In the South, hair is one of the many things that we take pride in. From Dolly Parton’s iconic hairstyle to Elvis Presley’s pompadour, Southerners always make sure that they have the perfect hairstyle.

Curling irons remain the preferred tool among Southern women for achieving everything from beachy waves to big, bouncy curls. But if you have short hair, achieving salon-worthy curls at home can be a bit more of a challenge.

For best results, look for a barrel on the thinner side: “I think a half-inch or three-quarter inch barrel are the best options for short hair,” says Maria McCool.

Meet the Expert Maria McCool is a hair stylist and the founder of the hair care brand, Calista.

To determine the best curling iron for short hair, we thoroughly researched and tested many of the options below. McCool also weighed in with expert insight.

Our Top Picks Best Overall: BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Curling Iron at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Budget: InfinitiPro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Dyson Airwrap at Amazon ($599) Jump to Review Best Titanium: L'ange Le Duo at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Ceramic: Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron at Amazon ($105) Jump to Review Best Rotating Rod: Drybar The 3-Day Bender Curling Iron at Amazon ($149) Jump to Review Best Tapered Rod: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Iron at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Cone-Shaped Rod: Paul Mitchell Neuro Unclipped Titanium Curling Wand at Amazon ($103) Jump to Review Best for Beachy Waves: Beachwaver Co. Rotating Curling Iron at Amazon ($149) Jump to Review Best for Frizzy Hair: Bondi Boost Clever Curler Curling Iron at Amazon ($58) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Sephora What’s Great About It Smaller barrel sizes available for short hair

Heats up quickly

Doesn’t damage hair

Kickstand

Easy to grip

What Could Be Better Difficult to adjust the temperature

Lacks an auto shut-off feature

By far, the Babylisspro Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron is our favorite curling iron for short hair. This iron heated up quickly but didn’t cause any damage to our hair. Not only that, but the barrel was easy to grip and maneuver thanks to the indented dimples (and the bottom lever). 

As you’re working to curl that one stubborn area in your short hair, feel free to use the kickstand to sit the iron down when you need to re-apply product (or when you just need a break from curling). For short hair, use the 0.75 inch barrel to easily create ringlets or defined curls.

While we loved using this curling iron, we would have preferred an electronic temperature dial. This setting would make it much easier to adjust the iron to different temperatures. The iron doesn’t take too long to heat up, but it can take some time to go from one temperature to the next. Keep in mind that this curling iron has to be turned off manually. Because of this feature, this may not be the best curling iron for someone who is always on the go. 

Temperature Range: 250–450°F  | Barrel Sizes: 0.75 1, 1.25, 1.5 inches | Material: Titanium

　　 Best Budget

InfinitiPro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target What’s Great About It Lightweight

Easy to adjust the temperature

Digital display screen

Secure handle

What Could Be Better Heats up slowly

Not suitable for type 4 hair

For those looking for an inexpensive curling iron that still gets the job done, behold the Conair InfinitiPro Digital Curling Iron. As soon as we picked up the curling iron, we noticed how lightweight it was. And, although it has a thin handle, we were able to keep a secure grip on it. Throughout the curling process, the iron never slipped out of our hands or tugged on our short hair. 

Even better, this curling iron comes with a digital display screen. With this feature, there’s no guesswork involved when changing it from one temperature to the next. This particular feature comes in handy, especially for those with short hair, which generally requires less heat to curl. Similar to the Babylisspro Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron, this one also comes with a lever that helps you to open and close the clamp.

On the downside, it took a while for it to heat up. And, while it does work well with some hair types, those with type 4 hair should stay away because it won’t provide enough heat to properly curl their hair.

Temperature Range: 285–400°F | Barrel Sizes: 1, 1.25, or 1.75 inches | Material: Tourmaline

　　 Best Splurge

Dyson Airwrap

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What’s Great About It Easy to use

Interchangeable barrels

Self wraps without tangling

Cold setting

What Could Be Better Exact temperatures aren’t specified

The curls start to loosen up after an hour

Noisy

For those who have little experience with curling irons, consider this Airwrap Multi-Styler option from Dyson. Instead of having to manually curl your hair, the iron gently self-wraps the hair. 

Even with this feature, none of our hair felt like it was being pulled on or tangled up. And, with the interchangeable barrels, you can curl your hair into different styles. Unlike most curling irons, this one comes with a cold setting (which may help to reduce hair damage). Whether you use the hot or cold feature, this curling quickly adjusts to the desired temperature. Our short hair never burned while on the highest heat setting. 

For those with type 1 hair, note that your curls will start to loosen up after an hour. And, while we loved how quickly the temperature changes to different settings, we’re unsure of the exact temperature. 

