this rotating curling iron because the rotation feature was easy to figure out, and once we got the hang of it, we moved through one side of our head in 15 minutes, finishing up the rest shortly after. It’s a fairly standard weight but didn’t feel too heavy in our hands, especially for long periods of usage.We noticed there were five temperature levels rather than being able to adjust the temperature setting to a specific number, which could be a con for some but isn’t necessarily a deal breaker. The clamp held the hair without issue, tugging, or tangles, and didn’t get too hot. Considering the price, we think this is a great ionic option, especially for those who deal with frizz regularly.Barrel Size:1, 1.25, 1.5 inches |Temperature:280°–430°F |Material:Nano titanium coating |Best For:Frizz, all hair typesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best IonicTYMO RotaPHOTO: Target$100 at TargetView on Tymobeauty.com

Best IonicTYMO Rota

Best Ionic

TYMO Rota

PHOTO: Target

$100 at TargetView on Tymobeauty.com

Star QualitiesRotating feature makes it easy to useSecure clamp that doesn’t pull hairCreates beautiful loose curlsRed FlagsTemperature settings take getting used to

Star QualitiesRotating feature makes it easy to useSecure clamp that doesn’t pull hairCreates beautiful loose curls

Rotating feature makes it easy to use

Secure clamp that doesn’t pull hair

Creates beautiful loose curls

Red FlagsTemperature settings take getting used to

Temperature settings take getting used to

Ionic refers to the positive and negative charges that work together in this type of hair tool to help reduce frizz. We liked this rotating curling iron because the rotation feature was easy to figure out, and once we got the hang of it, we moved through one side of our head in 15 minutes, finishing up the rest shortly after. It’s a fairly standard weight but didn’t feel too heavy in our hands, especially for long periods of usage.

We noticed there were five temperature levels rather than being able to adjust the temperature setting to a specific number, which could be a con for some but isn’t necessarily a deal breaker. The clamp held the hair without issue, tugging, or tangles, and didn’t get too hot. Considering the price, we think this is a great ionic option, especially for those who deal with frizz regularly.

Barrel Size:1, 1.25, 1.5 inches |Temperature:280°–430°F |Material:Nano titanium coating |Best For:Frizz, all hair types

Best with AttachmentsShark FlexStyle SystemPHOTO: Shark$300$220 at Amazon$299 at Sephora$300 at UltaStar QualitiesIntuitive and easy-to-use designTechnology comparable to Dyson’s AirwrapVersatile styling toolRed FlagsNot as expensive as Dyson but still an investmentThis is theclosest you’re going to get to the Dyson Airwrapwithout paying $600 (though it’ll still cost a pretty penny). Rated our best with attachments, we like how versatile the Shark rotating curling iron is. It uses similar air technology to reduce heat damage, and we found it super user-friendly when styling.You just change the attachments as you go, so you can start with a drying one if you have wet hair, and then switch to the brush to help smooth it before using the iron to create the best curls. The one interesting thing is the rotation feature is controlled in the middle of the hair tool. It’s a little bulky in size but still light when you’re holding it. Overall, this is a great rotating curling iron if you want the amenities of a Dyson at a lower cost.Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:Four heat, three airflow settings |Best For:All hair typesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best with AttachmentsShark FlexStyle SystemPHOTO: Shark$300$220 at Amazon$299 at Sephora$300 at Ulta

Best with AttachmentsShark FlexStyle System

Best with Attachments

Shark FlexStyle System

PHOTO: Shark

$300$220 at Amazon$299 at Sephora$300 at Ulta

Star QualitiesIntuitive and easy-to-use designTechnology comparable to Dyson’s AirwrapVersatile styling toolRed FlagsNot as expensive as Dyson but still an investment

Star QualitiesIntuitive and easy-to-use designTechnology comparable to Dyson’s AirwrapVersatile styling tool

Intuitive and easy-to-use design

Technology comparable to Dyson’s Airwrap

Versatile styling tool

Red FlagsNot as expensive as Dyson but still an investment

Not as expensive as Dyson but still an investment

This is theclosest you’re going to get to the Dyson Airwrapwithout paying $600 (though it’ll still cost a pretty penny). Rated our best with attachments, we like how versatile the Shark rotating curling iron is. It uses similar air technology to reduce heat damage, and we found it super user-friendly when styling.

