Hair Curlers

What does a hair curler do?

A hair curler can refer to a range of hairstyling tools and products designed to curl hair. It may describe a curling wand, curling iron or automatic hair curler used to create curls or waves after washing your hair.

The right hair curler helps you create defined curls that last without excess frizz. You want curls that hold their shape throughout the day, not styles that drop after an hour. So how do you choose between a curling wand, hair waver, automatic hair curler or curling tong? And how do you create smooth, long‑lasting curls?

At Hairhouse, we have a wide range of professional curling tools for every hair type and style. From ringlets and beachy waves to tight curls, there's something for every look. We can also help you find the right curler to suit your routine and styling goals.

What is the difference between a curling wand and a hair curler?

The main difference between a curling wand and a curling iron is the clamp.

A curling iron has a clamp that secures your hair to the barrel, giving you more control as you curl from ends to roots. It’s usually held horizontally and is great for creating consistent, classic curls, though it might take some practice.

A curling wand works differently. It’s clip-free and creates a more natural, free-flowing curl. It’s generally easier to use, and you’re less likely to get creases or miss sections of hair. To use it, wrap a small section of hair around the barrel and hold it in place with your fingers. Larger sections give you looser waves, but they may not hold as well. For bouncy curls, use smaller sections.

What is the difference between heatless and heated hair curlers?

Anyone who's ever tried hair curling knows it's not always easy. One of the first decisions is whether to use heat or not.

Heatless hair curlers are a popular alternative to traditional curling tools. They're less likely to cause heat-related damage and are fairly simple to use once you're familiar with the technique. The main downside is that they usually take longer to set and may not hold as well, especially on naturally straight hair.

Heated curling tools like wands and irons work faster than heatless options and give you more control over the curl shape. With the right heat protectant, they’re a great option for creating defined curls that hold well, especially on thicker or hard-to-style hair.

Which hair curler is the most popular?

If you’re wondering which hair curlers are getting all the attention right now, it usually comes down to how easy they are to use, how well they work on different hair types and the kind of curl they create. Whether you want beach waves or voluminous curls, these tools are topping the list for a reason.

Here’s what’s popular and why people love them:

• Curling irons are still a top choice. The built-in clamp holds your hair in place, making it easier to control the curl, especially if you're after defined, even curls that last all day.
• Curling wands are loved for their simplicity and smooth results. With no clip to get in the way, tools like the ghd Curve Wand let you wrap and go, giving you more natural-looking waves with less effort.
• Hair wavers are popular for creating soft, beachy texture, and the Mermade Hair Waver is a favourite. With single, double and triple barrel options, it’s designed to shape loose, rippled waves in big sections, which makes styling quick and easy, especially if you’ve got long hair. If you prefer voluminous curls instead, a large barrel curler like 32mm or wider is a better fit for full, bouncy styles that don’t feel overdone.
• Ceramic curlers from brands like Silver Bullet and BaBylissPRO are customer favourites. They heat evenly, reduce frizz and are less harsh on the hair, all while delivering consistent, long-lasting curls.
• Titanium curlers are loved for their fast heat-up time and strong, smooth styling. They’re a great option for thick, coarse or hard-to-curl hair that needs a bit more power to hold a shape.

What is the best automatic hair curler?

Wylera Hair's Dreamwave is an innovation that has made hairstyling more convenient with its cord-free and clamp-free rechargeable body. The Dreamwave is an automatic hair curler designed with ease of use and safety in mind, thanks to features like tangle-free technology and temperature adjustment settings.

With its ceramic barrel, you can create frizz-free, silky smooth waves and curls that hold well throughout the day. So if you're looking for an automatic curler that's easy to use and delivers smooth, consistent results, Wylera Hair's Dreamwave is a great option!

What is the easiest curling wand for beginners?

For beginners looking for the easiest curling wand, the right choice depends on the kind of curl you're after and your hair type. If you're just getting started, it's worth focusing on barrel size, heat control and how gentle the tool is on your hair.

A barrel size between 2.5 and 3 centimetres is standard for creating manageable, long-lasting curls. Larger barrels give you looser curls and soft waves, while smaller barrels are better for tighter curls or shorter styles. The ghd Soft Curl Tong Hair Curler has a 32mm barrel that’s easy to handle and perfect for beginners wanting big, bouncy curls or mermaid waves.

To get smoother results, check out our range of anti-frizz hair products. A good heat protection spray paired with an anti-frizz serum can help you get a more polished finish, especially if you have frizzy or damaged hair.

If you’ve got delicate or fine hair, go for a curling wand made with tourmaline, as it distributes heat more gently. A thin barrel is ideal for this hair type, and the ghd Curve Thin Wand Hair Curler is a great option. Use a volumising spray beforehand for extra lift and hold.

Still not sure which curling wand or curler is right for you? Check out our Hair Curler Buying Guide, try our Curler Finder or pop into your local Hairhouse store for expert help.

What is the best hair curler for short hair?

Styling short hair can take a bit more technique, but it’s easy with the right tools from brands like Silver Bullet, ghd and BaByliss PRO.

The Silver Bullet Fastlane with a ceramic barrel is a more affordable alternative to other premium curling tools, but it doesn’t compromise on performance. The results you can get with the Silver Bullet Fastlane ceramic or titanium curler are smooth, fast and consistent. Choose the Silver Bullet Fastlane Rose Gold 25mm curler for delicate, long-lasting curls, especially on short to mid-length styles.

ghd curlers are also a great match for shorter hair. The brand offers both classic curl tongs and creative curling wands, designed for salon-quality styling at home. They’re in a similar price range to the Silver Bullet Fastlane, making them a solid mid-range option.

The Curious Grace Automatic Hair Curler creates styled curls and waves at the touch of a button. As an automatic hair curler, it takes care of most of the work for you. It also comes with adjustable temperature settings, a cool tip and automatic shut-off for extra ease and control.

How to protect hair when using a curler

A curling iron or curling wand used with proper haircare and technique can help minimise heat damage while still giving you great results. The key is to use quality hair products that protect against heat and to style with tools that offer even heat distribution for a smooth, frizz-free result.

If you're using the Cloud Nine Curling Wand, choose a heat setting that suits your hair. While the tool is warming up, apply a heat protectant spray evenly from roots to ends. Before curling, use a boar bristle brush to detangle and help spread the protectant through each section. This step helps your curls form more evenly and hold their shape for longer.

There are also plenty of hair treatments that help maintain hair health when used regularly with heat. Look for ingredients like keratin and argan oil, which help smooth, strengthen and add shine. Your choice of treatment should match your hair type and needs, especially if you have chemically treated or coloured hair.

To finish, make sure your curler or wand has adjustable temperature settings and maintains steady heat distribution. This gives you more control over how much heat your hair is exposed to during styling.

Should I buy a hair curler or a hair straightener?

Most people tend to have a hair curler as well as a hair straightener. However, it’s not impossible to curl your hair with a straightener. Many people have mastered the technique.

Of course, you’ll get better and more defined results with a wave wand or curling iron, especially if you're after perfect curls. If you're willing to splurge, the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler is a great option. Not only can it curl hair, but it can also straighten, smooth and shape your hair without using extreme heat.

If you're on a budget, a good hair straightener can still get the job done. You can also get a glamorous blowout at home with a heated brush. The BaByliss Rotating Hot Air Styler gives you body and bounce by combining the effects of a round hair brush and a hair dryer.

At Hairhouse, we stock curlers from a wide range of Australian and international brands, with options for every hair type and budget. You can shop online or visit us in-store across Australia. Once you’ve found the tool that works for you, just add it to your wishlist or hit checkout.