Be mindful that this curling iron makes a lot of noise. On the bright side, once you’re done using it, you can place the curling iron and its attachments in the storage case for safekeeping.

Temperature Range: Hot, medium, cold | Barrel Sizes: 1.2-inch long barrel, 1.6-inch long barrel, Coanda smoothing dryer, soft smoothing brush, firm smoothing brush, round volumizing brush | Material: Aluminum

　　 Best Titanium

L'ange Le Duo

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ulta What’s Great About It Has cooling vents

Two-in-one styling tool

Suitable for thick hair

1-inch barrel

What Could Be Better Easy to turn off iron or change temperature by accident

Not suitable for fine hair

With this LeDuo 360° Airflow Titanium Styler, you get a curling and flat iron. Cooling vents automatically release heat from the iron as you style your hair, helping to instantly cool and lock in curls. On the curling iron, it’s very easy to see the temperatures. Since this iron has a titanium rod, we recommend this pick for those with thick hair. Titanium is prone to heat up faster and has even heat distribution, it’s better for thick hair types. Since short hair types need a smaller barrel size, this iron is also perfect because it has a 1-inch barrel size.

If we were to change anything about this iron, we would add a locking system. Right now, it’s very easy to accidentally turn off the iron or increase the temperature as you’re styling your hair.

Temperature Range:  280°F–430°F | Barrel Size: 1-inch plate | Material: Titanium

　　 Best Ceramic

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What’s Great About It Lock temperature feature

Hair doesn’t fall out of the clamp easily

Indicator light

Clamp grips the hair securely

What Could Be Better Lacks different attachments

If you’re tired of dealing with bulky curling irons, consider purchasing this thin one from Bio Ionic. Like most of the curling irons in this roundup, this one also comes with a lever, which helps to open and close the clamp. But, unlike the LeDuo 360° Airflow Titanium Styler, this one comes with a locking mechanism. With it, we were able to adjust it to the preferred temperature and style our hair without having to worry about it switching temperatures on us.

Our short hair never slipped out of the clamp while styling. The clamp firmly gripped our hair, allowing us to easily curl it. With the indicator light, we always knew when the iron was ready to use. 

Overall, we enjoyed using this product and the different features that it offered. Just be mindful that it doesn’t come with any special attachments.

Temperature Range: 250–430°F | Barrel Sizes: 0.75, 1, 1.25, or 1.5 inches | Material: Ceramic

　　 Best Rotating Rod

Drybar The 3-Day Bender Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It Heats up in 60 seconds

Easy to adjust the temperature

Creates tight, classic curls

What Could Be Better Hard to grip

Takes a while for it to automatically turn off

If you’re looking for a rotating curling iron, then this is a great pick. Not only are these curling irons easier to operate, but they can help you to create a classic curl pattern. When we curled our short hair with the 1-inch barrel, our curls had a tight, formal look. 

This curling iron heats up quickly and comes with a + and - option, which helped us to easily adjust the temperature. And, with the rubber material, we were able to easily grip this iron by the handle. Throughout the curling process, we discovered that type 3 curls stayed in the clamp better than type 1 or type 2 hair. Even though we had to redo our curls a few times, they kept their shape for a long time.

The downside of the rotating function is that the clamp frequently moves around the barrel, which causes the iron to feel slippery in our hands. And, although we liked the automatic shut-off feature, we think that an hour is too long for the iron to turn off.

Temperature Range: 140–440°F | Barrel Sizes: 1 or 1.25 inches | Material: Ceramic

　　 Best Tapered Rod

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Iron

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Babylisspro.com What’s Great About It Unique shape allows you to create different types of curls

Long cord

Has a turbo heat button

Multiple barrel sizes available

What Could Be Better Lacks a thumb grip and clamp

We love this BabylissPro iron because you can create different types of curls with it. For looser curls, simply curl your hair near the handle. But, if you prefer a tighter curl, curl your hair using the tip of the iron. While this curling iron does come with a variety of heat settings, you can push the turbo heat button for additional heat.

As you’re curling your hair, the extra-long cord moves around much easier and helps you to reach those hard-to-curl areas. For short hair, you can use the 0.75 or 1 inch barrel to create ringlets or loose waves. But the fun doesn’t stop there—with the tapered rod, you can be a little adventurous and try out all types of curling styles in your short hair. Be mindful that this curling iron doesn’t have a thumb grip or clamp. Because of this, it might take a while before you feel comfortable using the iron.  