You just change the attachments as you go, so you can start with a drying one if you have wet hair, and then switch to the brush to help smooth it before using the iron to create the best curls. The one interesting thing is the rotation feature is controlled in the middle of the hair tool. It’s a little bulky in size but still light when you’re holding it. Overall, this is a great rotating curling iron if you want the amenities of a Dyson at a lower cost.

Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:Four heat, three airflow settings |Best For:All hair types

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best CordlessConair Unbound Cordless Auto CurlerPHOTO: Amazon$80$64 at Amazon$100 at Kohls.com$80$72 at Jcpenney.comStar QualitiesEasy to useLack of a cord makes it great for travelLightweight and comfortable to holdRed FlagsInstructions weren’t clearWider barrel makes it a bit bulkyNext to manual rotation, the second most annoying attribute of standard curling irons is navigating around the cord. With this cordless option, that’s not an issue. Though the instructions weren’t the most clear, we figured out how to use this rotating curling iron fairly quickly. Rather than a traditional barrel, this beauty tool uses a chamber to twirl the hair into. It beeps twice to let you know the curl is finished so you can thread your hair back out and start on the next section.Though it’s super lightweight, the width of the tool is a little bulky. That said, the size makes it quite portable, so it could be good for travel. We loved the ringlets this curling iron created, and each section only takes 12 seconds to curl. There weren’t any tangles, and no hair was pulled. Our team thought the results, paired with the price, made this a great option for many different needs.Barrel Size:Not listed |Temperature:Up to 400°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair typesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best CordlessConair Unbound Cordless Auto CurlerPHOTO: Amazon$80$64 at Amazon$100 at Kohls.com$80$72 at Jcpenney.com

Best CordlessConair Unbound Cordless Auto Curler

Best Cordless

Conair Unbound Cordless Auto Curler

$80$64 at Amazon$100 at Kohls.com$80$72 at Jcpenney.com

Star QualitiesEasy to useLack of a cord makes it great for travelLightweight and comfortable to holdRed FlagsInstructions weren’t clearWider barrel makes it a bit bulky

Star QualitiesEasy to useLack of a cord makes it great for travelLightweight and comfortable to hold

Easy to use

Lack of a cord makes it great for travel

Red FlagsInstructions weren’t clearWider barrel makes it a bit bulky

Instructions weren’t clear

Wider barrel makes it a bit bulky

Next to manual rotation, the second most annoying attribute of standard curling irons is navigating around the cord. With this cordless option, that’s not an issue. Though the instructions weren’t the most clear, we figured out how to use this rotating curling iron fairly quickly. Rather than a traditional barrel, this beauty tool uses a chamber to twirl the hair into. It beeps twice to let you know the curl is finished so you can thread your hair back out and start on the next section.

Though it’s super lightweight, the width of the tool is a little bulky. That said, the size makes it quite portable, so it could be good for travel. We loved the ringlets this curling iron created, and each section only takes 12 seconds to curl. There weren’t any tangles, and no hair was pulled. Our team thought the results, paired with the price, made this a great option for many different needs.

Barrel Size:Not listed |Temperature:Up to 400°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:All hair types

Best for Quick FixesT3 SinglePass CurlPHOTO: Ulta$170 at Amazon$113 at Walmart$150 at UltaStar QualitiesExtra-long barrelCan grab wider sections when stylingGreat for long hair typesRed FlagsLong barrel might be too awkward for short hair stylesOne of the reasons why we think rotating curling irons are worth it is because of how quick and easy they are to use. If you need an even more convenient option that can touch up your hair with ease, go with the T3 SinglePass. This hot tool was specifically designed to touch up strands, thanks to a long clamp that grabs onto wider sections and an extra-long barrel that can easily reach the back of your head. The ceramic curling iron features temperature settings between 260° and 390°F and provides more even heating, which is excellent for hair health and helps you create a more defined curl that lasts.Since the barrel is larger than others, it’s a great option for those with long hair, as it’s big enough to fit all your locks for a more even-looking curl. If you have short hair, you might find that styling fresh strands is a bit too awkward and instead prefer this as a backup for touching up tresses in harder-to-reach spots.Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:260°–390°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Longer hair, all hair types

Best for Quick FixesT3 SinglePass CurlPHOTO: Ulta$170 at Amazon$113 at Walmart$150 at Ulta