Temperature Range: 250–450°F | Barrel Size: 0.75–1.25 inches | Material: Titanium

　　 Best Cone-Shaped Rod

Paul Mitchell Neuro Unclipped Titanium Curling Wand

View On Amazon View On Paulmitchell.com What’s Great About It Easy-to-read temperature panel

Creates natural-looking waves

Auto shut-off timer

What Could Be Better Clipless design poses a safety risk

Made with titanium and available in two barrel sizes, the Neuro Titanium Curling Wand is the perfect pick for those who are looking to take their styling experience to the next level. Not only does this curling iron come with a digital temperature panel that’s easy to see, but the cone-shaped rod helps you to create beachy waves and loose curls that have a natural appearance. 

With the smartsense microchip, you’re free to style without interruption. Instead of having to frequently check the level of heat, the microchip monitors the temperature for you. Plus, with the auto shut-off timer, you can set the curling iron to power off at a certain time. Just note that while the clipless design allows for more flexibility in styling, you'll need to be careful not to burn your fingers when holding the ends of your hair (a three-finger protective glove is included).

Temperature Range: 290–450°F | Barrel Size: 1.25 inches | Material: Titanium

　　 Best for Beachy Waves

Beachwaver Co. Rotating Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Beachwaver.com What’s Great About It Safety stand

Rotates to the left and right

Comes with a fast-and-slow button

What Could Be Better Temperature panel is difficult to see

If beachy waves are your go-to curl pattern, then we highly recommend the Beachwaver Rotating Curling Iron. Made by the woman-owned business, Beachwaver, this curling iron makes styling your hair much easier. All you have to do is place a small piece of your hair under the clamp and press one of the rotation buttons. Next, open the clamp to remove your hair from the iron. If you have short, layered hair, we suggest curling the top of your strand first and working your way down.

And, with the fast-and-slow button, you have full control over the speed of the iron. Once you’re done using it, simply place it on the safety stand for safekeeping.

Similar to the other curling irons, you can easily adjust the temperature. However, our only concern with this feature is that the panel may be difficult to see for some.  

Temperature Range: 290–410°F | Barrel Size: 1 inch | Material: Ceramic

　　 Best for Frizzy Hair

Bondi Boost Clever Curler Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta What’s Great About It Reduces frizz

Protects hair

Wide curling rod creates volume

What Could Be Better Leaves your hair with a bad odor

When curling frizzy hair, you have to be careful. While you want your curls to last for a long time, using too much heat can damage your hair. Besides using anti-frizz products, it’s also important to purchase a curling iron that helps you to tame your hair (such as this one).

As you style your hair, the ionic technology naturally seals your hair cuticle. Not only does this give your hair a shiny appearance but it also decreases frizz. It also features infrared heating, which helps you to curl your hair with less heat. With less heat, your hair has a lower chance of being damaged.

Temperature Range: 300–410°F | Barrel Size: 1.25 inch | Material: Aluminum, ceramic

　　 Best for Thick Hair

ghd 1-Inch Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart What’s Great About It Beeps when ready to use

Auto shut-off feature

Quickly heats up

Non-slippery

Sleek design

What Could Be Better Only one temperature available

We wish the protective cool tip was larger

This classic curling iron from GHD is worth every penny. Instead of having to do some guesswork to figure out when the iron is ready to use, it simply beeps to let you know it’s ready. For those who have a habit of making last-minute plans, the iron only takes 25 seconds to heat up. And even if you forget to unplug the iron, it automatically turns off after a period of time. There’s only one temperature available (365°F, which is great for short hair) .  

There’s only one temperature available (365°F, which is great for short hair). We found that this heat setting was safe to use on fine, wavy, and naturally curly hair. Even though thick hair generally needs more heat to curl, we never ran into any issues with using the iron on thick hair. Using the unique tip, those with shorter hair can create loose, wavy curls.

While we found the iron easy to use, we wished the protective cool tip was larger to prevent our hand from getting burned. 

Temperature Range: 365°F | Barrel Size:1 inch | Material: Ceramic

　　 Best for Thin Hair

T3 SinglePass Curl Curling Iron

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora What’s Great About It Small barrel sizes perfect for thin, short hair

Temperature dial is easy to use

Clamp included

Thumb grip

What Could Be Better Only creates smaller, tighter curls

Available in both 0.5- and 0.75-inch barrels, this curling iron is just the right size, for short, fine, hard-to-curl hair.  With the temperature dial, you can easily adjust the iron to your desired temperature setting. Whether you choose to start on the front or back, each strand will receive the same amount of heat. 

When curling our fine, wavy hair, we didn’t experience any damage (regardless of the barrel size). The clamp was also easy to use thanks to the thumb grip. And, with the smooth surface, you’ll never have to worry about your hair getting tangled up in the iron. 

Temperature Range: 5 heat settings | Barrel Sizes: 0.5 or 0.75 inches | Material: Ceramic

　　 The Bottom Line

After evaluating each curling iron, our best overall pick is the Babylisspro Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron. This curling iron earned our top spot because it provides even heat distribution, and leaves your hair with a shiny, smooth finish. For those with short hair, the 0.75 barrel helps you to create ringlets and defined curls. Our best budget option was the InfinitiPro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron because it reduces frizz and heats up quickly. This iron also comes with five different heat settings.

　　 Our Testing Process

We put 14 curling irons to the test in the lab and then again at home over a two-week period. In the lab, we used each curling iron to curl hair types 1-4, inspecting them after the one- and six-hour marks, and then again overnight. 

We then sent each curling iron home with three different testers who incorporated them into their regular styling routines over a two-week period. Each curling iron was analyzed based on ease of use, temperature settings, heat-up time, and the shape and last power of the curls it produced.

Ultimately, only six of the 14 curling irons we tested made our final list, and the rest of the products we recommend were chosen after conducting diligent research on the best curling irons for short hair.

　　 Tips For Choosing The Right Curling Iron

Temperature Range When using a curling iron, it’s important to set it to the correct temperature. If the temperature is too low, then you won’t be able to properly curl your hair. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, the curling iron can damage your hair. Most of the time, the correct temperature is going to come down to your hair type. 

According to McCool, if you have fine or sensitive hair, adjust the curling iron to 325–350°F. For those with medium-textured hair, she recommends adjusting it to 350–380°F. If you have coarse or curl-resistant hair, McCool says to adjust the curling iron to 380–400°F.    

Barrel Size Similar to the temperature range, the barrel size is also an important factor to consider when picking out a curling iron. If you use the wrong barrel size, you’ll either end up with tight, cramped curls or curls that won’t hold their shape.

For those with short hair, it’s recommended that you use smaller barrel sizes as opposed to larger ones. Depending on the desired curl pattern, you can select the best option for you. For example tighter curls, opt for 1-inch and below barrels. Anything bigger will create loose waves.

Material Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of different curling iron materials will help you figure out which curling iron is best for you to use. Ceramic curling irons work well with fine, delicate, and even damaged hair. These types of curling irons also heat up evenly and provide your hair with a smooth finish. But compared to other types, they are less durable and tend to feel heavier.

While titanium curling irons can work with all hair types, they work best with thick or coarse hair. These types of irons are durable, lightweight, and heat up much quicker. On the downside, since they heat up faster, they can easily damage fine or sensitive hair. 

If you have frizzy hair, you may want to consider a tourmaline curling iron. These irons reduce frizz and static and are suitable for all hair types and textures. Note that tourmaline curling irons are much more expensive and are difficult to find.    

Rod Type Whether you’re trying to create beachy waves or long-lasting curls, the rod type of your curling iron is responsible for achieving a desired curl pattern. We recommend purchasing a wand-shaped curling iron for those who like to curl their hair into beachy or natural waves. A clamp rod is better suited for individuals who want long-lasting curls. Regarding relaxed waves and tousled curls, you’re going to want to go with a tapered rod. 

“While there are a few different types of curling rods available, I think heated round brushes are the best option for short hair. They won’t burn you or cause heat damage to your hair. Plus, they give a much more modern curl than a standard rod!” says McCool. 

Special Features Most curling irons will have different features available such as auto shut-off, adjustable heat settings, even heat distribution, interchangeable rod types, barrel covers, and thermal mats. Additionally, some curling irons are cordless and can be charged when placed on a rechargeable base. When looking for a new curling iron, be sure to read the product description to know all that comes with the curling iron. 

　　 Questions and Answers 

What size curling iron is best for short hair? The length of your hair will determine the best curling iron for you. McCool says, “If your hair is only an inch long, I'd say you need a half-inch barrel. If it's one and a half inches long, I'd suggest a three-quarter-inch barrel.” If your hair is longer than one and a half inch, we recommend talking to your stylist to see which curling iron is best for you.

How do you style short hair with a curling iron? When curling your hair, it’s best to make sure that you have recently washed your hair. If you try to curl your hair when it’s oily and unwashed, the curls will unravel and won’t hold as long. Before curling your hair, we recommend using a heat-protectant spray. This type of spray will prevent breakage and damage to your hair as you curl it. McCool also says that you should never curl your hair down or towards your face. Rather, always curl it back and away from your face.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living 

This article was written by Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living who has over two years of experience writing lifestyle content. To figure out the best curling irons for short hair, we tested 14 curling irons over two weeks in the lab and at home, spent hours researching them, and evaluated them based on temperature range, barrel size, material, rod type, and special features. To learn additional tips regarding curling irons, Moriah also spoke with Maria McCool, hair stylist and founder of hair care brand Calista.