Best for Quick FixesT3 SinglePass Curl

Best for Quick Fixes

T3 SinglePass Curl

PHOTO: Ulta

$170 at Amazon$113 at Walmart$150 at Ulta

Star QualitiesExtra-long barrelCan grab wider sections when stylingGreat for long hair typesRed FlagsLong barrel might be too awkward for short hair styles

Star QualitiesExtra-long barrelCan grab wider sections when stylingGreat for long hair types

Extra-long barrel

Can grab wider sections when styling

Great for long hair types

Red FlagsLong barrel might be too awkward for short hair styles

Long barrel might be too awkward for short hair styles

One of the reasons why we think rotating curling irons are worth it is because of how quick and easy they are to use. If you need an even more convenient option that can touch up your hair with ease, go with the T3 SinglePass. This hot tool was specifically designed to touch up strands, thanks to a long clamp that grabs onto wider sections and an extra-long barrel that can easily reach the back of your head. The ceramic curling iron features temperature settings between 260° and 390°F and provides more even heating, which is excellent for hair health and helps you create a more defined curl that lasts.

Since the barrel is larger than others, it’s a great option for those with long hair, as it’s big enough to fit all your locks for a more even-looking curl. If you have short hair, you might find that styling fresh strands is a bit too awkward and instead prefer this as a backup for touching up tresses in harder-to-reach spots.

Barrel Size:1.25 inch |Temperature:260°–390°F |Material:Ceramic |Best For:Longer hair, all hair types

What to Know About Rotating Curling Irons

Barrel Size

Just like with anycurling iron, the consideration is the size of the barrel (the part that touches your hair) because it affects the tightness of the curls you’ll get. “If you’re looking for more tight ringlets you’ll go with anywhere from half an inch to three-quarter inches,” says Michael. “If you’re looking for more of a beach wave look, you would go with about an inch to an inch and a half, and if you’re looking for more body wave blowout you would go with an inch and a half to two inches in barrel size.”

Experts SayHair texture plays a part in the barrel you should opt for, as well. “Aone-inch barrel sizeis the one I would recommend for most hair types, textures, and lengths,” says Potempa, highlighting our favorite iron for beginners. “If you have shorter hair or hair that tends to fall quickly, try sizing down.”

Hair texture plays a part in the barrel you should opt for, as well. “Aone-inch barrel sizeis the one I would recommend for most hair types, textures, and lengths,” says Potempa, highlighting our favorite iron for beginners. “If you have shorter hair or hair that tends to fall quickly, try sizing down.”

Rotation Technology

When looking at the rotation features of a curling iron, you should be mindful of what is most effective at curling hair. “It’s all about the heat output and the type of metal used in the rotating curling iron,” says Michael. He suggests “something that is not too tight so that it doesn’t wrap your hair up and rip.” Generally, something with intuitive buttons will make a big difference as well because you won’t be left guessing which direction the iron will turn.

One of the newer methods on the block, Coanda technology, has a specific hair type that it plays nicest with. For “fine hair, the ‘air’ irons are probably best,” says celebrity hairstylistAshley Streicher, highlighting theDyson AirWrap. However, this isn’t to say that those with medium and thick hair can’t use this tech-savvy type of product.

Ease of Use

The whole point of rotating curling irons is to make styling your strands easier, so look for designs that with intuitive designs that are easy and efficient to use. Options like theDyson Airwrapmight come with a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, the technology makes it super easy and simple to style hair. For more traditional rotating curling iron designs, consider theTymo Hair Curling WandorPrizm Wavy Professional Rotating Curling Iron, both of which are straightforward and make styling strands a breeze.

Weight

Hot tools can completely transform your hair in minutes, but if they’re too heavy, it’s quite a workout to achieve the look you want. When shopping for the best rotating curling irons, keep the overall weight in mind and consider how that might impact your wrists and arms — especially when targeting the back of your head. Most of our top picks boast more lightweight construction, including theBio Ionic Rotating Styling Iron,MaikcQ Rotating Curling Iron, andPrizm Wavy Professional Rotating Curling Iron.

Price Range

Rotating curling irons can cost anywhere from $60 to $600, though most will fall in the $100 to $150 range. So, when you’re looking for a rotating curling iron, make sure to consider the qualities that will make it durable, because like anything else, it’s an investment and you’ll want it to work effectively and last over time.

People / Tamara Staples

We tested 21 rotating curling irons in our PEOPLE Tested lab to bring you the best models on the market today, starting with cleaned, conditioned, and air-dried or blow-dried hair, depending on our testers’ hair types.

After considering all the factors above, thePrizm Professional Rotating Curling Ironwas our pick for the best overall rotating curling iron.

People / Jessica Juliao

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask any professional hairstylist — the first step before using any kind of hot tool is alayer of heat protectant. “I love theVegamour Hydr-8 Leave-In Conditionerfor heat protection as it works great with all hair types,” says Streicher. “You can apply it when your hair is wet, let air-dry or blow dry it, then use your iron.” The stylist also adds a bit onto the ends of her client’s hair before applying direct heat to their strands.Another factor to consider regarding hair protection is the temperature your iron is set to. “For fine, fragile, and color-damaged hair, I would stay in the low setting, 250-325 [degrees Fahrenheit],” Streicher adds. “But if you’re using an automatic iron, often there are settings for your hair type… they are set to only be on your hair for a certain amount of time,” which she points out is often a guessing game (that can lead to accidental burning) with manual irons.

Ask any professional hairstylist — the first step before using any kind of hot tool is alayer of heat protectant. “I love theVegamour Hydr-8 Leave-In Conditionerfor heat protection as it works great with all hair types,” says Streicher. “You can apply it when your hair is wet, let air-dry or blow dry it, then use your iron.” The stylist also adds a bit onto the ends of her client’s hair before applying direct heat to their strands.

Another factor to consider regarding hair protection is the temperature your iron is set to. “For fine, fragile, and color-damaged hair, I would stay in the low setting, 250-325 [degrees Fahrenheit],” Streicher adds. “But if you’re using an automatic iron, often there are settings for your hair type… they are set to only be on your hair for a certain amount of time,” which she points out is often a guessing game (that can lead to accidental burning) with manual irons.

“Ceramic helps evenly distribute the heat to strands and makes them smooth and shiny while also keeping more volume,” Streicher explains. The stylist goes on to explain that this kind of material is best for people with fine or fragile hair. Because this material doesn’t heat up at the rate of titanium, it can be considered a bit gentler on all hair types.“Titanium is usually best used for very thick coarse hair as it heats up faster and stays at a higher temperature,” she adds. Potempa points out that titanium also conducts heat much faster than ceramic, which can help to minimize static and frizz (and even lock your style in place for a longer time).

“Ceramic helps evenly distribute the heat to strands and makes them smooth and shiny while also keeping more volume,” Streicher explains. The stylist goes on to explain that this kind of material is best for people with fine or fragile hair. Because this material doesn’t heat up at the rate of titanium, it can be considered a bit gentler on all hair types.

“Titanium is usually best used for very thick coarse hair as it heats up faster and stays at a higher temperature,” she adds. Potempa points out that titanium also conducts heat much faster than ceramic, which can help to minimize static and frizz (and even lock your style in place for a longer time).

Madison Yaugeris a shopping editor at PEOPLE, covering beauty, home, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her background includes news, lifestyle, and commerce journalism for publications like Food & Wine, Real Simple, Health, and Martha Stewart. For this article, she relied on the input of our team of product testers and interviewed several celebrity hairstylists.

Our Expert PanelJoseph Michaelis a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist who has previously worked with Blake Lively, Heidi Klum, and Ashley Tisdale, to name a few.Sarah Potempais a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and founder ofThe Beachwaver Co., under which she invented and patented the renowned Beachwaver. Her client list has included Reese Witherspoon, Emily Blunt, Busy Phillips, and more.Ashley Streicheris a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of the Los Angeles beauty studioSTRIIIKEwith her sisters, celebrity makeup artistJenn Streicherand celebrity brow artistKristie Streicher. Her past clients include Mandy Moore, Rachel Brosnahan, Sarah Paulson, and more.

Our Expert Panel

Joseph Michaelis a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist who has previously worked with Blake Lively, Heidi Klum, and Ashley Tisdale, to name a few.Sarah Potempais a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist and founder ofThe Beachwaver Co., under which she invented and patented the renowned Beachwaver. Her client list has included Reese Witherspoon, Emily Blunt, Busy Phillips, and more.Ashley Streicheris a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of the Los Angeles beauty studioSTRIIIKEwith her sisters, celebrity makeup artistJenn Streicherand celebrity brow artistKristie Streicher. Her past clients include Mandy Moore, Rachel Brosnahan, Sarah Paulson, and more.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com